Congratulations to our 15 Minute Challenge champions. 548 UQ staff, including 81 teams, took part in this year’s 15 Minute Challenge – a 6-week competition promoting daily exercise. The team Slimming Gang (pictured) from QAAFI and IMB took out first place, with a phenomenal average of 3,308 minutes exercise per team member. BELInternational (from the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law) came second, followed by ITS Flex Force (Information Technology Services) in third, and MUScle MUSCULUS (UQ Biological Resources) in fourth. There were also multiple individual award winners.
Be part of one of UQ’s proudest traditions by running in the Great Court Race on Wednesday 15 May. Nominations are now open for all races, including the Staff Relay. All entrants need to participate in a time trial to gain entry to their selected event. Time trials will be held at the UQ Sport Athletics Centre on Thursday 2 May. Gather a team of your colleagues to be part of the race that stops UQ.
UQ's bullying and harassment prevention and response course supports supervisors to understand their obligations under anti-discrimination, harassment, and anti-bullying legislation. It also outlines how this legislation applies in the workplace and how to effectively respond to discrimination, harassment and bullying. Supervisors can register to attend the next training session, held at St Lucia on Wednesday 29 May.
The annual UQ flu vaccination program starts today (Monday 22 April) and there are still slots available, with new spaces recently opened at some locations. From now until mid-May, all UQ staff, students, and staff of UQ affiliates aged 18 and over can conveniently access free flu vaccinations at UQ locations. Bookings are available at all 4 campuses, Indooroopilly, Long Pocket, Mater Hospital, 208 Queen St, and Toowong.
The Open Course Scheme offers UQ staff a chance to observe outstanding teaching firsthand. Ideal for staff working in teaching and learning, it provides insights into innovative practices. A recent participant said "I found the engaging style and constant active work provided great learning opportunities. This scheme has allowed me to learn beyond my own courses and experience new and unique approaches I had never seen or considered."
Do you want to embed career development and employability opportunities into your course or program? UQ's Career Development team offers a range of face-to-face workshops, online modules, and My Career Adviser, an online flexible career development and employability learning resource. Join a virtual drop-in session on either Tuesday 21 May (1–2pm) or Thursday 13 June (10–11am) to find out more information. Semester 2 requests close on Sunday 16 June.
Entries are now open for this year’s Australasian Green Gown Awards. Sustainability initiatives, from academic courses to operational improvements, are eligible for awards. Categories include environment, climate, social impact, student engagement, and diversity and equity. UQ has a long and proud history with the awards. In 2023, we were a finalist and a winner for 2 projects. Find out more on the Green Gown Awards website or contact the UQ Sustainability team for tips on entering the awards.
UQ has committed up to $1 million for Teaching Innovation Grants, which will fund projects starting in 2024 that focus on student experience, academic integrity, or assessment. If you missed the applicant workshops, you can watch recordings to help you with the application process. Submit your application by this Friday 26 April.
The northern platform at UQ Lakes bus station, and the adjacent pedestrian pathway to access Eleanor Schonell Bridge, are now open. Buses will operate under a new stop layout, with support staff and signage on site to assist passengers. Minor construction works will continue and Stop A remains closed to allow testing of a pilot Metro vehicle. The Brisbane Metro at UQ Lakes station is expected to open to the public from late 2024.
The Student–Staff Partnerships (SSP) program is seeking project submissions. Students and staff who have an idea for a project to transform the UQ experience can make a submission for Round 3 (Semester 2), which closes on Sunday 5 May. Visit the SSP website to learn more about the program and submit a project proposal. You can also sign up for the upcoming workshop about developing a Student–Staff Partnership project idea on Wednesday 17 April at St Lucia.
Expressions of interests (EOIs) for UQ’s new Teaching Associate (TA) positions are open until Friday 26 April. Eligible casual academic employees can apply for these positions via the Workday Jobs Hub. Each faculty or school with applications open in this round has their own unique advertisement, which contains information about the disciplines or courses they are recruiting for. For more information about these new continuing, variable-intensity academic positions, including the eligibility requirements, visit the TA webpage.
Following the conclusion of our second Annual Performance and Development (APD) cycle, UQ is seeking feedback from academic and professional staff on their experience with the process. Please take a few minutes to complete the relevant brief feedback surveys, created for both staff and supervisors/managers. The surveys are open from now until Friday 26 April.
The Campus Pharmacy at St Lucia is now open at a new location in Building 4 on Staff House Road. The pharmacy operator and operating hours remain the same – Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 7pm and Saturday from 10am to 3pm. You can search for ‘pharmacy’ on the UQ St Lucia map to view the new location.
Expressions of interest (EOIs) for the UQ Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Learning are now open. The awards are an opportunity to celebrate staff who have made a significant contribution to the quality of teaching and learning at UQ. If you know an outstanding educator, please encourage them to apply. Categories include Awards for Teaching Excellence, Early Career Awards for Teaching Excellence, and Awards for Programs that Enhance Learning. Find out more about each category under the ‘Awards’ section of the ITaLI website.
Brisbane’s oldest book fair is returning to the UQ Centre in 2024. From Friday 3 May to Monday 6 May, browse thousands of books, priced as low as $1, at the UQ Alumni Book Fair. All funds raised will support student scholarships, critical research and UQ educators. You can donate books of all types, as well as magazines, vinyl records, posters, DVDs, and CDs, at St Lucia or Long Pocket.
The UQ Professional Services Staff Fellowship Program to the Technical University of Munich (TUM) provides professional development opportunities for UQ staff. In 2024, 2 professional staff members at UQ will be awarded funding to undertake a fellowship at TUM for up to 2 weeks. Funding of up to $7,000 will be available to support travel costs. Submit your application by Wednesday 1 May.
Face-to-face training around managing unconscious bias is now available, and you can register on Workday. This new Capstone course will provide you with practical strategies to help you address and manage unconscious bias in workplace decision-making. Staff must complete the online introductory course around unconscious bias before they register for the new Capstone module. The introductory online training can be accessed at any time, and the next face-to-face class will run on Tuesday 21 May.
The UQ Food Drive is now open at our St Lucia campus. Members of the UQ community are invited to donate non-perishable, unopened foods that have a minimum 4-week shelf live. Donated food will directly support the UQ Union’s welfare programs for students experiencing hardship, including Kampus Kitchen and grocery hampers. Donations can be brought to the UQ Union building at St Lucia, opposite the Lolly Shop.
Don’t miss out on ITaLI’s new generative AI workshop series, exploring AI and digital learning practices. These sessions provide insights and interactive experiences to show you how AI can enhance your work and teaching. Multiple sessions of these 3 workshops are being held throughout the year, so you can attend as many as you like.
Registrations for the Ally Workshop 2024 are now open. This workshop will qualify you as an official UQ Ally and member of the Ally Network. Develop a basic understanding of LGBTQIA+ issues and knowledge that will assist you in your role as a UQ Ally. The Ally Network provides a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for staff and students.
If injury is impacting your exercise or your ability to play sports, see a sports and exercise physiotherapist at the new UQ Sport and Exercise Injury, Participation and Performance Clinic (UQ-SPRINT). UQ staff and students, as well as their spouses and dependents, receive a 15% discount on clinic fees.
Changes to parking are now in effect at St Lucia, Herston, Dutton Park (PACE) and the Toowong office. A reminder that staff who use hourly or daily capped parking must enter their staff ID in the 'My profile' section of the CellOPark app to access staff rates. Changes to permit rates are automatically applied.
Volunteer for a UQ research study
Get involved in UQ research by volunteering for a wide range of studies. Your participation may be vital to solving medical mysteries or answering important research questions.