UQ Update

UQ Update - 18 August, 2008  


The latest

Have your say: Staff engagement survey opens today

UQ’s first University-wide staff engagement survey launches today. Fixed term and continuing academic and general staff are invited to voice opinions about how the University is functioning, from today through until September 5. The University has employed an external survey group to ensure anonymity and confidentiality of responses. Please take 20 minutes to complete the survey now.

UQ received almost $21m in Smart State funding

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh yesterday announced Smart State Innovation funding to UQ-related projects including:

The Advanced Manufacturing Centre for Queensland Defence Industry Capability Development at UQ also received $1.8m funding.

More rankings released

UQ has placed 101-151 in the Shanghai Jiao Tong 2008 Academic Ranking of World Universities. The World Universities ranking on the web has also been released.

Web site search functions improved

A new Google search facility is being implemented for UQ websites. It is expected that it will provide a finer level of searching and improved access to information and content. The new search facility is intended to go live next week. Try it out at https://www.uq.edu.au:444/search.

Login with your UQ sign in and try searching your name or that of other UQ staff. Try the tabs and dropdown options. Your assistance is required to make sure that any password-protected content does not appear in your search. The Google Search Project Team would value your feedback which you can leave on the new search page.

Research Week 2008 will be great

Research Week will be celebrated at the University from September 22-26. Upload your events to the Research Week 2008 website which is now live.

Staff and families invited to Open Days

Ipswich campus Open Day will be held on Wednesday, August 20 from 3.30pm–7.30pm and the Gatton campus Open Day on Sunday, August 24 from 9.30am–3pm. Details: visit the Open Days website. For staff working at these events, details of new 2009 student recruitment initiatives are online.

Greenhouse, Energy and the new legislative environment

The University is currently investigating its reporting obligations under the National Greenhouse and Energy Act, 2006, the Clean Energy Act, 2008 and the Energy Efficiency Opportunities Act, 2007 where reporting thresholds have been, or are expected to be triggered over the next few years. Want to know more? Come to a free breakfast and hear about UQ’s response to climate change on Thursday, September 4 at the UQ Staff and Graduates Club, St Lucia at 7.15am for 7.30am. Details: online. RSVP by Monday, September 1, to: Environmental Services, Property and Facilities Division, phone ext. 52076, or email: unigreen@pf.uq.edu.au.

Academic Board and Standing Committee review in October

Staff are invited to make a submission to the Academic Board and Standing Committee review, to be held on October 1–3. Review terms of reference are available from the Coordinator, Secretariat Services phone ext. 51989 or email r.macbean@uq.edu.au. Submissions addressing the terms of reference should be sent to the Secretary and Registrar, c/o the Coordinator, Secretariat Services, Level 6, J.D. Story Building, by August 29.

Heritage garden drought-proofed

An irrigation project will be installed at the UQ Boyce Garden at 6 Range Street, Toowoomba, in time for the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers from September 19 to 28. Story…

General Staff Consultative Committee meets

The meeting of the GSCC on July 30 discussed the following items: Updates on the reorganisations of the School of Dentistry, Printery, the Bookshop and the Vet School; amendments to the probation policy; telecommuting procedures; and designated senior general staff positions. Details: contact elected staff representatives Tracey Kay (ext. 55283), Robin Jones (59148), Mandy Fisher (63600) or Ron West (52296).

Award to science educator

Jackie Mergard, Faculty of Engineering, Physical Science & Architecture, has received the Australian Science Teachers Association Service Award for contributions to the advancement of science education through her role as the National Science Week Representative for Queensland for 2002-2007.

ADA organises Goddard Oration

Queensland Brain Institute Director Professor Perry Bartlett will deliver the 20th Ernest James Goddard Oration on Wednesday, August 20 at the Schonell Theatre, St Lucia at 7.30pm for 8pm. Professor Bartlett will discuss: The Self-Renewing Brain: How new nerve cells enhance learning and delay dementia. A light supper will follow. RSVP to events@adaq.com.au or phone 3251 2160.

