Dear alumni and friends,
 
I welcome those who graduated in July as the newest members of our alumni community. As I said in my graduation video, I hope to welcome the new graduands back to MLS at some stage to farewell their School.

MLS has always been more than the sum of its parts: staff, students, collaborators, alumni and friends. The months ahead offer tumult, over and above COVID-19, as we work through cost-containment challenges. Throughout this period, it is critical that as a school we remain strong and mutually supportive. The MLS Executive places great emphasis on leading with compassion in good as well as difficult times. We strive to support our colleagues through change.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Duncan Maskell wrote to all University alumni earlier this month. He noted that we are currently facing the most difficult financial conditions that the University has experienced in its 167-year history. Significantly lower revenue predictions resulting from reduced student enrolments, research income and commercial revenue have left UOM in the unenviable position of having to reduce ongoing expenditure to safeguard the University for current and future generations. After a period of formal consultation with staff on the proposed change plan, expected in mid-to-late September, the position will be clearer regarding what changes MLS and the wider University will need to undergo to make the necessary savings.

August marks our fifth month of working, teaching and researching from home. COVID-19 has necessitated new ways of teaching at MLS, as I have noted in earlier communications. It has also challenged us to work differently as researchers, both in terms of our methods and, in some cases, shifting the focus of our research. Each of us, and the School as a whole, have also had to revisit how we sustain relationships and communicate with students, partners and alumni.

MLS remains absolutely committed to providing and fostering teaching and research excellence. In the past month, MLS staff commenced discussions about how best to sustain and innovate our teaching. How do we continue to create an experience that ensures our students graduate not only with excellent qualifications but also strong relationships with their peers and having joined a scholarly community? We are also conducting a review of our research support, again looking to enhance how we do things and to ensure equitable support to all researchers. Across UOM, we will work on how to design more efficient support systems that do not jettison what is fundamental to staff and student support.

I deeply value the advocacy and support of all our alumni, friends and donors. I thank you personally for your contribution to the MLS community. It is more important than ever that we stay connected and continue to support each other.

As always, stay well and stay safe.

Professor Pip Nicholson
Dean, Melbourne Law School

 

The Melbourne Social Equity Institute’s Community Fellows Program aims to meet the needs of community organisations to conduct small research-related projects in collaboration with university-based researchers.

Leading and managing legal organisations in times of great uncertainty
 

In MLS’s third leadership webinar, Dean Professor Pip Nicholson, MLS Senior Fellow and Managing Director of Barolsky Advisors Joel Barolsky, and Cultivating Leadership Consultant Dr Rodney Howard will discuss the leadership and management skills required to navigate short-term uncertainty and to drive long-term success. 

Thursday 24 September 12.30–1.30pm