"I have loved my time at UON, having worked in a series of interesting and challenging jobs where I was lucky enough to work with some great people. I can also say that being a member of University Council and Executive Committee has been a real privilege, and given me a "big picture" view of the University that I found invaluable - in fact, I wish I had gotten involved even earlier in my career! And the future, post-retirement? For a start, some bike riding in Asia and another stint walking in Europe. I also look forward to joining local groups and generally doing all the things I haven't had time to do before now, while maintaining close links with the University."

Farewell to Professor Val Robertson

Following nearly ten years of outstanding service, Professor Val Robertson will retire from her position of President of Academic Senate on 2 September.

Since joining the University in 2004 as a Professor of Allied Health, Val has combined an active academic career in the discipline of physiotherapy with an abiding interest in academic and research governance. Following a period as Chair of the Human Research Ethics Committee, in which she presided over significant structural change, Val was elected President of Academic Senate in 2009 - a role that she has held full-time since 2012.

Under Val's leadership, the Academic Senate has been transformed into a contemporary academic governance body, including a major reorganisation of its committees and an innovative communication strategy for the University community that has led to record levels of engagement with the work of Academic Senate.

From 2009, Val also led the University-wide Streamlining Academic Policy Project, which rationalised and streamlined the suite of academic legislation while addressing academic policy issues and gaps. This is a large undertaking for a University of this size and complexity, and an achievement of which Val can be justifiably proud.

Val has also been active in driving change on the national stage, taking a leading role in the formation of the peak Australian body for Chairs of Academic Boards and in collaboratively shaping the policy and framework for academic governance across the country.

As a member of the University's Executive Committee, as well as a member of University Council, Val has contributed her considerable expertise and wise counsel to a broad array of strategic and operational matters.  Unstintingly generous with her time on committees and working parties, Val has also championed the University's compliance with the requirements of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) and Australian Quality Framework, placing the University in a very strong position for the years ahead.

I am delighted that Val will maintain a strong connection with the University following her retirement, and look forward to engaging with her further as she takes this next step in her career.

On behalf of the University I would like to thank Val most sincerely for her significant contribution and leadership and for building Academic Senate into the outstanding academic governance body that it is today. I wish her all the best for the future.

Caroline