University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne is an Australian public university in Melbourne, Victoria. Founded in 1853, it is Australia's second oldest university[citation needed]  and the oldest in Victoria. The main campus is located in Parkville, an inner suburb just north of the Melbourne CBD. The university also has several other campuses located across Victoria. It is a member of Australia's "Group of Eight" lobby group, the Universitas 21 and Association of Pacific Rim Universities networks. In 2010, it reported an investment fund value of A$1.173 billion and spent $767.5m on research.

The university has been placed top in Australia by the Times Higher Education Rankings (2010-2011, 2011-2012, 2012-2013), HEEACT (Higher Education Evaluation and Accreditation Council of Taiwan), and Academic Ranking of World Universities (2011 and 2012). The latest Rankings of Times Higher Education ranked The University of Melbourne No.28 in the world, up from 37 last year, ranked number two in the Asia region and 31st in the world by QS 2011-2012 ranking.

HISTORY


Melbourne University was established by Hugh Childers Auditor-General and Finance Minister in his first Budget Speech, on 4 November 1852, who set aside a sum of £10,000 for the establishment of a University. The University was established by Act of Incorporation on 22 January 1853, with power to confer degrees in arts, medicine, laws, and music. The act provided for an annual endowment of £9,000, while a special grant of £20.000 was made for buildings that year. The foundation stone was laid on 3 July 1854, and on the same day the foundation stone for the State Library Classes commenced in 1855 with three professors and sixteen students; of this body of students, only four graduated. The original buildings were officially opened by the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony of Victoria, Sir Charles Hotham, on 3 October 1855. The first chancellor, Redmond Barry (later Sir Redmond), held the position until his death in 1880.

The inauguration of the university was made possible by the wealth resulting from Victoria's gold rush. The institution was designed to be a "civilising influence" at a time of rapid settlement and commercial growth.

In 1881, the admission of women was a seen as victory over the more conservative ruling council.

The university's 150th anniversary was celebrated in 2003.

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