StaffNews No 219
Friday 18 August 2006
News of interest to staff of the University of Melbourne
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CONTENTS
1. News from the University's Advancement Office
2. University Staff Appeal
3. Funding for Research and Research Training (R&RT) seminar
4. Staff parking at Open Day
5. Macgeorge Fellowships and Honorary Fellowships
6. Salary Sacrifice Seminar and Members Equity
7. Cambridge Australia Trust Scholarships
8. The Kwong Lee Dow Centre in the Alice Hoy Building
9. Web Brownbag: "CMS: The Pilot and the Future"
10. Leading US columnist/commentator to give annual journalism lecture
11. LMS Professional Development Workshops for teaching and support staff
12. Spectacle wearers needed for vision research
13. Seminar for Research Administrators
14. Female runners needed to participate in study
15. Staff Achievements
16. Research Office Seminars
17. Travel Advice from Environment Health and Safety
18. Staff development opportunities
19. What’s on highlights
20. Newsmakers
21. Positions vacant
22. Contributing to StaffNews
A web version of StaffNews is available at:
uninews.unimelb.edu.au/subindex.html?pubType=4
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1. News from the University's Advancement Office
The Advancement Office is the new name for the University's former Development Office.
Responsibilities include the management of programs relating to University alumni and benefactors. Advancement provides services to, and works collaboratively with Faculties and other central administration areas.
As well as a new identity, the Office also has new premises. The new address is Level 3, 45 Barry Street. The General Enquiries phone number is 8344 1751, and for donations and receipting, 8344 1758. For Alumni matters including communication and publication information, phone 8344 1753.
More information:
Visitors and colleagues of the University are welcome to drop in and visit the new location.
[Source: Jenny Stephens, Advancement Office]
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2. University Staff Appeal
The University has launched its inaugural staff appeal, allowing staff to voluntarily contribute to worthy internal and external projects through salary packaging.
All staff will be able to read more about this appeal through forthcoming emails and in UniNews.
The Faculty of Education’s Professor Field Rickards is Chair of the 2006 Staff Appeal Committee, and on their behalf encourages all staff to spend two minutes completing an electronic survey on the web. The survey provides an opportunity for staff to submit opinions on the designated external charitable organisations and offer suggestions about the appeal.
The survey site is:
[Source: Krista Slade, Advancement]
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3. Funding for Research and Research Training (R&RT) seminar
Professor John McKenzie, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), will lead a seminar about direct and performance-based ‘block grant’ funding for R&RT on Thursday 14 September at 1-2pm in the Latham Theatre, Redmond Barry Building.
The seminar will cover how R&RT funds are allocated to faculties and the cost drivers for R&RT in the University Budget Model. There will be time for questions and general discussion.
[Source: Jane Pontikis, Melbourne Research Office]
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4. Staff parking at Open Day
Most of the Parkville campus will be a pedestrian-only zone between the hours of 9.30am and 4pm on Open Day (Sunday 20 August).
Staff may park in the South Lawn car park prior to 9.30am (enter via Gate 10 on Grattan Street only). After 9.30am there will be strictly no vehicle access to campus. Exit is through Gate 10 at any time during the day.
Parking for staff will also be available at the Eastern Precinct car park on Cardigan Street and the University Square car park (entry from Berkeley or Bouverie Streets) throughout the day. Staff do not need to have a parking permit but must carry staff ID cards.
Free visitor parking is only available at the University Square car park.
Enquiries: Sophie Marsland (marsland@unimelb.edu.au / 8344 4636).
[Source: Sophie Marsland, Events and Projects]
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5. Macgeorge Fellowships and Honorary Fellowships
Nominations for Macgeorge Fellowships and Honorary Fellowships close on Friday 25 August. Successful Macgeorge Fellows and Macgeorge Honorary Fellows will be given accommodation at historic 'Ballangeich' for 4-8 weeks to undertake an uninterrupted period of research, writing or creative endeavour. Macgeorge Fellows also receive a contribution to travel and living expenses, and will be invited to deliver a public lecture or performance at the University.
Macgeorge Visiting Speaker/Performer Awards nominations can be submitted throughout the year until Friday 1 December.
