StaffNews No 320

Friday 8 August 2008

News of interest to staff of the University of Melbourne

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CONTENTS

1. Open Day Training
2. Workplace Bullying and Occupational Violence Policy Launch
3. Investing in the Future: Renewing Australian Tertiary Education
4. Nominations invited for Woodward Medal
5. Policy & Procedures Working Group
6. The Oxford University Society of Victoria
7. University of Melbourne Issues Forum: Is Melbourne Running Dry?
8. Training in Mindfulness Meditation and Public Speaking
9. Publishing Support Program: Applications Now Open
10. Digital Print Centre
11. IPRS Closing Date
12. Study participants required
13. University of Melbourne Alpine Ski lodge
14. eResearch Symposium at the University of Melbourne
15. NeuroEng 2008 Workshop
16. Mental Health Training
17. University support for Australian Malaysian Film Festival
18. Travel advice from Environment Health and Safety
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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1. Open Day Training

Open Day will be held on Sunday 17 August 2008 in Parkville and the VCA, and Sunday 24 August in Burnley and Sunday 31 August in Dookie.

Staff training will be run in one hour briefings from 1pm to 2pm on each of the following dates:
* 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 one of the above briefings, 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. Workplace Bullying and Occupational Violence Policy Launch

The new “Management of Workplace Bullying and Occupational Violence Policy” was officially launched on 25 July 2008 by Professor Peter McPhee.

The Policy defines workplace bullying and occupational violence and provides a process for staff and students to raise and process complaints against staff members.

As part of this new initiative, 21 staff members have volunteered and have been trained to become Workplace Bullying Advisers. They will assist individuals raising concerns of workplace bullying and/or occupational violence and provide advice and guidance according to the University Policy. It is envisaged that these new developments will contribute to providing a safe and healthy work and study environment for all.

An information session on the new procedures will be held on 20 August 2008 at 1:00 pm in the Frank Tate Room, Alice Hoy Building.

The Equal Opportunity Unit (Human Resources) will provide training across the University. Supervisors/Managers interested in organising a session to be delivered in their workunit, should contact Elisa Ilarda (8344 8297 /ilardae@unimelb.edu.au).

More information: www.hr.unimelb.edu.au/advicesupport/bullying

[Source: Elisa Ilarda, Equal Opportunity Unit]

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3. Investing in the Future: Renewing Australian Tertiary Education

Staff are invited to attend the final session of the ‘Investing in the Future: Renewing Australian Tertiary Education’ series, which explored issues related to the the Bradley review of higher education and the Cutler review of the national innovation system.

‘How can universities maximise their role in research and innovation?’ on Monday 11 August, 6.00pm-8.30pm, addresses policy on the national innovation system which is the subject of a major review of its own chaired by Dr Terry Cutler, additional to the Bradley review of the higher education system. The Cutler review is a rare opportunity for Australia to make the policy moves needed to move from global follower to global leader in research and innovation.

Speakers:

*The Hon. Evan Thornley, MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier

* Emeritus Professor Mary O’Kane, Executive Chairman of Mary O’Kane and Associates

*Dr Terry Cutler, Chair of the Review of the National Innovation System, will chair the session.

Pre-registration is essential. To register, visit the ‘Investing in the Future’ website at www.cshe.unimelb.edu.au/investinginthefuture.

[Source: Michelle Segal, CSHE]

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4. Nominations invited for Woodward Medal

Sir Edward Woodward, a former Chancellor, and Lady Woodward, with the support of the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, have established two Medals for staff at the University of Melbourne. The Medals are awarded to annually for research published in the preceding three years that is considered to have made the most significant contribution by a member of staff to knowledge in a field of science and technology, and in a field of humanities and social sciences.

Nominations are invited from all areas of the University. Science and technology is broadly defined to include, for example, the sciences, applied sciences, engineering and medical and health sciences. Humanities and social sciences is broadly defined to include, for example, the humanities, the arts, the creative arts and the social sciences.

Award Guidelines and nomination forms are available at:
www.research.unimelb.edu.au/woodward_medal/

Nominations close Friday 3 October.

Enquiries: Vice-Principal (Research), Dr David Cookson (8344 2049).

[Source: Emma Curtis-Bramwell, Melbourne Research Office]

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5. Policy & Procedures Working Group

The President of the Academic Board, Professor Pip Pattison, will host several information sessions about policies developed by the Policy & Procedures Working Group (P&PWG)Staff are invited to attend and contribute:

* A session presenting the recently-approved Assessment Policy, highlighting areas where faculties and teaching departments may need to review existing local rules and processes in the light of changes: 1.00pm, Wednesday 13 August, Theatre D, Old Arts Building.

