StaffNews No 296
Friday 22 February 2008
News of interest to staff of the University of Melbourne
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CONTENTS
1. Orientation Program
2. Mail deliveries and collections
3. Email scams – a message from IT Security Services
4. Conferring of Degree ceremonies: March and April 2008
5. Reconciliation network seeks interested staff
6. Visions season 2 online
7. Travelling scholarships applications open
8. Join the conversation about the University’s Information Futures
9. Chaplaincy news
10. LMS drop-in support sessions
11. Ten free places for staff in Melbourne GSM programs
12. Training Services and Development Unit courses
13. Business Planning Workshop – Staff Data
14. All semester 1 LMS subjects made 'available' – 22 February
15. Australasian Research Management Society - University corporate membership
16. Training in mindfulness meditation and public speaking
17. Research Office seminars
18. Staff development opportunities
19. Travel Advice from Environment Health and Safety Unit
20. What’s on highlights
21. Newsmakers
22. Career opportunities
23. Contributing to StaffNews
A web version of StaffNews is available at:
uninews.unimelb.edu.au/subindex.php?pubType=4
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1. Orientation Program
The Orientation Program runs from 26-29 February, with some Graduate Orientation programs having already started. Information about the programs, and what to expect on each day, is available at www.services.unimelb.edu.au/transition/
The week will be filled with academic and social events as the University welcomes thousands of commencing students, with the help of hundreds of staff, volunteer students and the student associations.
One of the major changes to Orientation this year is the relocation of the Student Services Carnival to the South Lawn, running from 2.30–6pm and followed by entertainment until 8pm. The set up of this major event will begin on Monday, with pack up to occur on Wednesday. Delivery and installation vehicles and activities will be contained within marked areas to keep pedestrians safe, but please be aware of large vehicles entering Gate 11 and 12 and moving around the vicinity on those days. A loading bay will be marked out at the west side of Old Arts, so please take care in the area.
Some parking spaces in the carpark between the Baldwin Spencer and Union buildings will be reserved for external suppliers on 26 February, so staff who normally park there may need to find alternative parking on that day.
Students with general enquiries during the week can be directed to the Orientation program, or to the Welcome Centre in Wilson Hall.
Enquiries: Kathryn Boin (8344 3897 / kboin@unimelb.edu.au).
[Source: Kathryn Boin, Transition and Orientation Programs]
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2. Mail deliveries and collections
New procedures for the delivery and collection of mail are to commence on Monday 18 February. The new procedures will initially be implemented on the main campus only and will see mail delivered and collected by dedicated mail delivery staff, instead of by the building supervision staff.
The first delivery of mail will commence once the sorting of the once daily delivery of mail from Australia Post is completed. Deliveries will be made to the current delivery points in each on-campus building in the morning, and the collection of outgoing mail will take place in the afternoon, in time for the mail to be returned to the University Mailroom by 3pm. This allows time for it to be processed prior to being collected by Australia Post (Domestic Mail) and Spring Global Mail (International Mail).
While Property and Campus Services is confident that the transition from the current arrangement will be smooth, there may be some minor problems with the implementation of the new procedures, as new staff members are involved and understanding and assistance should any mail related issues arise is requested.
Enquiries: Tony Campbell, Operations Manager, Facility Services (0425 775 387) or Alan Smith, Manager, Facility Services (8344 8221).
[Source: Alan Smith, Property & Campus Services]
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3. Email scams – a message from IT Security Services
IT Security Services advises that industry standard email is inherently insecure. False emails are easily created and can be easily and widely delivered. These are the main reasons why email spam and email scams are still rampant.
Staff are advised not to respond to emails requesting sensitive information. The University will never request sensitive information via email. Be wary of unsolicited emails, especially those purporting to be from the University, banks and other financial institutions.
Do not provide any sensitive information, follow any links, download or execute attachments in unsolicited emails. Please report any such emails via the webform at the IT Security website, or call the Information Services Service Desk (8344 0888).
