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Staff Notices: 23 - 27 November 2009
Table of Contents
- Uni in the News
- General Information for Staff
- Events
- Training and Development Opportunities
- Information for Researchers
Uni in the News
Moa genetics reveal geology
DNA recovered from fossils of the moa, a giant extinct bird, has revealed a new geological history of New Zealand, reports a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
A team led by the University of Adelaide has reconstructed a history of marine barriers, mountain building and glacial cycles in New Zealand over millions of years, using the first complete genetic history of the moa.
After almost being totally submerged around 25 million years ago, the current South and North Islands were separated by a large sea until around 1.5 million years ago, researchers say.
Project leader Professor Alan Cooper from the University of Adelaide's Australian Centre for Ancient DNA said New Zealand is recognised as one of the world's "great evolutionary laboratories" due to the absence of land mammals and the radiation of giant flightless birds such as the moa.
"We found that the remarkable evolutionary dispersion of the nine moa species took place in only seven million years and seems to have occurred as the Southern Alps rapidly rose up and created lots of new habitats," Professor Cooper said. The evidence also suggests that many of New Zealand's iconic species - including the kiwi, tuatara and kauri - evolved solely on the South Island.
Source: ScienceAlert, 19 November 2009
Uni full story: Extinct moa rewrites New Zealand's history
Want more Uni news coverage? Sign up for latest relevant Google Alerts.
General Information for Staff
2009 South Australian of the Year Awards
WINNERS announced on 19/20 November
Eminent trauma specialist, Associate Professor Bill Griggs AM ASM, was announced as the 2009 recipient of the prestigious South Australian of the Year Award. Dr Griggs is a passionate South Australian who has dedicated his life to helping others through aeromedical retrievals and trauma research. Dr Griggs graduated in medicine from the University of Adelaide in 1981. He joined the consultant staff of the Royal Adelaide Hospital and assumed his current position as the Director of Trauma Services in 1995. Dr Griggs has just completed an MBA, and is an Associate Professor at the University of Adelaide.
World-renowned reproductive health expert, Professor Robert Norman, Director of the Robinson Institute, was named the winner in both the Health and Science categories of the 2009 South Australian of the Year Awards. Professor Norman is one of the world's leading experts on the management of infertility using innovative IVF techniques, and is a Professor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Adelaide.
One of South Australia's most prominent musicians, Timothy Sexton, won the South Australian of the Year Award in the Arts category. He graduated from the University of Adelaide in the 1980s with a Bachelor of Music, Honours in Composition and also a Graduate Diploma in Education.
Inspirational young engineer, Julian O'Shea, was announced as the 2009 recipient of the prestigious Young South Australian of the Year Award. He completed a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in the field of telecommunications from the University of Adelaide.
Survey Approval
The final date for submitting survey requests to the Survey Reference Group in 2009 is Friday 11 December. 2010 survey requests can be submitted as from 15 January and the closing date for the first round of 2010 submissions is Monday 1 February. Surveys are submitted via surveys@adelaide.edu.au. Application form and further information is available at: www.adelaide.edu.au/pvclq/survey/approval.
The Survey Reference Group has established the following guidelines as to which surveys require approval. These include proposed surveys of whole student/staff or alumni populations (even if sampled) and survey proposals of sub-groups which are also whole of population, such as:
- all international/domestic students
- all first year students
- all male staff/students
- all female staff/students
- all HDR students
- all UG students
- all postgraduate students
In addition, all survey proposals of University of Adelaide staff or student populations by external bodies should also be considered by the Survey Reference Group for approval.
New Student Grievance Resolution Process
On 29 October 2009, the Vice-Chancellor and President revoked the Student Complaints Policy and the Fair Treatment Procedures for Students, and approved the new Student Grievance Resolution Process. This was in response to the need to make the grievance process for students easier to understand and follow. The process explains the stages that need to be followed in order to resolve a grievance concerning an academic decision, administrative decision, or unfair treatment that has occurred at the University.
The Student Grievance Resolution Process is now on the Student Policy & Appeals website at: www.adelaide.edu.au/student/grievance/.
The following five policies have been amended and now include reference to the new Student Grievance Resolution Process:
Unsatisfactory Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/1803/
Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/700/
Plagiarism Policy at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/230/
Policy on Cheating in Examinations and Related Forms of Assessment at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/1963/
Reasonable Adjustments to Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/64/
The Fair Treatment Policy has a disclaimer which indicates that the Fair Treatment Procedures for Students have been replaced by the Student Grievance Resolution Process.
