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Staff Notices: 6 - 17 April 2009
Current Inside Adelaide is a fortnight edition over the public holiday period.
Table of Contents
- Uni in the News
- General Information for Staff
- Events
- Training and Development Opportunities
- Information for Researchers
Uni in the News
Sauropod dinos kept a level head
Long-necked sauropod dinosaurs would had to have used far too much energy to hold their neck upright and browse tall trees, says an Australian evolutionary biologist. Dr Roger Seymour of the University of Adelaide reports his findings in the Royal Society journal Biology Letters. Sauropods were about as heavy as a whale and had necks nearly five times the length of a giraffe's.
The animals have generally been reconstructed with upright necks and it was assumed they grazed on tall trees. But Dr Seymour has calculated that to do this the dinosaurs would have needed to use 50 per cent of the energy they consumed just to support their long necks. Full Story.
Source: ABC News, Wed Apr 1 2009
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General Information for Staff
Channel 9 Young Achiever Awards
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And the winner is... Cadence Minge
On Saturday 21 March 2009, Professor Bob Hill presented Cadence Minge with The University of Adelaide Faculty of Sciences Science & Technology Award at the Channel 9 Young Achiever Awards Presentation. She won the Science & Technology Award as one of three University of Adelaide finalists in the category. Congratulations!
Cadence Minge made her mark in 2007 when she was honoured as the Young Investigator of the Year for her research which proved a link between obesity and infertility. Cadence has shown, through experiments on mice, that high-fat diets actually cause damage to female eggs.
NEW POLICIES
At its meeting on Monday 30 March 2009, the University Council approved the following policies:
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS POLICY AND PROCEDURES
The University enters a wide range and large number of contracts and agreements with outside entities and individuals, from simple procurement transactions to complex international agreements or research grant funding arrangements. While individual areas within the University may initiate and manage an agreement, the obligations imposed by all these agreements rest with the University as an institution. This Policy establishes mechanisms for identifying and monitoring the legal obligations and strategic objectives associated with significant contractual arrangements, at an institutional level. More info.
LEGAL COMPLIANCE POLICY
The Legal Compliance Policy formally affirms the University's commitment to compliance and establishes a University-wide compliance list the University and its personnel to more confidently manage the obligations imposed by law that impact on University activities. More info.
RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY
The Risk Management Policy affirms the commitment of the University through the University Council together with the University's executive and managers, to a risk management culture, in which both threats and opportunities are identified, assessed and managed in all University decision making, activities and processes. This policy is part of the University's Risk Management Framework. More info.
Course Profile
During the formulation of the AUQA Performance Portfolio in 2008 the
variability in content and presentation of course-level information
available to students was identified as a risk to the quality of the student
experience. A Working Party was established and has now developed a draft
template for a university-wide standard Course Profile. It is envisaged
that all courses offered by the University will have a Course Profile
available via the web.
The proposed template as PDF is available at: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/dvca/committee/course_profile_wp/template_info/ [UA staff only]
All staff are invited to provide comment on the structure and content of the
proposed template by emailing Dr Miriam Collins, Major Projects by Thursday 9 April.
Commercial Accelerator Scheme
Up to $250,000 funding provided by Adelaide Research & Innovation to achieve a commercial milestone
University researchers can apply now for Commercial Accelerator funding - a scheme designed to assist researchers to establish proof-of-concept or reach a development milestone necessary to attract a commercial partner. The scheme can also be used to obtain funding for further analysis of the commercial position (e.g. addressing regulatory issues or writing a business plan), but is not designed to support basic research.
The total maximum funding for any one project is $250,000 over 2 years. This can be applied for in stages, with the chance for more funding (up to the maximum) awarded as milestones are achieved. This Scheme also provides an opportunity to leverage funding from other sources.
Applications for funding are reviewed by an independent evaluation panel against 3 key features: quality of the research; commercial readiness; and potential impact.
