StaffNews No 318

Friday 25 July 2008

News of interest to staff of the University of Melbourne

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CONTENTS

1. Open Day training
2. New name for LLSU is Academic Skills Unit
3. Mail deliveries and collections
4. Visions at the Olympics
5. Eastern Precinct Project – first stage completion
6. HP's LaserJet carbon offset program extended
7. The Melbourne Arts Students Society essay competition launch
8. Volunteers needed to watch films
9. Supporting the Intellectual Environment: MSGR Forum
10. Opportunities to link within the Asia Pacific region – information session
11. MATLAB R2008a Now Available
12. Records Services forum
13. Information session: Equal Opportunity policies, programs and services
14. Catholic Mass on campus
15. CRC Leadership and Innovation Course 2008
16. Guided meditation in second semester
17. Research Office Seminars
18. Travel Advice from Environment Health and Safety Unit
19. Staff development opportunities
20. What’s on highlights
21. Career opportunities
22. Contributing to StaffNews

A web version of StaffNews is available at:
uninews.unimelb.edu.au/subindex.php?pubType=4

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PLEASE NOTE that not all WEBLINKS in StaffNews are clickable. Copy and paste URLs into web browsers.

The StaffNews in-box experienced some technical difficulties this week. Sincere apologies for any omissions.

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1. Open Day training

Open Day will be held on Sunday 17 August in Parkville and the VCA, and Sunday 24 August in Burnley and Sunday 31 August in Dookie.

One hour staff training sessions will be run from 1-2pm on:
* Wednesday 6 August – Rivett Theatre, Redmond Barry Building
* Thursday 7 August – Sunderland Theatre, Medical Building
* Monday 11 August – J. H. Mitchell Theatre, Richard Berry Building
* Wednesday 13 August – Public Lecture Theatre, Old Arts.

All professional and academic staff working on Open Day are strongly encouraged to attend a briefing, which will include information on:
* Open Day branding and advertising
* Overview of the Melbourne Model and graduate pathways
* Expectations of staff working on the day
* Types of prospective students that are likely to attend
* Degrees available and entry requirements
* Consistent terminology
* New information on Breadth and Concurrent Diplomas

[Source: Katerina Gauntlett, Student Advice Program]

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2. New name for LLSU is Academic Skills Unit

From July 28 the Language and Learning Skills Unit will be known as the Academic Skills Unit (ASU).

Development of the new model for student services and the introduction of Student Centres have brought improvements in the way language support is provided for students, and this new name better reflects the programs available to develop students’ language and academic skills.

Feedback from staff and students in Student Centres has affirmed the misperception that the name ‘Language and Learning Skills’ has been seen by some students as describing a program restricted to international students or only for students experiencing serious language difficulties.

Please let staff and students in your area know of LLSU’s new name; it presents an excellent opportunity to remind students of how the Academic Skills Unit can help them improve their language and academic skills through workshops, short courses, individual tutorials, online and print resources and online programs such as AIRport (Academic Interactive Resources portal).

Enquiries: Laurie Ransom, ASU (8344 9369 / lransom@unimelb.edu.au).

More information: www.services.unimelb.edu.au/asu/

** Please note that in previous communications about this name change, the phone extension provided was incorrect.

[Source: Laurie Ransom, Academic Skills Unit]

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3. Mail deliveries and collections

Apart from courier and Australia Post delivered mail, all incoming, internal and outgoing mail is now handled by Mail Delivery Officers, and not by building supervisors. These arrangements have been in place at Parkville since February and since last Monday at other campuses.

Minimum service level guarantees ensure the first mail delivery will commence once Australia Post and internal mail sorting is completed. Deliveries commence between 9-9.30am each day. Afternoon collections occur in time for mail to reach the Mailroom by 3pm, for processing prior to collection by Australia Post (Domestic Mail) and Spring Global Mail (International Mail). Time permitting, additional deliveries may be made, however, the University only receives incoming mail once per day from Australia Post.

Correct addressing of mail is most important as delivery to the correct location relies on accurate addressing. Personal mail sorting is not possible. Mail is sorted to Faculty/Department or Building Name/Street Address.

