Professor Loretta Konjarski is the Interim Executive Dean of the VU First Year College (FYC) at Victoria University (VU).
This is a key leadership role in the University tasked with leading the College and implementing, reviewing and continually enhancing the VU Block Model.
As Executive Dean, Professor Konjarski is responsible for:
- Strategic Leadership within the College which includes:
- strategic planning, resource management and commercial activity
- attraction and leadership of staff (i.e. recruitment, management and provision of professional development opportunities for staff).
- Learning and teaching in the College comprising:
- design, development, delivery and review of the tertiary curriculum
- enhancement of the student experience.
- Establishment and maintenance of a dynamic organisation which includes:
- building effective internal relations
- commitment to diversity and inclusion
- adherence with occupational health and safety regulations.
Loretta provides leadership in the development of all teaching and learning programs within the FYC. In her role as the Associate Dean Learning and Teaching she implemented an evidence-based approach to improving curriculum, pedagogy and assessment with the goal of enhancing student learning opportunities and experiences. Loretta works across the FYC to ensure that established and new teaching and learning activity align with College and University foci.
Loretta works with relevant staff to review the quality of FYC teaching programs and takes carriage of both internal and external quality assurance processes and reviews. She represents the FYC on the University's Courses Committee, Learning and Teaching Quality Committee and manages all operational aspects of teaching and learning governance in the College.
In addition to learning and teaching leadership, Loretta held the role of Head of Community Engagement in the FYC. This senior role led an innovative model designed to enhance 'real world' learning opportunities and collaborates with students and staff, as well as community and industry stakeholders, to deliver high quality programs for our students.
Loretta loves working in higher education and her commitment to excellence in education and curriculum is long and deeply held. She has been an educator for more than 30 years, beginning her career as a secondary school PE teacher. She began her time at Victoria University as a Lecturer in Physical Education and Health in 2007. She became the physical education course coordinator in the College of Sport and Exercise Science in 2013 before moving to be a part of the inaugural year of the FYC in 2017.
Loretta's passion for teaching and learning has seen her develop research interest and expertise in Inclusion and Diversity in Physical Activity settings. She is an active member in the FYC Women in First Year executive where she demonstrates a deep commitment to the welfare and career of women in the FYC.
