UQSOPA logo

Patron: Ms Linda Bird, Academic Registrar, University of Queensland

The University of Queensland Secretaries’ Association was established on 24 February 1976 for the purpose of fellowship and the exchange of ideas. In 2000, it was decided to change the name of the Association to reflect the changing role of secretaries, to encourage a wider membership from office professionals across the University and to bring the name in line with the change introduced by The Australian Institute of Office Professionals (formerly IPSA).

Thirty years after its establishment, UQSOPA still holds true to its founding members’ desire to provide an avenue for professional and personal development of individual members and networking opportunities for office professionals employed by, and associated with, the University.

UQSOPA co-ordinates courses on behalf of the Teaching and Educational Development Institute (TEDI) with the generous support of the University and its University Staff Development Committee. Workshops in the past have covered topics as diverse as the professional resume and interviewing techniques; minute writing and the role of the committee secretary; introduction to records management; self defence/personal safety and empowerment for women; and university protocol and event management. Current course offerings can be found here [link]. The UQSOPA also runs a one day conference free for its members in October of each year, other staff are welcome to attend also at a cost to be determined. A full program of the years activities are available below.

The UQSOPA also facilitates the Miracle Workers Award and the UQ General Staff Self Development Prize previously administered by the General Staff Association.

In around May of each year, General Staff employed at the University for at least three years are invited annually to apply for a monetary prize plus a certificate of achievement. The prize is awarded to the staff member who, in the opinion of the President of the UQSOPA, demonstrates the most outstanding achievements in self-development of an academic or non-academic nature.

Miracle Worker Awards are also called for annually. UQ Staff are invited to nominate any UQ employee who has inspired his/her peers through qualities in the workplace such as exceptional communication, sharing of knowledge, providing leadership and willingness to go above and beyond expectations. Nominations are considered by the President of the UQSOPA and presented with their award at a ceremony by the Chancellor, Sir Llew Edwards. To nominate someone, please complete the nomination form linked below,  or email k.hendrickson@uq.edu.au.

Office Professionals, including those not in secretarial roles employed at The University of Queensland are encouraged to become members and participate in events.

Please select from the following links for:

UQSOPA membership application form  (PDF)
UQSOPA Executive Members for the current term (PDF)
UQSOPA program of events for the current year (PDF)
Latest newsletter (PDF)

Miracle Workers Award nomination form (Word)