UQ Update

UQ Update - 25 March, 2008  


The latest

VC’s address now online

Staff members unable to attend the Vice-Chancellor’s address to staff last week can download an audio file and powerpoint slides online. The files are also available via the Current Staff website under “Important Info”.

Graduate Student Week (GSW) next week (March 31 - April 4)

Graduate Student Week is a full program of skills training workshops and information seminars for postgraduate students organised by the UQ Graduate School. The GSW program includes information and skills workshops by the UQ Library, Student Services and UniQuest specifically designed for PhD and MPhil candidates as well as sessions of general interest to other postgraduate students. Research Higher Degree candidates (PhD & MPhil), Masters coursework students, and Honours students are encouraged to participate in Graduate Student Week. Details: Graduate School website.

UQ fades to black to benefit environment

The University will turn off its lights for one hour at 8pm this Saturday, March 29 for Earth Hour. More…

Ride to Work Day on Wednesday, April 2

Get involved in Bike Week 2008 with UQ SPORT organising Ride to Work Day for UQ staff and students on Wednesday, April 2. All participants will enjoy a free breakfast at the UQ SPORT Aquatic Centre from 7.30am–8.30am to kickstart your day. Meet members of the UQ Cycle Club at one of the following meeting points for a group ride into St Lucia, registration not necessary:

ACRF grant for cancer studies

Scientists from the Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology and Metabolic Medicine will be able to buy high tech tools to fight cancer thanks to a grant from the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. More…

QBI lab targets motor neuron disease

UQ's newest brain disorder research lab was opened last week in honour of the self-made millionaire Peter Goodenough who lost his life to motor neuron disease (MND). Story…

Applications sought for V-C’s awards and Diversity Week grants

Applications are called for the Vice-Chancellor’s Equity and Diversity awards that recognise outstanding contributions to the University and its community. These prestigious awards are valued at $10,000 and $5000 for the winner and runner-up. Arrange a relevant activity or event and apply for a Diversity Week grant. Enter the Diversity Week poster competition. Details: Diversity Week website.

Places available for Discrimination and Harassment Contact Officer training

Staff with an understanding of, and commitment to, social justice principles and a high level of discretion are invited to apply for a two-day Discrimination and Harassment Contact Officer (DHCO) course on April 3 and 4. DHCOs can be a first point of contact for people with enquiries about University policies and procedures related to discrimination and harassment (including sexual harassment and bullying). Details: TEDI website . Enrol by noon on March 26.

Senior Equity position available at UQ

The Equity Office is currently advertising to fill a new position of Senior Manager Equity and Diversity (HEW 8) and applications close on March 31. Details: Current staff —Vacancies.

Win a holiday to Hamilton Island

Sara Kayes from the School of Integrative Biology has won an iRiver X20 MP3 player by completing the OH&S online induction. All new and existing UQ staff*, including casuals, have an opportunity to win a holiday for two to Hamilton Island by completing the OH&S online induction. The competition runs for eight weeks closing Friday, March 28. Weekly minor prizes include dinner-for-two vouchers or iRiver X20 MP3 players. Details: visit my.UQ or email d.martin1@uq.edu.au. *Entry is open only to UQ staff who are Queensland residents.

March edition of Unigreen News for staff and students now available

Unigreen News, a newsletter for all UQ staff and students, highlights environmental initiatives including water conservation, recycling, Earth Hour activities and reducing greenhouse gas emissions on campus. It is produced by Environmental Services, Property and Facilities Division. To view, or to register for the Unigreen mailing list, visit www.pf.uq.edu.au/unigreen.html.

Bookings for staff influenza (flu) vaccinations clinics are available from April 3

Bookings can be made online for clinics at St Lucia, the Medical School, the Dental School and the JKMRC site at Indooroopilly. Arrangements for flu vaccinations at Princess Alexandra Hospital can be made by phone or email. Bookings are available for clinics until May 23 at St Lucia. Details: the staff flu program website. This site has a consent form which you should print out and bring to your appointment. Please read the information links on flu vaccination before your appointment, especially if you have not had the vaccine previously.

