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Staff Notices: 24 - 28 May 2010
Table of Contents
- Uni in the News
- General Information for Staff
- Events
- Training and Development Opportunities
- Information for Researchers
Uni in the News
IVF cost surge prompts study
Taxpayer funding for infertility treatment has more than tripled over the last decade, prompting a study to explore community views to public funding for IVF.
Government spending on assisted reproductive services rose from $66 million in 2000 to $210 million in 2008.
Researchers from the University of Adelaide's Discipline of Public Health need 16 people who used IVF between 2000 and 2007 and 16 others to take part in forums next month.
One of the project's chief investigators, Dr Adam Elshaug, said couples were limited to six cycles of treatment before the Medicare restrictions were lifted in 2000, allowing couples unlimited treatment cycles.
"Given that policy makers do have to make these difficult decisions ... what sorts of things would the community like policy makers to consider?"
Dr Elshaug said international debates had ranged from considering IVF's effect on the national fertility rate and economy to the importance of meeting basic human needs.
Source: The Advertiser, 19 May 2010
Uni full story: Public opinion sought on IVF funding
Patterns: Testing Link Between Diabetes and Family History
Diet and lifestyle contribute to diabetes, but so does family history. So Australian researchers undertook an unusual experiment: they recruited healthy volunteers from families with and without a history of Type 2 diabetes and overfed them.
After four weeks, all of the participants had put on weight and showed some signs of insulin resistance, a condition that is a precursor to diabetes. But those with a family history of diabetes gained significantly more pounds than those without a genetic susceptibility. Those with a family history of diabetes also showed more insulin resistance.
The study was published in Diabetologia journal. "Type 2 diabetes is both an environmental and a genetic disease," said the paper's senior author, Dr Leonie Heilbronn, Associate Professor, CCRE in Nutritional Physiology, Interventions and Outcomes, at the University of Adelaide. "So people who know they have a history of this should be extra diligent about eating right and exercising more," Dr Heilbronn said.
Source: New York Times, 18 May 2010
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General Information for Staff
University plans for a smoke-free campus
The University of Adelaide is committed to providing a healthy environment for staff, students and the wider community who share and visit our campuses.
As an institution of higher learning, we cannot ignore the serious health risks associated with exposure to second-hand (passive smoke).
Last year, the University's Pulteney Street precinct was officially declared a smoke-free area (inside and outside buildings). This demonstrated the University's resolve to encourage healthier lifestyle choices and to minimise the impact of smoke on our students, staff and visitors.
Following this, a working party including representatives from OHSW, Health Sciences, Legal and Risk, Communications and the student body has now prepared a draft policy to establish a smoke-free environment at ALL University of Adelaide campuses. The draft policy is available online for consultation from today until 14 June 2010.
I encourage you to read the policy and provide any feedback and suggestions. This will help us move towards a smoke-free campus for the benefit of the University community and the South Australian public.
If you have any questions, please contact Kelly Voelker at: kelly.voelker@adelaide.edu.au.
Professor Justin Beilby, Executive Dean, Health Sciences
Reconciliation Week - Forum & FREE BBQ
The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2010 is Reconciliation: Let's see it through! National Reconciliation Week 2010 will highlight that a decade after the historic bridge walks it's fair to say the future for reconciliation has never looked brighter. And while there's still a way to go, respect, trust and the knowledge to turn good intentions into effective actions pave the way forward.
The University of Adelaide recognises that reconciliation is about respecting our differences, giving everybody a fair go and building on the strengths of common ground. Over recent years the University has devoted significant time to ensure that reconciliation initiatives permeate throughout teaching and employment.
In the spirit of Reconciliation Week, the Vice-Chancellor & President, Professor James McWha, the Gender, Equity and Diversity Committee, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education: Wilto Yerlo, invite all staff and students to attend a forum discussing the topic of Reconciliation, followed by a BBQ and musical performances. This event will be an important demonstration of the University's commitment to reconciliation in the community.
The forum panel will comprise the Vice-Chancellor & President, Professor James McWha, Professor Roger Thomas (Wilto Yerlo, University of Adelaide), Peter Buckskin, PSM, FACE (Dean & Head of School: Indigenous College of Education & Research, UniSA) and Jan Chorley (co-Chair Reconciliation SA).
Date/Time: Thursday 3 June 2010, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Panel Forum, Bonython Hall
12:00pm - 1:00pm
CASM musical performance, FREE BBQ, Goodman Lawns
We look forward to your company at this significant Reconciliation Week event.
