Apr 20, 2009

We hope you enjoy browsing through the latest news about UQ as well as ways you can get involved in activities around the campuses. Other regular sections in the weekly bulletin include study and training opportunities as well as information on how you can participate as a volunteer in various postgraduate studies at UQ. UQ Update is also available online and you can access an extensive archive dating back to April 2002.

In this issue:
 

The latest

Enterprise bargaining

Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alan Rix has confirmed arrangements to provide union officers and staff representatives with a financial briefing on Wednesday, May 6, 2009. The briefing, to be delivered by newly appointed Executive Director (Operations) Maurie McNarn AO in conjunction with Professor Rix and Director of Human Resources, Shard Lorenzo, will address in detail UQ’s income and expenditure forecasts for this and the immediate coming years. The briefing will also cover the impact of the broader financial crisis on UQ. With union claims for a 20 percent pay rise over three years, financial security is a key consideration for University management in 2009 and beyond. The University remains committed to continuing negotiations in the latter part of the first half of this year when the Federal Budget situation is known. A consolidated log of claims from unions, as first discussed in November last year, is expected to be delivered on May 6, 2009. Staff will be informed of further developments.

Visual identity update

The University’s new visual identity is currently being rolled out, and new materials are now available for staff to use. The new PowerPoint template is now available for download from the brand website, and additional templates will be available in the coming weeks. The Corporate Identity Guidelines will be available for download from next week as well. (Please note you will require your UQ username and password to log in to this site.) OMC is working with Bluestar and the Gatton Printery to release the new corporate stationery, and details on how to order new materials will be included in next week’s edition of UQ Update. Staff are encouraged to look at the range of brand information provided on the staff UQ Brand website and to direct further questions to insight@uq.edu.au.

“Invite a friend” to Diversity Week celebrations

All staff and students are encouraged to “invite a friend” to the free Vice-Chancellor’s Equity and Diversity Awards evening on Thursday, May 28. Held as part of the University’s annual Diversity Week celebrations (May 25–29), the awards recognise outstanding contributions to UQ and its community. Mr Phillip Adams AO, host of ABC National’s Late Night Live, has again agreed to convene the panel discussion and forum on the night. The discussion point is “In Others’ Shoes: Possible or Pipedream?” Staff are reminded to prepare their nomination or application for the awards, valued at $10,000 for the winner and $5000 for the runner-up. Details: click here.

Alumni Book Fair and Rare Book Auction

The UQ Alumni Book Fair will be held from Saturday, April 25, until Wednesday, April 29, in the UQ Centre, Union Road, St Lucia campus, noon–5pm (Anzac Day) and 11am–5pm all other days. It is open between 10am–11am on Sunday, April 26, exclusively for people with disabilities. The Rare Book Auction will be held in the Women’s College Playhouse, Sir William MacGregor Drive, St Lucia campus, on Friday, April 24, at 6pm. To view auction catalogue, please click here. Lots can be inspected at the venue between 4pm–6pm on auction day. Details: alumni@uq.edu.au or 3365 1562.

Journey of Healing Dinner

In order to keep the momentum going following the National Apology to the Stolen Generations by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on February 13, 2008, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit will hold its Journey of Healing Dinner at 6pm for 6.30pm on Friday, May 29. This is an opportunity for UQ staff and students and members of the Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to come together to acknowledge the spirit of Reconciliation. Cost: $50 for wage-earners and $25 for students/pensioners. UQ faculties, schools and centres can book a table of 10 for a reduced rate of $450. Details: Sue on ext. 56699 or Colleen on ext. 56714.

BEL postgraduate scholarships for staff closing soon

The BEL Faculty is offering Commonwealth Supported Postgraduate Scholarships to general staff employed in full-time continuing appointment/s for at least two years. Applicants must apply separately for admission to one of the Faculty’s postgraduate coursework programs and provide evidence they have been admitted to a relevant program. Applications for a second semester 2009 start should be submitted to Allanah Bigg by May 31. Details: abigg@bel.uq.edu.au or ext. 69061 or bhenderson@bel.uq.edu.au or ext. 58274.

Events & UQ in the media

Upcoming events:

UQ in the media:

  • Dr Karl’s Science uncensored
  • Speaker offers graduates some very sound advice
  • Today in history
  • Q150 train departs
  • Tips on getting through unemployment
  • Science scholar visits our senior students
  • Boost for research
  • Scientists study relationship
  • Brumbie talks not to be missed in May
  • Sinking teeth into research
  • Free whiplash seminar
  • Research into Sea Sponges
  • Art record
  • Sign in to the UQ Mediaclips site for more media clips.

