A message from Amanda Oliver | AUA Chair

As you may know, 2021 is a special year for the AUA. It marks 60 years since the launch of the Meeting of University Academic Administrative Staff (MUAAS) at the University of Manchester, which in 1973 would become the Conference of University Administrators (CUA) and eventually, in 1994, would merge with the Association of Polytechnic Administrators (APA) to become the Association of University Administrators (AUA).

And what a 60 years it has been…

What started out as a small group of higher education professionals coming together to discuss the profession’s current challenges, trends and best practice, has grown into a thriving community of practitioners.  A community of expertise and support, represented in more than 250 UK higher education organisations and around the world, that is committed to developing themselves and each other to advance the sector.

I feel honoured to be Chair of the AUA at this pivotal moment in its history. With the new strategic vision in place and a diamond jubilee to celebrate, it is an exciting time to be a member of the Association.

One early deliverable of the jubilee strategy is the new online CPD Tool. Based on the AUA CPD Framework it enables you to identify your strengths and areas for improvement against each of the nine professional behaviours – it is free to members, so take a look on the AUA website.

In the coming days, weeks and months, you will start to see various jubilee themed celebrations, developments and opportunities, so keep an eye out. I encourage you all to get involved!

As the AUA Team and I have been looking back over our development as an Association, the contribution from the membership and our generous volunteers is striking. The AUA really would not be what it is, or where it is today without the dedication and the time given by members. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for being on this journey with us so far and look forward to celebrating with you.

A reminder about our Diamond Jubilee Strategic Vision

Everything we do and offer delivers these promises so that we can be confident when we say that joining the AUA will enhance your career, develop you professionally and enrich your experience of working in university professional services.