Within the University, the Service Desk in Information Services is in charge of sending emails on alerts and announcements.
Anyone who has sent any sensitive information (for example, their password) in response to an unsolicited email, should change the sensitive information immediately.
[Source: George Ng, IT Security Services, Information Services]
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4. Conferring of Degree ceremonies: March and April 2008
The Chancellor, Ian Renard, encourages members of the academic staff to participate in academic processions for graduation ceremonies in March, April and May 2008.
Graduation ceremonies are among the most important functions of the University’s year as they demonstrate to parents and the wider community the achievements of students after years of intensive study and hard work. These are the young people who are destined to become the community’s leaders and it will be their success that will reflect the quality of the learning and education provided by the University’s outstanding Academic staff.
Staff wishing to participate in an academic procession can nominate at the following web site: www.unimelb.edu.au/graduation/procession.html.
The dates of ceremonies and the RSVP dates for each are listed on the website. Late applications cannot be accepted. The first ceremony will be held on 15 March.
[Source: Ann Knight, Protocol & Events]
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5. Reconciliation network seeks interested staff
Following last week’s historic government apology to the stolen generations, and the University’s apology, there is wide recognition that these symbolic actions should be translated into action to redress the disadvantage endured by so many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Staff and students interested in furthering reconciliation on campus are invited to join a network to plan events and activities. Interested staff can send contact details to Deborah Vallance in the School of Population Health (deborahv@unimelb.edu.au).
[Source: Deborah Valance, Population Health]
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6. Visions season 2 online
Season 2 of the University of Melbourne's Visions is underway in 2008, with Episode 23 overall set to go live this Monday morning. This episode, takes a closer look at a research project completed by the University of Melbourne and the Royal Melbourne Hospital where researchers have successfully trialed a blood test which helps emphysema patients avoid sudden and severe coughing attacks and visits to hospital emergency rooms. The second story looks at a university study into purchase intentions behind organic food - just why do consumers buy chemical free fruit and vegetables?
To watch this episode, or any in the archive, go to visions.unimelb.edu.au.
Got a story with good visuals? Let Visions producers know at:
www.marcom.unimelb.edu.au/media/gotastory.html
[Source: David Scott]
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7. Travelling scholarships applications open
The Melbourne Scholarships Office is currently taking applications for the Melbourne Abroad Travelling Scholarship (MATS), and the Postgraduate Overseas Research Experience Scholarship (PORES).
MATS assist PhD and other research doctorate students to travel overseas to conduct academically justifiable research that is relevant, but not essential, to the completion of the student's thesis.
The PORES scheme assists PhD and other research doctorate students gain international experience as part of their research higher degree training and to consolidate research links with overseas universities and institutions.
Applications and guidelines are available from the Melbourne Scholarships Office, Level 3, John Smyth Building (8344 8747) or can be downloaded from the scholarships website at: cms.services.unimelb.edu.au/scholarships/pgrad/available/travelling
Applications must be lodged with the Melbourne Scholarships Office by 5.15pm 31 March.
[Source: Rebecca Evans, Melbourne Scholarships Office]
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8. Join the conversation about the University’s Information Futures
Growing Esteem has set the vision for the University's core activities: research, learning and teaching, and knowledge transfer. It is now time to make choices about how the University wishes to support scholarly endeavours through libraries and scholarly technologies.
What should our library of the future look like? What types of learning spaces do we need to foster scholarship? What research infrastructure do we need in a digital world? Do we think we should open up free access to our scholarship through the Internet? What are our responsibilities as a custodian of Victorian and Australian heritage collections?
Chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, the Information Futures Commission will facilitate a University-wide conversation about these and other questions during the next few months.
Staff, students and other interested people are invited to participate by attending forums and other events, commenting in the weblog, asking questions and making suggestions about topics of particular interest.