Caravaggio-influenced Russian art installation opens this week

Mrs Elena Kozhina, Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of the Russian Federation, will open AES+F: Last Riot, a three-screen video installation by four Russian artists, together known as AES+F Group, on Friday, March 28 at the UQ Art Museum, St Lucia. Last Riot was shown at the 52nd Venice Biennale in 2007 as part of the official Russian Pavilion. A room brochure with a text by Dr Rex Butler, Senior Lecturer in Art History, accompanies the exhibition, which continues until May 11. Details: artmuseum@uq.edu.au or phone ext. 53046.

Scientist and artist in conversation on Saturday

Trish Adams’s moving-image work HOST, which is on display at the UQ Art Museum, Mayne Centre, St Lucia, has resulted from observations made in the “bee house” during her residency at the Queensland Brain Institute. Professor Mandyam Srinivasan will join Trish Adams for an artist’s talk at the UQ Art Museum on Saturday, March 29 at 2pm to provide insights into bee behaviour research. Professor Srinivasan is QBI Head of Visual Neuroscience. He was awarded the 2007 Queensland Smart State Premier’s Fellowship and the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science in 2006.

Teaching award nominations closing soon

Nominations close on May 2 for the University's Awards for Excellence in Teaching (AET) and Awards for the Enhancement of Student Learning (AESL). Academic staff with teaching, or teaching/research appointments (with at least two years of academic teaching-related employment at UQ), are eligible for AET nomination. AESL is open to all programs and services that enhance student learning at UQ. Nomination forms are available from each school. Details of the selection process are available online under Funding and Awards Excellence/UQ in Teaching and Learning Awards or from Jenny Bjarnesen, phone ext. 53206.

Win the jackpot at Staff Club trivia night at St Lucia

The Staff Club's monthly quiz night continues on Wednesday, March 26 at 6pm for a 6.30 start for teams of up to six players. Content includes general knowledge and audio rounds, a paper and pen task and spot questions. There are team and individual prizes, a cash jackpot prize ($430 this month) and a “Famous Faces” prize board. Entrance: $3 per person. Contact the club or quizmaster Charles McCowie, mobile 0423 775 025.

Get ahead with UQ Business School’s executive education courses for 2008

Register your interest now for one of these Executive Leadership courses:

Details: contact the Executive Education Team on ext. 67105 or 67115, email execed@business.uq.edu.au or visit www.business.uq.edu.au/execed.

Upgrade your skills in records management, office administration

The UQSOPA and TEDI are running two courses next month — the first, Records Management Introduction on Friday, April 4 at 9–11am in the Ipswich Library Seminar Room, Ipswich Campus. For the first time, the UQSOPA will also offer a Basic Office Administration Skills course aimed at levels lower than HEW 5. This course will be on Wednesday, April 16 in the TEDI Seminar Room, Building 15, from 1.30pm. Details: visit www.tedi.uq.edu.au/sdh/.

Parenting expert will be guest speaker

UQSOPA is organising a breakfast at Darwin’s Café, St Lucia, on Wednesday, April 2, with Professor Matt Sanders, 2007 Queenslander of the Year, founder of the Triple P-Positive Parenting Program, Professor of Clinical Psychology and Director of the Parenting and Family Support Centre. Time: 7.15am for 7.30am start. Cost: $15.50 for members; $20 for non-members. RSVP and enquiries to Karen Hendrickson or phone ext. 67754 by Thursday 27th March. The UQSOPA’s 2008 calendar of events and membership information is online.

Tips for ensuring your evaluation goes smoothly

TEDI has started taking Teaching Evaluation (TEVAL) orders for semester one. Please place orders at least six working days prior to your evaluation, but orders can be placed as early as you like. When scheduling evaluations, remember there could be processing delays at the end of semester. If you require your evaluation results before July 11, TEDI Evaluation Services staff suggest conducting evaluations in Week 10 or 11. Original questionnaires will be returned after student results have been posted. Details: contact ext. 53006 or email evaluations@uq.edu.au.

