UQ Update

UQ Update - 27 January, 2009  


The latest

Diversity Week 2009 – attention senior staff

Guest lists for the 2009 Vice-Chancellor’s Equity and Diversity Awards are due this Friday, January 30. “In Others' Shoes” will be the theme for The University of Queensland’s Diversity Week held from May 25 until May 29. Guest lists are to be forwarded to Kristy Gan at k.gan@uq.edu.au. Details on the Diversity Week website.

Departure of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)

Professor David Siddle will step down on April 3, 2009, before his retirement takes effect in July, 2009. Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield paid tribute to Professor Siddle’s strategic and leadership skills and said there would be opportunities in coming months to formally acknowledge Professor Siddle’s extensive contributions to UQ. Under Professor Siddle’s stewardship, UQ’s research income has grown from $137 million in 2002 to $244 million in 2007. An Acting DVCR will be appointed shortly.

Retirement of Dean, UQ Graduate School

Professor Christa Critchley will retire on April 3, 2009, after a 20-year career at UQ. Professor Critchley has been Dean of the Graduate School since May 2008, was Deputy Dean from 2002 and was previously Head of the then-Department of Botany. Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield said Professor Critchley had promoted UQ as a destination for high-quality research higher degree candidates, attested to by a record number of RHD graduations in 2008.

Australia Day recognition

Congratulations to all UQ staff, alumni and students who have received Australia Day honours, or who have become Australia Day ambassadors or new Australian citizens. Read the story so far here.  The Office of Marketing and Communications is compiling a list of Australia Day honours recipients and would appreciate your help in compiling the most accurate list. Please forward details to communications@uq.edu.au.

Senate committee vacancies

Expressions of interest are invited for the following vacancies on the Senate Committee for Equity, Diversity and The Status of Women: Chair, Gender Equity Subcommittee (GESC); Chair, Cultural and Linguistic Diversity, and Indigenous Australians Subcommittee (CALDIA); and representatives of the parent Committee on each of its three subcommittees, (Disability, CALDIA, GESC). Details from the Equity website. Nominations should be sent to equity@uq.edu.au by COB Friday, February 13.

Inauguration thrill for PhD student

When the United States officially inaugurated its first African American President on January 20, UQ PhD candidate Noritta Morseu-Diop was in Washington D.C to offer her applause. Read the full story here.

UQ partners in $60m groundwater centre

University of Queensland researchers will participate in a new $60 million National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training announced by the Rudd Government. Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, and Minister for Innovation and Research, Senator Kim Carr, said the new centre, led by Flinders University, was an important investment in helping secure Australia's future water supplies. Read full story here.

Other news

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 on the Orientation website.

Executive Director (Operations)

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. Read the full story here.

Housekeeping matters

UQ Printery changes

Following a decision by the Vice-Chancellor late last year, the operations and management of the UQ Printery are to be outsourced to a joint venture partnership of Oce/Blue Star from February 16 this year. Printing requirements from the UQ Printery up to and including February 13 can be ordered using the Printery Internal Services and Supply form. Please contact Joe Pembroke ext. 57287 or Karen Mourilyan ext. 54465 if you require a form and an ISC revenue entry will be processed. From February 16, the new printing contractor will require a purchase order as an external supplier from UniFi.

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

Intellectual stimulation

Retired UQ staff and those approaching retirement may be interested in joining the Probus Club of St Lucia East. Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month (February to November) in the Indooroopilly Library at Shoppingtown. Members include not only retired UQ staff but other residents of the local community, with meetings featuring guest speakers on a variety of social, historic and scientific topics. Details: Dr Pat Gunn p.gunn@uq.edu.au, 3871 3967

More days to see a movie

Films at the Schonell Cinema include Bustin’ Down the Door, Before the Rains, 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.

Study, training & development

Upcoming Staff Development courses

Places are still available in the following staff development courses:

Details: http://www.tedi.uq.edu.au/sdh/

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

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.

Volunteers sought

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

New this week

Carried over


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