The first step is to contact your Commercial Development Manager at ARI on 8303 5020 for more information:
- Health Sciences: Dr Justin Dibbens, Dr Matthew Chong, Duane Rivett, Greg Macpherson
- Molecular & Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry: Dr Paul Tolstoshev
- ECMS & Physics: Steve Hood & Paul Arthur
- Agriculture, Food & Wine, Veterinary Sciences: Dr Justin Rigden
- Earth & Environmental Sciences, Mining & Resources: Dr Jane Rathjen & Sanjee Peiris
- Professions and Humanities & Social Sciences: Liz Nicholls
Draft application due 6 April 2009 (submit to your Commercial Development Manager).
Final submission due 1 May 2009.
Visit: www.adelaide.edu.au/aripl/ for an application form.
Through the Commercial Accelerator Scheme, Adelaide Research & Innovation hope to be able to continue to increase the number of successful commercial ventures at the University. If you have a suitable project for this or future Rounds of the funding scheme, contact your Commercial Development Manager as soon as possible.
Review of the Structure of the Faculty of Sciences
The Vice-Chancellor and President has made the Report of the Review of the Structure of the Faculty of Sciences available for consultation. The Report is available under Strategic Reviews on the Quality and Reviews website at: www.adelaide.edu.au/pvclq/reviews/reports/.
Comments on the recommendations of the Report can be sent via email to Kim Davidson or via mail to:
Director, Academic Quality Assurance
Quality and Reviews
University of Adelaide SA 5005
The deadline for submission of comments is 5:00pm, Thursday 9 April 2009. Submissions will be treated in confidence and presented to the Vice-Chancellor and President for consideration.
For further information please contact Ms Kim Davidson, Director, Academic Quality Assurance on 8303 6465.
Information for staff regarding health
A small number of Whooping Cough cases have been reported around the University in the last week and you are advised to consider the following information. Whooping Cough has flu like symptoms (runny nose, sore watery red eyes, low-grade fever and general unwellness) and a dry cough develops usually within a week.
Whooping Cough is treated with antibiotics. If you are feeling unwell you should consult with a doctor. Please try to avoid spreading infections, take the advice of your doctor if they recommend a few days off. Most Australian children are vaccinated for Whooping Cough. Booster vaccinations are now recommended for people at 50 years of age.
As we head into winter and the weather changes we will typically see a number of cold and flu-like infections circulate. Please help us keep the workplace healthy by seeking medical advice if you are unwell. If you have any particular concerns regarding a specific infection consider asking your doctor about immunisation.
If you wish to clarify any of the above information please contact the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Team on 8303 6079
Gerald Buttfield
Manager Health, Safety and Wellbeing
Call for applications for Academic Promotion to Level B & C
Staff and titleholders wishing to apply for promotion to Level B or Level C only are now invited to submit their applications.
Promotion is an important way that the University of Adelaide recognizes outstanding performance. We would encourage all staff who believe they meet the relevant promotion criteria to submit an application in 2009.
If you require assistance in determining eligibility, it is suggested you discuss your potential application with your Head of School or Head of Discipline.
A workshop has been scheduled to assist you on Wednesday 8 April, 12:30pm-2:30pm, Seminar Room 3, Level 7, 10 Pulteney St (Executive Education). Full details below.
Applicants should refer to the Policy, Guidelines and Toolkit, and the appropriate Position Classification Standards when preparing their application.
An application should be made on the approved application form and ONE full printed copy submitted to Lucy Maynard - Manager, Recruitment Services by the deadline of 1 May 2009.
No supplementary information will be accepted from applicants after the closing date for applications, unless requested by the University.
Please note that applicants are responsible for contacting their own referees by forwarding their application, the appropriate position classification standard and the form letter requesting that the report be sent to Lucy Maynard - Manager, Recruitment Services, Human Resources Branch by the deadline of 15 May 2009.
The Policy, Guidelines and the toolkit applicable to the submission of applications are available for viewing at:
www.adelaide.edu.au/hr/policies/polbrowse/prom_class/academic-promotions-toolkit/
Academic Promotion Workshop - Applicants to Level B or C
All Academic staff that are interested in applying for promotion to Level B or C are encouraged to attend an Academic Promotion Workshop. This session will provide valuable information on what should be included in your application and will give you the opportunity to ask questions.
