acts 2019 annual report - australian college of theology
TRANSCRIPT
ANNUAL REPORT
AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF THEOLOGY
1
The Australian College of Theology ("ACT") is an Australian government
approved Higher Education Provider, fostering and leading a robust
consortium of independent affiliated colleges in the systematic study of
theology and other disciplines related to Christian ministry.
ACT’s chief purpose is to equip people faithfully to serve God’s church and
God’s world in support of the Gospel’s message in society and culture.
To this end, ACT delivers programs, processes and services necessary to
deliver learning and teaching, research and scholarship up to the highest level,
in collaboration with its affiliated colleges and other stakeholders, supported
by external specialist advisers.
This report covers key performance measures and major developments during
2019. Further detail on standing policies and operations of the College may be
found on the ACT website at http://www.actheology.edu.au/
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C O N T E N T S
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3
7
10
15
23
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Chair’s Report
Dean’s Report
ACT Governance & Staff
Courses & Enrolment
Outcomes
Research
Compliance & Reporting
1
Chair’s Report
In its 129th year, the Australian College of Theology has continued to “go from
strength to strength” (Psalm 84:7) For this we give thanks to the God and Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ and rejoice that “blessed are those whose strength is in you”
(Psalm 84:5).
True to its original purpose “to foster and direct a systematic study of Divinity” the
ACT has continued to nurture theological education through its network of eighteen
affiliated colleges. In 2019 ACT welcomed the Chinese Theological College of
Australia and Trinity College Queensland.
The scale of the enterprise is significant. More than eight hundred students graduated
in 2019. The ACT is and remains the largest provider of theological education in
Australia. Yet the measure of achievement is not quantity alone; quality is of
paramount importance. Here the ACT excels. In the Course Experience Questionnaire
2018-19 our undergraduate student’s overall satisfaction was fourth out of one
hundred tertiary institutions in Australia and our postgraduate students’ overall
satisfaction was the top out of all tertiary institutions. These outstanding results are a
testament to the knowledge, skill, expertise, care and character of the dedicated staff
of the affiliated colleges.
In addition to its excellent teaching credentials, the research reputation of the ACT
continues to grow. ACT scholars regularly contribute at the cutting-edge of
theological thought through the publication of books, journal articles and conference
presentations which influence and encourage the world-wide body of Christ. The
quality and quantity of research outputs are on an upward trajectory. This is being
spurred on by timely initiatives. For example, in 2019, eight inaugural Senior Research
Fellows were appointed to further ACT research. Two inaugural Winifred Merritt
Research Fellowships for female academics will soon be awarded. On a larger scale,
an ACT Research Centre is in the pipeline, with other centres expected to follow.
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The higher-education sector as a whole has seen increasing regulation and tightening
of accreditation requirements. It is likely that further shake-ups and consolidation will
occur. The Coaldrake report and the Minister’s response signal the near-term future.
The ACT is agile in adapting to these changing circumstances. The management team
have been outstanding in dealing with this challenge. The ACT continues to pursue
university status as appropriate to its vision and mission even though this has been
stalled by the inordinate delays in the unfinished dealings with TEQSA. However the
ACT may be classified by the Australian government, it will remain academically
rigorous, evangelically oriented, theologically astute and pastorally sensitive.
On a personal note, I sincerely thank Greg Hammond for his service as Interim Chair
of the Board and in his ongoing role as Chair of the Audit and Risk Management
Committee, Paul Barker for his willingness to serve as Deputy Chair of the Board, and
Brian Harris for the work he does in his role as Chair of the Academic Board.
My thanks – and I am sure the thanks of all the ACT family – go to Martin Sutherland
as his term of office as Dean and CEO draws to an end. Martin has remarkable insight,
clarity of vision, unwavering perseverance, theological acumen, deep understanding,
an easy and affable manner in relating to people at all levels across the ACT and is
unfailingly unflappable. Our prayers are with Martin and his family in the next season
of life. “God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having
all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).
Roger Lewis
Chair of the Board of Directors
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Dean’s Report
This Annual Report covers the activities of ACT in 2019. ACT has continued to offer
first class teaching and research in a rapidly changing tertiary environment. This
environment offers ACT both challenges and opportunities.
