StaffNews No 292
Friday 25 January 2008
News of interest to staff of the University of Melbourne
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CONTENTS
1. Gerry Barretto Award established and Vale, Gerry Barretto
2. Gene Technology and Biosafety newsflash
3. Microsoft Select Licence renewal 2008
4. University Archives new opening hours
5. Mobile phone recycling – Mobile muster
6. Host a Japanese student
7. The Redmond Barry Fellowship
8. Information Futures Commission launch
9. Mental Health Training
10. Get Up, Stand Up - Workshop for Graduates of 2007
11. Graduate Study Expo – be part of graduate study at Melbourne in 2008
12. MU Buddhist Studies Society meditation sessions - semester 1
13. Healthy individuals and healthy patients with type 2 diabetes needed for exercise studies
14. Research Office Seminars
15. Travel Advice from Environment Health and Safety Unit
16. UniMelb Project Framework Training (1 day)
17. Staff Development Opportunities
18. What’s on highlights
19. Newsmakers
20. Career Opportunities
21. Contributing to StaffNews
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1. Gerry Barretto Award established and Vale, Gerry Barretto
At a graduation ceremony on 20 December last year, the Chancellor announced that the Gerry Barretto Award had been established in Gerry's honour and memory, and will be presented annually to a professional member of staff who demonstrates excellence in the provision of service to students.
The announcement came shortly before Gerry passed away on 22 December, after a short illness. Gerry was reportedly very pleased to hear the news of the award.
Gerry Barretto, who turned 50 last year, was Manager of Examinations, Graduations and Academic Records, and gave 30 years of service to the University.
Many associated with the University will have encountered Gerry in the role with which he is most readily identified and remembered: as the man ‘behind the throne’ in graduation ceremonies (nicknamed ‘the Hand’) who stood behind the Chancellor's chair, handing prompt sheets and certificates to the Chancellor.
Gerry's immense contribution to the University was documented at his funeral; and his professional legacy, both in the award named for him, and the years he devoted to honing examinations and graduations to provide as perfect a service as possible, will endure for many years.
Gerry will be very much missed both personally and professionally.
[Source: Alexandra Oke, Examinations, Graduations and Academic Records]
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2. Gene Technology and Biosafety newsflash
The Melbourne Research Office has two brief items to bring to the attention of those people working with GMOs or biological agents:
* Choosing the right OGTR approval
The Research Office has redesigned part of the website to make it easier for researchers to determine the type of approval required for work with genetically modified organisms. A series of flowcharts have been developed that cover the range of research that might require approval, and links from the flowcharts take you directly to the application form that you need to fill out. Head to the Gene Technology and Biosafety website, and follow the links to "What type of approval do I need?"
Feedback on the usefulness of this site is welcome and can be sent to Paul Taylor (pmt@unimelb.edu.au).
** Biohazard Laboratory Practice training available online
All staff and students working with potentially hazardous biological agents or samples that might be expected to contain them are required to complete the online Biohazard Laboratory Practice training package. Those that require training can access the presentation and the assessment at:
www.research.unimelb.edu.au/genetech/biosafety/training.
Enquiries on biohazard training: Denise Cappai (d.cappai@unimelb.edu.au).
[Source: Paul Taylor, Melbourne Research Office]
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3. Microsoft Select Licence renewal 2008
Information Services advises that any Microsoft Licences purchased through IT Procurement and Licensing’s current Microsoft Select Agreement can be renewed for a further year for Software Assurance (maintenance).
The program information, codes/pricing and list of eligible licences listed by Department Number/Name/Affiliate Name are available for download at:
www.infodiv.unimelb.edu.au/itpl/
Orders can only be processed in January 2008 through IT Procurement and Licensing.
[Source: Angela Wong, Information Services]
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4. University Archives new opening hours
The University of Melbourne Archives will be operating on reduced opening hours for 2008 due to a major collection review. The new opening hours are Wednesday 9.30am-7.30pm, Thursday and Friday 9.30am-5.30pm and, from February-November, the first Saturday of the month from 11am-5pm.