More information:
[Source: Karen Roe, University Secretary's Department]
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6. Salary Sacrifice Seminar and Members Equity
Salary sacrifice is a popular and often tax-effective way of making extra superannuation contributions. A UniSuper seminar – ‘Salary Sacrifice - Does it work for you’ - will be held on Tuesday 22 August from 1 - 1:45pm in the Lyle Theatre, Redmond Barry Building.
The seminar will cover ways to build a bigger superannuation benefit and save on tax at the same time, how the government co-contribution may impact decisions about salary sacrifice and give practical examples showing how salary sacrifice can work for members on different income levels.
Register to attend using Microsoft Internet Explorer at:
UniSuper members may access a range of low-cost products offered by Members Equity Bank. These include low interest home loans, personal loans and a Mastercard. The Mobile Lending Manager will be on campus on 24 August.
More information: Gordon Andrews (9605 6133 / gandrews@membersequity.com.au).
[Source: Pauline Shi, Human Resources]
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7. Cambridge Australia Trust Scholarships
An information session on PhD scholarships for study at the University of Cambridge will be held in Theatre B, Old Arts on Thursday 7 September at 1pm. Supervisors are asked to inform their students of this opportunity.
[Source: Sue Brazenor, Melbourne Scholarships Office]
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8. The Kwong Lee Dow Centre in the Alice Hoy Building
The Faculty of Education has a brand new facility located on the ground floor of the Alice Hoy Building. The facility includes a training room equipped with the latest technology including a smart board, document camera, dual data projection and state-of-the-art videoconferencing to enable flexible delivery modes. The room seats up to 32 comfortably in a round configuration to maximise participation in discussions. The room has a fully equipped kitchenette and is suitable for running specialist training programs or hosting international delegates.
More information about the room and facilities, and a booking form is at:
Enquiries: Tracey Anderton (t.anderton@unimelb.edu.au)
[Source: Tracey Anderton, Education]
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9. Web Brownbag: "CMS: The Pilot and the Future"
Web Managers and staff with a responsibility for web publishing will have an opportunity to find out how the new Content Management System will impact on their business when Claire Spencer, CMS Transition Manager, presents an overview of the CMS Implementation project. Claire will facilitate a frank and open discussion about the process so far and plans for the future.
The presentation will be held Wednesday 23 August at 12.30-1.30pm in Lecture Theatre G08 of the Melbourne Law School. (Food and drinks are not permitted in this theatre).
More information:
[Source: Mary Stone, Web Services]
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10. Leading US columnist/commentator to give annual journalism lecture
Syndicated ‘Washington Post’ columnist EJ Dionne will give the University’s 2006 A N Smith Lecture in Journalism on ‘Is talk cheap? How commentators, columnists and reporters influence politics’.
A regular commentator on CNN and National Public Radio, he has been named among the 25 most influential Washington journalists. His ‘Washington Post’ column is syndicated to more than 90 other newspapers.
The lecture, at 6.30 pm on Wednesday 23 August 2006 in Lecture Theatre GM15, Law Building, is free and open to the public but bookings are required on 03) 8344 3885.
[Source: Christina Buckridge, Corporate Affairs Manager]
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11. Professional Development Workshops for teaching and support staff in the LMS
The Academic Services team offers a series of workshops for academic staff and support staff who use the Learning Management System for teaching purposes.
The workshops focus on two broad categories, Using the LMS and Enhancing Learning and Teaching with Technology.
August and September workshop dates and more information are at:
Enquiries: Deborah Jones (djones@unimelb.edu.au) and Dr Veronica Hendriks (hendriks@unimelb.edu.au).
[Source: Deborah Jones, Academic Support Team]
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12. Spectacle wearers needed for vision research
Clinical Vision Research Australia (CVRA) at the Victorian College of Optometry is conducting a research project to evaluate the subjective performance of new single vision spectacle lenses.
Longsighted, current single vision spectacle lens wearers aged 18 to 40 who are interested in participating in this study are asked to telephone 9349 7410 and ask for information regarding the SVW study, or email: cvra@optometry.unimelb.edu.au.
Participants who agree to participate in the trial must give permission for researchers to consult their current eyecare practitioner.
NVRI/DOVS/VCO Human Research Ethics Committee approved study No H06 008
[Source: Shelly Ames, Clinical Vision Research Australia]
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13. Seminar for Research Administrators
A seminar on "Managing Human Research Ethics" will be held on Tuesday 5 September from 10am-12noon for professional staff (only) who currently have a role in the administration of human research ethics applications in their department or faculty.
