Dean’s Listening Project
Invitation from Naomi Wolfe, Dean of Learning and Teaching
Learning, teaching and learning together at the University of Divinity
As I begin my role as Dean of Learning and Teaching, I want to spend time listening.
The University of Divinity is a diverse community of colleges, students, academics, professional staff, adjuncts, researchers, teachers and learners. Each of us experiences learning and teaching at the University differently – and those experiences matter.
The Dean’s Listening Project is an opportunity for members of our wider University community to come together with me for conversation about what helps us to learn and teach well.
I want to hear what you think a new Dean of Learning and Teaching should know.
- What is working well?
- Where do you experience excellent learning and teaching?
- What helps you to succeed?
- What gets in the way?
- What kinds of support make a difference?
- Where do you see opportunities for innovation, collaboration or change?
- And what could we do together to create learning and teaching environments in which people can flourish?
These conversations are not intended to be a formal survey or a consultation with predetermined answers. They are an opportunity to listen, learn, ask questions and get to know one another.
I am particularly interested in hearing about the experience, knowledge and ideas that people bring from across our university community – including experiences that may not always be visible in formal University conversations.
Join a conversation
A series of listening conversations will be offered both online via Zoom and in person (at St Paschals Campus, Box Hill). You are very welcome to attend more than one session if more than one conversation is relevant to you.
You can register for one session or as many sessions as you would like.
Please choose the conversation – or conversations – that best reflect your experience:
Current students
A broad conversation about students’ experiences of learning, teaching, assessment, support and belonging across the University.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community
A dedicated conversation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff and community members about learning, teaching, culture, belonging, self-determination and what the University needs to understand and do well.
LGBTIQA+ / Rainbow community
A conversation about creating learning and teaching environments where people can participate, belong and flourish, including experiences of inclusion, safety and community.
HDR students
A conversation focused on higher degree research experiences, supervision, research culture, academic formation, support and the transition through HDR study.
Associate Academics and Adjunct staff
A conversation for adjuncts and others who contribute to the University’s teaching and learning community, including the opportunities and challenges of teaching across colleges.
Mature-aged students
A conversation about returning to study, balancing study with work and family responsibilities, pathways into higher education, and the kinds of support that enable mature-aged students to succeed.
Students with disability and accessibility needs
A conversation about accessibility, participation, reasonable adjustments, learning environments and what enables students to thrive.
Pasifika community
A conversation recognising Pacifica/Pasifika experiences, knowledge, cultures and perspectives within the University’s learning and teaching community.
Academic staff
A conversation about teaching practice, curriculum, assessment, academic formation, collegiality, professional development and the conditions that enable excellent teaching.
Professional (non-academic) staff
A conversation about the many ways professional staff contribute to student learning, support, curriculum delivery and the wider learning and teaching environment.
Wider University community
A conversation open to University community members who have an interest in learning and teaching at the University of Divinity and its colleges.
Come as you are. Bring your experience. You do not need to prepare a presentation or provide formal feedback. You might bring a story about a particularly good learning experience, something that has been difficult, an idea you have been wondering about, a practice that works brilliantly in your college, or simply a question you think the University should be asking.
I want to listen to the wisdom that already exists across our University.
The Dean’s Listening Project will help shape my understanding of the University’s learning and teaching strengths, opportunities and challenges, and contribute to the work we undertake together in the months ahead.
I look forward to meeting you, hearing about your experiences and learning with you.
Naomi Wolfe
Dean of Learning and Teaching
University of Divinity