2020
Annual Report
The University of Newcastle Annual Report is a report of our performance against strategic objectives and highlights key milestones we have reached during 2020.
Foreword
The 2020 Annual Report is an opportunity to reflect on an extraordinary year. It was a year of unprecedented local and global challenges and the University of Newcastle was not immune to their impact.
About us
Since 1965, the University of Newcastle has delivered superior education and world-class research. Our vision is to be a world leading university for our regions. We are guided by our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability.
Key statistics
Currently ranked 197th in the world, we are sector leaders in Indigenous education, No 1 in Australia for industry collaboration and 9th in Australia for research income. In 2020, we welcomed 39,137 students from 121 countries and supported 7570 completions across 203 degree programs.
Report of operations
In a difficult environment, we launched our Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2020-2025 – our blueprint for the next five years. Despite the challenges of 2020, there were many achievements and successes as we focused on our dual purposes of delivering an outstanding student experience and serving our communities.
Managing and governing
Our Council and Management teams support collaborative planning, strategic decision- making and effective and transparent governance.
Financials
As was common across the sector 2020 brought a number of financial challenges to the University as we responded to the impact of COVID-19 on our core operating and commercial activities. Despite these challenges, growth in domestic student load offset some of the impact and overall, the Group produced a modest surplus.
Compliance
We operate in a complex compliance environment with legislative and University obligations, rules, policies and procedures. Here, we monitor and report on the processes and systems that support these and enhance our opportunities, reduce threats and sustain our competitive advantage.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.