The University's 2009 Christmas Card
The University's 2009 Christmas Card (pdf) is available to order via Corporate Express online ordering tool Net Express. This is the same system that is used to purchase approved University merchandise and stationery. This year the limited edition card features stunning imagery of Bonython Hall lit up for the 2008 Northern Lights exhibition.
Cards come in packs of 12 (including envelopes) at a cost of $11.12 plus GST. Please quote product number 8728 1513 when placing your order online.
If you do not have access to Net Express please speak with your local area administrator when you are ready to place an order. They will have an existing username and password to access this system.
Launch into ORBIT!
Did you know that there is extensive help information available within all ORBIT modules? Simply click on the 'Help' icon in the top bar of your ORBIT screen to pop up the help menu, and select from the left hand table of contents to view descriptions of search and data fields, step by step instructions and even short instructional videos.
For further assistance, contact the ORBIT helpdesk at: orbit@adelaide.edu.au or phone 8303 0391.
Are you preparing a Course Handbook for 2010?
Uni 2010 details for Academic Learning and Language and the Maths Learning Service are now available for download from the CLPD (doc), or can be requested by email to Peter Murdoch.
Thebarton Campus
Space available for use by University Faculties and Divisions
The Thebarton Campus is located 4km from the city on the banks of the River Torrens. The campus is well serviced by public transport including the new tram line extension. The campus is close to shops and restaurants along Henley Beach Road while the Entertainment Centre and Hindmarsh Stadium are within a short walk. In addition the proposed redevelopment of the Clipsal Site will add further dimensions to Thebarton.
The campus has a mix of University Faculties including Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Health Sciences, School of Psychology and the Sports Association. The campus also houses the University's Business Incubator. In addition there are a range of commercial tenants involved in a variety of high tech business activities.
There are several sites currently available for University use. These include:
- First Floor Office Space located in building 1 "The Office Block" comprising approx 512 sqm. Combines open floor area of 156sqm suitable for division into internal office space. A total of 18 offices (ranging in size from 12sqm to 34sqm) face onto the open floor area. Air conditioned and carpeted. This makes a perfect location to relocate to; close to the city with FREE car parking, an excellent office environment awaits, set amongst gum trees on the banks of the River Torrens.
- Individual Office Space. The Campus occasionally has small individual office space available located in various buildings on campus. Again, car parking and location to the city make this the site to relocate to if you are looking for a small office space.
For further enquiries please contact the Property Managers, on 8223 4450.
Tips for TRIMinising
Documents that have already been saved to the shared folders can be easily saved to TRIM using the Drag & Drop method.
To assist you in registering documents from the shared folders please refer to TRIM information sheet "Dragging & Dropping Documents to TRIM" [D2009/87321] or go to:
https://www.adelaide.edu.au/records/trim/manuals/ under the heading Registration / Editing.
If you require any further assistance please call the TRIM Helpdesk on 35334.
TRIM Team.
Vacant Positions
Events
Research Tuesdays
Generating Hope
With research showing stem cells can generate brain repair, could stroke damage soon be reversed?
Presenter: Associate Professor Simon Koblar is a clinical neurologist, neuroscientist and teacher in both. He is Patron for Stroke SA and for the last 10 years has built the Stroke Research Programme as a collaboration between the University of Adelaide and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Date/Time: Tuesday 8 December 2009, 5:30pm
Venue: Law Lecture Theatre 2 (Room 333), Level 3 Ligertwood Building, North Tce Campus
FREE Public Seminar. All welcome.
Synopsis: As the greatest cause of disability in Australia, stroke takes an enormous toll on thousands of patients and their families every year.
Consequently, discovering how to repair the debilitating neural damage they cause is considered one of our greatest health challenges.
It's a daunting task, but one the University of Adelaide's Stroke Research Programme (a collaboration with The Queen Elizabeth Hospital) is tackling head-on. And progress is being made.
The team's recent data shows stem cells obtained from adult teeth can be used to generate new brain cells and change the wiring of the brain. Could this be a path to recovery?
In this important presentation, programme leader Associate Professor Simon Koblar discusses the exciting possibilities.