Fryer talk on new Ekka book

Friends of Fryer’s next event will focus on: Reflections on the History of the Brisbane Exhibition with guest speakers: Dr Ross Laurie of Arts Ipswich, UQ and Dr Joanne Scott, of the University of the Sunshine Coast. They are the authors of the new UQP book Showtime: A History of the Brisbane Exhibition. The event will be on Wednesday, August 27 at 5.30pm, Library Conference Room, Level 1, Duhig Building, St Lucia. Cost: $15 for Friends of Fryer; $20 non-members. RSVP: Nea Daniels, phone ext. 64328.

neo goth: back in black public forum

To accompany the blockbuster exhibition at the Mayne Centre, St Lucia, a discussion of Why Black: Subversion, street style and fashion will be held at the Mayne Centre on Wednesday, September 3 from 5pm–7pm. Join Margaret Maynard, Jinna Tay, Roger Leong and Amber Long in conversation. RSVP to artmuseum@uq.edu.au
 or phone ext. 53046.

Cultural Studies expert to present a public lecture for CCCS

Professor Meaghan Morris, who chairs the international Association of Cultural Studies, will present a public lecture for the Centre for Critical and Cultural Studies entitled: Twenty years of ‘Banality in Cultural Studies’: a research problem on Thursday, August 21 at 5.30pm in the UQ Art Museum, St Lucia Campus. Details: Rebecca Ralph phone ext. 67407.

Tips for ensuring your evaluation goes smoothly

TEDI has started taking Teaching Evaluation (TEVAL) orders for semester two. 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 December 5, please conduct 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.

CRSSIS holds public lecture

The Centre for Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Science will hold a public lecture: A Continent Under Stress: Interactions, Feedbacks and Risks Associated with Impact of Modified Land Cover on Australia’s Climate. The speaker is Senior Research Fellow, Dr Clive McAlpine. It will be on Wednesday, August 27 at 4pm, #Building 24 (Social Sciences), Room s402. Light Refreshments will follow. Details: Lauren Stafford, phone ext. 56455.

QBI Brain Plasticity Symposium 2008 next month

The Queensland Brain Institute will present its second Brain Plasticity Symposium from September 9–12 at the Auditorium, level 7, QBI (#Building 79). The symposium brings together world experts in brain plasticity, from cellular and molecular through to systems neuroscience, with an overall focus on the understanding of neural function in development, health and disease. Details: qbi.uq.edu.au. Direct scientific queries to pankaj.sah@uq.edu.au.

Fine dining ahead at Staff and Graduates Club, St Lucia

The Staff Club’s second "degustation dinner" is being prepared by the Head Chef Joszef, on Friday, August 22 at 7pm for pre-dinner drinks, with the meal commencing at 7.30pm. Book at the club on ext 53768. View the menu here.

Win the jackpot at quiz night

The Staff Club's popular monthly quiz night will be held on Wednesday, August 20 at 6pm for a 6.30pm start. Teams of up to six players can undertake three general knowledge rounds, an audio round, a paper and pen task. There are team and individual prizes, a cash jackpot prize and a “Famous Faces” prize board. Entrance fee: $3 per person. Contact quizmaster Charles McCowie or phone 0423 775 025.

Miracle worker awards

Nominations have now closed for this years Miracle Worker Awards. UQ Staff are invited to the lunch and ceremony on Wednesday, September 10 at 12.15pm for 12.30pm. Recipients of 2008 Miracle Worker Awards will receive certificates from the Chancellor, Sir Llew Edwards. Secretary and Registrar Douglas Porter will present the certificate and prize to the recipient of the General Staff Self Development Prize. Venue to be advised. Further details available soon. Contact: k.hendrickson@uq.edu.au.

Low cost English classes at ICTE-UQ

The Institute of Continuing and TESOL Education offers low cost English Language classes to all adult learners. A 36-hour course costs only $30 if 90 percent of lessons are attended. The two-hour lessons are taught in the afternoon and focus on speaking, listening, vocabulary and grammar. The teachers are training to become qualified English Language teachers. The next courses begin on September 15 and October 2. Details: contact ICTE, phone ext. 66770 or email: icte.enrol@icte.uq.edu.au.

An evening with former Chief Justice

The Law Graduates Association and the TC Beirne School of Law present an evening with The Honourable Ian Callinan AC QC, Former Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia and UQ Law graduate. It will be on Thursday, August 28 at the Mayne Centre, St Lucia from 6pm–8pm Cost: $25 or $20 (students) includes GST. All welcome. Refreshments provided. Details: online.