Material requests for Wednesdays will need to be submitted no later than 3pm the previous Friday. Material request for Saturdays will need to be submitted no later than 3pm the previous Thursday.
Contact Archives to place a request for material or to discuss research needs (archives@ archives.unimelb.edu.au / 8344 9893 / 8344 6848).
More information on the collection review is at:
www.lib.unimelb.edu.au/collections/archives/about/UMA_notice%20_2008.pdf
[Source: Jason Benjamin, Information Services]
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5. Mobile phone recycling – Mobile muster
As part of the University’s Sustainability Campaign, EH&S wants to help recycle some of the estimated 16 million old mobile phones around the world that are no longer being used. Staff can deposit old mobile phones in the mobilemuster clear plastic receptacle, located in the Student Union Building next to the lifts.
Anyone unable to get to the Student Union can send old mobile phones through internal mail marked to the attention of:
Mobile Phone Recycling Program
Environment, Health & Safety Unit
2nd Floor, 11-13 Lincoln Square South.
Internal envelopes must weigh no more than 2kg.
[Source: Danielle Rostan-Herbert, Environment Health and Safety Unit]
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6. Host a Japanese student
The Australian Centre coordinates a short term academic and cultural program for visiting students from Kobe University (Japan) and is currently looking for people willing to host a student for 3 weeks from 16 February until 8 March 2008.
The program allows the host to get acquainted with a different culture and allows students to practice English and experience day-to-day living in an Australian household. Students are university age (19 – 21 years), and attend a mix of language and cultural classes on campus during the week. Hosts provide room and board during the program and are remunerated $220 per week.
More information and registration: Luke Rungie (8344 8226/ l lrungie@unimelb.edu.au).
[Source: Luke Rungie, The Australian Centre]
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7. The Redmond Barry Fellowship
The Redmond Barry Fellowship is named in honour of Sir Redmond Barry (1813-1880), a founder of the University of Melbourne and the State Library of Victoria. Valued at $20,000, the Fellowship is open to scholars and writers to facilitate research and the production of works of literature that utilise the collections of the State Library of Victoria and the University of Melbourne.
Guidelines and application forms are available at:
www.research.unimelb.edu.au/admin/fellowships/redmondbarry/
Enquiries: Jacqui Wardell, Research Office (8344 2058 / jacquiw@unimelb.edu.au).
Applications close Thursday 24 April.
[Source: Cavell Ferrier, Melbourne Research Office]
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8. Information Futures Commission launch
Members of the University community are invited to attend the launch by the Vice-Chancellor of the Information Futures Commission (IFC) at 9.30am on Tuesday 29 January in the Woodward Centre (Level 10, Melbourne Law School).
The launch will be marked by a presentation from the first of a number of ‘thinkers’ on libraries and scholarly technologies - Mr Richard Katz, Vice-President of EDUCAUSE, a US-based non-profit association to advance higher education by promoting the intelligent use of information technology. Mr Katz is also Director of the EDUCAUSE Centre for Applied Research (ECAR).
He will outline findings from recent ECAR research on the use of information and communication technologies in universities. He will consider the implications of this and reflect on the future.
The Information Futures Commission will examine international trends in libraries and scholarly technologies, review the University’s current capability, and consult widely to develop an inspiring and deliverable information strategy for the next decade.
More information: www.informationfutures.unimelb.edu.au
[Sourcd: Margaret Ruwoldt, IFC Project Team]
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9. Mental Health Training
The first round of mental health training available to all staff begins at the end of February, with registration through Themis.
Training sessions can also be tailored for staff teams who may share common concerns, experiences, resource issues and training needs.
Enquiries: Sue Durham or Bryan Jeffrey, Mental Health Training Coordinators (8344 6927).
