It was a pleasure to attend the Western Sydney University School of Social Sciences Graduation Ceremony on Saturday, 26 October 2024. Graduation is a significant milestone for our students, their families and supporters. It is an opportunity to celebrate our graduating students' hard work, commitment and achievements, and marks both the end of an educational journey and the beginning of a lifetime of learning. Over 100 students attended receiving Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Humanities and Development Studies, Master of International Criminology, Master of Psychotherapy and Counselling, Master in Urban Management and Planning, Bachelor of Criminology, Bachelor of Cyber Security and Behaviour, Bachelor of Social Studies and many other Social Science degrees.

In her address, the University Chancellor, Professor Jennifer Westacott AO pointed out that Western Sydney University is a world-class university, globally recognised for its research strengths and innovations in teaching. Ranked in the top two per cent of universities in the world, WSU is globally focused, research-led, and committed to making a positive impact on
the communities we engage with.

Working as a Western Sydney University Professor and Director responsible for Equity and Diversity issues (2006-2020) I am particularly proud that Western Sydney University has
been named number one in the world in the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) UniversityImpact Rankings, topping the world’s leading university sustainability ranking for an unprecedented three years in a row. Western Sydney University placed first overall in Australia and internationally for its social, economic and environmental impact in the prestigious annual rankings, competing against more than 1,900 higher education institutions from 125 countries. The Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings is the main global ranking system that comprehensively assesses universities on their commitment to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Rankings
are based on universities’ teaching, research, outreach and stewardship.

As well as the overall world number-one ranking, the University was recognised in the following SDG categories:
. 1st in the world for SDG 5 Gender Equality;
. 3rd in the world for SDG 15 Life on Land;
. 4th in the world for SDG 13 Climate Action, SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals;
. 8th in the world for SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities;
. 9th in the world for SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation.

2024-10-26 WSU Graduation Ceremony