About ACEN
The Australian Collaborative Education Network Limited (ACEN) is the national professional association for practitioners and researchers from the tertiary education sector, industry, community and government representatives, involved in work integrated learning (WIL) and collaborative education in Australia.
Our Vision
The Australian Collaborative Education Network (ACEN) is the national professional association for work-integrated learning (WIL) and collaborative education.
ACEN creates impact through:
- facilitating valuable networking, professional learning and scholarship
- promoting quality and inclusive WIL for all
- advocating for collaboration and partnership with educators, community, industry, and government
ACEN aspires to strategically influence how WIL is valued and enacted in Australia.
Our Mission
The Australian Collaborative Education Network (ACEN) advances collaborative, quality and inclusive WIL through scholarship, partnerships, and professional learning.
Our Values
Connection and collaboration:
sharing, listening, and learning together
Quality, ethical practice:
scholarly WIL that supports inclusion for all
Passion, community and partnerships
Our People
Meet the 2023 Board
ACEN is run by a dedicated Board of Directors made up of passionate WIL practitioners who are based all across Australia.
The Board is governed by ACEN’s Constitution to provide financial stability and to deliver ACEN’s mission to advance collaborative, quality and inclusive WIL through scholarship, partnerships, and professional learning. The Directors are required to comply with the Code of Conduct and Executive Responsibilities.
The ACEN Board is composed of up to eleven Directors. Up to five are elected by the membership and one is elected from each of the five chapters. In addition, the Board may appoint one additional Director.
Michael O'Connor
President
Western Sydney University
Craig Cameron
Chair of Finance and Audit
University of the Sunshine Coast
Denise Jackson
Immediate Past President
Edith Cowan University
Elizabeth Cook
Edith Cowan University
Felicity Blackstock
The University of Sydney
Heather Pate
Edith Cowan University
Karen Robinson
Griffith University
Leoni Russell
RMIT University
Naomi Walsh
University of Tasmania
Sophia Xenos
RMIT University
Thayaparan Gajendran
University of Newcastle
Will Mackay
University of South Australia
Chapters
ACEN consists of five chapters, governed by the Chapter By Laws. The current chapters committees were elected in September 2021.
Committees
Committees and Working Parties are appointed by the Board. At least one member of each Committee or working party must be a Director. The current ACEN Committees are: Finance, Audit & Risk, Conference & Awards, Research, Professional Learning, Engagement & Advocacy and Student Scholarships.