* A session designed to enable staff to provide feedback on two new policies in an early draft stage: Special Consideration & Extensions: 1.00pm, Thursday 14 August, Theatre A, Old Arts Building.

*A session for staff involved in the conduct of Unsatisfactory Progress review exploring the implementation of the new policy: 1.00pm, Thursday 21 August, Theatre A, Old Arts Building.

Enquiries: Michael Coyle (mfcoyle@unimelb.edu.au / 8344-0524 or 0425 829 361)

[Source: Michael Coyle, Academic Programs Management Unit]

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6. The Oxford University Society of Victoria

The Oxford University Society of Victoria is hosting a young members event to encourage students to apply to Oxford University. It will be held on August 28th at the Boston Consulting Group.

Oxford alumni and current freshers will attend to give advice and support. Members of the staff who are aware of students considering making an application to Oxford or those that should be encouraged to do so, should contact Aron D'Souza on aadsouza@unimelb.edu.au to secure an invitation.

[Source: Aron Ping D'Souza, Doctoral Candidate]

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7. University of Melbourne Issues Forum: Is Melbourne Running Dry?
The next Issues Forum, ‘Is Melbourne Running Dry?’ will be presented by Professor John Langford, Director of Uniwater and leading water expert, on Tuesday 19 August at 1.00-2.00pm in the Sunderland Theatre, Medical Building.
The forum is open to staff and students at the University.
More information: Rosa Brezac, Office of the Provost (8344 9005).
[Source: Rosa Brezac, Office of the Provost]
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8. Training in Mindfulness Meditation and Public Speaking

An 8-week course (starting 26 August 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.

Both programs will be run at the University on Tuesday nights between 6-8 pm.

The same programs have been offered twice over the last year and more than 70 people have participated. This is the last time the training is being offered in this project.

Contact: Esta Kanellopoulos, School of Behavioural Science e.kanellopoulos@pgrad.unimelb.edu.au

HREC 0714182

[Source: Esta Kanellopoulos School of Behavioural Science]

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9. Publishing Support Program: Applications Now Open

The Publication Support Program is open to academic staff and graduate research students seeking support to communicate their research to a general audience. Stage one of the program provides a general overview of the media and the publishing industry. Presenters include well-known writers, editors and publishers. Through stage two of the program participants develop their publishing project in consultation with editors, agents and publishers. Stage three, manuscript sponsorship, offers participants the chance to receive a mentorship, financial or editorial support to pursue their project. The program is run by the Writing Centre for Scholars and Researchers.

The first stage of the program will run 9-11 September 2008. Applications close Friday 22 August. Potential applicants with experience in writing for a general audience may seek an exemption from stage one. Contact the centre to enquire about an exemption at writing-centre@unimelb.edu.au

More information: www.msgr.unimelb.edu.au/writingcentre/psp.html

[Source: Jane Hawtin, Writing Centre for Scholars & Researchers]

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10. Digital Print Centre

A reminder to all staff that although the Digital Print Centre has moved its main production facility to 258 Queensberry Street, there is still a DPC Centre on campus, at Building 162 (the old Mailroom) at Alice Hoy.

All work can be dropped off and picked up from the on-campus Centre. Some smaller binding and copying work can be done at the Centre, on demand.

DPC also offers a pick up and drop off service direct to clients in their own Department, and quotes for all printing can be obtained by emailing your requirements to dpc-info@unimelb.edu.au

Enquiries: Tony Bertolotti (8344 2888) or Wanda Kelly on (8344 2878).

[Source: Michelle Yarr, Digital Print Centre]

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11. IPRS Closing Date

The closing date for 2009 Endeavour International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS) is 31 August 2008 - the date by which applications for graduate research degrees must be received by International Admissions. IPRSs cover 100% of course tuition fees and provide Overseas Student Health Cover for the duration of the scholarship.

To be eligible for IPRS consideration, applicants must have an unconditional offer for a 2009 graduate research degree by no later than mid November 2008.

More information: cms.services.unimelb.edu.au/scholarships/pgrad/international

Enquiries: Melbourne Scholarships Office, Level 3, John Smyth Building (ext. 48747).

[Source: Caroline Deacon, Melbourne Scholarships Office]

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12. Study participants required

The Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine and the School of Physiotherapy are currently conducting research to identify movement and strength impairments in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. To be able to identify these impairments, we require healthy volunteers to make accurate comparisons.

Potential participants must be 50 years of age or older, free of any knee pain, and have no history of knee or hip replacement. Participants will undergo a walking and strength assessment at our Centre (south of Grattan St.) and fill out a brief questionnaire.

Total time required will be approximately 1.5 hours and all participants will receive a detailed analysis of their walking style and strength capabilities. Enquiries: Ms Fiona McManus on (8344 0426/fmcmanus@unimelb.edu.au). This study has received ethics approval (HREC 0826698).