Promotion Workshop Details:
Date/Time: Wednesday 8 April 2009, 12:30pm-2:30pm
Venue: Seminar Room 3, Level 7, 10 Pulteney St (Executive Education).
Speakers will include Professor Pascale Quester - Executive Dean, Faculty of The Professions, Professor Geoff Crisp - Director, Centre for Learning and Professional Development as well as members of the Human Resources Branch to advise on Policy, Process and Equity related questions.
For further information please contact Lucy Maynard, Human Resources.
Adelaide onLION
Staff are invited to join Adelaide onLION, the University's exclusive online community - it's fun, it's free, and it's a fantastic opportunity to engage with the wider alumni community! Visit: www.alumni.adelaide.edu.au/adelaideonlion
Vacant Positions
Events
UniSuper Seminar Program 2009
Superannuation seminars are held by UniSuper to keep members informed about changes to legislation and initiatives introduced to help reaching your retirement savings goals. These free seminars provide an opportunity for staff to gain practical advice on how changes to superannuation may affect your retirement savings both at retirement and throughout working life.
Details of the next seminars are:
Welcome to UniSuper
Date/Time: Tuesday 14 April 2009, 12:30pm-1:30pm
Venue: Rennie Lecture Theatre, Johnson Labs, North Terrace Campus
This seminar is specifically designed for new members of the scheme. It aims to inform participants about the operation of the fund in simple terms. UniSuper recommends attendance by all new staff whether you are full-time or part-time, temporary or ongoing, planning a long employment career or are just passing through.
Super versus Mortgage
Date/Time: Thursday 16 April 2009, 12:30pm-1:30pm
Venue: Rennie Lecture Theatre, Johnson Labs, North Terrace Campus
The often asked question, should I put any surplus income into my super or my mortgage? This seminar looks at the issues you should consider before making this decision, including risk versus reward, taxation, legislative risk (changes from 1 July 2009) and personal considerations.
Salary sacrifice
Date/Time: Thursday 16 April 2009, 1:45pm-2:45pm
Venue: Rennie Lecture Theatre, Johnson Labs, North Terrace Campus
Making before-tax contributions is often a tax-effective way of building your super. This seminar includes how to build bigger benefits and save on tax at the same time, how the super co-contribution may affect your decision to salary sacrifice, government changes to the treatment of salary sacrifice contributions, salary sacrificing in a volatile investment market and practical examples of how salary sacrifice works for members on different income levels.
To register your attendance for these seminars, visit the UniSuper website at: www.unisuper.com.au/members/seminars. Please supply your email address on registration to receive reminder emails and the hand out information prior to the seminar.
FREE Public Health Seminar on the Menopause
Presented by Professor Alastair MacLennan, Head of the Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide.
MENOPAUSE: What is effective, safe and best for you?
Date/Time: Wednesday 15 April 2009, 7:15pm-9:00pm
Venue: Queen Victoria Lecture Theatre, first floor, The Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide.
RSVP on 8161 7777 or email: michelle.gordon@health.sa.gov.au
Research Tuesdays
Anatomy of a meltdown: The GFC Forum: Cause, effect and recovery
Date/Time: Tuesday 14 April 2009, 5:30pm
Venue: Napier 102 Lecture Theatre, Napier Building
FREE public forum. All welcome.
Few public events are significant enough to justify their own acronym. In even fewer instances are those acronyms readily understood worldwide.
Clearly the global financial crisis, or GFC, is one such event. Much has been said and done about it already. But how accurate or effective has this been? Are fingers being fairly pointed? Can the cracks be repaired, or do we need a whole new system?
In this lively forum, four University of Adelaide professors, experts in finance, banking, economics and international trade, will break the GFC down, clear the fog and assess the way forward.
Prof Christopher Findlay, Professor of Economics
Prof Ralf Zurbrugg, Professor of Finance
Andrew Stoler, Adjunct Professor of International Trade
Prof Dogan Tirtiroglu, Chair of Banking
Bookings: research.tuesdays@adelaide.edu.au or phone 8303 3692.