Now all Adelaide OnLion members can register online - visit: www.alumni.adelaide.edu.au/researchtuesdaysdecember to secure your seat!
For further details visit: www.adelaide.edu.au/researchtuesdays/ or phone 8303 3692.
ARI's Christmas drinks with special guest Adam Spencer
Join the team at Adelaide Research & Innovation for Christmas drinks, to celebrate the University of Adelaide's 2009 applied research achievements.
Research at the Uni has certainly made an impact this year, delivering real results which contribute to Australia's social, economic, cultural and environmental wellbeing. ARI, the University's commercial development company, is proud to be a part of this. We would like to take the opportunity to reflect on the year together with our partners – the University's researchers and their industry and government collaborators. To further inspire you, we've invited science ambassador and 702 ABC Sydney radio announcer, Adam Spencer, to share his thoughts on research !mpact (you may know him from Triple J, ABC TV's science show 'The Sleek Geeks' or the comedy smashes 'Good News Week' and 'The Glass House'. So take this opportunity to connect... collaborate... create... and celebrate! with your peers in the innovation sector.
Date/Time: Wednesday 2 December, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Venue: National Wine Centre of Australia
RSVP essential via return email, or visit: www.adelaideresearch.com.au and complete the registration form.
For further information contact Renee Hakendorf, Marketing Manager, Adelaide Research & Innovation.
Seats are limited, so RSVP early to avoid disappointment. This event is FREE. We look forward to seeing you there!
Santos Tour Down Under 2010 - Mutual Community Challenge Tour
The Mutual Community Challenge Tour (22 January 2010) is the official recreational ride of the Santos Tour Down Under. Cycling is a great way to stay fit, save money and is a sustainable way to travel. Join your fellow work mates and Eco, the University's environmental sustainability mascot, to ride any of the Stage 4 legs!
The Healthy University Wellbeing Program would like to encourage our own amateur cyclists to take part and will be forming a staff team with the cost of registration covered by the University. Each Faculty / Division will have a limited number of places up for grabs - so be quick!
If you are interested please do the following:
- Contact Louise Dunn (HSW Specialist, Injury Management and Wellbeing) to confirm your interest and reserve your place by Wednesday 25 November 2009.
- Register and pay for your chosen distance at: www.tourdownunder.com.au/getinvolved/mutualcommunitychallengetour (you will subsequently be reimbursed by the University).
- Send registration details to Louise Dunn by close of business Friday 27 November 2009.
Information about the event can be accessed on the official Santos Tour Down Under website: www.tourdownunder.com.au/getinvolved/mutualcommunitychallengetour.
If you have already registered and are not a part of another team, you are still eligible to join the University team. Contact Louise Dunn (HSW Specialist, Injury Management & Wellbeing) for further details.
'Thinking about Asia' Workshop 9
Victim of Success: China's Growth and Environmental Consequences
Speaker: Roger Irvine, PhD candidate, Asian Studies
Date/Time: Friday 27 November 2009, 1:10pm - 2:00pm
Venue: Room 529, Ligertwood Building, North Tce Campus
FREE Public Workshop. All Welcome.
Download: Workshop 9 flyer (pdf).
The Derrick Rowley Lecture
"Stem Cells Meet Immunity - Overcoming Confrontations & Developing Synergies"
Speaker: Professor Richard Boyd, Director of Monash Immunology & Stem Cell Laboratories, Head, Immune Regeneration Laboratory, Monash University
Date/Time: Friday 27 November 2009, 1:00pm - 2:00pm; Lunch provided from 12:30pm in foyer
Venue: Lecture Theatre 102, Level 1, Napier Building, North Tce Campus
All Welcome.
Training & Development Opportunities
NEW Executive Briefing Series - Executive Education Unit
The Executive Briefing Series has been designed to build on your management experience to ensure your skills remain relevant in a changing environment.
We're pleased to offer 2 Briefings in December in an intensive half day format from 8:00am - 11:30am.
Topics include:
- Controlling Conflict - understanding causes and positively dealing with conflict
- Cultural Master Class - understanding, diagnosing and changing culture
Registration Fee: $285 for University staff
For further information: Amanda Bramwell, phone 8303 3268.
Staff Learning & Development
The Human Resources Branch is offering the following workshop FREE to staff and senior students in December.
