The University of Adelaide Student Learning Hub: a case study of education co-creation

Abstract

In 2009, the University of Adelaide embarked on a co-creation process,with the aim of providing the best on-campus experience within theAustralian national tertiary sector for all our students. Completed inSeptember 2011, on time and on budget, the project involved more than9,000 individual student hours of consultation and over 3,000 hours ofstaff participation and discussion, and acted as a catalyst for aprofound change in the relationship between the university and itsstudents.The construction of a $41.8 million student learning hub (the Hub)enabled the university to develop and implement an innovative method forconsulting with its student population. By involving the university-widestudent cohort, via a number of mechanisms throughout the life of theproject, the university has given ownership of the Hub's final outcometo those for whom it is intended, the students.Located in the `heart' of the university's main campus on North Terrace,the new dedicated learning space now supports up to 25,000 undergraduateand postgraduate students enrolled at the University of Adelaide. Itbrings together informal learning and social spaces with studentinformation services and food and service retail outlets. It integrateswith the Barr Smith Library and provides new connections through toexisting lecture theatres and across campus.