A Mailroom Information Booklet containing details on services provided by the Mailroom is available on request to: alans@unimelb.edu.au.

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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4. Visions at the Olympics

With just 14 days to go until the official start of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Visions is well and truly getting into the Olympic spirit. Episode 34, available from Monday, takes a closer look at how the University of Melbourne will play a big role in Australia's fortunes at the Olympics, from athletes competing in sports as diverse as rowing, fencing and modern pentathalon, to staff helping keep the world’s showjumpers’ horses in peak condition. A sneak preview detailing all the University’s Olympic athletes is at: uninews.unimelb.edu.au/articleid_5300.html

Visions is at: visions.unimelb.edu.au

Got a visual story you think would look great on Visions? Email news@media.unimelb.edu.au.

[Source: David Scott, Marketing and Communications]

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5. Eastern Precinct Project – first stage completion

The first stage of the Eastern Precinct Project is now complete. The opening on 28 July of the new student IT environment on level one of the Eastern Resource Centre (ERC) will be the culmination of over 12 months collaboration between the Library and IT domains of Information Services along side Property and Campus Services.

Associate Professor Peter Jamieson from the Office of the Provost provided leadership and strategic direction in the design of the redeveloped spaces in the ERC.

Special thanks go to many who worked hard for the opening: ERC staff, Student IT staff, PCS and Wycombe staff, Cox Architects, and in particular: Iseult Blanchard, Jon Peacocke, Helen Page, Peta Humphreys, Elisa Soerjono, Nino Colella, Tien Luong, Mark Munro, Marino Cattapan, Craig Waller, Phillip Pham, Michael Tracey, Russell Vicary, Paul Borci, Karen McKendrick, Mandy Greig and more.

This Student IT environment will provide students with a vibrant, well-equipped, collaborative learning environment, conveniently located within the library for improved resource access.

More information will be posted on the Student IT website regarding facilities, opening hours, and access.

[Source: Dr. Angela Bridgland, Information Services and University Librarian]

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6. HP's LaserJet carbon offset program extended

HP has launched an initiative in Australia and New Zealand to help customers reduce their environmental footprint. Customers who purchase any HP LaserJet printer between 21 January-31 October can claim a bonus carbon offset, funded by HP, for the carbon emissions produced over the lifetime of the HP LaserJet printer. HP is partnering with not-for-profit organisation, Climate Positive, to source carbon offsets which reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.

Final claims must be received by HP by close of business 14 November to be eligible for entrance in this promotion. All registered devices will receive a certificate of registration.

More information: www.hp.com.au/co2

CO2 calculation is based on the average energy consumption of a printer (supplies and media excluded) as defined by the ENERGY STAR(r) Program Requirements for Imaging Equipment, Version 1.0 Typical Electricity Consumption (TEC) over a 5 year lifetime.

The University of Melbourne IT Procurement Team in Information Services will submit the claims for all orders placed by University departments and affiliates through IT Procurement.

Enquiries: Monica Miloi, IT Procurement & Licensing (mmiloi@unimelb.edu.au)

[Source: Monica Miloi, Information Services]

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7. The Melbourne Arts Students Society essay competition launch

The Melbourne Arts Students Society (M-ASS) has run its second annual Essay Competition and is holding an Award Ceremony for the winning essays on Wednesday 13 August in the Ian Potter Museum of Art from 5 - 6:30pm.

Student members have been encouraged to submit essays from their subjects, which would generally only be read by their tutor, to be in the running for prizes up to the value of $500 and publication of their essay in Farrago Magazine.

From a pool of 90 entries, a shortlist has been judged by Michael Gawenda, Walkley Award winning journalist and ex-Editor of The Age, and Ryan Paine, Editor of the quarterly national youth publication Voiceworks.

All Faculty of Arts staff are invited to attend the ceremony, as are any members of staff who are interested in writing.

The shortlisted essays will be displayed and drinks and canapés will be provided.

RSVP to education@m-assonline.com before Friday 8 August.