Understanding the Media
Do you get approached by the media to speak about your area of expertise, or do you have a good research story to tell the world? If so, you may find this workshop very helpful.
The introductory workshop is designed to provide you with an insight to the 'world' of media. You will gain an understanding of how to prepare for interviews and deal with challenging questions. The three hour session will provide practical skills and the opportunity to learn from a guest speaker.
Who will benefit from attending: PhD students, early career researchers and staff who engage with the media.
Date/Time: Wednesday 2 December, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Facilitators: Robyn Mills and Candace Gibson, Marketing & Strategic Communications
Limited spaces available, please book online at:
https://apps.adelaide.edu.au/training/courses/10011.
For enquiries contact Lisa van Ruth, phone 8303 3130.
Creating Accessible Resources for Students: Developing a University CARS Guide
University staff are invited to attend and contribute to this forum, to help us develop a framework for the design of a practical guide to embedding accessibility features when creating resources for students.
Date: Thursday 10 December, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Venue: CLPD, Level 2, Schulz Bldg West, North Tce campus (map).
To register your interest in attending this forum, please email CLPD or phone 8303 5771.
Teaching @ University: Enrol for 2010 course
The 2010 brochure and enrolment form for Teaching @ University is now being distributed by the CLPD.
You can also visit the Teaching at University website to download a copy.
Teaching, Learning and Technology Seminar Recording available
The recording of the recent seminar presentation:
'Ten Things I (no longer) Believe about Transforming Teaching and Learning with Technology'
by Dr Steve Erhmann, Vice President, TLT Group, USA, is now available from the CLPD website.
Go to the seminar recording links.
Apply for a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education
Late applications are now being accepted.
The full fees will be reduced for up to 15 University of Adelaide staff enrolling in 2010.
For application forms and further information visit the Grad. Cert. in Higher Education webpage.
Apply for a Graduate Certificate in Online Learning
Late applications are now being accepted.
The full fees will be waived for up to 5 University of Adelaide staff enrolling in 2010.
For application forms and further information visit the Grad. Cert. in Online Learning webpage.
Education Research Opportunity
The Education Research Group of Adelaide (ERGA) is looking for staff interested in cross-disciplinary collaboration on education research projects. If you are interested in being part of this new venture please fill out an information sheet located at: http://snipurl.com/research_erga.
Once sufficient responses have been collected, we will organise some events to coordinate the groups and ensure that progress is made.
We are NOT just looking for research leaders (although we definitely do need them). Initially we are looking at participation and enthusiasm as key attributes. So if you haven't done much education research, this is a great opportunity for you to get involved in groups that we hope will produce publications and obtain research grants.
Teaching Awards & Grants 2010: Expressions of Interest
With the 2009 teaching award, grant and fellowship round drawing to an end, it is time to begin thinking about next year. Accordingly, the Teaching Awards and Grants Office is now requesting expressions of interest from individuals who would like to participate in any of the following activities with deadlines during the first half of academic year 2010.
The awards, grants and fellowships are all offered by the Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC).
- Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning
- Awards for Programs that Enhance Learning (Student Support)
- Awards for Teaching Excellence
- Competitive Grants
- Leadership Program
- Priority Projects
- National Teaching Fellowships
- Teaching Fellowships
Participants lodging an expression of interest will receive assistance from the Teaching Awards and Grants Office to help them develop their application.
Please email Barbara Brougham by Monday 30 November 2009 indicating which awards or grants interest you most or if you would like to apply for a fellowship.
For further information please contact Barbara on 8303 7032 or (mobile) 0437 649 976.
Professional & Continuing Education (PCE)
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.
Full Time Intensive Program: 4 January - 1 February 2010
Part-time Semi-Intensive Program: 6 March - 20 May 2010
For further information, including selection criteria and fees, visit our website at: www.adelaide.edu.au/pce or phone PCE on 8303 4777.
Upcoming Professional Development Courses
From Team Member to Team Leader
Wednesday 25 November
Dealing with Difficult, Angry or Aggressive Customers
Thursday 26 November
Critical Thinking
Tuesday 1 December
Project Management
Wednesday 2 December
Time Management
Thursday 3 December
Discount: 5% for University of Adelaide staff
You can now enrol and pay online! Visit our website and follow the easy steps.
www.adelaide.edu.au/pce
For further information visit our website, email Joanna Carrick or phone 8303 4777.
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.