Charter and Aims

The University of Sydney was incorporated by the Parliament of New South Wales on 1 October 1850. In 1858, a Royal Charter of Queen Victoria ordained that the degrees of Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, Bachelor of Laws, Doctor of laws, Bachelor of Medicine, and Doctor of Medicine granted by the University of Sydney were entitled to the same rank, precedence and consideration as degrees granted by a university of the United Kingdom. Today all University of Sydney degrees stand in their own right. The University is governed by the Senate, which is responsible to the Parliament of New South Wales.

With traditions built over this passage of time, the University of Sydney makes a major contribution to the international body of knowledge through its teaching and research.

The University's Arms

The arms of the University of Sydney carry the motto Sidere mens eadem mutato which may be freely translated as "Although the constellations change[,] the mind is universal." The motto reflects the University's role in carrying on the great intellectual traditions of the western world in the southern hemisphere.

History of the University

Since its founding in 1850, the University of Sydney has grown to accommodate over 2,200 academic staff, including more than 160 professors, and a total staff of more than 5,500. The University has conferred more than 175,000 degrees, diplomas and certificates, and there are now over 36,000 students on the University's ten campuses.

Strong Foundations

The Great Tower, completed in 1862, is now a focal point of the University. Planning and building of the Quadrangle, recognized as one of the country's best examples of Gothic Revival architecture, continued over a number of years. The south-western corner was completed in 1909. The northern and western wings were added in the 1920s.

When student numbers expanded in the post-War period, extensive building and development followed.

In the early 1990s, through a series of amalgamations, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and Sydney College of the Arts both joined the University. Cumberland College of Health Sciences became the Faculty of Health Sciences, Sydney College of Advanced Education's Institute of Nursing Studies became the Faculty of Nursing, and the Sydney Institute of Education became merged with the University's Faculty of Education.

In 1994, Orange Agricultural College linked with the University. In 2000, the University's Senate approved the establishment of a Faculty of Pharmacy and a Faculty of Rural Management at the Orange campus.

The Camperdown and Darlington campuses now occupy 68 hectares, and the University also has property, including campuses, research stations and farms, throughout Australia.

Teaching and Research Excellence

Throughout its history, the University of Sydney has been recognized as a provider of outstanding teaching and as a center of research excellence.

There are now more than 100 teaching departments in the University's 18 faculties and academic colleges, and this diversity is matched by depth of scholarship.

The University of Sydney is committed to a research-intensive program and has strong collaborative links with business and industry. Sydney currently holds two prestigious Australian Research Council (ARC) Special Research Centers - one in theoretical astrophysics and another examining the ecological impacts of coastal cities. It is also home to four ARC Key Centers for Teaching and Research - in Microscopy and Microanalysis, Transport Management, Field Robotics and Polymer Colloids.

For 2000, the Australian Research Council (ARC) awarded 81 new Large Grants to Sydney University researchers, 20 more than its nearest competitors, Melbourne University and the University of New South Wales. The grants are worth $13.5 million over three years.

The University was also ranked number one in funding awarded by the National Health and Medical Research Council. Sydney University researchers won 63 new project grants worth nearly $5.5 million - an increase of 20 new project grants, or nearly $2 million, on the University's ranking last year.

A survey of 13,000 students - half the undergraduate student body - showed strong satisfaction with teaching standards at the University of Sydney. More than nine out of 10 undergraduates said their degree was intellectually stimulating, 79 per cent felt part of a group of staff and students committed to learning, and 84 per cent believed they benefited from being in contact with active researchers. Overall satisfaction with courses and the quality of student support and administration runs at around 88 per cent.

The University was the lead applicant in two projects which won National Teaching Development Grants for 2000 from the Federal Government's Committee for University Teaching and Staff Development, thus becoming the most successful university in the country for the second year in a row. Sydney academics were also named as collaborative partners in a further four of the organizational grants announced by the Committee.

The teaching, research and cultural life of the University are supported by extensive facilities, including the largest library collection in the Southern Hemisphere, the world-class Nicholson Museum of classical Greek, Roman and Egyptian archaeological antiquities, the Macleay Museum of natural history and ethnographic collections and the War Memorial Art Gallery. The new sporting and recreation complex has the most up-to-date equipment and facilities and provides a training center for students and Olympic athletes alike.

As the University of Sydney celebrates its sesquicentenary, it is committed to further develop its position as a major research-intensive university, an outstanding provider of high quality teaching, and as a university of high standing in the international community of scholars.

Sowing the Seeds of Learning

The University has benefited from many bequests and donations which have helped to establish the stability necessary for excellence in teaching and research. The Challis Estate, for instance, was passed to the University following the death in 1880 of John Henry Challis, and has funded professorships and lectureships in Arts, Law, Medicine, Science and Engineering. The McCaughey Bequest of July 1919 helped to establish the Faculties of Engineering, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Agriculture, Economics and Architecture.

Role and Values

The role of the University is to create, preserve, transmit, and apply knowledge through teaching, research, creative works and other forms of scholarship. In carrying out its role, the University affirms its commitment to:

• Institutional autonomy, recognition of the importance of ideas, intellectual freedom to pursue critical and open enquiry, and social responsibility.
  
• Tolerance, honesty and respect as the hallmarks of relationships throughout the University community and underpinning high standards of ethical behavior.
  
• Understanding the needs and expectations of those whom it serves and striving constantly to improve the quality and delivery of its services and access to those services.

Major Goals

In the University Plan 1999 - 2004, the University's institutional goals and objectives are outlined:

• The University of Sydney will maintain and enhance its position as an outstanding provider of high quality undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, both in Australia and internationally.

• The University of Sydney will continue to provide access to tertiary study and appropriate support for students from a diversity of backgrounds.

• The University of Sydney will develop its reputation as an institution where pure and applied research and research training relevant to the economic, social and cultural well-being of Australia and the region are conducted at nationally and internationally recognized standards.

• The University of Sydney will further enhance its position as a university of high standing in theinternational community of scholars.

• The University of Sydney will continue to make a significant contribution to the well-being and enhancement of the wide range of professions with which it engages.

• The University of Sydney will improve its position as an efficient, effective and responsible institution, striving to meet the needs of students and staff, and committed to quality in all aspects of its operations.

• By providing knowledge, opportunity and encouragement, the University of Sydney will maintain and enhance its position as a leading contributor to the opinions and ideas, cultures and lifestyles of the many communities it serves locally, nationally and internationally.

Into the Future

The University is looking towards the future with a commitment to further develop its position as a major research university, as an outstanding provider of high quality teaching, and as a university of high standing in the international community of scholars.

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