Enrol in staff development courses

Places are still available in the following staff development courses:

For details of all Staff Development Program courses, visit www.tedi.uq.edu.au/sdh/.

UQ SPORT clinics offer a range of services

The newly established Inter-Professional Clinics at UQ SPORT offer a range of classes and programs designed to facilitate participation in exercise by those at risk of developing chronic disease and those diagnosed with a disease or problem that limits physical activity. Accredited exercise physiologists work closely with clients to achieve health and fitness goals in group or individual sessions. The Inter-Professional Clinics accept referrals from General Practitioners as well as self-referring clients, and some services may attract health care rebates. There are also programs for adults and children, with discounts for UQ SPORT members. Details: phone ext. 67969, email: clinics@uqsport.uq.edu.au.

Total value pass promotion ends March 31

There is limited time left to take advantage of the excellent UQ SPORT Total Value Pass (TVP) promotion. As well as unlimited access to the Sport & Fitness Centre Gym, Cardio room, Olympic sized pool and Group Fitness classes, every new pass holder will receive a Fitness Pack filled with goodies to help you on your way to achieving your fitness goals. Details: online or phone ext. 67871.

Autumn School’s Out program to run April 7 to 11.

Your child will be spoilt for choice these holidays at the UQKids School’s Out Autumn program. There are three sport and recreation clinic options including UQKids Multisport Clinic for learning about a diverse range of sport and recreational activities, the Morning Sport Specific Skill Development Clinics for enhancing skills in a specific sports, and RAP, an activity based program for 6 to 12 year-olds. The UQKids School's Out Autumn program will run daily from April 7–11. Register online.

Whiplash research requires volunteers

Volunteers aged 18-70, suffering neck pain due to a motor vehicle accident that occurred between three months and five years ago, are required for a study of the physical and psychological outcomes of whiplash injuries. Participation involves an interview, questionnaires, and a series of physical measures over two sessions. The project will contribute to better understanding, assessment and treatment of this common condition. Details: Rachael Dunne or phone 0413 956 533 or ext. 68797 or visit experiment.psy.uq.edu.au/whiplash.

Do you want to know your child’s strengths in language learning?

The Division of Speech Pathology is seeking male and female children aged 8 to 16 to participate in a research program investigating language skills development. Students will have their communication maturation monitored by a qualified speech pathologist for the next two years. Children must not have any identified hearing or learning difficulties or English as a second language. Testing will be at UQ St Lucia campus or at your home. Details: Fiona Lewis, telephone ext. 67483.

Volunteers needed for brain injury study

The Division of Speech Pathology is seeking normal control volunteers to undertake language testing as part of a study investigating the language characteristics of people who have suffered Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The testing takes approximately 2 ½ hours and can be arranged within, or outside work hours on campus. Males aged 15, 17, 22, 26, 27, 28, 50, 57, and 58; and females aged 23, 53, and 58, with years of education ranging from eight to 16 years are sought. Details: Caroline Barwood telephone ext. 56162.

Males needed for meals and metabolism study

UQ Diamantina Institute and the Princess Alexandra Hospital Department of Endocrinology are researching the effects of a meal on white blood cells (inflammation) and blood vessel function. Volunteers are required to attend three appointments at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. Researchers seek male Caucasian non-smokers, aged 18-70 in the following three groups:

Details: Dr Liza Phillips on 0413 492 160.

UQ study to help Australians breathe easy

Division of Physiotherapy researchers are looking for people with COPD (chronic bronchitis or emphysema) to take part in a clinical trial comparing supervised pulmonary rehabilitation to chronic disease self-management approach. The project is funded by a grant from MBF. For more information please contact Megan Fisher on 3365 4587 or by email at prsm@shrs.uq.edu.au.


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