NEW AFFILIATES
ACT was pleased to welcome applications for affiliation from two colleges. Chinese
Theological College Australia (CTCA) has been connected with ACT indirectly for
many years, via its link with Christ College in Sydney. CTCA has developed its faculty
and infrastructure over the years and enters 2020 as a fully affiliated college. Trinity
College Queensland (TCQ) is a theological institution of the Uniting Church in
Australia. TCQ applied to affiliate and offer ACT’s programmes. With its energetic
faculty and commitment to scholarship Trinity will bring new perspectives and
opportunities to ACT
KEY STATISTICS
A detailed analysis of ACT’s performance statistics follows in a later section. The year
under review showed mixed results for ACT and its affiliated colleges. Continuing the
excellent results of previous years, ACT has the most outstanding results of any Higher
Education Provider in the Student Experience Survey. It is clear that our students
enjoy and value the education they receive. Overall enrolments, by contrast, were
again down. On five-year trends, the major part of that decline has been in
undergraduate programmes (AQF levels 7 and below). Although there are signs that
the trend is plateauing, there has been a marked downward trend in undergraduate,
three-year courses. This is not unique to ACT. All fields of tertiary education are
beginning to respond to an increased call for flexibility and shorter-term
qualifications. However, in 2019 ACT’s Level 5 Diplomas also experienced the sharp
decline in numbers. This is the level at which some colleges offer a “gap year”-type
experience and it seems these courses have been particularly affected. There are
some local factors, but curriculum restructuring and tighter conditions on student
funding may have played a part.
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FINANCE AND PROPERTY
These structural challenges aside, the accompanying Directors’ Report and Financial
Statements for 2019, records another pleasing financial performance. ACT has been
able to maintain a creditable surplus. This has been especially pleasing given the shift
in premises during the year.
For some time, it had been becoming evident that the space available at 257 Clarence
St, Sydney was no longer adequate to meet the growing needs of the ACT office. As
expansion at that address was not possible, we began looking for larger premises in
the Sydney CBD. We were very pleased to come across Level 5, 33 York St, which was
purchased and occupied in June 2019. This new facility affords approximately twice
the space and has enabled more meeting rooms and improved amenities for staff. The
location has also proved excellent for the visiting members of ACT’s various
committees, as the building sits immediately above Wynyard rail station. The bulk of
the move was accomplished over just a few days, with all staff pitching in to ensure a
smooth transition. There are still some “tailoring” issues to complete, but the new
space has become a strong new asset for ACT.
UNIVERSITY OF SPECIALISATION
The College lodged an application for recognition as an Australian University of
Specialisation (AUS) in March 2016. After a number of rounds of draft responses and
new submissions, the application was declined by the Tertiary Education Quality and
Standards Agency (TEQSA) in June 2019. This was, of course, a disappointment,
especially given that some of TEQSA’s concerns go to the heart of ACT’s federated
structure, in partnership with many individual colleges. The Board of Directors has
been considering options for appeal or re-submission. At the same time, it has
commenced a dialogue with the colleges about how best to shape the affiliated
structure in the years ahead.
RESEARCH
Research and publication are key ways by which a Christian Higher Education Provider
pursues its calling. In 2019 ACT took further steps to invest in research. In November
2019 eight Senior Research Fellows were announced. These are some of ACT’s top
scholars and the appointments recognized their outstanding records of research and
publication. In December, I was pleased to call for applications for two Winifred
Merritt Fellowships to recognize the research of our leading women scholars. The first
holders will be announced early in 2020. As part of its strategic plan, the Board of
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Directors is considering further research initiatives, partnering with the colleges and
faculty to enable and encourage new work. More details about the research culture at
ACT may be found later in the Annual Report. A full listing of faculty publications will
be provided in the 2019 Research Report which will be made available on the College
website.