Introduction to Molecular Techniques DVD
Launched by the Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Adelaide, Professor James McWha, and the Chief Executive of DFEEST, Raymond Garrand, a new DVD is the first resource of its kind to help teach university and TAFE students the practical techniques and applications of molecular biology.
The DVD - called Introduction to Molecular Techniques: Theory & Practice - is designed as a "visual textbook" for tertiary students.
The DVD contains more than two hours of video footage and animations, helping students to understand theoretical concepts, and demonstrating complex techniques step-by-step in the laboratory. Medical, veterinary and agricultural examples are all included. The DVD also contains a printable manual.
It can be used both by lecturers to introduce practical work and theoretical concepts and by students as revision or resource material.
Scientists from industry, university and the vocational sector collaborated to produce the commercial DVD. It is a joint initiative of the University of Adelaide, the Molecular Plant Breeding Cooperative Research Centre and TAFE SA Veterinary and Applied Science Centre.
The DVD costs $215 (plus postage) and is available at the discount price of $95 for staff and students of the University of Adelaide and TAFE SA. It can be purchased from: www.moleculartechniques.com.au.
Download: Molecular Techniques flyer (pdf)
Legal and Risk Newsletter
The May edition of the Legal & Risk newsletter - Unilink - is now accessible from our webpage: www.adelaide.edu.au/legalandrisk/newsletter/.
In this issue of Unilink, we discuss the intricacies of Whistleblower Protection and let you know the most effective way to go about making a report. Also in this edition, we give some tips on how to avoid accidentally spamming, introduce you to a number of great new resources, including our Contract Management website, and tell you why Risk Management is more than just a buzzword.
We hope you find this edition informative and we look forward to receiving your feedback and suggestions.
TRIM Tip
The TRIM Team hope you are enjoying the new look of TRIM Context.
As TRIM Context has some new features it is a good time for staff to attend a TRIM Refresher Course.
If you or any of your staff have not used TRIM extensively over the past year we recommend attending a TRIM Refresher Course.
Forthcoming TRIM Training dates are - 4, 11 and 17 June.
To book a TRIM Refresher Course please contact Karen Thomson or ext 37090.
Shannon McFarlane will conduct a follow up with all attendees of TRIM Refresher Courses.
TRIM Team.
Launch into ORBIT!
Did you know that you can calculate grant success rates for your area using information from the Research Projects report in the ORBIT Researcher Profiles Module? Submit an authorised access request form (pdf) to gain access to view pending and not awarded grants in your area, in addition to the approved grants that you automatically have access to see, and this will give you the information you need to make calculations.
For further assistance, contact the ORBIT helpdesk at: orbit@adelaide.edu.au or phone 8303 1391.
Vacant Positions
Events
University of Adelaide Press book launch
The University of Adelaide Press is launching Mainstreaming Politics on Friday 28 May, at 4:00pm, in the Library's Ira Raymond Room.
All staff welcome. RSVP to: press@adelaide.edu.au by Tuesday 25 May.
Download: Launch flyer (pdf)
Research Tuesdays
Feeding Anxiety - The World Food Crisis Forum
Date/Time: Tuesday 8 June 2010, 5:30pm
Venue: Lecture Theatre 102, Napier Building, North Terrace Campus
FREE Public Seminar. All welcome.
Synopsis: If the growing body of experts is right, dwindling global food security poses a significant threat to much of humanity. Influenced by numerous factors, including climate change, population growth and rising fuel costs, it has the potential to cause widespread famine and civil unrest. Indeed, in many countries, it already is.
In this live forum, four leading University of Adelaide thinkers on the topic will explore the most critical issues surrounding the crisis and invite questions from the floor. Is it a problem of supply or access? What ethical questions does it raise about our own consumption? Can scientists enhance yields, and is modern high-production agriculture necessarily the best way forward?
Speakers include:
- Associate Professor Rachel Ankeny, School of History and Politics
- Professor Roger Leigh, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine
- Professor Randy Stringer, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine
- Master of Ceremonies: Professor Peter Langridge, CEO, Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics (ACPFG)
Don't miss this special event.
Adelaide OnLion members can register at: www.alumni.adelaide.edu.au/researchtuesdaysjune
Non members: RSVP is essential. Please fill in the registration form.
For further details visit: www.adelaide.edu.au/researchtuesdays/ or phone 8303 3692.
Asian Studies Workshop Series
'Thinking about Asia' Workshop 12
The rise of the Red Shirts & Thai cultural hegemony: A Reflection on domination
Speaker: Dr Jim Taylor, Thailand specialist, Discipline of Anthropology, School of Social Sciences
Date/Time: Friday 28 May 2010, 1:10pm - 2:30pm
Venue: Ligertwood Room 529, North Terrace Campus
Download: Asian Studies flyer (pdf).