A consultation paper will be released on 29 February, outlining some of the questions to be addressed. This will be followed in March, April and May by discussion papers on each of the three Growing Esteem strands.
More information:
www.informationfutures.unimelb.edu.au/
[Source: Margaret Ruwoldt, Information Futures Commission]
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9. Chaplaincy news
Father Michael McKenna, Catholic Chaplain to the University of Melbourne advises that Catholic Mass on campus will resume on Tuesday 26 March at 1.15pm in Old Physics G18 (Conference Room 2) and thereafter on every Thursday and Tuesday of the term.
Wes Campbell (University Chaplain and Uniting Church minister) advises that an ecumenical lunchtime prayer service will be held on Wednesday during semester (1.15-1.45pm) beginning on Wednesday 5 March. This service is offered to all University staff and students, and led by the Revd Dr Wes Campbell. It will be held in Conference Room 3 in the Old Physics Building.
With the assistance of the Wellbeing Services and the Administration of the Student Union, University Chaplains now have a new office in Union House on the third floor above the South Dining Room. Beginning from 18 February a chaplain will be in the office, Monday-Friday (approx 10-4pm). Staff may obtain further directions and a mobile number from the Information Desk in the Union. The chaplaincy will continue at 138 Cardigan Street - the new Union Office is an additional chaplaincy meeting place.
More information: (8344 6034 / wesleyc@unimelb.edu.au).
[Source: Michael McKenna and Wes Campbell, Chaplaincy]
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10. LMS drop-in support sessions
The LMS Academic Support team will hold drop-in support sessions for staff on Monday 25 February to Friday 29 February from 10am-12pm in the LMS training studio (ground floor, Elisabeth Murdoch Building). There will be members of the team available to assist with LMS queries, including getting subjects up and running, and using the new tools in the LMS.
The studio is equipped with laptops and wireless network access, and refreshments will be available. No appointment necessary - just drop in for a chat!
[Source: Lauren Miller, Learning Environments]
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11. Ten free places for staff in Melbourne GSM programs
The Faculty of Economics and Commerce is offering University staff free places in programs offered at the Melbourne Graduate School of Management. This is an ideal way to support the retention of talented staff, and recognition initiatives within the University.
There are 10 places on offer, free of charge to staff supported by a Dean or VP. Details of programs are at the Melbourne GSM Student Centre, 4th floor Alan Gilbert Building or online at: www.ecom.unimelb.edu.au/mgsm/programs/programs.html
Nominated staff must meet the entry requirements of their selected course.
Completed applications and a letter of support from the respective Dean or VP must be submitted to the Melbourne GSM by 29 February. Applications will be reviewed by the Associate Dean (Academic Programs) and successful applicants will be contacted shortly after the closing date. The Melbourne GSM apologises for the short turnaround times.
There are no FBT implications for staff if the enrolment in the program is for professional development purposes and there is a direct link between the program and the current work of the staff member.
More information: Brooke Young, Executive Director of the Melbourne GSM (8344 2166).
[Source: Veronika Gouskova, Faculty of Economics and Commerce]
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12. Training Services and Development Unit courses
Training Services and Development Unit are accepting enrolments in to the following programs:
* 12 and 19 March - Finance for Non-Finance Managers: a 2 day program to help empower managers and administrators with tools for today’s financial management and planning context.
TAA40104 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
TAA50104 Diploma of Training and Assessment
BSB51004 Diploma of Business (Frontline Management)
Business Etiquette – This is a 1 day program to assist anyone who plans on working their way up the corporate ladder.
Call Denise (8344 9492) or Linnea (8444 9532) or access: www.edfac.unimelb.edu.au/tsd
[Source: Denise Porter, Training Services and Development Unit]
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13. Business Planning Workshop – Staff Data
Staff of Faculties, University Services and the Office of the Provost are invited to attend an information session on Tuesday 26 February from 2-3pm at the eZone 103 Theatre, in the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, Level 1.
