The Campus Director – A Key Role in A Multi-Campus Environment
Having managed a range of multi-campus scenarios (up to 7 at one institution) I know too well the importance of the role of the Campus Director (sometimes referred to as Provost) and how critical that role is to the well-being and smooth operation of campuses within a single institution – particularly when they have distance between them.
At my own organisation, we currently have three campuses – spread across three States – making the responsibility ever so much more important. Located in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide – the notion of ensuring the necessary protocols is essential. It is vital to maintain the ‘local’ issues and flavour – but equally important to ensure one School – with three locations.
In the case of Group Colleges Australia – 1 school – 2 program levels – and 3 locations. One could argue it is as simple as 1 2 3 - https://www.ubss.edu.au/article/it-is-as-simple-as-123/
Role of the Campus Director
At each site, we have in place a senior staffer who has the responsibility for maintaining the campus – with a special emphasis, at the moment, on COVID-safe practices given the mandated return of international students to campus.
What does the return to Campus in T1, 2024 actually look like? - https://www.ubss.edu.au/article/what-does-the-return-to-campus-in-t1-2024-actually-look-like/
The role, then, of the Campus Directors is summarised in the following elements –
Plan, manage and control all aspects of the campus day-to-day operations (with the Duty Manager/Officers) to ensure that operational plans are executed;
Develop and foster effective collaboration between building management, security, cleaners, team of duty officers and suppliers for smooth campus maintenance and an effective operational environment;
Maintain and implement plans to establish safety standards (WHS) that are clear and observable – Campus Directors are full members of the GCA WHS Committee;
Assume the role of COVID Marshall for the campus – ensuring that COVID-safe protocols are in place and adhered to by all stakeholders;
Identify operational areas that could be improved or enhanced through technological, organisational and process changes – and make the appropriate recommendations to Senior Management (EMT) - and action accordingly;
Oversee the Orientation process on campus each trimester.
Though not exhaustive, the elements give a good indication of the role and the associated expectations. Ensuring a positive campus experience – for both staff and students – is a vital element of the work.
A Senior Position in The Larger Organisation
Campus Directors are sitting members of the Executive Management Team (EMT) reporting directly to the DVC and CEO. This is a standing committee of the GCA Board of Directors.
Each month, Campus Directors provide an updated Business Unit Report (BUR). This report is comprehensive and deals with a range of topics including risk and health/safety.
Introducing the Campus Directors at UBSS
Three senior staffers are in place in 2024 -
Sydney CBD Campus – Associate Professor Jotsana Roopram
https://www.ubss.edu.au/our-people/associate-professor-jotsana-roopram/
Melbourne CBD Campus – Associate Professor Sean O’Hanlon
https://www.ubss.edu.au/our-people/associate-professor-sean-o-hanlon/
Adelaide Regency Campus/UBSS Virtual Campus – Professor Ashok Chanda
https://www.ubss.edu.au/our-people/professor-ashok-chanda/
Professor Chanda also oversees the Virtual Campus that supports the Online MBA program
As a community, we are most grateful to these key players and their role in maintaining the best campus experience possible – for students, staff and stakeholders. They also ensure that appropriate corporate governance is maintained.
For more about Corporate Governance at GCA see - https://www.ubss.edu.au/media/4978/corporate-governance-at-gca.pdf
Emeritus Professor Greg Whateley is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor at UBSS and Chief Executive Officer at GCA
