Strategy and Leadership

The Learning Futures portfolio at Western Sydney University is part of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Portfolio .

The work of the portfolio is directly aligned with the priorities of Securing Success (PDF, 3859.29 KB) through the 2016 Western Sydney (Teaching and) Learning Futures Plan: 2016 - 2020 (PDF, 3456.77 KB) (opens in a new window). The portfolio's activities enable learning transformation and digital innovation initiatives in Schools and across the University.

We work with Schools and Programs on Curriculum Transformation initiatives and to facilitate flexible and successful Academic Transition to the University. We support Teaching Transformations through the development of staff expertise as teachers and curriculum innovators in technology rich learning environments. We support the University's Innovation in Digital Education with a toolkit of teaching resources and expertise. We collaborate to facilitate Leadership of learning transformation and to ensure Western Sydney University maintains a vibrant Teaching Community. The work of the portfolio is research-based and data driven and its strategies are developed and collaboratively led with colleagues across the University community.

Leadership of learning transformation is a collaborative whole–of-university undertaking. Staff can get involved in leading teaching change in many ways.

The University's Learning Futures Plan: 2016 - 2020 (opens in a new window) sets out the leadership agenda for learning transformation. If you would like to know more about any of the strategies please contact us (opens in a new window).

Leadership Committees


Senate Committees

Senate Committees (opens in a new window) provide academic governance and oversight for many of the University's strategic change initiatives. The work-plans, terms of reference and members of these committees are available here. Please contact your representative on the Committee to find out how your School or Unit is involved.

  • Senate Education Committee (opens in a new window)
    Chair - Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning Futures) Professor Simon Barrie
  • Assessment Committee (opens in a new window) 
    Chair - Director (Learning Transformations) Associate Professor Simon Bedford
  • Academic Planning and Courses Approval Committee

Working Parties and Advisory Groups

The Senate Education Committee has a number of Working Parties and Advisory Groups. These provide opportunities for University staff and students to work on strategic initiatives. Please contact the Chair of the group if you would like to get involved.

Deputy Deans

The University's Deputy Deans provide leadership of learning transformation in their Schools and are core members of the Senate committees. Monthly Deputy Dean's forums provide an opportunity for the collaborative support of that leadership.

Course Leaders Program

The Course Leaders Program (opens in a new window) provides leadership at the course and program level and provides support in the development of leadership expertise. This program is open to DAPs and ACAs.

Office of Governance Services

The Office of Governance Services (opens in a new window) provides a wide range of support services to the governing bodies of the University, as well as managing a range of corporate information and functions.

Contact Ms Jacqueline Simoni (opens in a new window), Executive Assistant to the PVC (Learning Futures) for more information.