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They are the education leaders whose students barely know their names, let alone their faces. They are the sector figureheads who have remained remarkably quiet in a time of policy upheaval and funding reform. But with the changing landscape of higher education, and policy pushing for more transparency in the sector, it may be time for vice-chancellors to make themselves more visible.
Where do you think vice-chancellors need to focus their efforts in the year ahead? We're providing a platform for you to share your views on what you think the sector expects from its university leaders. Of course, different universities will have different priorities, but most are still involved in a delicate balancing act of teaching and research.
So what do busy vice-chancellors need to work on? Some, like Exeter University's Steve Smith, admit they're having a pretty "sweet" time at the moment, despite the challenges of keeping both staff and students happy. In our recent interview, he says: "As long as I'm being shouted at by both sides I've probably got it just about right."
Demographics are changing, with more students asking themselves whether they are getting value for money on their chosen course. But with fierce competition among universities to secure the highest quality of applicant (and that goes for research talent too) – even Smith admits: "If I were up against some of them I don't think I'd stand a chance."
Whose interests should university leaders be lobbying for behind closed doors: cash-strapped research departments or cash-strapped undergraduates? And talking of money, how can vice-chancellors balance their books in the months and years ahead without compromising the core values of their institutions?
Join our live chat Friday 2 August from 12-2pm BST to discuss what the sector needs from its university leaders in the 21st century.
Here are some points we'd like to cover:
• Visibility of vice-chancellors on campus
• Meeting the needs of staff and students
• Representing universities in the public and press
• Role of vice-chancellors in lobbying / policy making
• Internationalisation vs UK higher education brand
• Transparency of leadership and governance
• Recruitment strategies
You can also follow the debate live on Twitter using the hashtag #HElivechat
Panel
Alex Bols is executive director of the 1994 Group of 11 research-intensive, student-focused universities. @alexbols
Graham Towl is a professor, pro vice-chancellor and deputy warden at Durham University
Rosemary Deem is vice principal (education) and professor of higher education management at Royal Holloway
Tony Kelly is head of education at the University of Southampton
Johnny Rich is a consultant specialising in higher education and
media, and managing director of student information and advice
resource Push. @johnnysrich
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