[Source: Hugh Gundlach, Melbourne Arts Students Society]

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8. Volunteers needed to watch films

Volunteers between 48 and 90 years old who are free from any neurological problems are sought for research into the emotional response to film clips which is part of a larger study investigating emotional difficulties following stroke and brain surgery.

More information: Lisanne Jenkins, Psychology (8344 6345 / 0431 11 00 11 / lisannej@unimelb.edu.au).

HREC Approved Study No: 0713485.1

[Source: Lisanne Jenkins, Psychology]

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9. Supporting the Intellectual Environment: MSGR Forum

The Melbourne School of Graduate Research invites academic and administrative staff to the first Graduate Research Coordinator Forum for second semester, ‘Supporting the Intellectual Environment’, to be held on Friday 1 August at 11am–1 pm in the Multifunction Room, Graduate Centre.

A rich and vibrant scholarly environment is a fundamental part of the Melbourne Experience for research higher degree candidates, and an important factor in ensuring timely and quality completions. This forum will explore how graduate research coordinators can support, facilitate and encourage participation in the local and University-wide research community, as well as foster collegiality through events and publications.

Featuring presentations by: Associate Professor Carolyn Evans, Associate Dean (Graduate Research), Melbourne Law School; Dr Anne Voss, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research; Craig Barrie, MSGR Melbourne Experience Coordinator; and the UMPA Graduate Groups Scheme Coordinator.

Morning tea will be provided. RSVP: amwoods@unimelb.edu.au by Tuesday 5 August.

More information: www.msgr.unimelb.edu.au/staff/HODs/fora.html

[Source: Angela Woods, MSGR]

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10. Opportunities to link within the Asia Pacific region – information session

Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development is an Australian Government initiative that aims to strengthen mutual understanding between Australia and the countries of the Asia Pacific region while making a positive contribution to development. Australian organisations can become partner organisations to facilitate the establishment of links with companies, government and organisations working in development in the Asia Pacific region.

An information session about how involvement with AYAD could contribute a new dimension to research, teaching and/or student support activities will be held on Tuesday 5 August at 1-2 pm in the Herbert Wilson Theatre, Doug McDonnell Building (Room 103 First Floor).

Enquiries: Di Rachinger (8344 7620 / d.rachinger@unimelb.edu.au).

More information: www.ayad.com.au

[Source: Di Rachinger, Student Engagement]

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11. MATLAB R2008a Now Available

MATLAB R2008a is now available for download by staff via the IT Procurement and Licensing Matlab website at: www.infodiv.unimelb.edu.au/itpl/licensing/mathworks.html

Users should note there is a new activation process for R2008a. Instructions and the activation key will be emailed to users after they successfully authenticate prior to downloading.

Faculties wishing to setup a Licence Server for their labs should contact IT Licensing by submitting an online request: servicedesk.unimelb.edu.au/itsc/itpl/form_licensing_softdist.php

[Source: Peter Noye, Information Services]

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12. Records Services forum

Records Services has identified a need to provide its customers, in particular Faculties, with more information on this section of the University's administration, and the services it provides.

Records Services has developed a one hour information forum which provides an overview of its functions and services. The program will include presentations about what records should be sent to Central Records, information about titling records and files, how to manage records as well as introductory information about the new web archiving and re-born digital services.

The Forum will be held on 12 August at 12.15pm in the Alan Gilbert Building AG Theatre 1.

RSVP: Fiona McRostie (8344 7204 / fmcro@unimelb.edu.au) by 5 August.

[Source: Fiona McRostie, Information Services]

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13. Information session for all staff: Equal Opportunity policies, programs and services

All staff are invited to attend the next in a series of informal information sessions to be conducted by the Equal Opportunity Unit. The sessions aim to provide guidance to staff and supervisors on a range of equal opportunity issues along with information about rights and responsibilities and the relevant University policies and procedures.

The next session, on Wednesday 30 July, will cover "An introduction to Equal Opportunity policies, programs and services" and will be held in the Frank Tate Room, Alice Hoy building, from 1pm - 2pm.

Staff may attend one or all of the sessions and registration is not necessary.

