Staff Notices: 12 - 16 May 2008

Table of Contents

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

Uni in the News

Platypus is our distant cousin, according to genome research

Scientists have unravelled the platypus genetic code and found the unique mammal that is closely related to reptiles is a distant cousin of ours. The result of four years of research by a large international team, including geneticists from the University of Adelaide, is published in prestigious science journal, Nature. Dr Frank Grützner and his group within the School of Molecular and Biomedical Science have been one of the key collaborators of the project, which has provided the first completed genome sequence of any mammal in Australia. A comparison of the DNA sequence, or "platypus genome", to human DNA reveals striking similarities. By looking at the genes we both share, we can make new discoveries about our own physiology and also learn more about our common ancestor.

Source: The Advertiser, AdelaideNow (8 May 2008)
Uni full story: Worldwide platypus study tracks 160 million years

General Information for Staff

Draft Policies/Procedures for Consultation

IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
IT Security Procedures
Access and Accounts Procedures

http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/drafts/ [UA Staff only]

New/Approved Policies

Funding from the Tobacco Industry Policy
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/2663/

Emeritus Professor Gwendoline Fay Gale AO
13 June 1932 - 3 May 2008

A celebration of Fay's life and achievements will be held at the Wesley Uniting Church, corner of Fullarton Road and Grenfell Street, Kent Town, at 1:00pm on Wednesday 4 June 2008.

For catering purposes, please RSVP to: rsvp@faygale.com if you'd like to join the family afterwards for refreshments.

University to host major student conference

In July 2008, the University of Adelaide will host the Asia-Pacific Model United Nations Conference (AMUNC) - the largest internationally-focused student conference in Australia, and the largest model UN conference in the Asia-Pacific region.

AMUNC, 6-11 July, provides a platform for tertiary students to discuss global issues, engage in intellectual discourse and cultural exchange, and garner a unique perspective of world politics. It is expected to be a memorable, educational and exciting event that will have a strong impact on participants, many of whom are likely to be the leaders of tomorrow.

The Vice-Chancellor & President has endorsed the objectives of the conference and the efforts of the organising team and urges all areas within the University to help in any way they can to provide a welcoming environment for all delegates.

This support might include:

• Provision of delegate scholarships at a School level
• Free access to on-campus spaces and equipment
• Provision of University merchandise, such as pens and note pads
• Donations to offset printing costs
• Cooperation on a logistical level.

The conference secretariat is based in the Faculty of the Professions. For further information, contact Dr Cullen Habel, phone 8303 4763.

Conference web site: www.amunc.net

Safety when Leaving Campus

The Safe Steps campaign aims to make you aware of the potential dangers of walking alone when leaving the campus and encourages you to take actions to ensure you travel safely to your car, bus, train, tram or taxi. Flyers distributed on campus provide basic safety advice and the Security Service contact numbers.

Follow these Safe Steps at all times:

• Follow the most open and well-lit public path.
• Whenever possible, walk with a friend or in a group or contact Security to arrange an escort if you are walking alone after dusk.
• If alone, stay alert and be aware of your surroundings - confidence deters attackers.
• Carry a personal alarm or whistle and be prepared to call for help.
• Avoid undergrowth and be wary of strangers.
• Move your car closer to buildings during the day if you are planning on staying on campus after dark.
• Do not wear earpieces/headphones when walking at night.

Use these FREE after-hours campus security services:

Escort Service
If you have to walk to a parked car or near-campus residence after dark where no alternative means of secure transport is available and you have concerns for your safety, please contact your Security Service's after-dark Security Escort Service. Please call the Service well before you need to leave the building to arrange a time and place to meet.

Shuttle Bus service (North Terrace)
During term, an air-conditioned Shuttle Bus service runs hourly from the Security Office in Hughes Plaza between 5:15pm & 10:15pm to take students and staff up to 2.5kms from the University. A map of the bus route is located in the North Terrace Security Office.

Store these phone numbers in your mobile, diary or wallet:

Vacant Positions

www.adelaide.edu.au/jobs/

Events

Mid-Year Entry Information Evening

Date/Time: Tuesday 27 May, 7:00pm-8:30pm
Venue: Napier 102, North Terrace Campus
All welcome.

At our Mid-Year Entry Information Night you can:

• find out more about career options, future trends in the job market and upgrading your qualifications to get the job you want.
• obtain individual program advice from University staff and get your questions answered about admission, scholarships and finance.