Executive education in mediation and dispute resolution

The TC Beirne School of Law Professional Legal Course Series offers legal practitioners and other professionals the practical skills and theoretical foundations to deal with contemporary legal issues. Upcoming courses in the Series include: Theories in Dispute Resolution – August 23, 24, 30 & 31; Mediation – September 6, 7, 13 & 14. Applications close soon. Details: online or phone ext. 51492 or email tcblaw@law.uq.edu.au.

UQ Business School’s executive education courses

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.

Advice for researchers on contracting with external parties

Are you an academic, researcher or postgraduate new to contracting with outside parties? Experts Exchange is a panel forum where academics and researchers can pose questions to more experienced experts and hear tips on contracting and communicating with external parties. It will be on Wednesday, September 10 at the Innes Room, Level 4, Aung San Suu Kyi Building (#21), in the Union Complex, St Lucia at 4–5pm (panel forum) and 5pm–6pm (networking cocktails). Register online by August 22. Enquiries: Pam Harpur, telephone ext. 54037.

Give blood and save a life

The Red Cross blood donor mobile is visiting the UQ Union Plaza at St Lucia until Thursday, August 28 from 8.30am–4pm. If you have not donated in the past 12 weeks, please phone 3889 7333 to book an appointment prior to the visit.

UQconnect introduces Broadband Plus (ADSL2+) plans

UQconnect’s new Broadband Plus (ADSL2+) plans are now available at very competitive rates. Broadband Plus is up to 20 times faster than Broadband Classic (ADSL1). Permanent staff can save even more by salary packaging their Broadband Plus service. For more information, visit the website or a UQconnect Service Centre, or phone ext. 56000 (option 3). The St Lucia UQconnect Service Centre is now on the lower level of the Student Union Complex next to the Red Room.

Attend Children’s Nutrition Research Centre 2008 conference

The conference, to be held on October 10 and 11 in Brisbane, has as its theme: Perspectives on Childhood Obesity and Eating Disorders: from Prevention to Treatment. It will explore core issues surrounding Australia’s growing need for weight management solutions for children. Details: visit the website or phone Marea Fox at 3636 1981.

Group Fitness Carnivale 2008

Experience the UQ SPORT Group Fitness Carnivale on Saturday, August 30, starting at 8.30am. This fitness fiesta will showcase the best group fitness has to offer. You will also go into to draw to win a 12-month Total Value Pass as well as other great prizes. Entry is $2 with proceeds going to the Smile for Smiddy Challenge, raising funds for Cancer Research. Register online to secure your place in one or all four classes on offer.

First Aid and CPR courses plus more on offer

UQ SPORT now offers a range of professional development courses. Update your mandatory qualifications as follows:

Details: phone ext. 56052 or visit www.uqsport.uq.edu.au/pd to enrol.

How much energy do you burn in a day?

This research aims to validate a new method to provide an accurate and cost-effective way of measuring total energy expenditure. Researchers seek healthy young boys aged between 4–12 years. Parents need to be able to give informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: Young people taking medications that alter their metabolism or body composition. The study requires volunteers to make three visits to the Children’s Nutrition Research Centre Body Composition Lab at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Herston for 1 x 1.5hr assessment session & 2 x 45 min assessment sessions. Assessments will include energy expenditure, body composition analysis, height, weight and waist measurements. The Children’s Nutrition Research Centre will meet parking costs. Details: Sarah Elliott telephone ext. 55325.

Are you a working parent with school aged children?

A blog has been set up as part of a pilot study to discuss issues of work life family balance. Working parents are invited to view posts and comment on issues including paid parental leave, homework, care commitments and other topics. Details: Judy or phone 0413 332 688.

Have a teenager? Share your experience

Do you have a child aged 11-16? By completing this survey, you will be providing information that could influence the future availability of parenting programs for parents of teenagers. It is a single online survey that takes only about 30-40 minutes to complete. Participation in this short survey is an excellent way to ensure education and health organisations and also governments are aware of the needs and opinions of parents of teenagers. For details or to participate visit: the website.


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