The session will discuss Themis Human Resource staff data for business planning purposes including:
* Presenter Tom Vlahiotis will speak on DEEWR (previously DEST) staff data. This is useful for planning purposes as standard format allows for trend analysis over years and between institutions.
* Presenters Jan Dethlefs and Guy Edwards will speak on the THEMIS report – snapshot as of 30 November 2007 for FTFFT staff and full year for casual staff for 2005 to 2007 available through an interactive staff profile page on the UPO website.
Staff from the HR Themis team will be available at the workshop.
Advise Louisa D’Amico (l.damico@unimelb.edu.au) of the names of those attending by close of business on Friday, 22 February.
[Source: Louisa D’Amico, University Planning Office]
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14. All semester 1 LMS subjects made 'available' – 22 February
On Friday 22 February all subjects in the LMS are being automatically made available to view for enrolled students. Additionally, LMS subjects previously delivered (eg semester 2, 2007) will be made unavailable. Any LMS subjects currently available to students will not be affected by this change.
More tips about preparing LMS subjects for the start of semester are at:
www.lms.unimelb.edu.au/news/
[Source: Deborah Jones, LMS Academic Support]
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15. Australasian Research Management Society - University corporate membership
The Melbourne Research Office is canvassing interest among researchers and research administrators to take up an opportunity to join the University's ARMS corporate membership.
ARMS is a dynamic, young, not-for profit association supporting the professional development of research managers and administrators and promoting the profession of research management.
Contact Jacqui Wardell (jacquiw@unimelb.edu.au) at the Melbourne Research Office by 31 March to indicate interest. Existing members are invited to re-confirm if they wish to participate in the 2008 membership.
[Source: Jacqui Wardell, Melbourne Research Office]
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16. Training in mindfulness meditation and public speaking
An 8-week course (April and May 2008) in either mindfulness meditation or public speaking is being offered as part of a PhD project. Instructors have training in clinical psychology.
Participants will be randomly assigned to either training program.
The same programs were run last year and were very well-received.
Contact: Esta Kanellopoulos, School of Behavioural Science (e.kanellopoulos@pgrad.unimelb.edu.au).
Human Research Ethics Committee approved study No: 0714182
[Source: Efstathia Kanellopoulos, Behavioural Science]
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17. Research Office seminars
Further details and registration at:
www.research.unimelb.edu.au/infosessions/
* Themis Grants and Contracts for Administrators (Part 1 Submissions and Proposals) - Wednesday 5 March, 10am-12pm, ITC Training Labs, 780 Elizabeth Street.
* How to determine what regulatory approvals you need for your research
- Thursday 6 Mar, 1-2pm, Theatre 2, Alan Gilbert Building.
*How to obtain ethics approval for research or teaching involving the use of animals - Thursday 13 March, 1-2pm, Theatre 4, Alan Gilbert Building.
* ARC Linkage Project Application Writing Workshop (Part One) - Monday 17 March, 1-2pm, Theatre 3, Alan Gilbert Building.
* How to obtain ethics approval for research involving human participants - Wednesday 19 March, 1-2pm, Theatre 2, Alan Gilbert Building.
* ARC Linkage Project Application Writing Workshop (Part Two - Budget) - Thursday 20 March, 1-2pm, Theatre 2, Alan Gilbert Building.
[Source: Jane Pontikis, Melbourne Research Office]
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18. Staff development opportunities
Online bookings are now available in Themis Self-Service for the various 2008 Staff Development programs. Staff can access the latest development information on the newly designed 2008 Calendar of Programs, available on the HR website: www.hr.unimelb.edu.au/development/programs.
Upcoming courses in March are:
* Copyright and Teaching - For all professional and academic staff, this course introduces staff to their copyright rights and obligations when producing teaching materials. Wednesday 27 February, 10-11am. Contact: Helen Thomson (8344 6647).
