Our foundations

Strong foundations support our mission and ensure that we achieve Vision 2033.

Our foundations chart is a circular chart with 3 rings circulating around a centred circle with the word ‘Mission’ prominent in gold on a white background. The first inner ring has the following terms on a warm red background: ‘Flourishing lives’, ‘Thriving communities’ and ‘Ethical future’. The second ring has the following terms on a cool purple background: ‘Partners’, ‘People’, ‘Culture’, ‘Infrastructure’. The tertiary and outer ring has the following terms in a dark colour on a light creamy brown background: ‘Holistic education’, ‘Collaborative engagement’, ‘High-impact research’, and ‘Global connection’.

Holistic education

Education is at the heart of a flourishing life.

At ACU, we welcome people of all faiths, or no faith, to study with us. Students are offered a personalised learning journey that encourages critical thinking, ethical awareness and a strong sense of social responsibility. This not only prepares them for their professional careers, but for a fulfilling and purposeful life.

We address educational disadvantage by ensuring that those from low socioeconomic and diverse backgrounds have equitable access to higher education. We support students in transitioning to higher education through tailored pathways and flexible learning options.

Our teaching and learning respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges and cultures.

Our curriculum is distinctive, innovative and student-centred, while our environments are safe, supportive, inclusive and technologically enriched. We provide both physical and digital learning environments to increase student choice and engagement.

We facilitate student transition into employment by providing opportunities that will prepare them for the future of work. This means including innovation, entrepreneurship, digital capability and work-integrated learning experiences in our courses and programs.

Collaborative engagement

Collaboration fosters innovation.

Recognising the transformative power of collaboration, ACU is committed to actively engaging with partners from various domains.

We engage in academic collaboration to increase cross-disciplinary engagement and build strategic partnerships with local, national and international institutions. This encourages knowledge exchange and contributes to the development of dynamic educational and research initiatives.

We respect the importance of autonomy and decision making as a central pillar of healthy social partnerships. We assist communities in actively shaping initiatives that directly impact them, thereby ensuring a more sustainable and inclusive model of social development.

Collaboration with external partners, both locally and globally, enables the exchange of knowledge and skills to maximise problem solving. Bringing people together from different backgrounds to share ideas and incorporate diverse perspectives enhances capacity and results in the development of innovative solutions to complex problems.

High-impact research

Ethically informed research delivers positive change.

ACU develops innovative solutions to issues impacting human dignity and the common good. Through faith and reason, we seek truth and build a greater understanding of people and the world in which we live.

Our research and enterprise activities embrace the full life cycle of research, from knowledge creation to its translation and application towards outcomes of social, cultural and economic benefit.

We build links between our research institutes, centres and faculties to create research translation networks and achieve impact across ACU, industry, community and government.

Our approach provides ACU students with greater exposure to research and enables the development of research-informed curricula.

We offer exciting opportunities for higher degree research students, including joint programs with industry, government and our international partners.

Global connection

Global connection amplifies our impact.

ACU's international profile reflects the global objectives of the university across education, research and engagement. Intercultural competence is woven into our activities and supports our reputation as a welcoming and inspiring destination for international students.

We develop globally engaged learners equipped to thrive and lead in an interconnected world and provide opportunities for both staff and students to gain international experience through mobility, exchange programs and virtual collaboration to learn from and work alongside members of our global community.

We participate in key global Catholic alliances and other international networks. We also contribute to the broader mission of Catholic higher education and ethically informed research.

Our campus in Rome offers our students and staff a unique global experience located at the heart of the Church. It also plays an important role in strengthening our relationship with the Holy See and reinforcing our position as a leading Catholic university.

We understand our responsibility towards protecting the environment and we are committed to the care of our common home.

Culture

Our Catholic faith, identity and culture are central to who we are as a university. All our endeavours are grounded in mission.

The dignity of the human person and the common good inform every aspect of our work. We facilitate for the ACU community a deep understanding of our Catholic ethos and maintain a culture that embraces the Catholic intellectual tradition.

Our academic culture encourages creativity, collaboration, excellence and innovation.

People

Each ACU employee is a steward of the university. Our working environments are safe, inclusive and respectful, and we provide our staff with opportunities to make a meaningful contribution to the lives of others.

We are committed to the development of our talented staff and encourage their continued professional learning.

Our alumni, volunteers and philanthropic supporters are critical in helping us achieve our mission and vision. Their contributions reflect the generous spirit that defines our community.

Partners

Partnering with Catholic organisations with whom we share common objectives creates alliances that amplify our collective impact and reflect a united commitment to the mission of the Church.

Strategically aligned partnerships with industry and government in areas of mutual interest allow the sharing of expertise and effective use of resources.

Global partnerships expand our horizons, enhance our capabilities and increase our capacity to fulfil our mission.

Infrastructure

We emphasise the importance of responsible institutional management for the long-term sustainability of the university.

Our campuses are vital features of university life, meeting the needs of students and local communities while also contributing to the university’s national ecosystem.

Our physical and digital infrastructure delivers a world-class student experience.

Our systems and processes streamline our operations, ensuring the appropriate allocation of resources and enhancing productivity across all levels of the university.

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