The sessions are as follows:
* Introduction to Mental Health: Wednesday 27 February, 1-4pm
* Mental Health First Aid - Day 1: Thursday 28 February, 9.30am-4.30pm
* Mental Health First Aid - Day 2: Friday 29 February, 9.30am-4.30pm
* Depression & Suicide: Monday 3 March, 9.30am-12.30pm
* Drugs & Alcohol: Tuesday 4 March, 9.30am-12.30pm
* Anxiety: Wednesday 5 March, 9.30am-12.30pm
* Psychosis: Thursday 6 March, 9.30am-12.30pm
* Personality Disorders: Thursday 27 March, 9.30am-12.30pm
* Self harm: Friday 28 March, 9.30am-12.30pm.
[Source: Sue Durham, Mental Health Training Coordinator]
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10. Get Up, Stand Up - Workshop for Graduates of 2007
Careers & Employment have initiated a half day workshop for recent graduates who are still looking for employment, to be held Thursday 14 February from 9am-1pm.
Participants will work in small groups to allow for skills-based activities. The sessions will cover exploring the job market, writing applications and practicing interview skills. Attendance is free but graduates need to register to secure their place and bring their student ID on the day. Booking through ‘Careers Online’ opens on 31 January.
More information: Yovanna Adamis, Careers Consultant (8344 9880 / yadamis@unimelb.edu.au) or download the program timetable from the C&E website at: www.services.unimelb.edu.au/careers/student/programs/getup.html
[Source: Yovanna Adamis, Careers & Employment]
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11. Graduate Study Expo – be part of graduate study at Melbourne in 2008
The Graduate Study Expo will be held on Wednesday 30 January from 4–7pm at the Sofitel Hotel (The Terrace Room) - 25 Collins Street, Melbourne.
Staff considering further study can discover the many opportunities available through graduate study at the University of Melbourne. With over 340 professional development programs across many different study areas, the choice is extensive.
The Graduate Study Expo will provide an opportunity for attendees to apply for graduate programs. Expert admissions staff will be on hand to assist with on-the-spot applications and make conditional offers for selected graduate programs.
More information and online registration: www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/grad/info/news.html#gradstudexpo
Enquiries: grad-events@unimelb.edu.au
[Source: Marlena Mende, Graduate Marketing & Recruitment]
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12. MU Buddhist Studies Society meditation sessions - semester 1
* Introduction to Buddhist Meditation (6 or 8 weeks) - Monday lunchtime at 1.15–2pm from 18 February and 21 April, and Wednesday at 1.15–2pm from 27 February and 23 April. No experience necessary.
* Further Explorations in Buddhist Meditation (6 or 8 weeks) - Tuesday at 1.15-2pm from 19 February and 22 April. Some experience necessary.
* Open Meditation Sessions (ongoing) - Tuesday at 8–9am, Thursday at 8–9am from 29 January. All welcome. Join or leave at anytime during the hour.
More information: Tharu Bowala (tharu.bowala@gmail.com).
[Source: Bill Genat, Centre for Health and Society]
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13. Healthy individuals and healthy patients with type 2 diabetes needed for exercise studies
Researchers at the Department of Physiology are conducting a study to determine if a single bout of exercise activates skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis and GLUT4 expression normally in people with type 2 diabetes.
Both healthy individuals and healthy patients with type 2 diabetes aged 35-60 who do not currently partake in endurance exercise training are needed to participate in the study.
The study involves pre-participation screening, cycling exercise on a stationary ergometer, blood tests, and muscle and fat sampling by needle biopsy.
HDAC approved study No: 050658.
[Source: Sophie Yeo, Department of Physiology]
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14. Research Office Seminars
Further details and registration at:
www.research.unimelb.edu.au/infosessions/
* Heart Foundation Research Program - information seminar - Tuesday 29 January, 12.30-2pm, Theatre 2, level 1, Alan Gilbert Building.
