[2] It was established in 1976 as the Australian Institute of Tertiary Education Administrators (AITEA), changing its name in 1996.
[3] Its members are employed at organisations across the tertiary academic environment in Australasia, including universities, TAFE[clarification needed] institutes, polytechnics and wanangas, private providers, government departments and other related organisations.
[4] Currently, ATEM publishes the Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management six times annually, in collaboration with the LH Martin Institute for Higher Education Leadership and Management.
Full-time tertiary education administrators emerged as a distinct role in Australia from the mid-1970s, as institutions sought to deal with their increasing size and complexity, along with a broadening of their aspirations.
ATEM connects, supports and challenges people, institutions and disciplines, supports them to develop their management skills and knowledge, and challenges the sector to recognise the professional nature of tertiary education management.