CURRICULUM REVIEW
The major internal project for 2018 and 2019 has been the thorough revision of ACT’s
curriculum to better align it with the structure and expectations of the Australian
Qualifications Framework (AQF). This has been complex task and at times contested,
but nevertheless necessary. The result will be a sharper, more clearly delineated and
flexible set of programmes which will be implemented in 2020. The project was
undertaken in connection with our self-accrediting processes. The new curriculum has
been accredited for seven years from 2020. Credit is due to the enormous work of key
ACT staff such as the Registrar, Simon Davies and the committee members of ACT
boards for their dedicated and thorough work on this huge project.
SAFE ENVIRONMENTS
ACT draws together a wide range of providers. Our colleges vary by denominational
link, history, style, size and location. Each has its own sense of mission and calling.
Some focus on training for traditional ministries, others for cross-cultural mission, still
others are exploring options for the wider training of Christian professionals. ACT’s
commitment is to enable the best flourishing possible of each college in the HE
environment. This means keeping up with new regulations and the shifting ground of
tertiary funding. With a number of changes to legislation already in place or signaled,
all Higher Education Providers must be alert and responsive to the requirements of
the sector and their stakeholders.
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse published
its report in December 2017. ACT has taken seriously the findings of the Commission,
along with its recommendations for creating safe institutions. This has begun at the
top, with the intentional improvement to the diversity of the Board of Directors. The
Academic Board has noted the need for issues of safety to be found throughout the
curriculum. Affiliated colleges now report on progress made in this area. ACT has
become a member of the National Redress Scheme.
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All this has highlighted the range of issues relating to safe environments. Attention is
being paid to questions of Domestic and Sexual Violence as well as to better care for
those with mental health issues and to the inclusion of those with disabilities. Change
takes time in these areas but ACT has addressed them with vigour as key issues of our
time and the context in which we offer our courses. TEQSA has indicated that it will be
examining closely the ways in which Higher Education Providers have addressed such
matters when it comes to re-registration.
APPRECIATION
ACT is well served by its Board of Directors and academic committees. Higher
education is complex and highly regulated. Without the combined and generously
shared skill and wisdom of so many within ACT we would not be in the strong position
we are today. Each brings their best to the task and offers significant time to the
governance of our affairs.
The staff in the ACT office are similarly dedicated. All have shown a willingness to go
the extra mile. I have been especially grateful for the support of the Associate Dean
Rev Dr Graeme Chatfield and the senior team. The way we manage this unusual and
sometimes complex institution in a constantly changing environment is always under
review. The staff have responded with innovative ideas and an impressive capacity to
adapt to new requirements.
PERSONAL
This is my final report as Dean and CEO of the Australian College of Theology. It is
with great sadness that I end my term earlier than anticipated. During 2019 it became
clear that the health and support needs of my wife, Yvonne, were becoming such that
our return to New Zealand was necessary. In consultation with the Board of Directors
it was agreed I would conclude at the end of January 2020. It has been a privilege to
serve such a vibrant and committed community of Christians.
Martin Sutherland
Dean and CEO
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ACT Governance and Staff
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MANAGEMENT TEAM 2019
STRATEGY & OPERATIONS
Mart Sutin herland, Dean/CEO
Tara Holdaway, EA to Dean
Vicki Chen, Director of Finance
Mary Ann Navidad, Financial Accountant
Paul Yeates, Director of Risk & Compliance
Meredith Walker-Harding, Quality Assurance Officer Stephen
Sarkoezy, Academic Quality Officer
LEARNING, TEACHING & RESEARCH
Graeme Chatfield, Associate Dean and Director of Research Geoff
Treloar, Director of Learning & Teaching
Elizabeth Kohn, Research Students Administrator
Megan Powell du Toit, Publishing Manager
ACADEMIC SERVICES
Simon Davies, Registrar
Diana Tadjudin, Deputy Registrar (Maternity Leave 2019)
Elisa Norris, Deputy Registrar (2019), Academic Administrative Officer
Asanka Gunarathne, Academic Administrative Officer
Coralie Scott, Academic Administrative Officer
Rebekah Wall, Support Officer
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ACT AS A CONSORTIUM OF COLLEGES
The Australian College of Theology exists as a partnership between the Anglican
Church of Australia and a confessionally diverse, national network of Bible and
theological colleges delivering the awards of the College on its behalf.
