UQ Update

UQ Update - 20 January, 2009  


The latest

QTAC January offer round

The University of Queensland has offered places to more than 9000 people who applied for university via QTAC, including offers made in December. This figure represented growth of more than five percent on offers made at the same time last year. Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield thanked prospective students for showing keen interest in UQ and noted a few early trends including strong demand for engineering and commerce.

UQ graduates get jobs

University of Queensland graduates under the age of 25 and available for full-time work have again achieved outstanding employment rates. Graduate Careers Australia’s Australian Graduate Survey 2008 reveals University of Queensland graduates continued to be highly sought after by employers. Read full story here. 

Orientation Week

Aimed at helping new students settle into University life, Orientation Week, this year to be held from Monday, February 23, until Friday, February 27, will feature a packed program of information sessions and fun activities, including Market Day on Wednesday, February 25. Lectures commence on Monday, March 2. Details: http://www.uq.edu.au/orientation/. 

Diversity Week 2009

“In Others’ Shoes” will be the theme for The University of Queensland’s Diversity Week held from May 25 to May 29 this year. The week culminates with the presentation of the Vice-Chancellor’s Equity and Diversity Awards, with a panel discussion as part of the celebrations. Professor Carmen Lawrence, Australia’s first female state premier and Federal Minister for Health, and Professor Kevin Clements, Director of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at The University of Otago, New Zealand, will be guest panellists. Senior staff are requested to provide their guest lists for this event to Kristy Gan at k.gan@uq.edu.au by January 31. Details: http://www.uq.edu.au/diversity-week/index.html.

UQ wins tender for maternity studies centre

The Queensland Government has selected UQ researchers to lead an important new centre of excellence. The Queensland Centre for Mothers and Babies, a significant component of Queensland’s maternity reform agenda, is due to open this year. Read full story here.

Kids reach for the stars at UQ

Up to 100 students from 10 Queensland high schools will take part in the annual Australian Space Design Competition this week (January 20–22). Hosted by UQ's School of Information Technology & Electrical Engineering (ITEE), it involves four teams of students assuming it is the year 2058, then preparing and presenting a tender response to a request to design and build a settlement in space. Read full story here.

Call for papers for 2009 Blended Learning Conference and event

The University of Hertfordshire’s Blended Learning Unit and the UK Higher Education Academy, in association with the University of Calgary and UQ have announced the Fourth International Blended Learning Conference “Engaging Students in the Curriculum”. UQ will hold a one-day Blended Learning Conference and Event on June 18. The deadline for abstract submissions (UQ staff) is February 6. Details: Call for Papers – UQ Blended Learning Conference.

Executive Director (Operations)

Major General Maurie McNarn, AO, Director of Australia’s Defence Intelligence Organisation (DIO) and Head of Joint Operational Intelligence, will take up the position of Executive Director (Operations) from March 16. This is a new position, created to cover some of the duties of now-retired Secretary and Registrar Dr Douglas Porter.

New PVC staff at Ipswich campus

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor’s Office is pleased to introduce Tony Sadler as new Campus Executive Officer and Jessica Freiberg as new Marketing and Development Manager. Tony’s contact details are email t.sadler@uq.edu.au or ext 11001. Jessica’s contact details are email j.freiberg@uq.edu.au or ext 11068.

Other news

Senior executive title changes 2009

Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield has approved the following title changes effective from January 1, 2009:

Coronation Drive traffic changes

The right turn lanes from Hale Street to Coronation Drive (proceeding towards the St Lucia campus) will be temporarily closed until completion of the Hale Street Link in mid 2010. Traffic currently using Hale Street and the right turn to Coronation Drive should seek alternative routes during this closure period.

Changes to intercampus bus timetable

The intercampus bus schedules have been updated on the P&F website, now with separate timetables including one for the 2009 vacation period.

