Engaging with the community

Like most universities, Flinders sees itself as having 3 principal missions:

• teaching
• research
• community service.

Flinders functions in all these spheres at local, national and international levels and engages with many and varied communities. Flinders regards community engagement as a major commitment and overall responsibility lies with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International).

Staff impact

Staff work in:

• policy formation
• program development
• professional associations
• a range of collaborations with public and private organisations.

Most of this work draws on but goes beyond teaching and research activities.

Collaborations and partnerships

We are involved with a number of collaborations, strategic partnerships and projects with business and industry. Staff provide a range of consulting services through university organisations such as Flinders Innovation and the National Institute of Labour Studies.

State Government collaboration

Flinders participates in the community engagement process through which South Australia's Strategic Plan is updated.

Local and national projects

While many staff occupy positions in national and interstate bodies and engage in Australia-wide projects, there are particular state and local demands and opportunities for community-orientated activities arising from Flinders' location in Adelaide, South Australia.

Student impact

Flinders students collaborate with individuals, groups and organisations across South Australia through research, consultancy, education and training activities, community projects and work placements.

Economic contribution

Flinders University is a major contributor to the South Australian economy. We have an annual turnover of over $260 million with total assets of $322 million. We are the second largest employer in Adelaide's southern region and our international student activity alone has an annual community impact of more than $50 million.

International impact

On the international front, our staff have been involved with issues as diverse as:

• human rights in Europe
• reconstruction of the Timor-Leste
• Shanghai Arts Festival in China.