Topics include essential information for administrators, the purpose and tasks of a Human Ethics Advisory Group (HEAG), experiences of a HEAG administrator and the new Themis Ethics Module. There will be time for questions and discussion.
More information and to register attendance:
[Source: Jane Pontikis, Melbourne Research Office]
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14. Female runners needed to participate in study
The Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine at the School of Physiotherapy is investigating the effect of hormone fluctuations on musculoskeletal properties in female runners in a project sponsored by ASICS.
Female participants aged 20 years or more who run at least 3 times per week for 30-40 minutes per session and who have been taking the monophasic contraceptive pill for at least 12 months are sought. ASICS merchandise will be provided as a participation incentive
More information and to register interest: Phil Au Yeung (pauyeung@unimelb.edu.au / 8344 7715).
[Source: Phil Au Yeung, Physiotherapy]
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15. Staff Achievements
Congratulations to the Faculty of Music’s Professor John Griffiths who is a member of a research team that has been awarded the equivalent of an ARC Discovery Grant (Euro 25 000) from the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science. The project is an exploration of the urban musical world in the 15-17th Century kingdom of Castile.
Congratulations to the Australian Centre’s Dr Helen MacDonald's book, whose book ‘Human Remains: Episodes in Human Dissection’ has been short-listed for the Victorian Premier's Literary Award (First Book of History).
[Source: Katherine Smith, Media Unit]
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16. Research Office Seminars
* How to get media attention for your research - Wednesday 23 August, 1pm-2pm, Theatre 2, Alan Gilbert Building.
* Themis Submissions module demonstration - Monday 28 August, 1pm-2pm, Theatre 2, Alan Gilbert Building.
* How to calculate budgets for grants and contracts (repeat session), Tuesday 29 August, 1pm-2pm, Theatre 4, Alan Gilbert Building.
More information and registration:
[Source: Jane Pontikis, Melbourne Research Office]
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17. Travel Advice from Environment Health and Safety
Environment Health and Safety advises that DFAT has changed its information on traveling to: Lebanon, Netherlands, Denmark, United States of America, Afghanistan, Singapore, Israel, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, United Kingdom, Chile, Djibouti, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Armenia, Laos, Uzbekistan, Brazil, Thailand, Sri Lanka and East Timor.
View the most recent DFAT advice at:
More information on the University's Overseas Travel Policy:
[Source: Belinda Rule, Environment Health and Safety]
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18. Staff development opportunities
Applications for the following staff development programs are open in Themis Self Service Training and Development:
* Performance Linked Communication PDF for Supervisors - 4 September. Apply by 28 August.
* Time and Workload Management - 5 September. Apply by 15 August.
* Leadership Inside Out - 6 September. Apply by 16 August.
* Recruitment and Selection for Staff - 29 August and 2 November. This course is suitable for Academic staff at Level B and below and Professional staff at HEW 7 and below involved in recruitment and selection. Apply by 15 August and 12 October.
* Recruitment and Selection for Senior Staff - 11 September and 25 October. This course is suitable for Academic staff at Level C and above and Professional staff at HEW 8 and above involved in recruitment and selection. Apply by 21 August and 4 October.
* Working with Asian Names - 12 September. Apply by 22 August.
* Clear Concise Writing for the Web - 13 September. Apply by 23 August.
* Orientation - 15 September. Apply by 1 September.
Information on how to apply is at:
< www.hr.unimelb.edu.au/training-apply/>
[Source: Sophia Chan, Human Resources]
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19. What’s on highlights
events.unimelb.edu.au/
POTTER ART EVENT FOR OPEN DAY: As part of Open Day (20 August) guest curators from the Potter Museum of Art will give free floor talks about exhibitions currently on show. Grace McQuilten will discuss ‘Under the burning sun of the colony: the eight hour day movement’ at 11.30am and Natalie King will talk about ‘Destiny Deacon: walk & don't look blak’ at 2.30pm.
DESTINY DEACON EXHIBITION: An exhibition of the work of artist Destiny Deacon called ‘Walk and don't look blak’ is on show at the Ian Potter Museum of Art until Sunday 5 November. Entry is free and the exhibition is open from 10am-5pm Tuesday – Friday, and 12noon-5pm Saturday and Sunday.
HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM: The University of Melbourne Human Rights Forum invites staff to a public symposium on ‘Protecting Human Rights in an Age of Terrorism’ on 22 August from 6-8pm at the State Library of Victoria’s Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entrance 3, Latrobe Street). Facilitated by Barry Jones, speakers include: Professor George Williams, Professor Tony Coady, Associate Professor Fiona Haines and Waleed Aly. Enquiries: human-rights@unimelb.edu.au.
AUSTRALIAN CENTRE SEMINAR: The University of Melbourne’s Professor Vera Mackie will present a paper, “Love in Translation”, and a reading of Sue Brooks’ 2003 film “Japanese Story” on Wednesday 23 August at 1-2pm in the First Floor Seminar Room of the Australian Centre, 149 Barry Street. Enquiries: nathalie.nguyen@unimelb.edu.au.
RICHARD PRATT ORATION 2006: The University of California, Berkeley’s Professor Robert Alter will give a lecture on 'The Challenge of Translating the Bible. From Ancient Hebrew to Living Literary English' on Thursday 24 August at 7-8pm in the Carrillo Gantner Theatre, Sidney Myer Asia Centre. More information:
HISTORY LECTURE AND SEMINAR: The University of Stirling’s Professor David Bebbington will give a lecture, ‘Fanaticism and Sound Learning: Primitive Methodist Revival in County Durham in 1851’ on Tuesday 29 August at 1-2pm in the Jesse Webb Library, Department of History, Level 3 John Medley East. This will be followed by a seminar on ‘Religion in the Modern World’, featuring brief papers from History Department staff and dinner on Lygon Street. Enquiries or to RSVP for dinner: joannarc@unimelb.edu.au.
AUSTRALIAN CENTRE LITERARY AWARDS 2006: Keynote speaker David Marr will announce the winners of this year's Kate Challis RAKA Award ($10,000 award for Indigenous writers) and Peter Blazey Fellowship ($5000 award for a work in progress in the non-fiction fields of autobiography, biography or life writing) at a free event during the Melbourne Writers' Festival on Thursday 31 August at 6:30pm in the Tower Theatre, CUB Malthouse. RSVP by 28 August (hamc@unimelb.edu.au / 8344 7235). More information:
HYBRID CAR TECHNOLOGY SEMINAR: Dr Andreas Truckenbrodt of DaimlerChrysler will give a presentation for the Australian Centre for Science, Innovation and Society and the Banksia Foundation on “Biofuel, hybrids, diesel, fuel cells - What's going to win the race?" on Friday 8 September at 6pm in Theatre 3, ITC Building. This is a free event. Registration closes 1 September. More information and to register: . Enquiries: (9684 4667 / info@banksiafdn.com).
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS CHILDREN’S ART PROGRAM: During the school holidays the Ian Potter Museum of Art is offering ‘Dream Writing’, a three hour children’s art program allowing children aged 8-12 to explore books over 600 years old and the ancient art of book drawing, and create a dream story of their own. The program will be held 27, 28 and 29 September from 9.30am-12.30pm (repeat sessions). Cost: $28 per child, Potter Members $25 (including all materials and a morning snack).
[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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20. Newsmakers
Selected University of Melbourne staff in the news:
Professor Hedley Peach, Medicine, on the link between faith and health. The Age, 10 August.
Jacqueline Rowarth, Environmental Programs, on whether universities should be educating students or training future workers. Campus Review, 16 August.
Joy Damousi, History, on the hypocrisy of governments claiming their position to Australian history is “quasi-neutral”. The Age, 17 August.
Lynette Joubert, Medicine, comments on a research project she is leading aimed at preventing repeat attempts at suicide. Herald Sun, 16 August and Radio Triple J, 15 August.
Klaus Neuman, History, discusses the potential effect of the Federal Government’s proposed migration changes. 3CR Breakfast, 15 August.
John Griffiths, Music, discusses the University’s acquisition of the Editions de l’Oiseau-Lyre of Monaco, and a prestigious collection of early scholarly music. Radio ABC 774, Friday 11 August.
[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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21. Positions vacant
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22. Contributing to StaffNews
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This week’s StaffNews was edited by Katherine Smith.
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