Chancellor’s Introduction

It is my pleasure to present the Annual Report of The University of Western Australia for 2001.

The University of Western Australia has a long and distinguished history and has produced many graduates who have given outstanding service to the state, to Australia and overseas. The reputation for excellence which it has developed over many years continues to grow and it is now widely recognised as one of the best universities in Australia. The Senate shares the determination of the Vice-Chancellor and Executive and of the University’s staff that the institution should not only maintain and enhance its standing in Australia, but continue to build its influence in the international arena.

In the time that I have been associated with the Senate, I have been delighted to find that the University’s approach is to conserve the best elements of its valued traditions while at the same time embracing innovation and the challenge of new ideas. The institution engages in regular self-review in a range of different ways and is not afraid to make significant changes where these are seen as necessary to its future prosperity. The year 2001 saw the completion of a major three-part review of function, structure and budget. The review will result in significant changes in 2002 and 2003, which are intended to set the academic directions for the next decade and to position the University for increased success in the future.

I am aware of the increasing pressures on all those involved in making the University a success, from the Vice-Chancellor and President, through the members of the Executive, the Deans of faculties and heads of schools/departments to the academic and general staff. I thank all these hardworking people, without whose commitment and dedication the University could not maintain its very high standards and the excellent reputation it enjoys.

My thanks also go to all members of the Senate for their commitment to the University and the work they undertake in support of it. It is undoubtedly a great honour to serve as a member of a prestigious university’s governing body, but it is an honour which carries with it considerable responsibility. It is no small task to be, in the words of the Senate Charter, ‘responsible to the public for the stewardship of the University as an institution of excellence and integrity, and for the custodianship of its future prosperity’.

This Annual Report demonstrates that 2001 was a year of significant successes for this University. I look forward to another exciting, challenging and successful year in 2002.

Dr Ken C. Michael AM

Chancellor