University Improves Flexibility
[ The University of Melbourne Voice Vol. 3, No. 3
9 June - 13 July 2008 ] By Rod Warnecke
Elite student-athletes at the University of Melbourne will benefit from a new program allowing greater opportunities to combine studies with sport
The University of Melbourne joined the Australian Sports Commission’s Elite Athlete Friendly University program late last month. The program will support elite student-athletes studying at university by providing flexible study and assessment options. Participation in the program acknowledges that academic study combined with elite sporting performance is not only laudable, but also directly enhances the reputation of the University.
Professor Peter McPhee officially launched the University’s role in the program at Melbourne University Sport in late May. Professor McPhee highlighted the importance that sport plays in the Melbourne Experience, especially from a social perspective where friendships are made from participation in club and university sport.
He also commended faculties and department staff who had previously assisted the University’s elite student-athletes to manage their sport and study, while noting that a new policy for Elite Athletes and Performers (assistance will also be available to students performing in the arts at an elite level) will provide formal guidelines for University staff to follow rather than relying on their knowledge of a student’s particular sporting circumstances.
“Until now, our students who were elite athletes had to ask academics for help with their load on a case by case basis. This program commits the University and its staff to endeavor to be as flexible as possible to student interests. It will be something that not just backs up students, but also our staff.
“It’s a significant decision, but the University takes being an athlete-friendly University very seriously.”
The Elite Athlete Friendly University program will specifically assist student-athletes who have been selected to represent Victoria and/or Australia in their chosen sport, as well as student-athletes who have a scholarship with a state or national institute or academy of sport.
Discretion provided to these student-athletes may include, where practical, alternative examination arrangements, renegotiation of assessment deadlines, timetabling planning and flexibility about class attendance requirements, deferment, leave of absence and cross-institutional study.
It is expected that 30–40 elite student-athletes will have some level of program assistance this year. Mountain-biker Lachlan Norris (Science) has been able to cross-institutional study on his way to fourth place in the World University Cycling Championship in The Netherlands.
World University Rowing Championship competitors Georgie Harvey (Architecture)) and Simon Booth (Landscape Architecture) have been assisted with course unit deferment due to interstate relocation, while Hockey player Lucy Ockenden was able to renegotiate an assessment deadline while she was competing in the Australian Championship.
The University’s Elite Athlete Friendly University status may also assist in Australia’s medal tally at the Beijing Olympic Games. Kim Crow (Law/Media Communications) will be rowing in the women’s Pair at the Games, while Sarah Tait (Natural Resource Management) is a member of the women’s Eight.
Angela Darby (Architecture) will be Australia’s sole female representative in the Modern Pentathlon, and Water Polo player Victoria Brown (Property & Construction) is vying for a goal-keeper’s spot in the yet-to-be-named Stingers team.
“It is fantastic that the Uni has jumped on board with the program - it certainly will assist me while I study in Queensland as part of my training with the Australian squad”, said Brown.
And this from rower Kim Crow about the University’s launch of the program:
“That’s fantastic! Sorry, I will be in Europe preparing for the Austria World Cup so won’t be able to make the launch. Definitely so glad though that it is all happening!”
As a major stakeholder in the program, the Victorian Institute of Sport welcomed the University of Melbourne’s support of its elite student-athletes. Athlete Career & Education Adviser Claire Gelston and Head Coach of the Men’s Hockey program Dr. John Mowat represented the VIS at the launch.
“The keyword with this program is flexibility. Many athletes want to complete their studies while also pursuing their sporting commitments, and they should have every chance to complete such studies to the same high standards we set them on the track or field. This program will go a way to reassuring academics that athletes aren’t looking to cut corners.”
Students who are members of professional player’s associations – the AFL Player’s Association, Australian Cricketer’s Association, Rugby Union Player’s Association, Australian Professional Footballer’s Association and Netball Australia - will also have access to the program. Current AFL players studying at the University of Melbourne include North Melbourne’s Sam Power (Commerce/Law), Richmond’s Daniel Jackson (Commerce) and St. Kilda’s Charlie Gardner (Commerce/Law).
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