Colleges affiliated with the Australian College of Theology are represented at all
levels of ACT governance. Affiliated colleges are in a consortium which exists to
strengthen all members. The relationship between each college and ACT is expressed
in the Affiliation Agreement signed by each affiliated college and the Board of
Directors, the governing body of ACT.
The richness of such a collection of colleges, each with a strong sense of their
particular calling, is evident in the profiles each has provided for the ACT website.
(See http://www.actheology.edu.au/our-colleges/)
THE COLLEGES
Western Australia: Trinity Theological College Vose Seminary
South Australia: Bible College SA
Victoria: Melbourne School of Theology Presbyterian Theological College Reformed Theological College Ridley College
New South Wales: Christ College Mary Andrews College Morling College Sydney Missionary and Bible College Youthworks College
Queensland: Brisbane School of Theology Malyon Theological College Queensland Theological College
New Zealand: Laidlaw College
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Courses and Enrolment
ACT offers specialist qualifications in ministry, theology, and Christian studies,
ranging from undergraduate diplomas through to doctoral degrees. Awards are
compliant with the Australian Qualifications Framework. ACT’s courses are delivered
through a network of independent affiliated colleges.
Under the Higher Education Support Act 2003 and the National Guidelines for
Higher Education Approval Process – Guidelines for awarding self-accrediting
authority to higher education institutions other than universities, ACT has self-
accrediting authority in the field of Religious Studies. After a process involving
external consultation and benchmarking, all ACT courses were approved for re-
accreditation from 2020. Accordingly, all courses currently offered by ACT are
accredited until 31 December 2026.
FIVE YEAR TRENDS
ACT remains the largest provider of HE courses in theology in Australasia. Overall
enrolments have been steady across the period. After a dip in the middle years,
EFTS rose in 2016 and 2017, but fell back by nearly 6% in 2018 and a further 5.45%
in 2019. Some challenging trends continue. As Table One shows, there has been a
significant decline (27%) in undergraduate degrees such as the Bachelor of Theology
and the Bachelor of Ministry. ACT does not seem to have lost these students, but
they are choosing different courses. The previously strong undergraduate diplomas
at AQF levels 5 & 6 reversed by 17.3% in 2019. More vocationally-oriented students
have contributed to a rise in taught postgraduate courses such the Master of Divinity
and the Master of Ministry. First year commencements in these degrees suggest this
growth has stopped, at least for a time. The challenge of funding has had an impact
on research students, after a strong cohort in 2015-16. ACT is largely reflecting
sector-wide trends. Indications from students suggest the attraction of flexibility and
multiple pathways – factors which will need to be considered in curriculum planning.
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TABLE ONE: Course Enrolments Trend 2015-2019
2015 2016 2017 2018 20195-yr
trendn. eftsl n. eftsl n. eftsl n. eftsl n. eftsl eftsl
Sub-degrees (AQF 5 & 6)
840 340 948 397 1,006 414 912 399 768 330 -3%
Degrees (AQF 7)
775 418 759 398 731 373 651 328 617 305 -27%
Bachelor Honours/ Graduate
(AQF 8)
702 201 733 212 811 245 858 235 878 249 24%
Masters Coursework/
Extended (AQF 9)
833 420 899 464 948 455 929 439 912 435 4%
Research (AQF 9 & 10) 96 53 96 51 93 46 83 40 80 43 -19%
Other 33 6 19 4 23 4 27 5 31 5 -11%
Grand Total 3,279 1,438 3,454 1,526 3,612 1,538 3,460 1,445 3,286 1,367 -5%
Tables Two and Three list the courses offered by ACT in 2019, together with the
student enrolments and numbers graduating from each course.
