Staff Notices: 25 - 29 May 2009

Table of Contents

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

Uni in the News

Writer on the trail of liar and bigamist

The University of Adelaide's new writer-in-residence, Susanna Moore, said her visit to Adelaide for three months will help her prepare for her latest novel on the Irish-born Australian pioneer Daisy Bates. Award-winning American writer Susanna Moore has written best-selling novels, including the erotic thriller In The Cut.
She said the University has a large collection on Bates, who died in Adelaide in 1951.
"Her character was quite complex - she was a liar, she was a mythomane, she was a terrible mother, she was a bigamist, so two stories are what interest me - the story of Daisy Bates herself and then this other idea that someone actually not that good can do good things," she said.

Source: ABC News, 21 May 2009
Uni full story: University residence for American novelist

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General Information for Staff

The University of Adelaide, Disability Action Plan 2008-2013

The Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor James McWha, states in his introduction to the University of Adelaide Disability Action Plan 2008-2013 that,

"Responsibility for implementation of the plan is spread across the University as all members of the University community have an obligation to the values of equal opportunity for people with a disability..."

The University of Adelaide, Disability Action Plan 2008-2013 (DAP) has been designed in accordance with the provisions of the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act (1992) (DDA) and the Disability Education Standards (2005). The DAP has also been lodged with the Australian Human Rights Commission.

The Disability Action Plan 2008-2013 is an active demonstration of the Mission, Vision and Values of the University of Adelaide and assists the strategic goal of 'Building a Great Research University'.

Please use the following link to the DAP so that you become familiar with the DAP and in particular those areas of the plan that relate to your work area.

For further information contact Lee Atkinson-Barrett, Workforce Strategy Consultant (Equity and Diversity) on 8303 8180.

The Disability Action Plan:
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/136/.

Core Business Systems (CBS) Program Website for Staff

The CBS program is a body of work that incorporates the upgrade of the Student Administration system from PeopleSoft v7.6 to Oracle PeopleSoft Enterprise v9.0, the implementation of PeopleSoft Human Resources and Global Payroll, and the upgrade of technical infrastructure to support the system. The upgraded system will be known as the Core Business Systems and a detailed website has been created to provide staff with relevant information regarding the program of work and how it will affect all University staff. The site will be updated regularly, so please bookmark the site and visit often to find out the latest information.

www.adelaide.edu.au/cbs/

Fellowship of the Royal Society, London

Former University of Adelaide student, Dr Jeff Ellis, has been elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Society, London. Jeff was an undergraduate student at Adelaide in the mid seventies and graduated Ph.D in 1981. The honour was awarded mainly because of Jeff's work on a disease of flax, called flax rust. Work on flax rust at the University goes back to the 1950s when George Mayo became interested in a hypothesis proposed by an American geneticist, H.H. Flor, the gene for gene hypothesis. Put simply, it proposed that the products of a gene from flax recognised the products of a gene from the rust fungus and this triggered a resistance reaction. George advanced the genetics of the system and one of his postgraduate students, Ken Shepherd took it further. Dr Jeff Ellis did an honours year with Ken Shepherd before studying with Allen Kerr for a Ph.D. After graduating he had two postdoc scholarships and joined the staff of CSIRO in 1984 where he continued his studies on flax rust and succeeded in cloning both the resistance gene from flax and the corresponding gene from the rust fungus - beautiful and elegant science.

Call for Applications for Academic Promotion to Level E

Staff and titleholders wishing to apply for promotion to Level E are now invited to submit their applications.

Promotion is an important way that the University of Adelaide recognizes outstanding performance. We would encourage all staff who believe they meet the relevant promotion criteria to submit an application in 2009.

If you require assistance in determining eligibility, it is suggested you discuss your potential application with your Head of School or Head of Discipline.

Applicants should refer to the Policy, Guidelines and Toolkit, and the appropriate Position Classification Standards when preparing their application.

An application should be made on the approved application form and ONE full printed copy submitted to Lucy Maynard Manager, Recruitment Services by the deadline of Friday 10 July 2009.

No supplementary information will be accepted from applicants after the closing date for applications, unless requested by the University.

Please note that applicants are responsible for contacting their own referees by forwarding their application, the appropriate position classification standard and the form letter requesting that the report be sent to Lucy Maynard, Human Resources Branch, Level 13, 115 Grenfell Street by the deadline of 31 July 2009.