Further details at: www.adelaide.edu.au/researchtuesdays/.
Public Lecture
The Field Geology Club of SA presents a lecture on: Metals Today, Gone Tomorrow?
By Dr Peter Laznicka
Fellow, Society of Economic Geology and Curator of Data Metallogenica
Historically, global consumption and increase of metal supplies has been roughly parallel with population growth, both becoming almost exponential in the past decades. Population continues to increase at this rate –ore deposits on the other hand become depleted. Can new discoveries keep up with the population trend? What can we do to avoid running out of metals?
The meeting will be held in the Mawson Lecture Theatre, Mawson Laboratories, University of Adelaide, on: Thursday April 9th, at 7:45pm.
Visitors are warmly invited to attend. For further details contact Frances Williams on 0403 153 726 or frances.williams@adelaide.edu.au
WIN tickets to Phantom of the Opera with the ASO!
Pre-book tickets through BASS to the Autumn and/or Spring Classic Hour concerts (in Elder Hall) and go in the draw to win tickets to see Phantom of the Opera... check out the specifics of the competition in Adelaide onLION: www.alumni.adelaide.edu.au/entertainment [login to account]. The Classic Hour concerts are at 1:00pm and 6:00pm on Wednesday 1 April (Autumn) and 25 November (Spring) 2009.
Training & Development Opportunities
Researcher Education Program
'Does Honours have a future? A discussion of the relative merits of Honours and Masters programs as a route to developing research professionals'
Presented by Dr Douglas Bardsley, Geographical and Environmental Studies
The presentation will explore the role that the Honours degree is playing within the Geographical & Environmental Studies Discipline, in the context of rapidly changing academic and societal demands. The function of Honours to bridge the gap between undergraduate studies and postgraduate research is reviewed, as are some significant challenges faced both within the
Discipline and more broadly across Australia. This is a presentation of a research project undertaken for the Exploring Supervision Program.
For further information, please contact Ian Green at: ian.green@adelaide.edu.au or Cally Guerin at cally.guerin@adelaide.edu.au.
Date/Time: Tuesday 21 April 2009, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Venue: Napier 918, North Terrace Campus
Health Safety and Wellbeing (HSW) Training Plan for 2009
The HSW team offers a range of short courses to University staff and
postgraduate students, to increase understanding and skills in Health Safety and Wellbeing within
the University of Adelaide.
www.adelaide.edu.au/hr/ohs/induction/ohstrain.html
Professional Management Program - Executive Education Unit
For middle to senior managers or professionals. This interactive program will help you to broaden and strengthen your management skills. It is presented over 12 months in 6 x 2 day modules.
The Professional Management Program is a non award program, suitable for graduates and non-graduates and carries status of 2 courses in the Adelaide MBA.
Discount: 5% discount for University staff.
For further information: Rosemary Tanner, phone: 8303 4579.
Future Research Leaders Program
The Future Research Leaders program has been developed collaboratively by the Go8 universities, and is delivered in full each semester for the benefit of the research community of the University of Adelaide. The program is aimed at current and aspiring research leaders, and seeks to build a range of skills and knowledge critical to successful research leadership and management.
There are eight modules in the program, together with a researcher orientation module. Modules are undertaken by a combination of online study, independent research and a face-to-face workshop. Do just one module, or do as many as you like. It's up to you. And it's all free!
More about the program at: www.adelaide.edu.au/graduatecentre/rep/staff/frlp/
Register for workshops at: www.adelaide.edu.au/graduatecentre/rep/staff/enrolment/
Further enquiries: Dr Ian Green on 8303 6035, Dr Cally Guerin on 8303 3043, or email: researchereducation@adelaide.edu.au.
Exploring Supervision Program
The Exploring Supervision program (formerly the Effective Supervision program) provides professional development for HDR supervisors. Each semester we present a series of three interactive workshops, together with a range of tools, techniques and resources, covering key topics in HDR supervision. In addition, completion of the full module of the program leads to registration as a principal HDR supervisor.