Housekeeping matters

Changes to permit parking at UQ

As a result of the recent Review of Parking Arrangements at University Sites, Red Zone Parking areas will be progressively closed during January 2009. Red Zone permit holders are offered an opportunity to park in the Multi-level carparks until Friday, February 13, 2009, at no extra charge. To take up this offer please visit the Traffic & Parking office (Multi-level Carpark 2, Building 98B) to collect an access card. For 2009 Permit fees please click here. For a copy of the Parking Review please click here.

Get out & about

Artist talk

Join Tracey Moffatt one of Australia’s leading contemporary artists as she talks about her work and practice, including the “First jobs series” and video work on display in NEW. Selected Recent Acquisitions 2007–2008 at the UQ Art Museum at 6pm on Wednesday, January 21. Details: http://www.artmuseum.uq.edu.au/.

More days to see a movie

New films at the Schonell Cinema include Slumdog Millionaire, Vicki Cristina Barcelona and I’ve loved you so long. To kick off a new year, session days have been extended to include Thursdays and Mondays as well as Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for January and early February. Details: http://www.schonell.com/.

Pizza pizzazz

Due to popular demand the Schonell/Pizza Caffe movie deal is back. The $25 deal includes two movie tickets and one pizza while the $50 deal includes two movie tickets, two pizzas and two glasses of red or white wine. On Sundays, pizza is priced at only $10. The Pizza Caffe is open Monday–Friday, 11am–8.30pm, Saturday noon–8.30pm, and Sunday noon–4pm.

UQSOPA Aussie morning tea

An Australia Day morning tea will be held at 10am on Tuesday, January 27, under the big tree overlooking the lakes. Take the footpath heading down the hill towards the Lakes Bus Station/Conifer Knoll carpark and bring a plate of Aussie tucker (morning tea) to share. Cost: $4 per person for tea/coffee. RSVP: k.hendrickson@uq.edu.au by Friday, January 23.

Health & fitness

Be more mindful

UQ clinical psychologists are offering a brief introduction to mindfulness training introducing concepts such as being aware in the present, mindful breathing, body awareness, and mindfulness in everyday life. Available to anyone experiencing mild to moderate levels of anxiety, depression and/or stress, groups will be run over four weeks (Monday or Thursday) starting on Tuesday, January 27. Details: sjones@psy.uq.edu.au  3365 6451

Study, training & development

Discounted courses for IML's 75th Anniversary

In 2009, IML will offer 83 different courses in 26 languages. If you are a UQ staff member who has not enrolled in an IML course before, be one of the 75 lucky people to enrol before Friday, February 13, 2009 and receive a 10 percent discount. Courses and offer details: www.iml.uq.edu.au.

Discrimination and Harassment Contact Officer training

Staff who have an understanding of and commitment to social justice principles and a high level of discretion are invited to apply for a two-day course on February 12 and 13. DHCOs can be a first point of contact for people with inquiries about University policies and procedures related to discrimination and harassment (including sexual harassment and bullying). Visit the website for more information and to enrol.

Mediation and conflict resolution training in 2009

Find out more about this training run by the Australian Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at www.uq.edu.au/acpacs, acpacs.melbourne@uq.edu.au, or 03 9863 2600. Details: http://www.uq.edu.au/acpacs/professional-development.

UQ Business School’s executive education courses for 2009

Register your interest now for Executive Leadership courses. Details: www.business.uq.edu.au/execed, execed@business.uq.edu.au or 3346 7104

Graduate Certificate in Higher Education

The Graduate Certificate in Higher Education begins February 28. Apply to the School of Education by January 30. An application form and additional details can be found here. Direct enquiries: education@uq.edu.au.

Lectures, seminars & workshops

Siemens Science Experience

UQ will host the Siemens Science Experience – a fun three days of hands-on science activities for secondary students about to enter Year 10 in 2009 – from January 20 to 22, 2009. Details: online.

Volunteers sought

Entries remain for three updates unless further requests received. Thank you.

New this week

Carried over


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