Other news

Everyone invited to Sir Llew’s farewell

After almost 16 years as Chancellor of UQ, Sir Llew Edwards AC retired on February 9 this year. To mark his outstanding contribution to UQ, all staff are invited to attend Sir Llew’s farewell function. It will be held in the Alumni Court (between Mansfield Place and the Great Court) from 5pm-7pm on Wednesday, April 29. Details and to RSVP by Wednesday, April 22: click here.

Housekeeping matters

Calling past students and staff of Dutton Park State School

Please help the school celebrate its 125th anniversary and register your interest by contacting the.principal@duttparkss.eq.edu.au or 3010 8333.

Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science

Nominations for the five 2009 prizes close at 5pm on Friday, May 8. The total prize pool is grants worth $500,000. Details: click here or pmprize@innovation.gov.au.

Get out & about

World’s best trivia quiz on at UQ

Well, now that we’ve got your attention, we’re not sure about the “world’s best” claim but The University of Queensland Club’s monthly quiz is a lot of fun. It’s on from 6pm for 6.30pm start on Thursday, April 23, for teams of up to six players. Content includes three general knowledge rounds, an audio round and a paper and pen task. Team and individual prizes, a cash jackpot prize ($300 this month) and a “Famous Faces” prize board. Entrance fee: $3. Details: cmccowie@optusnet.com.au or 0423 775 025.

Treat your mum to tea in style

Customs House will hold a Mother’s Day Morning Tea Celebration from 10.30am–noon on Sunday, May 10, in the Long Room. Cost is $55 per head all-inclusive with shared tables of 10 persons. Music provided by Strictly Strings. Reservations: ext. 58999. Details: click here.

Riverside dining at its best

Customs House is offering UQ staff members 10 percent discount when dining in the restaurant. The offer does not apply on Saturday evenings, one discount per booking, and not to be used in conjunction with any other promotion. For trading hours and full menu details, click here. Your employee number must be provided in order to receive your discount. Reservations: ext. 58921.

Brit wit at its best

Easy Virtue, currently showing at the Schonell Cinema, stars Jessica Biel, Colin Firth, and Kristin Scott Thomas and is set in late 1920s England. Upper-class John Whittaker returns home from holiday married to the “wrong sort of girl”. Larita is a widow and a racing car driver, sophisticated, fiercely independent and American. John’s frosty mother Veronica is horrified, his father Jim enthralled, and his sisters are at first delighted then despairing. Details: click here

Ignations Showstoppers Concert

This year, the concert features old favourites as well as a new pieces with the backing of a 60-piece choir, a selection of Brisbane’s talented soloists and full orchestra on-stage, led by the amazing Andrew Chamberlain. There will be four shows only between Friday, May 8, and Sunday, May 10, at the Schonell Theatre, St Lucia campus. Details: click here or 1300 762 545.

Your favourite flicks

Here are all your answers to last week's 'Just for fun' question on your favourite movies. Thank you for your enthusiastic response. The question this week is "What was your first paid job and how old were you?" Again, email us at update@uq.edu.au and we’ll have a sample of your answers in next week’s edition.

Health & fitness

Help at hand for tired muscles, aches and pains

The Musculoskeletal and Sports Injury clinic will offer extended clinic hours on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons from 1pm–5pm starting Monday, April 27. These clinic hours will be staffed by postgraduate physiotherapy students specialising in sports physiotherapy. To book: physioclinic@uq.edu.au or 3366 2232.

Don’t suffer in silence

The Employee Assistance Program is a confidential and voluntary counselling service provided to all UQ employees and their immediate families. The EAP aims to assist with the resolution of personal and work-related problems that may affect work performance or quality of life. This external counselling service is free-of-charge and facilitated by Assure programmes. Details: here or info@assureprograms.com.au or 24-hour hotline on 1800 808 374.

CPR and First Aid training on campus

UQ SPORT in association with Pulsestart Training Solutions, offer Nationally Recognised CPR & First Aid training at UQ’s St Lucia campus. With qualified professional trainers, Pulsestart Training Solutions are the partner of choice for the Australian Medical Association Services Queensland. From only $60, upcoming courses will be held on May 9 and 23. Details and enrolment  here.

Study, training & development

Mastering SI-net

Staff may enrol for upcoming SI-net Fundamentals training sessions held between 9.30am and 12.30pm in room 102, building 33 on the following dates:

  • Wednesday, April 29;
  • Tuesday, May 12;
  • Monday, May 25;
  • Wednesday, June 10; and
  • Wednesday, June 24.

Staff may enrol for the following SI-net Course Catalogue training sessions held between 9.30am and 4.30pm in room 102, building 33 on Tuesday, July 7.

Upcoming Staff Development courses

Places are still available in the following staff development course:

General

Details: here.

