Call to participate in the ANU Governance Project survey and kitchen table conversations by 22 August

The ANU Governance Project has been overwhelmed by the volume, enthusiasm, and quality of community participation in this project. 

To date, over 500 members of the ANU community have participated in the survey and kitchen table conversations, generating hundreds of recommendations for reforming ANU governance. We are delighted to report broad participation across all six colleges and central, from early, mid-, and late-career academics and professional staff, from students and casual staff, from alumni, parents, donors, and other stakeholders in our university community. 

We want to thank everyone who has participated so far, and call on anyone who would still like to participate to please complete complete the survey or contact us to participate in a one-hour conversation with other members of the community before 22 August. On 22 August, the survey and participation in the kitchen table conversations will close (but there are still pathways to participate in the workshop and subsequent phases of the project, see below)

The timeframe for our project is set by the political windows for impact, including the due date for submissions to the Senate Inquiry into Quality of Governance in Higher Education Providers. While we have requested an extension, it is not guaranteed, and submissions for this Inquiry are due on 29 August. We need time to analyse and summarise community recommendations and prepare a submission to ensure your views are heard by the Senate. 

In the spirit of transparency, in addition to publicly sharing our summary of the most common themes and recommendations we also intend to publish all survey & KTC responses (moderated only for defamatory or irrelevant content or to protect participant anonymity) in full on our website.

This is only the end of the survey and KTCs. The next phase includes a collaborative workshop. We are now calling for nominations to this project workshop, at which approximately 30 representatives from across the university community will examine the recommendations made through the survey and kitchen table conversations and assist in transforming them into a credible reform proposal - subsequently shared with the community for endorsement as an open letter in early September. 

Your views are crucial - if you are a member of the ANU community (current & former staff, students, alumni, and other stakeholders), please ensure you share your views with us by 22 August!