More about our workshops: www.adelaide.edu.au/graduatecentre/rep/staff/esp/
More about the full module of the program at: www.adelaide.edu.au/graduatecentre/rep/staff/fullmodule.html
Register for workshops at: www.adelaide.edu.au/graduatecentre/rep/staff/enrolment/
Further enquiries: Dr Ian Green on 8303 6035, Dr Cally Guerin on 8303 3043, or email: researchereducation@adelaide.edu.au.
WPDN Lunchtime Networking Forum
"Best Strategies for Staff with Caring Responsibilities"
Date/Time: Wednesday 8 April, 1:00pm-2:00pm
Venue: Ira Raymond Room, Barr Smith Library, North Terrace Campus
A panel/round table discussion for staff with caring responsibilities (e.g. with children or elderly parents or partner with disability/illness) to be able to voice their opinions and take away some strategies to help achieve the delicate balance required between our work life and our responsibilities for our loved ones.
A representative from Carers Australia will be attending to provide information on services available.
RSVP by Tuesday 7 April to Linh Tran.
Cultural Awareness Sessions
The Cultural Awareness Program is designed to provide ample opportunity for staff of the University of Adelaide to raise issues, engage in discussion and gain information and skills for interacting effectively with students and colleagues from a wide variety of cultural and language backgrounds.
Cultural awareness 1: the big picture
Monday 6 April, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Cultural awareness 2: cross-cultural communication
Wednesday 22 April, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Cultural awareness 3: internationalisation of the curriculum
Thursday 23 April, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Cultural awareness 4: research communication in the multicultural academy
Wednesday 29 April, 1.00 - 4.30pm
Visit the CLPD website for more information and to book for sessions.
Maths Drop-In Centre
The Maths Drop-In Centre provides free assistance to all students encountering maths and/or stats in their studies.
Hours: 10:00am - 4:00pm, Monday to Friday
Open during teaching weeks and at selected times during mid-semester breaks and swot-vacs. No appointment required.
Location: Room 105, Level 1, Schulz Building
Visit the CLPD website for more information.
Academic Skills Seminars for Students
Academic learning and Language offer regular Semester Seminars for students on study skills, academic essay and report writing and exam preparation skills.
The Semester seminars are held from 1:10pm-2:00pm, Mon-Thurs
Venue: Seminar Room, Level 3 South, Barr Smith Library
Visit the CLPD website for more information.
The Writing Centre
The Writing Centre is staffed by Academic Learning & Language (ALL) lecturers who offer individual consultations to students currently enrolled at the University of Adelaide.
Venue: Room 346a, Level 3 South, Barr Smith Library
Visit the CLPD website for more information and details of opening hours.
Professional & Continuing Education
Certificate IV in TESOL
If you are looking to teach English as a second language in Australia or overseas and wish to gain a qualification in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), then this practical program is for you. The program is accredited as a Certificate IV within Australia and provides the minimum qualification required to teach ESOL. It provides essential training in the usage of communicative methodologies in teaching adult learners, including lesson planning and classroom practice. This program combines face-to-face delivery, self-study and group work. Participants will observe experienced ESOL teachers and participate in teaching practice with ESOL learners at various levels.
4 Week Intensive Program - 20 July 2009
Part-time Program - 22 August 2009
For further information, including selection criteria and fees, visit our website at: www.adelaide.edu.au/elc/courses/tesol/ or contact PCE on 8303 4777.
Upcoming Professional Development Courses
Negotiation Skills
Tuesday 7 April
Festival and Event Design and Management
Wednesday 8 April
Meeting the Challenge of Leadership and Management
Tuesday 28 April
Creatively Managing Conflict
Thursday 30 April
Discount: 5% discount for University of Adelaide staff.
For further information or to enrol please email Jo Carrick or phone 8303 4777, or visit our website at: www.adelaide.edu.au/pce to view our extensive program offering.
Information for Researchers
Adelaide Research & Innovation
The latest commUNIcate RESEARCH news is available online.
Research Branch
See the Research Branch Bulletin for the latest news on major grant rounds & information sessions, a selection of competitive grants, prizes & funding opportunities now open.