* Recruitment & Selection for University Staff - For Academic and Professional staff (Level B/HEW 7 and above) who anticipate being involved in a selection exercise within the next 4 months. Thursday 13 March, 9am to 1pm.
* Stress Management: Theory to Practice - All Professional and Academic staff who wish to enhance wellbeing and minimise the disruptive effects of stress in their lives. The workshop, which invites active participation, includes an outline of the psychology and physiology of stress, and the healthy and necessary role played by having some level of stimulation in our lives. Friday 14 March, 9am-1pm.
[Source: Amy Bugeja, Human Resources]
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19. Travel Advice from Environment Health and Safety Unit
The Environment Health and Safety Unit advises staff that DFAT has changed its information on traveling to: Lebanon, Serbia, Afghanistan, Austria, Macau, Oman, Israel, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, Central African Republic, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, Bolivia, Pakistan, Paraguay, Comoros and Kosovo.
This most recent DFAT advice may be viewed at:
www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/
For further information on the University's Overseas Travel Policy refer to:
www.pb.unimelb.edu.au/ehs/travel/index.php3
[Source: Belinda Rule, Environment Health and Safety Unit]
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20. What’s on highlights
events.unimelb.edu.au/
VCA MUSIC IMPROVISATION STREAM MASTERCLASS: Renowned SANTANA percussionist and recording artist Paul Rekow, an integral part of the Santana band since 1976, will give a masterclass for VCA Music Improvisation Stream students – free and open to ALL staff and students of the University - on Tuesday 26 February at 10am in Room 216, VCA Music, 234 St Kilda Road, Southbank. Enquiries: 9685 9423 / vca-concerts@unimelb.edu.au.
CCCS SEMINAR: Associate Professor James Kelly, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec will give a free public seminar on ‘Twenty-Five Years under the Canadian Charter of Rights: Problematic Dialogue and an Unfinished Rights Revolution' on Thursday 28 February at 1-2pm in Room 920, Level 9, Melbourne Law School. A light lunch will be provided. Enquiries: Madeline Grey (8344 1011 / law-cccs@unimelb.edu.au).
CHS SEMINAR SERIES: Toni Bauman, Visiting Fellow, Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies will give a lecture on ‘The business of process in Indigenous agreement-making, decision-making and dispute management’ on Thursday 28 February, 1-2pm, Room 410, Centre for Health and Society, Level 4, 207 Bouverie Street. Enquiries: omazel@unimelb.edu.au
OPERA PERFORMANCE: Next week University of Melbourne staff and students will present the Australian premiere of Erwin and Elmire, an opera composed in 1776 by one of European history’s most cultivated and influential female figures, the Duchess Anna Amalia, to a text by JW von Goethe. Conducted by Faculty of Music Research Fellow Dr Peter Tregear, directed by Gert Reifarth, lecturer in German Studies at the School of Languages and Linguistics, and supported by the Faculty of Music, the opera will be held on Friday 29 February and Saturday 1 March at 7.30pm in the Central Hall, 20-22 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. Tickets are $35 Full, $15 Student/Concession. Bookings tel: 9348 7477, or at the door.
FACULTY OF MUSIC FREE LUNCH HOUR CONCERT SERIES: The Faculty of Music Free Lunch Hour Concert Series commences on Monday 3 March. Concerts run from 1.10 – 2pm and are held each Monday of teaching weeks. Lunch Hour Concert Series and other concert event information is at: www.music.unimelb.edu.au/events/concerts/
CHEMISTRY LECTURE: Dame Julia Higgins, Professor of Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering & Technology, Imperial College, London, UK will present the 2008 Lady Masson Lecture on ‘Tangling with Long Molecules’ on Wednesday 5 March at 5pm in the Masson Theatre in the School of Chemistry. Synthetic polymers are a part of our daily lives: packaging, clothing, transport, sport – the list is endless. They are all around us, yet rarely is the question asked “Why so ubiquitous, what is so special?” Enquiries: Mychelle Densley (mdensley@unimelb.edu.au).
