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Staff Notices: 24 - 28 September 2007

Table of Contents

• Uni in the News
• General Information for Staff
• Events
• Training and Development Opportunities
• Information for Researchers

Uni in the News

Engineering scholarships record
Demand for mining engineers has led to the creation of a $1.2 million scholarship program for the inaugural intake of 56 Mining Engineering students this year. It is the largest number of scholarships for any degree program in the University of Adelaide's 133-year history. Professor Peter Dowd, Executive Dean, Faculty of ECMS, said the "unprecedented level of support from industry, government and the University for one degree program" highlighted the growth of SA's mining industry.

Source: The Advertiser (18 September 2007)
Uni full story: Mining sector digs deep to support students

General Information for Staff

Visit to the University of Adelaide by His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent KG GCMG GCVO ADC FRS

In early October 2007, His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent will be visiting in Adelaide for a six-day stay, focussing on science, education and defence.

As part of his official duties, His Royal Highness will be visiting the University of Adelaide, particularly the School of Chemistry & Physics on Wednesday 3 October.

The focus of this visit will be the unveiling of the Bust of Sir William Lawrence Bragg, viewing of Bragg-related memorabilia, and meeting with members of the University community and distinguished guests.

The University has very strong historical links with Nobel Prize winners, William and Lawrence Bragg. Sir William Henry Bragg was the Elder Professor of Mathematics and Physics for 22 years (1886-1908), whilst his son Sir William Lawrence Bragg studied at the University of Adelaide and graduated in 1908 with a BA with First Class Honours in Mathematics. Lawrence Bragg was born in Adelaide and went to school at St Peter's College. He was such an outstanding student that he commenced university at the age of 15.

William Bragg's pioneering work with X-rays and radium was started in Adelaide. The research flowered in England when both turned their attention to solving the structure of crystalline materials, including diamond, using X-ray diffraction. They were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in 1915 for this work. Lawrence Bragg received news of his award whilst serving in the British army on the Western front (for which he was awarded a MC). He remains the youngest scientist ever to be awarded a Nobel Prize, at 25 years of age.

Their work has had a huge impact on modern physics, chemistry, biology and medicine. Bragg's Law (from Lawrence's time in Cambridge when he was a student) is fundamental to the determination of the structure of materials, including proteins and DNA. Their techniques are routinely used in modern structural biology and the development of drugs, for example the anti-influenza drug Relenza which was developed in Australia via the X-ray crystal structural work of Professor Peter Colman on neuraminidase, a coat protein of the influenza virus. Professor Colman is a Physics PhD graduate of the University of Adelaide and received the Australia Prize for this work.

University of Adelaide researchers regularly use Braggs' techniques in their studies of materials. Their usage will expand significantly via the recently commissioned Australian Synchrotron located in Melbourne. The University has put significant financial resources towards this facility (as has the State Government and the other two SA universities).

The Duke of Kent is President of the Royal Institution of Great Britain, the Ri. Whilst in Adelaide, His Royal Highness will also be officially launching the Ri Australia - the first time in the Institution's long history that it will have a twin institution based outside of London. The Ri Australia, will be a focus for science awareness activities in South Australia and nationally.

During His Royal Highness's visit to the University of Adelaide on 3 October, there may be some minor traffic restrictions around and adjacent to the Physics Building.

National Ride to Work Day 2007

The University of Adelaide and North Terrace Precinct Bicycle User Group (NTPBUG)
If you are a regular bike commuter, register and go in the draw to win great prizes. If you can encourage registration by a first-time rider from your workplace, that will be a win again. It's time to start thinking about National Ride to Work Day 2007 on Wednesday 17 October. You do not need to be a BUG group member to join in.

If you've ever thought of riding to work, this is the day to give it a go. Thousands of new riders are expected to join in from all parts of Australia. If you are a new rider NTPBUG regular riders should be able to lend a hand to help you plan your journey and provide invaluable tips for your ride to work. Just ask your BUG contact member and we will do our best to get you started. There's also a host of information and resources at: www.ride2work.com.au. Get in early and ask about a free CycleSafe workshop - theory and practical session.