UQBS Corporate Education Courses for 2009

Register your interest now for one of these superb Corporate Leadership courses:

  • Valuing Human Capital (27 April–1 May 2009)
  • Strategy in Action (18 May–22 May 2009)
  • Women Executive Leaders (15 June–19 June 2009)
  • Leadership for the Not for Profit Sector (6 July–10 July 2009)

Details: click here or 3346 7111.

Lectures, seminars & workshops

Oxford don to speak at legal seminar

The TC Beirne School of Law and the Bar Association of Queensland are proud to present a new high–profile series of seminars on contemporary legal issues. The series will kick off on Thursday, April 30, with a paper by Professor Andrew Burrows of Oxford University. Mr David Jackson QC will provide a commentary and the seminar will be chaired by the Chief Justice. Details and to register your interest here.

Osteal macrophages explained

Dr Liza Raggatt, a postdoctoral research fellow at the UQ Centre for Clinical Research, will present the seminar: “Osteal Macrophages: New Players in Bone” at 4.30pm, on Thursday, April 23, in the Main Auditorium, Level 2, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, RBWH Campus. All welcome. Details: a.vann@uqccr.uq.edu.au or 3346 5555.

Search/Match Workshop for SI-net users

A SI-net Search/Match workshop will be held from 10am–noon on Thursday, April 23, in the Senate Room. The purpose of the workshop is to explain Search/Match so duplicate ID issues can be managed more efficiently. Enrolment for this workshop is not necessary. Additional Search/Match functions will be discussed and the current Search/Match method will be revised.

Perspectives on Muslim life: free public forum

UQ will host a free public forum from 11.30am–1pm on Thursday, April 23, at UQ Business School Downtown, L17 Central Plaza One, 345 Queen Street, Brisbane, to discuss areas of Queensland law that present difficulties for Muslims living in Queensland. To register, contact g.richardson@gls.com.au or 3842 5818.

Practical ethics seminar: a lawyer’s duties to the courts

The UQ Law Graduates Association is proud to host this one-hour seminar by His Honour Judge Searles at UQ Downtown premises, Level 19 Central Plaza One, 345 Queen Street, Brisbane, at 6pm on Wednesday, April 29. Practitioners can claim one CPD unit. Refreshments will be served following the seminar. Cost: $70.00 GST incl. Details: click here.

Advanced Negotiation Skills

The Australian Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (ACPACS) is offering a three-day Advanced Negotiation workshop at St Lucia campus May 11–13. UQ staff are eligible for a 20 percent discount on the workshop fee. Details: click here or acpacs.melbourne@uq.edu.au or 03 9863 2600.

Rotary World Peace Fellows’ Seminar 2009

The UQ community and general public will have an opportunity to hear from UQ’s Rotary World Peace Fellows as they share their practical experiences of peace-building around the globe at this year’s RWPF Seminar (formerly known as the Paul Harris Seminar) to be held from 9am–5pm on Saturday, May 23, in the GPN 4 building. The seminar will include presentations by peace fellows about their applied fieldwork experiences. Details: click here.

Volunteers sought

Please note entries remain for two Updates unless further requests received. Thank you.

New this week

  • People who have experienced low back pain for longer than three months which has restricted their work or leisure.
    Details: n.karayannis@uq.edu.au 
  • Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome to participate in a clinical trial evaluating non-surgical interventions.
    Details: carpaltunnel@uq.edu.au or 3365 4692

Carried over

  • People aged 18–45 with chronic neck pain to undertake one supervised exercise session and a MRI exam of their neck at the Wesley Hospital.
    Details: j.elliott2@uq.edu.au or 3365 4529
  • Men aged 50–80, with at least two years driving experience, normal or corrected vision, and not susceptible to motion sickness for an obstacle avoidance driving task using a shuttle car simulator.
    Details: Catherine.Hayward@uqcpnnect.edu.au
  • Physically active people without low back pain aged 18–32 years for a study on balance and spinal control conducted at Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital, Herston.
    Details: j.gildea@uq.edu.au
  • Parents of children aged 18 months to four years who would like free professional assistance with feeding and mealtime difficulties.
    Details: m.adamson@psy.uq.edu.au or 3346 7814
  • People who have experienced tennis elbow pain for at least six weeks.
    Details: tenniselbow@uq.edu.au or 3365 4692

From the editor

News for UQ Update should be forwarded to update@uq.edu.au by Friday morning for the following Monday's bulletin. Inquiries can be directed to OMC on 3365 1931. Items should be no longer than seven lines. Thank you.

Go to the archive section if you would like to see previous versions of UQ Update.

Other campus news: UQ News, UQ Ipswich and UQ Gatton.

  

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