AWCUM EVENT – INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY: The Association of Women on the Campus of the University of Melbourne invites staff to celebrate International Womens’ Day on Thursday 6 March at 5:15 pm at University House. Refreshments to wind down after work will be served, with some insights into what women in the workforce have achieved over the decades. Cost for the event will be $5.00. RSVP to Alison Hunt-Sturman (8344 9982 / asturman@unimelb.edu.au).
CLINICAL COMPETENCE CONFERENCE: The 13th Ottawa International Conference on Clinical Competence (Ozzawa) will be held 5-8 March at the Melbourne Convention Centre. Sponsored by the University of Melbourne, Monash and Deakin Universities, Melbourne will host the largest conference on medical education ever held in Australia. Keynote speakers include Michael Greco, who has been assisting the UK government to develop patient-based assessments of doctors, and Maxine Papadakis, whose work on medical professionalism links behaviour in medical school to performance of practicing physicians. The conference will also feature presentations on issues such as medical school selection, undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum reform and Indigenous health education. More information: www.ozzawa13.com/. Contact: Agnes Dodds (8344 0183 / agnesed@unimelb.edu.au).
SCHOOL OF HISTORICAL STUDIES 2008 FREE PUBLIC LECTURE SERIES: The School of Historical Studies is holding the second of its popular public lecture series featuring a range of fascinating topics from some of Australia’s leading historians, conservators and classicists. These lectures are free and open to all. They include: Tony Sagona on ‘The Earliest Temples on Earth: New Perspectives on Life in the Neolithic’ on 19 March; Robyn Sloggett on ‘Cultural Forensics: Trade Secrets in Art Authentication’ on 2 April; Andy Brown-May on ‘The City as Encyclopedia: Lessons from Melbourne’s urban past’ on 16 April; and Michael Cathcart on ‘The Water Dreamers of Australia’ on 30 April. All lectures will be held in Elisabeth Murdoch Theatre A, and begin at 6.30pm. More information: www.historical-studies.unimelb.edu.au/events/
[Events taking place in the week following each edition are prioritised. Other events will be included where there is sufficient space].
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21. Newsmakers
Selected University of Melbourne staff in the news:
David Williams (Pathology) has discussed development of anti-venom in Papua New Guinea. ABC1 (Foreign Correspondent), 19 February.
Hyam Rubenstein (Mathematics and Statistics) has commented on funding for mathematics in universities. The Australian, 20 February.
Scott Laidlaw (Botany) has commented on plant consumption of carbon dioxide. Channel 10 (Scope), 18 February.
Jack Keating (Education) has commented on the resurgence of vocational training in high schools. The Age, 18 February.
Rowan Wilken (Historical Studies) has discussed his book 'The Practise and Pathologies of Photocopying'. The Age, 16 February.
[Newsmakers is a small, representative selection of University staff comment reported in the news media. Daily media monitoring reports may be obtained from the Media Unit by emailing: news@media.unimelb.edu.au]
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22. Career opportunities
www.hr.unimelb.edu.au/careers/
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23. Contributing to StaffNews
Email to by 5pm Wednesday for inclusion Friday the same week with “Item for StaffNews” in the subject header.
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NOTE: Items that are of a general interest nature only, such as lectures, shows or exhibitions must be around 50-80 words, and be presented in the following style:
LECTURE ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM: Professor Wilfred Janig, the Allan and Maria Myers Visiting Fellow in the Howard Florey Institute will give a lecture for the St Mary’s and Newman College Academic Centre Outreach Program on “The Function of the Autonomic Nervous System in Health and Disease” on Monday 15 October at 5-6pm in the Oratory of Newman College. Enquiries: director@academiccentre.stmarys.newman.unimelb.edu.au
Archived editions of StaffNews are at:
uninews.unimelb.edu.au/archive_sn.php
This week’s StaffNews was edited by: Katherine Smith.
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