Charles Darwin University has undertaken a significant expansion of its campus, both interstate and overseas.  Locally, academic and trades programs have multiplied, appealing to an ever-widening pool of students. 

Suddenly, the university has been jolted by a spoke in the wheel of self realisation about course shortfalls. Sadly, that means many students have course requirements that need to be addressed, while key university leaders are lost in the necessities of redress.

I recall words of wisdom addressed to school leaders at a national conference held in Darwin in 1992. Frederick Wirt, the Professor of Political Science at the University of Illinois (USA), spoke with delegates. His address was titled ‘Will the centre hold?’  Wirt lauded growth, development, and expansion, but cautioned that it should never be at the expense of consolidating and reinforcing programs already in place. 

Our university was established on a solid foundational base. I hope that what has happened is a temporary aberration, with the CDU maintaining steady growth and development for all, and particularly our domestic students.