Registration is recommended to secure seats - contact: Niki Pavlidis, phone 8303 5815.
Further information - contact: Dr Shoko Yoneyama, Centre for Asian Studies, phone 8303 5187.
Disability Research in SA:
Identifying and meeting the needs of our children
You are cordially invited to our second HDA Thematic Evening for the year, sponsored by Novita Children's Services.
Date/Time: Thursday 17 June 2010, 4:15pm - 7:00pm
Venue: State Library of South Australia, Institute Building Lecture Theatre
FREE. All welcome.
This event is open to researchers, students, health service, education, government and community sectors.
Our speakers will cover research that addresses factors that affect children with disabilities and their families at home, in the school and community and what the policy and future research priorities should be.
Speakers include:
- Professor Michael Sawyer, Head of Research & Evaluation Unit, Children, Youth & Women's Health Service (CYWHS) / Professor, Discipline of Paediatrics, University of Adelaide (HDA Co-Convenor)
- Dr Julie McMillan, Lecturer, School of Education, Flinders University
- Dr Pammi Raghavendra, Manager, Research & Innovation, Novita Children's Services
- Ms Kelly Vincent, Dignity for Disability
For further details and speaker profiles, download: HDA flyer (pdf)
RSVP by Thursday 10 June via email to: Anne Jurisevic, Healthy Development Adelaide.
www.adelaide.edu.au/hda/events/
BANGARRA and BUBBLES
Don't miss internationally acclaimed Bangarra Dance Theatre's new double bill 'Of Earth And Sky' at the Adelaide Festival Centre from 8 - 11 September. Staff who purchase a ticket to the Adelaide premiere 'Of Earth And Sky' by 31 May 2010 will receive a voucher to redeem for a FREE glass of bubbles (or wine!) at the Adelaide Festival Centre bars. For details on how to access this offer, and to check out the full Alumni Privileges Package go to: www.alumni.adelaide.edu.au/privileges.
For more information about the show 'Of Earth And Sky', visit their web site: www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/afc/whats-on/dance.php.
Professor Charles Pearce: 'Galileo Galilei at the Barr'
The Friends of the University of Adelaide Library invite you to a FREE author event with Professor Charles Pearce.
Date/Time: Thursday 27 May 2010, 1:05pm
Venue: Ira Raymond Exhibition Room, Barr Smith Library
Find out where Galileo's book on two new sciences - Discorsi - fits into his life and work, what the book is about and its significance.
Bookings by Tuesday 25 May to Robina Weir, phone 8303 4064.
Full details are on the University Library web site.
WPDN Book Club - Meet the Author: Christine Harris
Christine Harris lives in the Adelaide Hills. She has written over 50 books for readers aged 5-15 years. Her work includes short story collections, speculative fiction, historical fiction, plays, poetry and humour. Christine's books are published in many countries around the world. She was the recipient of the Carclew Fellowship 2006, and many of her books have been shortlisted or won awards.
Come and meet Christine and hear her speak about her work on Thursday 3 June, 12:00pm - 1:00pm, BankSA Room, Level 1, Professions Hub.
For more details, contact Sue Coppin on 8303 5184.
Barr Smith Library Book Sale
The Barr Smith Library's annual sale of pre-loved books will take place on Wednesday 2 June and Thursday 3 June, 9:00am - 5:00pm, in the Ira Raymond Exhibition Room, Level 3 South, just at the library entrance.
Many subject areas and languages will be represented.
Most items $2.00 unless marked otherwise (cash only).
Sorry, no listings or previews.
Enquiries to the Book Resources Librarian: Margaret Hosking on 8303 3706
Email: library-brl@adelaide.edu.au
School of Molecular and Biomedical Science
School Seminar Series
"Multiple Personalities in Quaternary Structure and Regulation of a Novel Antibiotic Target"
Speaker: A/Prof Matthew Perugini, Reader & ARC Future Fellow, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bio21 Molecular Science & Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne
Date/Time: Friday 4 June 2010, 1:00pm; lunch provided from 12:30pm
Venue: Seminar Room 5.01, Level 5, Molecular Life Sciences Building
All Welcome.
This seminar will describe recent discoveries that demonstrate differences in quaternary structure and regulation of an antibiotic enzyme target from common bacterial pathogens and bacterial extremophiles that live in cold, hot and high salt environments.
Download: Perugini Seminar flyer (pdf)
If you would like to meet with A/Prof Matthew Perugini - contact: Dr Briony Forbes, phone 8303 5581.
