Saturday, April 08, 2006

What's that BIG tent for?


If you've been wondering what the big marquee (or tent) is, sitting outside Queen's is for 'The Gown' can reveal that it is all in aid of the Queen's hosting of the 2006 annual conference of the Association of University Administrators next week, from Monday 10 April to Wednesday 12 April.

The theme of "Taking giant steps forward", will cover a range of major topics facing higher education, as well as giving delegates the opportunity to update their knowledge and skills. Delegates are also expected to talk about the impact of variable fees on the higher education sector.

Queen's Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Gregson, who will be delivering the plenary address, said in a statement that "higher education is facing a period of rapid change in a globally competitive environment. At Queen's we are responding to the new challenges through the University's new Vision for the Future. We will ensure that Queen's competes with the best universities nationally and internationally whilst embracing our leadership role in Northern Ireland."

The Chair of AUA, Sue Holmes of Sheffield Hallam University, said that the "Conference gives delegates a unique opportunity to look beyond their own institution and be exposed to ideas from elsewhere, both nationally and internationally."

The AUA is the professional body for higher education administrators and managers in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

The conference will take place on the main university campus with additional facilities provided by marquees on the front lawn and in the University quadrangle.



Above: A replica tent

Left: Queen's VC Peter Gregson with local AUA Conference organiser, Una Reid

3 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

And tell us do Gown Team....What's that big newspaper for? Have you asked Mr. Gregson what role students will play on advising delegates on the future of tertiary education?

4/09/2006 4:12 pm  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Matilda...Maybe Ben Preston and his team could...

4/09/2006 8:36 pm  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

...finish your sentence for you?

4/10/2006 10:49 am  

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