First step is to register online at: http://ride2work.bv.com.au/home and use TEAM CODE 370424 so that you are counted as part of our Workplace Team tally.

For assistance with planning your ride and more, see: www.bv.com.au/join-in/126/. Enquiries: phone 8303 4558 or email David Ladd.

Christmas Close Down and Payroll Processing Arrangements 2007

In accordance with the usual practice the University will close down during the Christmas break from close of business Friday 21 December 2007 to Tuesday 1 January 2008. Staff not taking recreation leave will return to work on Wednesday 2 January 2008.

Public Holidays
The public holidays to be observed during this period are Christmas Day Tuesday 25 December 2007, Proclamation Day Wednesday 26 December 2007, University Holiday Thursday 27 December 2007 and New Years Day Tuesday 1 January 2008.

Annual Recreation Leave
Recreation leave will be deducted from staff credits for Monday 24 December 2007, Friday 28 December 2007 and Monday 31 December 2007. Staff wishing to make alternative arrangements for these days must submit their request through their Head of School/Department/Area. All requests must reach Payroll Services by Tuesday 11 December 2007.

Close Down Arrangements
Where staff are rostered for duty during the close down period, the usual conditions apply for the performance of this work as established by past custom and practice. Supervisors should forward notification of staff required to work to Payroll Services by Tuesday 11 December 2007.

Payroll Processing Arrangements for End of Year 2007
All variations to payroll, overtime/shift loading and casual forms for payment on Friday 7 December 2007 must reach Payroll Services by the normal deadline of 12:00noon, Tuesday 27 November 2007.

All variations to payroll, overtime/shift loading and casual forms for payment on Friday 21 December 2007 must reach Payroll Services by 12:00noon, Monday 10 December 2007. Anticipation of casual hours up to and including Friday 7 December 2007 is allowed providing the School/Area takes responsibility for all monies paid.

Payroll Processing Arrangements for first pay in 2008
All variations to payroll, overtime/shift loading and casual forms for payment on Friday 4 January 2008 must reach Payroll Services by 12:00noon, Monday 17 December 2007. Please note that this is before the Christmas Closedown and anticipation of casual hours up to and including 21 December 2007 is allowed providing the School/Area takes responsibility for all monies paid.

Trish Hughes
Director, Human Resources

www.adelaide.edu.au/hr/

Review of the Bachelor of Social Sciences and the Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours)

Members of the University community are invited to contribute to the review of the Bachelor of Social Sciences and the Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) offered by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

The University is currently undertaking a review of the Bachelor of Social Sciences and the Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours). Staff, students and members of the community are invited to make a submission to the review on matters relevant to the Terms of Reference, which are available on the Quality and Reviews website at: www.adelaide.edu.au/pvclq/reviews/current/.

For further information please contact Lou Pacella, Reviews Officer - phone 8303 8393.
The deadline for submissions is 5:00pm, Friday 12 October 2007. All submissions remain confidential.

Staff 'Independent Weekly' Deal

The Independent Weekly is offering its special annual subscription for all University of Adelaide staff of $50 (instead of $75). To take advantage of this offer, email Peter Jarrett or Ali Titchener.

Student 'Advertiser' Deal

The AUU this year purchased a load of The Advertiser subscriptions for University of Adelaide students.
Download Application Form: www.union.adelaide.edu.au/student/hotdeals/

Vacant Positions

www.adelaide.edu.au/jobs/

Events

UniSuper Seminar Program 2007

Staff are invited to attend these FREE seminars presented by UniSuper:

Transition to retirement
Date/Time: Tuesday 25 September, 12:00noon-1:30pm
Venue: Johnson Labs, G29 Rennie Lecture Theatre

This seminar is aimed at audiences aged between 55 and 65 contemplating a transition to retirement as an alternative to leaving your job. From April 2006, UniSuper has given members who have reached their preservation age the option to access a superannuation pension income as well as an employment income. This Transition to retirement is a government initiative that enables you to take some of your super in the form of a non-commutable income stream (a pension that you cannot cash in) without having to retire or finish work.