[Source: Rohan Drape, Equal Opportunity Unit]

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14. Catholic Mass on campus

Catholic Mass on campus resumes on Tuesday 29 July in the Old Physics building, room G18 at 1.15pm and on Thursday 31 July in room G19 at 1.15pm. Catholic Mass will be celebrated every Tuesday and Thursday in one of these rooms at 1.15pm throughout second semester.

[Source: Michael McKenna, Catholic Chaplain to the University of Melbourne]

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15. CRC Leadership and Innovation Course 2008

The 12th annual CRC Leadership and Innovation Course for PhD students and Postdocs will be held at Graduate House, University of Melbourne, 11-15 August.

The five day course covers knowledge and skills in team leadership, motivation, communication, social influence, and team processes. It also deals with career planning, the world of research work, and understanding the requirements for successful R&D.

The Course also includes an integrated two-day Commercialisation Bootcamp facilitated by the Australian Institute for Commercialisation.

The Course fee of $2,420 ($2200 course fee, plus GST) covers tuition, educational materials, refreshments, lunches, the welcome dinner, and course dinner.

Early career researchers from CRC Polymers, Vision CRC, Cancer Therapeutics CRC, CRC Biomedical Imaging Development, CRC Water Quality, ResMed, WEHI, and Baker Research Institute will participate in this year’s program. Places are available for early career researchers from research institutes and centres across the University.

More information: www.ausicom.com/02_cal/details.asp?ID=321

Enquiries: Professor Leon Mann, Centre for R&D Leadership, School of Behavioural Science (8344 4434 / leonm@unimelb.edu.au).

[Source: Leon Mann, Behavioural Science]

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16. Guided meditation in second semester

Free second semester Friday lunchtime guided meditation sessions commence Friday 1 August at 1.30-2pm. No previous experience in meditation is necessary.

Enquiries: Kalvinder Shields (k.shields@unimelb.edu.au).

[Source: Kalvinder Shields, Economics Department]

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17. Research Office Seminars

* How to Obtain Ethics Approval for Research Involving Human Participants: Tuesday 5 August, 1-2pm Theatre 2, Alan Gilbert Building

* Themis Grants and Contracts for Administrators (Part 1 – Submissions and Proposals): Wednesday 6 August, 10am-12noon, ITC Training Labs, 780 Elizabeth Street.

Details and registration: www.research.unimelb.edu.au/infosessions/

[Source: Jane Pontikis, Melbourne Research Office]

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18. 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: Panama, China, Romania, Cambodia, Somalia, Yemen, Portugal, Macau, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, South Africa, Greece, Afghanistan and Spain.

This most recent DFAT advice may be viewed at:
www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/

More information on the University's Overseas Travel Policy:
www.pb.unimelb.edu.au/ehs/workplace_ehs/travel/

[Source: Belinda Rule, Environment Health and Safety Unit]

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19. Staff development opportunities

Staff can access the latest information on the 2008 Calendar of Staff Development Programs at: www.hr.unimelb.edu.au/development/programs

Please apply for courses through Themis Self-Service. Upcoming programs in August are:

* PDF for Non-Supervisors - This workshop will provide new staff with an overview of the policy framework for performance development within the University. It will assist staff in applying a range of principles, methods and skills as part of their personal and professional performance development. Designed for: All staff new to the University. Commencing: Tuesday 12 August (9am – 1pm). More: www.hr.unimelb.edu.au/development/programs/pd/pdf_introduction

* Professional Staff Orientation: The Orientation program welcomes professional staff new to the University and provides participants with an opportunity to learn and gain an understanding of the University's history, culture and strategic agenda. Participants will be provided with information about key services for staff and University operations, and will have an opportunity to meet other new staff to build relationships and networks. The day also has a tour allowing new staff to participate in the 'Melbourne Experience'. The next orientation session is Friday 29 August, 8.45am - 4pm.

[Source: Amy Bugeja, Human Resources]

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20. What’s on highlights
events.unimelb.edu.au/

LECTURE ON WAR IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION: Akira Iriye, Emeritus Professor of History at Harvard University, will examine international relations in the Asia-Pacific region and historical memories of the wars of the 1930s and 1940s on Monday 28 July at 6:30pm, Elisabeth Murdoch Theatre. Enquiries: 8344 5961 / g.murphy@unimelb.edu.au, www.historical-studies.unimelb.edu.au.