[Source: Michael A. Hunt, School of Physiotherapy]

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13. University of Melbourne Alpine Ski lodge

The University of Melbourne Alpine Ski lodge is surrounded by the scenic views of Mt Buller. It is a 42-bed facility with clean, modern share-style accommodation close to all the Village facilities.

Current snow conditions are listed as excellent at 82cm with more snow to fall and 24 lifts operating. Now is the time to take advantage of these great conditions as beds are filling fast. Prices start at $50 for members and $65 for non-members. There is availability for 10-14, 17-21 & 29-30 August as well as much for September.

Bookings/Information: www.sports.unimelb.edu.au/ski/bookings.html
Enquiries: Guest Services Manager, Carmel Bello (8344 7810 / bello@unimelb.edu.au )

[Source: James Garland, Melbourne University Sport]

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14. eResearch Symposium at the University of Melbourne

University staff are invited to attend the second annual eResearch Symposium on 22 September. The conference will be opened by the DVC (Research), Professor Peter Rathjen, and will include information about recent initiatives such as the OptiPortal, the Victorian Life Sciences Computation Initiative (VLSCI), and eResearch training for postgraduates.

It will include trip reports from Versi Director Ann Borda, and the eResearch Directors from Melbourne, Monash and LaTrobe who are touring the UK in early September. The afternoon will give snapshots of several current Melbourne eResearch projects.

If you are interested in presenting at this Symposium contact Professor Leon Sterling (leonss@unimelb.edu.au).

[Source: Kirsty Harris, eResearch]

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15. NeuroEng 2008 Workshop

This is a call for abstracts for the ‘NeuroEng 2008’ Workshop to be held at the University of Melbourne from 20-22 November.

The workshop is intended to be interdisciplinary and we encourage the attendance of people from the areas such as: Engineering, Neuroscience, Neuroimaging, Computational Neurosciense, Psychology, Philosophy, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Medicine and Biology.

Abstracts are due by 5 September. More information www.neuroeng.unimelb.edu.au/NeuroEng2008.htm

[Source: Levin Kuhlmann, Electrical and Electronic Engineering]

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16. Mental Health Training
Get your Mental Health First Aid certificate in 2008 and join the 96 certified Mental Health First Aiders at the University.
Wellbeing Services is offering mental health training to all staff at the University of Melbourne during semester 2 with only a limited number of generic sessions available.
Training options and dates for the August / September period are now available. Offerings range from a three hour Introduction to Mental Health course to the two day Mental Health First Aid Course usually costing approximately $200 but offered at no cost to University staff.
Tailored sessions are also available with trainers happy to negotiate specific sessions for departments and work units.
More information: www.services.unimelb.edu.au/counsel/CD_consultancy/mhtraining/index.
Enquiries: Sue Durham (shdurham@unimelb.edu.au / 8344 6927) or Bryan Jeffrey (bjeffrey@unimelb.edu.au / 8344 6927).
[Source: Sue Durham, Mental Health Training Coordinator]
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17. University support for Australian Malaysian Film Festival

The University of Melbourne is a key sponsor of the second Australian Malaysian Film Festival which opens in Melbourne on 15 August 2008.

Over the four-day Festival, five richly-diverse feature films ‘Sepi’, ‘Congkak’,’ Waris Jari Hantu’, ‘Cuci’ and ‘Duyung’ will be screened to the Australian public for the first time. There will also be short films (drama, comedy, documentary, experimental and animation) made in Malaysia and/or by Malaysians.

All films will be shown at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) at Federation Square.

For further information: www.australianmalaysianfilmfestival.com.au

[Source: Christina Buckridge, Corporate Affairs]

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18. Travel advice from Environment Health and Safety

The Environment Health and Safety Unit advises staff that DFAT has changed its information on traveling to: Romania, Guatemala, Syria, New Zealand, Mali, Bahrain, Chile, Maldives, Bolivia, Peru, Greece, Turkey, Israel, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, Pakistan, Nigeria, Germany, Burundi, Belgium, Belize, Rwanda, Croatia, India, Iran, Kenya, Philippines, Uganda and Tanzania.

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/workplace_ehs/travel/

[Source: Belinda Rule, Environment Health and Safety Unit]
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19. Staff development opportunities

2008 Calendar of Staff Development Programs

Please apply for the following courses through Themis Self-Service.

* Professional Staff Orientation: The Orientation program welcomes professional staff 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 has a tour for new staff to participate in the 'Melbourne Experience'. The next orientation session is Friday 29 August, 8.45am - 4pm.