Your super benefits when you leave
Date/Time: Wednesday 31 October, 12:00noon-1:00pm
Venue: Johnson Labs, G29 Rennie Lecture Theatre

This seminar is aimed at audiences intending to leave work within the next 18 months. Whether you're leaving your job or retiring from the workforce, you will have decisions to make about what to do with your superannuation benefits. This seminar provides information on the choices that you will have with your UniSuper benefits on leaving employment.

To register your attendance for these seminars please visit the UniSuper website. You must also supply your email address on registration to receive reminder emails and the hand out information prior to the seminar.

ACEBB Special Seminar

The Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity (ACEBB) invites you to attend a special seminar presented by Professor Gifford Miller (INSTAAR Fellow at the University of Colorado) titled:
"Disentangling the complex web of climatic change and human colonization on the flora and fauna of Pleistocene Australia"

Date/Time: Monday 24 September, 2:00-3:00pm
Venue: Mawson Lecture Theatre, Mawson Building

Download: attached flyer (pdf 55kB)

Research Tuesday with Professor Mike Young

WATER - there's a hole in the bucket
Date/Time: Tuesday 9 October, 5:30pm
Venue: Lecture Theatre G04, Napier Building
Free public seminar.

Mike Young is Professor of Water Economics and Management in the University's School of Earth and Environmental Sciences. He is one of Australia's leading water policy reformers.

Bookings: research.tuesdays@adelaide.edu.au or phone 8303 3692.
For further information, visit the Research Tuesdays web site.

Healthy Development Adelaide Thematic Evening on Good Food, Good Health
- Nutrition through the life cycle.

Talks will cover issues of nutrition in pregnancy, nutrition in infancy, nutrition and physical activity patterns in children, and current research in the Whyalla community trial in managing obesity and health issues in the middle-aged population.

Date/Time: Thursday 11 October, 4:15-7:00pm
Venue: State Library Lecture Theatre

Download the full program (pdf 211kB) or visit: www.adelaide.edu.au/hda/events.

History of Science, Ideas & Technology Group - September Meeting

The German Contribution to Science in Colonial South Australia
Why was this contribution so important in our history?

Date/Time: Wednesday 26 September, 2:00pm
Venue: Ira Raymond Exhibition Room, Barr Smith Library
All welcome.

Download: attached flyer (pdf 11kB)

School of Mathematical Sciences Colloquium Series

The Linear Algebra of Internet Search Engines
Speaker: Dr Lesley Ward
Date/Time: Friday 5 October, 3:10pm
Venue: Lecture Theatre G04, Napier Building

Visit: www.maths.adelaide.edu.au/news/events.php
Enquiries to Jonathan Tuke.

Training & Development Opportunities

Research Commercialisation & Intellectual Property Workshops 24-28 September 2007

Attend a FREE 1/2 day introductory workshop on commercialisation & IP, ideal for postgraduate students & early career researchers. The program includes intellectual property basics, commercialisation processes, translating research into impact and a discussion panel with experts from industries relevant to you. Workshop includes lunch, complimentary notepad, USB pen and certificate of attendance.

Dates/Time: 24-28 September, 12noon-5:00pm.
Registration essential at: www.adelaide.edu.au/aripl/research/seminars/.

These workshops are brought to you by Adelaide Research & Innovation, the commercial development company of the University of Adelaide.

Thinking Strategically 12 & 13 November 2007 - Adelaide Graduate School of Business

If you are a middle to senior manager or professional, this program is intended to assist you to adopt a strategic mindset, in order to maintain your competitive advantage.

Thinking Strategically will equip you with the tools and frameworks for innovative strategic thinking, enhancing your leadership ability and allowing you to develop your skills to contribute on strategic issues relating to your division or faculty.

Discount: 10% discount for University staff.

For further information: email Mary Quinless, Adelaide Graduate School of Business, phone: 8303 3268.

Pilot Workshop: Building Resilience: Responding effectively to bullying and other inappropriate behaviours at work.

Equity and Diversity with the support of the Centre for Learning and Professional Development is piloting the workshop 'Building Resilience: Responding effectively to bullying and other inappropriate behaviours at work' for staff in the University.