For further information: www.adelaide.edu.au/infonight/

Principles of a Modern Federal Community

A significant interdisciplinary conference hosted by the University of Adelaide
Schools of Economics, Law, History and Politics.
Organising Committee: Professor Christopher Findlay (Economics), Dr Clem Macintyre (History & Politics), Professor John Williams (Law), Jim Hancock (SACES). Administrator: Merrilee Pillion (Economics)

Two-day conference: 26 - 27 May 2008
Venue: Art Gallery of SA

Recent events in Australia highlight the continuing shifts in relationships between the Commonwealth and State governments, and the design and evolution of those relationships will be one of the most important policy issues over the next 5 years. This conference will explore the emerging debates relating to key policy questions that require a coordinated response from Australian Governments.

Presentations will encourage the interchange between theoretical and applied policy perspectives and will include significant speakers, the University of Adelaide's Professor Cliff Walsh and Professor Jonathan Pincus.

Download: Conference flyer.
Further details, programs and registration at: www.adelaide.edu.au/fiscalfederalism/

Law 125 Prestigious Speaker Series

To Commemorate its 125th Anniversary the Law School of the University of Adelaide is pleased to announce a Public Lecture:

What is the right division of power between boards of directors and shareholders?
Speaker: Professor Elizabeth Boros, Law School, Monash University

Date/Time: Tuesday 20 May 2008, 1:00pm
Venue: Moot Court Room, Law School (Ligertwood Building)
No RSVP is required.

Download: Law 125 flyer.
Enquiries: Dr Paul Babie.

School of Mathematical Sciences Colloquium Series

Puzzle-based learning: Introduction to mathematics
Speaker: Professor Zbigniew Michalewicz
Date/Time: Friday 23 May, 3:10pm
Venue: LG29, Napier Building
All welcome.

Abstract: The talk addresses a gap in the educational curriculum for 1st year students by proposing a new course that aims at getting students to think about how to frame and solve unstructured problems. The idea is to increase the student's mathematical awareness and problem-solving skills by discussing a variety of puzzles. The talk makes an argument that this approach - called Puzzle-Based Learning - is very beneficial for introducing mathematics, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

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

Classic Streetcar filling like an Adelaide tram

The University of Adelaide Theatre Guild's new production of Tennessee Williams' classic A Streetcar Named Desire is booking fast.
Performances on May 14, 20 and 21 are fully booked and all other performances more than 75% booked.
To reserve your seat, contact Melanie Hibberd on 8303 5999.
For more information about the play, see the latest Adelaidean: www.adelaide.edu.au/adelaidean/issues/25661/news25700.html

The Living Stage - 70 years of the Theatre Guild

An exhibition in the Barr Smith Library from 16 May to 22 June.

Over 70 years and 350 productions, the University of Adelaide Theatre Guild has been at the heart of theatrical life at the University of Adelaide, and a leading player in Adelaide's flourishing amateur theatre scene. It has survived the flux of times and tastes in the theatre, always adapting to find a role that met the needs of its ever-changing community of participants. Its challenging repertoire has included many premières; its 'alumni' include many well-known theatre identities.

This exhibition looks at seven decades of the Guild's work, with a fascinating range of programs, photographs, posters, costumes and other memorabilia.

4th Annual HDA Oration

Work + Life Balance? How Changing Patterns of Work affect Health and Wellbeing in Australia
Date/Time: Thursday 12 June 2008, 5:15pm for 5:30pm start
Venue: State Library of South Australia, Institute Building Lecture Theatre
(Corner Kintore Ave and North Terrace)

Professor Barbara Pocock will be presented with the Healthy Development Adelaide Award for 2008.

RSVP by 6 June as seating will be limited.
Email: Anne Jurisevic or phone 8303 8222.

Download: HDA Oration.
Further details: www.adelaide.edu.au/hda/events/

National Wine Centre Wine Dinners

We are pleased to invite you to experience a night of excellent South Australian wines matched with the finest South Australian ingredients making the National Wine Centre Wine Dinners an experience not to be missed.

Our Award Winning Centre will be creating a four course menu by Executive Chef, Phillip Pope, with matching wines from Saltram and Penfolds. Join Saltram's Winemaker, Shavaughn Wells, and enjoy wines such as the Winemakers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and Eighth Maker Shiraz.

Penfolds Winemaker Steve Lienert, will showcase a selection of white wines along with Penfolds St Henri and Penfolds RWT Shiraz.

Saltram Dinner $120/person, Friday 16 May
Penfolds Dinner $140/person, Friday 27 June
Commences 6:30pm for Predinner Drinks
Venue: National Wine Centre of Australia
Seating is limited.