* Managing Yourself through Change: This interactive and experiential workshop is for staff who would like to better understand the change process and improve their own capacity to manage and adapt to change. Participants will be provided with opportunities to explore the impact of change, identify strategies to move through it and maximise opportunities. Friday 5 September 9am – 1pm and Friday 12 September 9am – 1pm.

* Managing Change and Transition: This workshop will assist managers to understand the context, impact and opportunities of change in the University and to identify the key roles, tools and processes required for successful workplace change. It will specifically focus on the development of practical strategies for workplace change and transition. Wednesday 3 September 9am – 5pm.

More information: www.hr.unimelb.edu.au/development/programs

[Source: Amy Bugeja, Human Resources Division]

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

SEMINAR ON ONLINE DICTIONARY OF AUSTRALIAN ARTISTS & STORYLINES PROJECT: Professor Vivien Johnson & Tess Allas - College of Fine Arts, UNSW, will conduct a seminar on the Dictionary & the Storylines project (a collection of Indigenous artists biographies from across Australia) on Thursday 7 August 2-3.30pm, Seminar Room, VCA, 234 St Kilda Rd, Southbank. Enquiries: 96859327 or www.daao.org.au

CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF by Tennessee Williams. Presented by Melbourne Theatre Company. Arts Centre Playhouse 9 August - 13 September. Bookings through Ticketmaster 1300 723 038 or www.mtc.com.au

WEIGHT WATCHERS AT THE PARKVILLE CAMPUS. Hear what Weight Watchers @ the University of Melbourne can do for you and your health. Lose weight without losing your lifestyle. Information sessions Tuesday 12 August at 12 noon and again at 1 pm in the Harold White Theatre, Arts Education Centre cnr Swanston St & Grattan St. Contact Di Rachinger d.rachinger@unimelb.edu.au

ECUMENICAL SERVICE: a gathering of Christians on campus – all welcome: Wednesday 13 August, 1.15 pm with a service and simple food to follow arranged by chaplains and students, Gryphon Gallery, 1888 Building.. You are invited to bring some non-perishable food for distribution through St Vincent de Paul. Enquiries: Wes Campbell, Chaplain, University of Melbourne (8344 6034/0431 847 278/ wesleyc@unimelb.edu.au)

'TRAFFIC' SEMINAR ON THE OLYMPIC GAMES: Dr Barbara Keys considers the history of the Olympic Games and its cultural and political implications in a seminar entitled "The Global Power of the Olympic Games, Beijing 2008 in Historical Perspective". Wednesday 13 August at 5:30 pm in the Gryphon Gallery,1888 Building. Wine, cheese and discussion afterward in Deep Dish Bar. Enquiries: traffic@umpa.unimelb.edu.au

GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP: NEW MARKETS, NEW MODELS: Melbourne University Entrepreneurs Club in partner with AIESEC and Asialink. .Wednesday 13 August at 5.30pm in the Yasuko Hiraoka Room, Sidney Myer Asia Centre, the University of Melbourne. Spaces are limited. Register at hi@agentsofchange.com.au
CHS SEMINAR SERIES: Dr Therese Riley, Research Fellow, Centre for Health and Society, 'Me and my Data Image: Pondering the social consequences of surveillance for population level health intervention research'. 14 August, 1-2pm, Room 516, Level 5 207 Bouverie Street. Enquiries: omazel@unimelb.edu.au
INDIA AUSTRALIA’S ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM?: With ICT industry expert Neville Roach AO, Austrade’s Chief Economist Tim Harcourt and Roy Morgan Research’s Debnath Guharoy. Tuesday 19 August at 6.30pm in the Carrillo Gantner Basement Theatre, Sidney Myer Asia Centre, the University of Melbourne. RSVP: events@asialink.unimelb.edu.au with “Roach” in the subject line.
FOENANDER LECTURE Forward with Fairness - A Business Perspective on Labor's Reform Agenda by John W.H. Denton, Partner & Chief Executive Officer of Corrs Chambers Westgarth and Chairman of the Australian Federal Government’s Business Advisory Group on Workplace Relations.. August 20 at 6.30pm in the Prince Philip Theatre, Architecture, Building & Planning Building. RSVP: foenander-lecture@unimelb.edu.au
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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.

* Items should be as brief as possible. There is a 100-200 word limit for ALL items.
* Provide a source (name and department) and contacts for more information.
* Contributors must be University of Melbourne staff or students.
* Items about non-University events or activities are not accepted.
* All items will be edited for length, style and suitability.
* Technical language and jargon will be edited to plain English.
* Repeat items will be included only where there is sufficient space after new items have been included (the all-staff mailing portal is file size limited).
* Requests for study participants must include HREC approval numbers.
* StaffNews is sent to an automatically-generated list of email addresses ending with @unimelb.edu.au. There is no unsubscribe facility.

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: L.Sarti

Previous Staff News Editions