Professor Steven Warburton, President of the Council of Australasian University Leaders in Learning and Teaching (CAULLT), argues that program leaders are the pivotal link between institutional strategy and student experience in Australian higher education. Drawing on CAULLT’s perspective, he highlights the distinctive, influence-based leadership these roles demand and outlines how Enhancing Program Leadership develops capability to drive coherent curricula, collaboration and change. 

Across Australian higher education, many of the sector’s ambitions such as improving student success, enhancing teaching quality and strengthening the relevance of degrees are realised at the level of the academic program. While institutional strategies and policies set the direction, it is program leaders who translate these ambitions into coherent curricula and meaningful student learning experiences.  

Why program leaders matter for student success 

Program leaders occupy an influential position within universities. They coordinate teaching teams, oversee curriculum coherence, respond to student feedback and ensure alignment with institutional priorities and external requirements. Through these responsibilities they shape the student experience across the lifecycle of a degree, influencing engagement, progression and sense of belonging. In other words, the leadership required in these roles is distinctive.  

Navigating complexity through influence 

Program leaders typically work through influence rather than formal authority, bringing together colleagues across disciplines and professional areas to implement change. The role requires strong interpersonal skills, the ability to navigate competing priorities and a capacity to translate policy into practical implementation within complex academic environments.  

Building leadership capability through EPL 

Enhancing Program Leadership (EPL) Australia recognises both the importance and the complexity of this role and provides a structured opportunity for participants to reflect on their leadership practice, analyse learning and teaching challenges, and develop strategies for leading change.  

CAULLT’s commitment to strengthening learning and teaching leadership 

From the perspective of the Council of Australasian University Leaders in Learning and Teaching (CAULLT), initiatives such as EPL are strategically important. Program leaders are a critical layer of educational leadership within universities and their development deserves our attention.  

CAULLT’s role in supporting initiatives such as the EPL reflects its broader mission to strengthen leadership in learning and teaching across the sector. By fostering collaboration and professional development opportunities for those leading programs, CAULLT contributes to building a stronger community of practice focused on educational excellence. 

Professor Steven Warburton is President of the Council of Australasian University Leaders in Learning and Teaching (CAULLT), and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education Innovation) at the University of Newcastle, New South Wales.