The workshop is for staff at any level and provides information on confident and appropriate personal responses to inappropriate behaviours at work and gives participants the opportunity to plan and practice new effective personal responses. The workshop will run in two parts and provides the opportunity for participants to implement new effective responses in 'real life' situations and report back on potential changes.

Date/Time: Wednesday 3 October, 9:00am-12:30pm
Venue: WP Rogers Room, Level 4, Union Building

RSVP to Janet Hart (phone 8303 3130).
Further information: www.adelaide.edu.au/hr/equity/training#pilot2

Graduate Certificate in Higher Education: Apply now for 2008

Applications close: Friday 2 November 2007
For 2008, the full fees will be reduced for up to 10 University of Adelaide staff.
For application forms and further information visit the Grad. Cert. in Higher Education webpage.

Graduate Certificate in Online Learning (Higher Education): Apply now for 2008

Applications close: Friday 2 November 2007
For 2008, the full fees will be waived for up to 5 University of Adelaide staff.
For application forms and further information visit the Grad. Cert. in Online Learning webpage.

Teaching at University: Enrol now for 2008 Courses

Enhance your promotion opportunities, enrol for Teaching at University for Semester 1, 2008.
For further information visit the Teaching at University webpage.

New online resource for Sessional Staff

The CLPD has produced an online resource of particular interest to sessional staff of the university. It consists of a set of structured activities and information relating to many different aspects of learning and teaching as well as a link to a discussion board for the airing of issues of concern to sessional staff. The resources are suitable for both individual use or as the basis of group sessions.

You will find the resources on the Sessional Teaching Program website.

For more information about this resource or on running a sessional staff development program please email Ursula McGowan at the CLPD.

The Writing & Speaking Centre: Opening Hours during Mid-semester Break

The Writing & Speaking Centre is a place where students come for assistance to advance their academic skills.

Location: CLPD, Level 2, Schulz Building, North Terrace Campus (map).

For Mid-semester Break Hours and further details go to the Writing & Speaking Centre page on the Language and Learning Service website.

University of Adelaide Governance

This seminar is designed to provide academic and professional staff with an understanding of the University's governance. All University of Adelaide staff members are welcome to attend. Presented by Heather Karmel, Council Secretary, Council Secretariat.

Date/Time: Thursday 27 September, 10:00am-12:00noon
Venue: WP Rogers Room, Level 4, Union Building

To register visit the CLPD's University Management Practices Seminars website.
For further information, please contact Janet Hart (phone 8303 3130).

University of Adelaide Records Management

This seminar is designed to provide academic and professional staff with an understanding of the University's records management. All University of Adelaide staff members are welcome to attend. Presented by Kylie Percival, Manager, Corporate Information.

Date/Time: Wednesday 3 October, 10:00am-12:00noon
Venue: Hoods Room, Level 1, Staff Club

To register visit the CLPD's University Management Practices Seminars website.
For further information, please contact Janet Hart (phone 8303 3130).

Giving and Receiving Feedback

This workshop aims to provide staff with the skills to feel more comfortable and confident in giving and receiving feedback. This includes structuring conversations, exploring options and identifying concerns. Presented by consultant Susan Raphael.

Date/Time: Thursday 11 October, 9:00am-12:00noon
Venue: CLPD, Level 2, Schulz Building

To register visit the CLPD's Staff Development Workshops and Seminars website.
For further information, please contact Janet Hart (phone 8303 3130).

Effective Use of MyUni workshop - Wikis

A wiki is an editable website where multiple people can quickly and easily collaborate. MyUni now includes a new wiki tool that allows quick and easy collaboration on documents, reports or group projects. This workshop will cover the concept of wikis and how you can effectively use wikis for learning and teaching. It will include hands on practice in MyUni.

Date: Wednesday 26 September, 2:00-4:30pm
Venue: ITS Training Room 1

For further information: Effective Use of MyUni Workshops webpage.

Information for Researchers

Adelaide Research & Innovation

The latest 'commUNIcate RESEARCH' newsletter is available online.

Research Branch

See the Research Branch newsletter for the latest information on major grant rounds and information sessions, a selection of competitive grants and prizes now open for application and other research-related news.