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Course EFTSL # Students
Undergraduate – Sub-degrees (AQF 5 & 6)
Diploma of Christian Studies 116.3 198 Diploma of Theology 64.5 224
Diploma of Ministry 74.0 200Diploma of Theology/Diploma of Ministry 7.0 24
Advanced Diploma of Theology 28.7 47Advanced Diploma of Ministry 18.6 39
Adv. Diploma of Theology/Adv. Diploma of Ministry 11.0 15Associate Degree of Theology 2.0 5
Associate Degree of Ministry 8.0 16
TOTAL 330.1 768
Undergraduate – Degrees (AQF 7)
Bachelor of Christian Studies 12.3 23 Bachelor of Theology 162.8 327
Bachelor of Ministry 107.0 231 Bachelor of Theology/Bachelor of Ministry 23.3 36
TOTAL 305.4 617
Postgraduate – Bachelor Honours/Graduate (AQF 8)
Bachelor of Theology (Honours) 4.3 5 Bachelor of Ministry (Honours) 0.2 1
Graduate Certificate of Divinity 38.3 166 Graduate Certificate of Theology 2.8 7
Graduate Certificate of Ministry 6.8 23 Graduate Diploma of Christian Studies 2.9 8
Graduate Diploma of Divinity 190.3 658 Graduate Diploma of Theology 1.3 5
Graduate Diploma of Ministry 1.9 5 TOTAL 248.7 878
Postgraduate – Masters Coursework/Extended (AQF 9)
Master of Divinity 297.5 584Master of Divinity/Graduate Diploma of Divinity 31.8 40
Master of Ministry 43.1 91Master of Missional Leadership 4.4 15
Master of Arts (Christian Studies) 13.9 28Master of Arts (Theology) 25.2 85
Master of Arts (Ministry) 18.2 63Master of Intercultural Studies 1.1 6
TOTAL 435.2 912Postgraduate - Research (AQF 9 & 10)
Master of Theology 6.0 14Doctor of Ministry 2.8 5
Doctor of Philosophy 33.1 59Doctor of Theology 0.8 2
TOTAL 42.6 80
Other Student Enrolments
Cross-institutional – Undergraduate 3.5 21Cross-institutional – Postgraduate 1.9 10
TOTAL 5.4 31
TOTAL Course Enrolments 1,367.4 3,286
TOTAL Student Enrolments (Headcount) 1,367.4 3,182 Non-AQF ACT Courses 55.6 133
TABLE TWO: Course Enrolments – 2019
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TABLE THREE: Graduates by Course 2019
Course # Graduates
Undergraduate – Sub-degrees (AQF 5 & 6)
Diploma of Christian Studies 93 Diploma of Theology 94
Diploma of Ministry 57 Diploma of Theology/Diploma of Ministry 11
Advanced Diploma of Theology 16 Advanced Diploma of Ministry 12
Adv. Diploma of Theology/Adv. Diploma of Ministry 1 Associate Degree of Theology 5
Associate Degree of Ministry 8
TOTAL 297
Undergraduate – Degrees (AQF 7)
Bachelor of Christian Studies 1 Bachelor of Theology 35
Bachelor of Ministry 45 Bachelor of Theology/Bachelor of Ministry 6
TOTAL 87
Postgraduate – Bachelor Honours/Graduate (AQF 8)
Bachelor of Theology (Honours) 3 Bachelor of Ministry (Honours) 0
Graduate Certificate of Christian Studies 0 Graduate Certificate of Divinity 87
Graduate Certificate of Theology 8 Graduate Certificate of Ministry 2
Graduate Diploma of Christian Studies 2 Graduate Diploma of Divinity 169
Graduate Diploma of Theology 0 Graduate Diploma of Ministry 1
TOTAL 272
Postgraduate – Masters Coursework/Extended (AQF 9)
Master of Divinity 80 Master of Divinity/Graduate Diploma of Divinity 12
Master of Ministry 12 Master of Theological Studies 2
Master of Missional Leadership 0 Master of Arts (Christian Studies) 10
Master of Arts (Theology) 22 Master of Arts (Ministry) 13
TOTAL 151
Postgraduate - Research (AQF 9 & 10)
Master of Theology 5 Doctor of Ministry 2
Doctor of Philosophy 6 Doctor of Theology 0
TOTAL 13 TOTAL Graduates in AQF Qualifications 820
Graduates of Non-AQF ACT Courses 47
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TABLE FOUR: Completion Rates (6-yr)
All students Full-time Part-timeAustralian College of
Theology 49.4 70.8 38.5
Non-University Higher Education Institutions
(NUHEIs) 57.6 65.2 35.2
Universities (Table A and B) 71.3 76.0 57.2
Based on an average value for commencing years 2009-2013 Source: https://www.education.gov.au/selected-higher-education-statistics-
2018-student-data
TABLE FIVE: Commencing Attrition Rates (2017-2018)
All students Full-time Part-timeAustralian College of
Theology 24.4 14.5 30.0
Non-University Higher Education Institutions
(NUHEIs) 25.9 22.5 35.8
Universities (Table A and B) 17.8 13.7 31.5
Source: https://www.education.gov.au/selected-higher-education-statistics-2018-student-data
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Outcomes
STUDENTS
As noted in the previous reports, the composition of students at ACT has been
markedly stable.