ATEM - How Professional Staff Contribute to Positive Student Outcomes
Date/Time: Thursday 24 June 2010, 7:30am - 9:00am
Venue: The Naval, Military & Air Force Club, 111 Hutt Street, Adelaide
Cost: $40 for members, $55 for non members; includes full breakfast
Don't miss out! REGISTER for this event now!
For enquiries, please contact ATEM Central Region Secretariat: centralregion1@atem.org.au.
DVE Business Solutions Pty Ltd - ATEM Central Region Secretariat: info@dvesolutions.com.au.
ATEM Central Region 2010 Annual Conference
Future Directions for Tertiary Education
Thinking big and making it real: challenges and opportunities beyond 2010
The region has been fortunate to secure a number of nationally recognised speakers who will take attendees on a journey from the current tertiary education context to a range of possible futures. The conference program will also offer tertiary education managers and staff the opportunity to reflect on how we respond to the current challenges as well as possible futures.
Date/Time: Wednesday 26 May 2010, 9:00am - 5:00pm
Venue: Adelaide Pavilion
Download: ATEM Conference flyer (pdf)
Training & Development Opportunities
FREE Staff Learning and Development Programs for June and July 2010
The following FREE programs are currently available in June and July to support your development, attendance at programs should be linked to your PDR. Please discuss programs with your manager or supervisor prior to enrolling for a program online at: www.adelaide.edu.au/hr/development/. Please bookmark the web site, as new programs will be added regularly.
| Date | Program | Overview | Who Should Attend |
| June 2010 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 June | Coaching in Challenging Situations - for Heads of School/Institutes Workshop 2 |
This workshop follows on from Workshop 1 (26 May) and provides the skills for applying effective workplace coaching techniques. | Head of Schools / Institutes. |
| July 2010 | |||
| 13 & 14 July | Management Essentials for New Managers/Supervisors | Learn foundational management skills, with tips, tools and techniques in self-management and managing the performance of others in the workplace. | New managers or supervisors. |
| 27 July | PDR for Managers | Learn the skills to conduct effective PDR discussions with your staff that result in clear and meaningful feedback and outcomes. | All managers and supervisors who are responsible for facilitating PDR discussions. |
| 29 July | PDR for Staff | Learn about the benefits of PDR for you and how to be actively involved in the planning of your work and professional development. | Continuing staff on a fixed term contract of 12 months or longer. |
| 23 & 29 July | Moving from Busyness to Effectiveness | This program will allow you to discover tools, techniques and strategies that you can use to prioritise and focus your time to become more effective. | All staff. |
Skills for Maths Exams
Designed for students studying Maths IA, Maths IMA and Intro to Financial Maths I, these seminars by the Maths Learning Service (MLS) will provide some tips on how to prepare for maths exams, where to get help, changes to syllabuses and how to answer exam questions.
Date/Time: Wednesday 9 June 2010, 4:10pm - 5:00pm
Venue: Horace Lamb Lecture Theatre
Date/Time: Friday 11 June 2010, 10:10am - 11:00am
Venue: Flentje Lecture Theatre
For further information please see the MLS web site.
Designing for Online learning
This Strategies for Online Learning seminar, hosted by CLPD, will highlight strategies and tools for developing engaging and interactive course content.
Date/Time: Friday 11 June 2010, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Venue: CLPD, Level 2, Schulz Building West
You can download the seminar flyer (pdf) from the training page on the MyUni Support web site.
To book for the seminar go to the University Course Booking System.
Strategies for Online Collaborative Learning
This seminar will overview the various collaborative features available within MyUni including groups, discussion boards, wikis and blogs. Embedding collaborative learning into the curriculum and assessment requirements as well as facilitation/moderation techniques and strategies will be the main focus.
Date/Time: Tuesday 1 June 2010, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Venue: CLPD, Level 2, Schulz Building West
You can download the seminar flyer (pdf) from the training page on the MyUni Support web site.
To book for the seminar go to the University Course Booking System.
Preparing for Exams
Further seminars for students on preparing for exams are being presented in the week beginning Monday 24 May. During the weeks leading up to the exam period, students will need to prepare in an intensive way. These Academic Learning and Language (ALL) seminars provide exam preparation techniques designed to help students maximise their results in the different exam formats.
For detailed information on dates and venues please see the ALL web site.
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. They can help students to develop their essay and report writing skills.
Venue: CLPD, Level 2, Schulz Building West
Visit the CLPD web site for more information and details of opening hours.
Maths Drop-In Centre
The Maths Drop-In Centre provides FREE assistance to all students encountering maths and/or stats in their studies.
Opening hours: 10:00am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday. No appointment required.
See the Maths Learning Service web site for further details.
