Welcome to Avondale University College
It’s official! Avondale University College is the new name of Avondale College of Higher Education.
While the addition of Avondale to the “Australian University College” category under standards administered by the national regulator on August 28 is significant—Avondale is the first higher education provider to become a university college and the first to qualify for a change of category since the establishment of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)—it did not automatically grant approval for use of the name “university.”
Avondale waited to receive that approval from the federal Department of Education. When approval came, Avondale applied to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission requesting a change of company name from Avondale College Limited to Avondale University College Limited. The commission approved that application on October 24.
Meanwhile, in an extraordinary or unscheduled meeting, Avondale’s governing body, Avondale College Council, approved a change of business or trading name from Avondale College of Higher Education to Avondale University College. A few days later, the members of Avondale College Limited approved the change of company name.
The name change is the fifth in 122 years. Founded as the Avondale School for Christian Workers (1897-1911), Avondale became the Australasian Missionary College during the war years (1911-1963). The more succinct Avondale College (1964-2011) remained for 47 years. With a variety of educational institutions using the word, “college,” to identify themselves, Avondale College of Higher Education (2011-2019) clarified Avondale’s position in the Australian higher education sector.
Another name change is likely because the requirements of the Higher Education Standards Framework for the “Australian University College” category include plans to meet all the requirements for an “Australian University” category within five years.
Becoming a university college is “the next step in our journey to become an Australian university,” said Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Ray Roennfeldt after TEQSA approved Avondale’s change of category application. He acknowledged “God’s faithful leading and the commitment and professionalism of our leaders, staff members and past and present students who have supported us on the journey.”
As a general rule, use Avondale’s new trading name—“Avondale University College”—on first reference in any correspondence. Use the shortened name—“Avondale”—or “university college” in all subsequent references.
TEQSA approves application for an Australian University College
Read the announcement from the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency about its approval of an application lodged by Avondale College Limited to change category from “Higher Education Provider” to “Australian University College.”
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