UA31316 Lumen Spring 2024 Final Digital - Flipbook - Page 36
Creating a
new university
By Mark Douglas
Creating Australia’s first major university in three decades is no
mean feat.
The number of moving parts is quite daunting. But the challenge
is well underway, and a significant milestone was reached mid-year
when the new Adelaide University was officially launched.
On that day some 3,000 academic and professional staff from
the two founding institutions gathered for the unveiling of our new
identity, and separate events and communications were delivered to
all key members of our community, including alumni and students.
“We also celebrate the proud legacies of the University of South
Australia and the University of Adelaide. I have great confidence in
how the new Adelaide University will grow from these foundations,
well into the future.”
Adelaide University has established a strong identity, captured
through a new brand story and creative expression. A selection of
in-demand coursework degrees is now in market and applications
have opened for international students to commence from 2026,
providing the essential lead time needed to consider their study
options which typically start 18 months before enrolment.
Applications for Australian students will open mid next year.
Part of the creation of our new University was ensuring it will be
both contemporary and comprehensive, acknowledging the strong
legacies of the past, and building on them.
More than 6,000 staff, students, industry, alumni and
community partners have been a part of that discussion and
had a vital role to play in defining a new identity and brand.
Chancellors from each of the three universities (University of
Adelaide, University of South Australia and Adelaide University),
along with representatives of the three University Councils and our
two co-Vice Chancellors were part of the launch event.
University of South Australia Vice Chancellor and President
Professor David Lloyd explains the development of the elements of
that new identity, and our new logo: “The Adelaide University logo
is based on a monogram of our initials, tilted forward to convey
momentum and future focus with an angle that echoes the Adelaide
Festival Centre – the beating cultural heart of our home city.
University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor and President Professor
Peter Høj AC described it as “a truly momentous occasion”.
“I’m so pleased that we can come together to mark this
significant milestone in our shared histories and personal
journeys. This is a time to celebrate how far we have come, to
create new connections, and to continue to build our Adelaide
University community.”
“The monogram balances stability with agility. Its curvature and
shape echo the shields of our founding institutions and embodies
the broader State of South Australia with harmony and openness.
“The colours within our brand expression also hold meaning.
Dark blue honours our shared heritage and inspires trust. Our
accent colour, North Terrace purple, represents optimism, wisdom
and independence. Bright blue is future facing – digital first and
vivid. South East limestone is grounding, with a nod to the
limestone quarried in regional South Australia and our buildings
along North Terrace, while adding warmth, humanity and balance.
Adelaide University Chancellor Ms Pauline Carr said: “For
much of the past year, we’ve talked about a vision. A vision of a
university shaped by the challenges and opportunities for today.
A university purpose-built to shape a better tomorrow.
“It is a vision that draws equally on the values of excellence and
equity. Today, we move from a point of vision to a place of reality.
Looking ahead, we still have a lot of work to do before our first
Adelaide University students commence and we open the doors to
our research partners and collaborators.
“Much like the State of South Australia with its rich history of
firsts, Adelaide University will become a place that propels many
significant firsts – for our students, researchers, alumni, partners
and the communities we serve.”
“A key aim of Adelaide University is to ensure teaching and
research are respected equally and align to the needs of our
community. We look forward to working with partners in industry,
government, higher education, and other areas, to realise that aim
and deliver outcomes that make life better.
Mark Douglas is Editor of Lumen.
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