Transforming Assessment: Recording now available.
Professor Geoffrey Crisp from the University of Adelaide presented the first Transforming Assessment webinar, 12 May 2010, on the changes in the student learning environment afforded by Web 2.0 technologies. He led a lively discussion with around 50 participants on why assessment practices need to change in response to these new learning environments. [duration: 1 hour and 17 minutes].
To view and download the session in a number of formats please go to http://www.transformingassessment.com/events_past.php.
Transforming Assessment Webinar Series
A series of FREE events to be held in 2010 on the topic of e-assessment. Invited experts will speak on a range of topics throughout the year covering examples from around the world of the use of e-assessment utilising technologies such as social networking systems, virtual worlds (second life, open sim etc), serious games, sims, blogs, wikis, e-portfolios, LMS (Moodle, blackboard etc), voting (phone/clickers), virtual labs, remote labs and augmented reality.
Further information on these events, recordings of past events, further project information and participation/technical information on using the Wimba system can be found on the Transforming Assessment web site.
e-Assessment Webinar - Assessing students' Web 2.0 activities
A FREE 'Transforming Assessment' webinar (online via your web browser) on "The assessment of students' Web 2.0 activities: Findings from an ALTC project". Dr Kathleen Gray and Dr Jenny Waycott (University of Melbourne, Australia) will present and lead a discussion on the implications for assessment design and conduct of student web 2.0 authoring activities as well as guidelines and a suite of resources that have been developed to encourage good practice in the assessment of such activities. Audience members are encouraged to participate and contribute their experiences.
To participate in the seminar you will need to:
- have an Internet connected computer;
- have a headset (mic and speakers/earphones);
- have run the Setup Wizard prior to the session time.
To run the Setup Wizard please go to: http://192.160.71.198/launcher.cgi?room=transformingassessment.
Please RSVP by email to: info@transformingassessment.com so we can gauge expected numbers. Please use the subject line 'RSVP for GW webinar 26 May 2010'.
The live webinar session:
- Will be held at 4:30pm
- On Wednesday 26 May
- Please ensure you plug in the headset, and
- Go to: http://192.160.71.198/launcher.cgi?room=transformingassessment.
- A recording of the session will be published after the event on the Transforming Assessment web site.
Professional and Continuing Education
Language Courses
Are you a Beginner?
Try your hand at learning a new language with our 10 week Introductory courses. Suitable for complete beginners, these 'taster' courses will provide a practical introduction to the language of your choice. These are beginner level courses and ideal for simple communication for business or travel. These courses will give you the confidence to interact in basic social situations and enhance your socio-cultural understanding.
Languages offered: Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish.
Do you already have some language skills?
Do you want to continue your language study now and not wait until the next scheduled start of the course? Or, perhaps, looking for a refresher before starting on your next level of study? Then our Mid-Year entry option into the Full Year program is what you need! If you already have some language skills you can join our full year languages midway in July. A range of languages and levels available.
Discount: 5% for University of Adelaide staff.
For further information visit our web site or phone 8303 4777.
You can now enrol and pay online! Visit our web site and follow the easy steps.
Upcoming Professional Development Courses
The Coaching Team Leader
Tuesday 1 June
Introduction to Policy
Wednesday 2 June
Thinking on Your Feet
Thursday 3 June
Writing Winning Tenders and Proposals
Friday 4 June
Making Social Networking Tools Work for Business
Tuesday 8 June
Discount: 5% for University of Adelaide staff.
You can now enrol and pay online! Visit our web site and follow the easy steps.
For further information visit our web site or phone 8303 4777.
Information for Researchers
Exploring Supervision Program ... on the Waite Campus
The Exploring Supervision program is a series of three interactive workshops on key topics in HDR supervision, which we now offer three times a year. The program is open to all academic staff. Completion of the full module of the program can lead to principal research supervisor status.
Towards the end of second semester, on Wednesday 16, Thursday 17 and Friday 18 June, from 9:30am to 1:30pm each day, we are delivering the workshop series at the Waite Campus. All staff are welcome to attend. For staff based at the North Terrace Campus, we will be providing transport to and from the Waite (departing from the city campus at 9:15am and returning just after 1:30pm).
We are also repeating the workshop series at the end of second semester, on Monday 8, Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 November, in the AGC Seminar Room, Level 6, 115 Grenfell St. You can do whatever workshops you like, whenever you like. There's no set order, you don't have to do them all in one go, and it's all FREE!
To find out more about the program, and to link to our enrolment facility go to: www.adelaide.edu.au/red/staff/esp/
For further information contact Dr Ian Green or Dr Cally Guerin.
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.