LECTURE ON THE FUTURE OF CITIES: International Public Lecture by Cassio Taniguchi, Secretary for the Department of Urban and Environmental Development, Brasilia and former Mayor of Curitiba, Brazil, will give a lecture based on his extensive experience of Curitiba on Tuesday 29 July at 6.30pm, Carrillo Gantner Theatre, Sidney Myer Asia Centre. Admission is FREE. Bookings are ESSENTIAL. Register at: events.unimelb.edu.au/event/4966/ . Enquiries: 03 8344 6004.

ASIALINK EVENT: In a rare public appearance in Melbourne, Indian statesman, author and columnist, Dr Shashi Tharoor will discuss with Geraldine Doogue his latest book, The Elephant, The Tiger and The Cell Phone on Wednesday 30 July from 6.30pm at the Carrillo Gantner Basement Theatre, Sidney Myer Asia Centre. To reserve a seat email events@asialink.unimelb.edu.au with "Tharoor" in the subject line.

ASIALINK EVENT: Dr Sunil Kothari, Professor for Dance, School of Arts and Aesthetics, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, will give an illustrated talk, tracing the developments of contemporary expressions of Indian dance in Bollywood and in western dance forms from its roots within Indian classical dance on Wednesday 30 July at 12.30-2pm at Federation Hall, VCA, Grant St, Southbank. To reserve a seat, send an email to events@asialink.unimelb.edu.au with "Indian Dance" in the subject line.

LECTURE ON THE MODERN JEWISH DOCTOR: Dr John Efron, University of California at Berkeley, speaks on the manner in which medicine came to occupy such an exalted place among Jews that it became known as a quintessentially “Jewish” profession on Sunday 3 August at 7:30pm, Beth Weizmann Centre, Caulfield. Enquiries: 8344 3789, dvir@unimelb.edu.au, www.jewishstudies.unimelb.edu.au.

SEMINAR ON NANOTECHNOLOGY: Dr Terry Turney, Professorial Fellow at Monash University’s Centre for Green Chemistry will open the Department of Physiology Seminar Series for Semester 2 with a presentation on "Signs of Life in the Materials World: Biomimetics and Nanotechnology" on Tuesday 5 August at 3.15-4.15pm in the Frederick Wood Jones Theatre, Level 3, Medical Building. This event is sponsored by the Physiology Postgraduate Students' Society. Enquiries: kbneal@unimelb.edu.au

SEMINAR ON AUDIO MEDIA HISTORY: Associate Professor Jonathan Sterne, McGill University, will consider the significance of the mp3 format as a defining feature of recent audio media history on Thursday 7 August at 4.15-6.15pm in the Japanese Room, First Floor, Architecture Building. RSVP/Enquiries: huberal@unimelb.edu.au.

PUBLIC TALK - 100 YEARS OF WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE IN VICTORIA: Professor Patricia Grimshaw, Professorial Fellow in the School of Historical Studies, in conjunction with the Association of Women on Campus at the University of Melbourne, will give a talk on ‘How Women Got the Vote in Victoria in 1908’ on Monday 11 August at 1pm in the Executive Lounge, Level 1, Alan Gilbert Building. RSVP: asturman@unimelb.edu.au with SUFFRAGE in the subject line to reserve a seat. Enquiries: Nikki Henningham (n.henningham@unimelb.edu.au).

HEALTHY EATING HEALTHY LIVING: The University of Melbourne Psychology Clinic will run a program commencing in August to assist individuals who are struggling with their weight and with motivating themselves to change their lifestyle and eating habits. The program will offer a combination of group and individual sessions focussing on increasing motivation, improving self-esteem and self-confidence, issues with body image and stress management. Cost: $80 for 5 group sessions and $25 per individual session. Enquiries: 9326 4774.

[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. Career opportunities
www.hr.unimelb.edu.au/careers/

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22. Contributing to StaffNews

Email staff-news@unimelb.edu.au 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, which is an example of an item previously publicised in StaffNews:
** 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

Previous Staff News Editions