Shakespearean drama at ANU has many wondering who will exit stage after vice-chancellor Genevieve Bell

ANU has slipped in the QS World University Rankings, performing poorly in its employer reputation, employment outcomes and faculty-to-student ratio. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP

When Julie Bishop fronted hundreds of staff at the Australian National University to announce the vice-chancellor’s resignation on Thursday, she noted at the beginning of her chancellory address that it was R U OK? Day.

In response, the crowd laughed.