(It should be noted that Figures One and Two are constructed on the basis of Unit
analysis, yielding a more finely adjusted analysis than if determined by Course.
There is, therefore, the potential for a slight disparity between these figures and
those in Tables 1-2).
FIGURE ONE: Students by Level (EFTSL)
632 678 704 672 679
806848 833 773 688
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
EFTSL
YEAR
Students by Level
Postgraduate (500‐900 Level) Undergraduate (200‐400 Level)
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FIGURE TWO: Students Part-Time vs Full-Time
ACT has a very high (and growing) proportion of Part-Time students compared to the
wider Higher Education sector. This is known to have a significant impact on attrition
and completion rates.
GENDER
FIGURE THREE: Students by Gender
For more than a decade, ACT has maintained a steady proportion of male/female
students of approx. 60/40. The proportion of female students is below the sector
average and significantly below the sector average for humanities subjects.
2371 2497 2645 2610 2500
808 845 829 746 682
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
NUMBER
OF STUDEN
TS
YEAR
Students Part‐time vs. Full‐time
Part‐time Full‐time
1272 1364 1410 1397 1299
1907 1978 2064 1959 1883
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
NUMBER
OF STUDEN
S
YEAR
Students by Gender
Female Male
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FIGURE FOUR: Students by Gender (Degree courses and above)
When the figures for gender are cross matched with level of study, an even less
satisfactory picture emerges. There has been a slight pick-up, but female students
have consistently made up only a little more than a third of ACT enrolments in
courses at degree level and above.
TABLE FIVE: Permanent Faculty by Gender
Permanent female faculty make up just 15.2% of the total in ACT. As women are
more likely to have part-time roles, the proportion drops to 10.2% of FTE Academic
Load.
2018 2019
MALE FEMALE MALE FEMALE
FACULTY (HEAD COUNT) 140 20 145 26
FACULTY (HEAD COUNT - %) 87.5% 12.5% 84.8% 15.2%
FTE ACADEMIC LOAD 101.7 10.9 100.3 11.4
FTE ACADEMIC LOAD (%) 90.3% 9.7% 89.8% 10.2%
1566 1606 1651 1588 1556
809 835 869 896 891
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
NUMBRE OF STUDEN
TS
YEAR
Student By Gender (Degree courses and above)
Male Female
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SATISFACTION AND DESTINATION
ACT, like other providers in the HE sector, receives rich data from a variety of
surveys. This is processed and interpreted by our Quality Team and reported to the
relevant Boards and Committees and to the colleges as appropriate. Such feedback
enables ACT to identify areas of strength and weakness and to identity its relative
performance within the HE sector.
FIGURES SIX & SEVEN: Student Experience Survey (SES) 2017-18
This survey of current students shows high degrees of satisfaction and, overall,
places ACT very highly within the sector, especially among postgraduate students.
The stand-out area of lower satisfaction is in “learner engagement”. This reflects the
high proportion of PT students, but remains an area requiring attention by ACT and
its affiliated colleges.