* Writing an NHMRC Project Grants application - Thursday 31 January, 1-2pm, Theatre 2, Alan Gilbert Building.
* Themis Grants and Contracts for Administrators (Part 1 – Submissions and Proposals) - Wednesday 6 February, 10am-12noon, ITC Training Labs, 780 Elizabeth Street.
* NHMRC Project Grants - Completing the InformedFiller form - Thursday 7 February, 1-2pm, Theatre 2, Alan Gilbert Building.
[Jane Pontikis, Melbourne Research Office]
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15. 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: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Azerbaijan, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Chile, Croatia, Cuba, Ethiopia, Fiji, Guinea, India, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Liberia, Mauritania, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palau, Peru, Portugal, Qatar, Senegal, Somalia, Spain and Sri Lanka.
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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16. UniMelb Project Framework Training (1 day)
A one-day introductory training course is now available for 'Project Management Framework', which is aligned with PRINCE2 and international standards in Project Management. This training is offered to project staff, IS staff and all University of Melbourne staff who expect to use the framework to direct or manage projects. It is suited to staff who have an understanding of project management and want an introduction to the flexible and scaleable framework and toolset provided by the project framework.
The course will be held on Tuesday 5 February. Enrolment is via Themis and closes on Thursday 31 January.
More information (including timings, venue and enrolment):
www.infodiv.unimelb.edu.au/project-office/framework/training.html
[Source: John Cain, Project Office, Information Services]
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17. Staff Development Opportunities
Places are available in the following staff development programs. Enrol via Themis Self Service > Training and Development. For information on searching and enrolling in courses see: www.themis.unimelb.edu.au/support/help/ref_cards_HR.html#train
Development Opportunities 2008 will be available on the HR website at the end of the month.
* 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. Friday 8 February, 9am-1pm.
* Recruitment Administration: e-recruitment - for nominated department recruitment administrators, department managers (or equivalent) who would like to utilise e-recruitment, a comprehensive software system that enables the University to create an effective and responsive recruitment process. Thursday 14 February, 9am-1pm.
* 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).
* Professional Staff Orientation - for Professional and Academic staff new to the University and provides an overview of University history and strategic agenda as well as broad operational issues. Friday 7 March, 9am-4.30pm.
[Source: Amy Bugeja, Human Resources]
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18. What’s on highlights
events.unimelb.edu.au/
‘1968: FORTY YEARS ON' SYMPOSIUM: Eras Journal and the Melbourne Historical Journal will mark the 40th anniversary of the dramatic year 1968 with an inter-disciplinary symposium on Friday 8 February from 8.30am-5.30pm in the Gryphon Gallery, 1888 Building. The symposium will bring together researchers interested in the historical, political and social analyses of this tumultuous year that included student protests in Mexico City, Prague, Paris and the United States, intensified public opposition to the war in Vietnam, the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr and Robert Kennedy, and violent demonstrations at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. It will also look at the broader themes of activism and revolution.
[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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19. Newsmakers
Selected University of Melbourne staff in the news:
Anne-Wil Harzing (Management and Marketing) has commented on the proposed review of research funding. The Australian Higher Education, 23 January.
Hugh Taylor (Centre for Eye Research Australia) has been interviewed about eye health and care. ABC 774, 19 January.
Lachlan de Crespigny (Obstetrics and Gynaecology) has commented on findings that abortion laws can sometimes prevent women from being able to access a termination when a serious foetus abnormality is found. Courier Mail, 21 January and widely reported in the national news media.
Michael Keough (Zoology) has commented on the need for marine life to be monitored as the bay is dredged. The Age, 19 January.
Snow Barlow (Agriculture and Food Systems) has commented on the need for greater food production to avoid famine. Herald Sun, 18 January and widely reported in the national news media.
[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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20. Career Opportunities
www.hr.unimelb.edu.au/careers/
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21. Contributing to StaffNews
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This week’s StaffNews was edited by Katherine Smith.
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