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From the President

The year in reflection – Moving forward

As I reflect on our Forum I am filled with a sense of purpose and direction for our association as we close off 2023 and look forward into 2024.

The AAIR Forum in Melbourne this year was such a vibrant platform for sharing insights, best practices, and innovative approaches in institutional research. The depth of discussions and the quality of presentations were exemplary, reflecting the expertise and passion that our members contribute. It was particularly heartening to listen to engaging presentations from both seasoned professionals and emerging talents, all contributing to a rich tapestry of knowledge and experience. I could feel a genuinely warm vibe at the Forum, thanks in part to the outstanding commitment from Don Johnston, the organising committee, and the ongoing support provided by Brittany and Victoria from Leishman and Associates to bring us this successful event. If you attended the AAIR Forum this year, please don’t forget to complete the feedback survey to tell us your thoughts about the forum, and to check out the photos uploaded to the forum site.

Group of people smiling.

In the afternoon before the Forum, the AAIR Executive Committee met in a strategic planning session to review the ongoing alignment of our goals and actions. This year we centred our actions on the principles of financial responsibility and sustainability. In these times of rapid change and uncertainty, it is imperative that as an association we remain agile and responsive to the evolving landscape of higher education.

Our discussions centred on several key themes:

Financial prudence: We acknowledged the importance of managing our resources wisely, ensuring that AAIR remains financially robust and capable of supporting its members effectively. This means making sure we have the right technology and resources to sustain us into the future.

Sustainable growth: We explored ways to grow our membership and extend our reach while maintaining the quality and relevance of our services. Sustainable growth for AAIR is not just about numbers, it’s about enhancing our impact and influence in the realm of institutional research, and as always, ensuring we fully support every member in growing their professional practice.

Collaborative partnerships: We recognised the power of collaboration and discussed forging stronger alliances with our partners—Explorance, Altis, and the Social Research Centre. We further explored how we can grow and extend our connections with other organisations. These partnerships are vital in amplifying our voice and extending our influence in matters of policy and practice in higher education.

As we move forward into 2024, guided by the outcomes of our forum and strategic planning session, I am optimistic about the future of AAIR. We are in a strong position to not only navigate the challenges ahead created from documents such as the Australian Universities ACCORD and the ever-changing tertiary landscape in New Zealand, but to thrive as a community of professionals dedicated to excellence in institutional research.

I extend my warmest festive wishes to all our members and their families. May this season bring you joy, peace, and inspiration as we look forward to a new year filled with opportunities and achievements.

Stuart Terry

President, AAIR

Photo of Stuart Terry wearing a black leather jacket

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