FIGURE SIX:
Quality of educational experience
Teaching quality
Learner engagement
Learning resources
Student support
Skills development
ACT Ranking (out of all
universities and NUHEIs; n=98)
5 7 35 6 9 15
93.8 95.4
67.6
92.2 92.4 8978.9 80.8
63
84.7
72.780.979.4 83.2
65.773.6 76.5
82.4
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
Quality ofEducationalExperience
Teaching Quality LearnerEngagement
LearningResources
Student Support SkillsDevelopment
SATISFACTION %
SES 2017‐18 (Undergraduate)
Australian College of Theology
University ‐ Average
NUHEI (Non‐University Higher Education Institution) ‐ Average
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FIGURE SEVEN:
Quality of educational experience
Teaching quality
Learner engagement
Learning resources
Student support
Skills development
ACT Ranking (out of all
universities and NUHEIs;
n=83)
1 2 23 1 2 11
FIGURES EIGHT & NINE: Course Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) 2018-2019 –
(Surveys Recent Graduates)
ACT’s high degree of student satisfaction is further borne out in the responses of
graduates.
94.5 96.3
64.1
92.6 94.587
75.880.6
60.5
83.4
72.9
80.778.7 80.3
57
7276.5
80
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
Quality ofEducationalExperience
Teaching Quality LearnerEngagement
LearningResources
Student Support SkillsDevelopment
SATISFACTION %
SES 2017‐18 (Postgraduate)
Australian College of Theology University ‐ Average NUHEI ‐ Average
20
FIGURE EIGHT:
Student’s Overall Satisfaction
Good Teaching Scale
Generic Skills Scale
ACT Ranking(out of all universities and
NUHEIs; n=100) 4 5 15
FIGURE NINE:
Student’s Overall Satisfaction
Good Teaching Scale
Generic Skills Scale
ACT Ranking(out of all universities and
NUHEIs; n=81) 1 2 2
93.889.7 87.7
79.8
62.7
81.881.476.5
82.1
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Student's Overall Satisfaction Good Teaching Scale Generic Skills Scale
SATISFACTION %
CEQ 2018‐19 (Undergraduate)
Australian College of Theology University ‐ Average NUHEI ‐ Average
96.992.5 90.6
81.8
69.4
79.681.5
65.673.9
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
Student's Overall Satisfaction Good Teaching Scale Generic Skills Scale
SATISFACTION %
CEQ 2018‐19 (Postgraduate)
Australian College of Theology University ‐ Average NUHEI ‐ Average
21
FIGURES TEN & ELEVEN: Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS) 2018-19 – (Surveys
Recent Graduates)
These further independent surveys show ACT graduates matching the averages of
employment outcomes for the rest of the higher education sector.
FIGURE TEN:
69
83.2
26.3
72.7
87
19.8
61.9
81.4
17.6
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Graduates in Full‐TimeEmployment
Graduates in Employment Graduates in Full‐Time Study
%
GOS 2018‐19 (Undergraduate)
Australian College of Theology University ‐ Average NUHEI ‐ Average
22
FIGURE ELEVEN:
Graduates in full time
employment
Graduates in employment
Graduates in full time study
ACT Ranking - Undergraduates
(out of all universities and NUHEIs; n=95)
44 54 17
ACT Ranking - Postgraduates
(out of all universities and NUHEIs; n=79)
26 30 14
FIGURE TWELVE: Employer Satisfaction Survey 2016-19 – Surveys Employers of
Recent Graduates
Employability Overall satisfaction
% n % n
Australian College of Theology
86.8 68 95.9 74
All institutions 85.2 14,331 84.2 14,331
*Overall satisfaction reports the proportion of supervisors giving responses ‘Very likely to
consider’ or ‘Likely to consider’ to the item: ‘Based on your experience with this graduate,
how likely are you to consider hiring another graduate from the same course and institution,
if you had a relevant vacancy?’
87.592.6
7.8
86.192.6
6.3
90.9 93.6
5.7
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Graduate in Full‐Time Employment Graduates in Employment Graduates in Full‐Time Study
%
GOS 2018‐19 (Postgraduate)
Australian College of Theology University ‐ Average NUHEI ‐ Average
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Research
Research Culture
ACT fosters excellence in research, for the benefit of, and engaging with, not only
the academy but our wider communities; research that creates positive impacts
within communities.
In 2019 ACT significantly enhanced its research culture through the monthly
publication of ACT Research News and the biennial publication NEXUS. ACT
Directors furthered the ACT’s research capacity by funding for three years eight
Senior Research Fellows, and two Winifred Merritt Research Fellowships for female
ACT faculty. ACT Directors have endorsed in principle the establishment and
funding for three years of an ACT run Research Centre, with the possibility of two
other Research Centres operated as collaborative ventures by ACT affiliated
colleges.