Download: Wine Dinner Invitation.
Bookings to Briony O'Toole, phone 8303 7449.

www.wineaustralia.com.au/news/

2008 Lowitja O'Donoghue Oration

The Don Dunstan Foundation is proud to announce Rev Tim Costello, CEO World Vision Australia will be presenting the Annual Lowitja O'Donoghue Oration.

In 2008, our event coincides with Australia's 'Sorry' to the stolen generation. With this in mind, our theme is The Journey is Healing: How we go forward after 'Sorry'. Take this opportunity during National Reconciliation Week to join in and hear Rev Tim Costello share with us his ideas about the way forward for Indigenous rights in Australia.

Date/Time: Wednesday 28 May 2008, 7:00pm
Venue: Bonython Hall, University of Adelaide
Cost: $15 DDF Subscribers/Concession; $20 Non Subscribers

Online Bookings: http://mybookingmanager.com/lodoration2008
Hurry! Bookings close 23 May. Phone 8303 6246 thereafter.

Beyond Oil SA video screenings in 2008

Date/Time: Tuesday 27 May 2008, 6:00pm
Venue: Rennie Lecture Theatre, Johnson Laboratories

On Tuesday 27 May (and the last Tuesday of every month until November) Beyond Oil SA will screen videos relating to peak oil. The first two videos are lectures from the Association for the Study of Peak Oil and Gas 6th Annual International Conference: Dr James R. Schlesinger, (former US Secretary of State, Secretary of Energy and Director of the CIA) who pronounced "We are all peakists now" and then Ray Leonard, Vice-President, Kuwait Energy Co. on "Oil Reserves and Future Production Potential."

For further information contact Dr Michael Lardelli, phone 8303 3212.

Training & Development Opportunities

'Creativity and Innovation' Workshop

The University of Adelaide's Entrepreneurship, Commercialisation and Innovation Centre is hosting a 'Creativity and Innovation' Workshop for entrepreneurs and practicing managers from private and public sector organisations.

Date/Time: Friday 16 May 2008, 9:00am-12:30pm
Venue: Room 210, Napier Building

Discover how to nurture organisational creativity, how to eliminate creative barriers that exist within organisations and how to apply creativity through innovation and value-adding to create a competitive advantage. The workshop will be facilitated by Professor Fredric Kropp of the University of Adelaide, Ron Corso and Stuart Gluth of UniSA.

Enquiries or bookings to Karen Snook, ECIC, phone 8303 7422.

Coaching for Improved Work Outcomes - 5 & 6 June - Executive Education Unit

If you are a middle to senior level manager or professional, you will appreciate the value of coaching to assist in motivating and developing your team to achieve personal and organisational success.

Coaching for Improved Work Outcomes will provide you with the framework and hands-on practice necessary to realise your coaching potential and to create a supportive "coaching culture" within your team.

10% discount for University of Adelaide staff.
For further information, please contact: Mary Quinless, Executive Education Unit on 8303 3268.

SCoPE Wine and Cheese Seminar

SCoPE, established in 2007, aims to promote an active community of educators interested in exploring situational learning, with a particular emphasis on online role-play and scenario-based learning. Seminars will continue to be run throughout 2008 to introduce as well as implement the concepts and skills and to keep the networks going.

Date/Time: Wednesday 4 June 2008, 4:00pm-5:30pm
Venue: CLPD, Level 2, Schulz Building West

For further information on the seminar visit the Situational Learning website or email Judi Baron.

Postgraduate Coursework Student Development Seminars

Seminars designed to help postgraduate (PG) coursework and honours students develop their academic writing skills. These seminars are open to all students at the University of Adelaide.

Time: 4:00pm-6:00pm
Venue: CLPD, Level 2, Schulz Building West

Visit the LLS web site for further information on academic development seminars and resources, or email the CLPD.

Writing a Research Report for Students

Seminars designed to help students develop research report writing skills. These seminars are open to all students at the University of Adelaide.

Time: 1:10pm-2:00pm
Venue: CLPD, Level 2, Schulz Building West

Visit the LLS web site for further information on academic development seminars and resources, or email the CLPD.

Organisational & Professional Development Workshops

University Policy Management
Date: Wednesday 21 May, 2:30pm-4:30pm
Venue: CLPD, Level 2, Schulz Building West
For more information and to enrol, visit the University Management Practices webpage.

Building Resilience
Date: Wednesday 28 May & Wednesday 11 June, 9:00am-1:00pm
Venue: WP Rogers Room, Union Building

Managing Inappropriate and Difficult Behaviour in the Workplace
Date: Thursday 5 June, 9:00am-1:00pm
Venue: Margaret Murray Room, Union Building
For more information and to enrol please visit the Development Workshops & Seminars 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.