Creating a new University

In its short history, Deakin University has carved a distinctive niche in the higher education landscape. Underpinned by its core commitments, the University will continue to strengthen its position though high-quality research, innovative teaching and learning, and outstanding facilities.

Beginnings

Deakin University was established in 1974 and officially opened at the Waurn Ponds Campus in Geelong in 1977.

It followed an almost 20-year campaign for a university in regional Victoria and finally emerged from the amalgam of two established institutions in Geelong—the Gordon Institute of Technology and the State College of Victoria.

Innovative and accessible

From the outset, Deakin University performed a dual role: as a regional university offering a broad range of courses for rural and regional students, and as a specialist provider of high-quality distance education.

In addition to traditional on-campus teaching, Deakin pioneered innovative off-campus studies. By 1978, off-campus study materials were supplemented by a first-class library system that ensured books and resources were delivered to students within 48 hours of their request. Academic staff also toured regional areas to conduct regular tutorial and study sessions with off-campus students.

Deakin quickly established an impressive reputation for innovative and flexible delivery of off-campus teaching. By the new millennium online teaching and learning was well entrenched into Deakin's units and courses. Since 2004, all commencing undergraduate students have been required to complete at least one unit, wholly online.

Deakin is recognised as an early leader in disability resources for tertiary students. In 1980 it was the first university in Australia to appoint a dedicated disability resources officer, and two years later, opened the Vera White Disability Resources Centre that ensured students with disabilities had access to support, resources and representation.

In 1986, foundations were laid for the Institute of Koorie Education with two programs offered through Deakin: the Victorian-based Koorie Teacher Education Program and a final year program for Batchelor College (NT) graduates. The Institute was formally proclaimed in 1991 with programs structured around off-campus community-based delivery and supported by on-campus intensive study blocks.

Growth and expansion

Reforms to Australia's tertiary education landscape in the 1990s saw Deakin University merge with the Warrnambool Institute of Advanced Education and the Victoria College in Melbourne.

Victoria College had campuses in Toorak, Burwood, Clayton (Rusden) and Prahran and there was considerable organisational and logistical consolidation to establish Deakin as one, multi-campus institution.

In 1996, Deakin opened its second Geelong campus within the city's renovated, woolstores overlooking Corio Bay. Delivering courses in nursing, occupational therapy and architecture, the Geelong Waterfront Campus also houses the University's Chancellery and the international standard concert hall, Costa Hall.

An exciting edition to the Geelong Campus at Waurn Ponds is the Deakin University Science and Technology Park, which includes the Geelong Technology Precinct (GTP). Opened by the Premier of Victoria, Mr. Steve Bracks on 19 November 2004, the GTP is a State Government-backed initiative providing research and development capabilities and opportunities for university-industry partnerships and new enterprises in the region.

Deakin University’s Medical School was formally opened by the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon. Kevin Rudd on 1 May, 2008. Victoria’s first new medical school for more than 40 years, the Deakin Medical School offers a graduate entry program with strong links to rural and regional Australia, a strong science foundation and an emphasis on early development of clinical, communication and procedural skills.

Located at Deakin’s Geelong Campus at Waurn Ponds, the Deakin Medical School will contribute to solving the shortage of doctors across rural and regional Australia and contribute more than $90 million to the local economy each year.

Working with industry

A major initiative in 1993 was the establishment of DeakinPrime, (then known as Deakin Australia) which offered specialised training and development programs for corporate, industrial and professional clients.

Since then, DeakinPrime has delivered programs to more than 60 000 people worldwide and significantly broadened the University's activities and associations.

Reward and recognition

Deakin has twice won the Good Universities Guide Australia's University of the Year award and in 2005, its Library was nationally acknowledged for the outstanding provision of off-campus services in the Australian Awards for University Teaching.

Currently recognised as Australia's fastest growing research institution, Deakin has attracted a growing pool of international staff and students that is supported by world-class facilities and infrastructure.

Looking ahead

The Geelong Waterfront Campus’s Dennys Lascelles Building is the subject of a $37 million redevelopment, which will increase the capacity of the Campus, allowing the University to provide an expanded range of courses. Included in the Dennys Lascelles Building will be the Alfred Deakin Institute, containing the Alfred Deakin Library and an interdisciplinary teaching and research centre covering political science, public policy and governance, international relations, globalisation, journalism and communications.