The ACT Monograph Series continues to provide world class research readily
accessible to our wider communities providing a uniquely Australian and New
Zealand view on contemporary topics. The collaborative publication Engaging
Ethically in a Strange New World (2019), edited by Michael Bräutigam and Gillian
Asquith is a wonderful realization of this approach.
ACT faculty also receive international recognition. At the Society for Biblical
Literature conference The New Testament in Its World: An Introduction to the
History, Literature, and Theology of the First Christians (Zondervan Academic, 2019)
saw ACT faculty member Michael Bird (Ridley College) share the accolades with joint
author N.T. Wright.
A full list of research publications by ACT faculty will be available in the 2019
Research Report on the ACT Website.
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Compliance and Reporting
The ACT is required to report to external regulators and statutory bodies and to comply
with a number of state and federal Acts. Key relationships include:
(a) The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and Australian
Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
The ACT’s Company Secretary submits audited financial statements as soon as possible
after the AGM to ASIC and the ACNC. All current directors of the ACT and their relevant
details are listed on the ASIC and ACNC websites.
(b) Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)
TEQSA acquires a range of information annually on all tertiary education institutions
including data on staffing, enrolments, academic outcomes, and finances. This
information is used to assess the risk associated with each provider’s continued
compliance with the Higher Education Threshold Standards 2015. In addition to the
information that TEQSA receives from the Department of Education, ACT provides data
through a Provider Information Request in June, August, and October. This consists of
academic staff data for ACT and the affiliated colleges and financial data for ACT.
(c) Educational Service for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act
TEQSA assumed responsibilities for registrations of providers and their courses in
mid-2012. These approvals permit some affiliated colleges of ACT to deliver registered
ACT courses to overseas students at approved sites. ACT was registered nationally on
the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
(CRICOS) in mid-2014.
(d) Department of Education
The ACT’s Higher Education Provider (HEP) status requires the reporting of student
enrolments, unit and course completion data, and the schedule of courses at ACT’s
delivery locations to the Department through the HEPCAT reporting program.
The Higher Education Support Act (HESA) 2003 requires ACT to maintain regularly
updated Repayment Deeds of Guarantee that are signed between each affiliated college
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and the Board. The Deeds guarantee that any FEE-HELP monies transferred to colleges
are retrievable.
In addition, as a requirement of the ACT’s HEP status Course Assurance Deeds
between ACT and other providers must be entered into. These allow students to be
transferred to other providers to complete the equivalent or similar course of study in
the event of ACT ceasing to provide any of its courses. We have mutually binding
Deeds with Avondale University College, Moore College, Sydney College of Divinity,
University of Divinity, and Perth Bible College.
The HESA 2003 requires ACT to have the following policies in place:
• Dispute resolution policy for domestic students,
• Re-crediting FEE-HELP balance, and
• Cross-institutional enrolment.
These policies must be accessible to all students. They are publicly available on ACT’s
website.
e) Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
The Director of Finance and Financial Accountant attend annual workshops, usually in
March and September, which relate to superannuation, PAYG, and other taxation related
matters. As a deductible gift recipient, ACT is required to conduct an annual audit of its
entitlement to such authority. The Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) reporting year is April-
March. The Director of Finance oversees the preparation and lodging of monthly and
quarterly activity statements in relation to ACT’s tax obligations and submission of the
annual FBT return.
(f) Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) Reports to the NSW Privacy Commission
and National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
The CEO is required to comply with statutory guidelines on research under the Health
Records and Information Privacy Act 2002. The College submits the report, prepared by
the HREC convenor, by the end of July each year. ACT is also required to submit a more
detailed report to the NHMRC. All HRECs are subject to the Privacy Act 1988.
(g) General Synod
ACT is an “associated organisation” of the General Synod. The CEO provides a report on
ACT activities to each triennial meeting of the Synod. This took place in 2017. In
addition, the CEO provides a copy of the audited financial statements once they have
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been approved by the AGM and submits an annual financial report to the General Synod
Standing Committee in accordance with the Financial Protection Canon 1995.