News Release:
International networking alliances of universities
| 5/3/04 044/04 An Emeritus Professor from the University of New England has launched a new book which considers a growing phenomenon – the international consortium or alliance of universities. Throughout the 1990s existing international higher education networks, including the International Association of Universities and the Association of Commonwealth Universities, were joined by a new wave of smaller, more homogenous groupings of universities. In the book, entitled 'Consortia', published by Melbourne University Press, Professor David Teather is joined by thirteen international experts in the field of higher education to evaluate these new alliances. Professor Teather, former Dean of Education, Health and Professional Studies at UNE, said the book covers such questions as "Where do these institutional alliances fit in modern academia and how effective are they?" and "Do they really provide – as their advocates claim – a competitive edge in the core university businesses of teaching, research and service?" Ever since his undergraduate days at University College London, when he lived at International Hall, Professor Teather has been intrigued by the different perspectives people from different backgrounds bring to common problems.
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"Never has it been more critical for people in the West to understand the ways in which people from other cultures think about world problems," he said. "Never has it been more important for universities to bring their resources to bear on cross-cultural issues and the pressing challenges facing humanity." Professor Teather has initiated and edited a number of books, four of them focusing on universities and all bringing together contributors from many countries. The chapters in 'Consortia' are written by authors from Australia, Canada, China, England, France, Ireland, Italy and The Netherlands. President and CEO of the Commonwealth of Learning, Gararaj Dhanarajan said the contributors to the book present shared lessons and insights into the making of academic partnerships. "This volume offers a pointed reminder that successful consortia require sensitivity, understanding and commitment for a shared cause and mission," he said. Media contact: Professor David Teather, (02) 6247 0598 or Jo Philp, Public Relations, UNE (02) 6773 2103. |