The Policy, Guidelines and the toolkit applicable to the submission of applications are available for viewing at:
www.adelaide.edu.au/hr/policies/polbrowse/prom_class/academic-promotions-toolkit/.

Vacant Positions

www.adelaide.edu.au/jobs/

Events

National Reconciliation Week: 27 May - 3 June 2009

National Reconciliation Week celebrates the rich culture and history of the First Australians. It is the ideal time for everyone to join the reconciliation conversation and to think about how we can help turn around the disadvantage experienced by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Reconciliation Week is held every year between 27 May and 3 June. These two dates mark important steps towards reconciliation. On 27 May 1967, over 90% of Australian voters said 'Yes' in the referendum to change the Australian Constitution to count Indigenous Australians as citizens in the census; on 3 June 1992, the High Court of Australia passed judgement in the Mabo case, overturning the legal basis of Australia as 'terra nullius' at the time of colonisation.

There is an extensive Reconciliation Week program scheduled, full of local events that you're invited to attend and participate in. For more information, please visit the program on the Reconciliation SA website.

Reconciliation Week FREE BBQ

Over recent years the University of Adelaide has devoted significant time to ensure that reconciliation initiatives permeate throughout teaching and employment within the University.

In the spirit of Reconciliation Week, the Vice-Chancellor & President, the Gender Equity and Diversity Committee, the Centre for Australian Indigenous Research and Studies and Wilto Yerlo, invite all staff and students to attend the raising of the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, followed by a FREE BBQ.

Date/Time: Friday 29 May 2009, 12:00noon - 2:00pm
Location: Ceremony to be held at flag poles between Bonython Hall and Ligertwood Building, followed by a BBQ in Taib Mahmud Court, North Terrace Campus.

The event includes live music from the Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music (CASM).

Download your Invitation.

Research Tuesdays

Stargazing with eyes wide shut
How distant celestial radiation is giving us a whole new perspective on the universe - and our own backyards
Presented by Professor Roger Clay, Discipline of Physics.

Date/Time: Tuesday 9 June 2009, 5:30pm
Venue: Napier 102 Lecture Theatre, Napier Building, University of Adelaide
FREE Public Seminar. All welcome.

Synopsis: Since 1992, the University of Adelaide has been part of a major international project that is changing the way we "see" the universe.

Located in Argentina, the Pierre Auger Observatory is exclusively observing celestial radiation containing particles up to 100,000,000 times more energetic than any created by man.

In doing so it's producing a remarkable first view of the universe that is not based on the observation of light, and providing valuable insights into radiation's role in heating our environment right here in SA.

Auger Data was recognized in 2007 as one of the 3 most important results in any scientific field worldwide. In this "illuminating" presentation Professor Roger Clay shows why.

Now all Adelaide OnLion members can register online - visit: www.alumni.adelaide.edu.au/researchtuesdaysjune to secure your seat!
For further details visit our website at: www.adelaide.edu.au/researchtuesdays/ or phone 8303 3692.

5th Annual HDA Oration

'Genetics and Disease in Children'
Presented by: Professor Eric Haan AO
Date/Time: Thursday 11 June 2009, 5:15pm - 7:30pm
Venue: State Library of South Australia, Institute Building Lecture Theatre
Seating will be strictly limited.

Professor Haan will be presented with the Healthy Development Adelaide Award for 2009. Professor Haan is Head of the South Australian Clinical Genetics Service, SA Pathology based at the Women's and Children's Hospital and he is also a Clinical Affiliate Professor in the Discipline of Paediatrics, University of Adelaide.

RSVP essential by Friday 5 June to: Anne Jurisevic on 8303 8222.

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

Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of Australia & Healthy Ageing Research Cluster - Workshop

HARC is pleased to be supporting an upcoming ½ -day workshop at the University of Adelaide on:

"Ageing in the 21st Century: Opportunities and Challenges"
Presented by: Professor Sara Czaja, Director, Center for Research and Education on Ageing and Technology Enhancement (CREATE), University of Miami, USA.
Date/Time: Wednesday 3 June 2009, 9:00am - 12:30pm
Cost: $220
Reduced rate $160 for HARC & HFESA Members
Students (full-time) $80.

This event will be of interest to:

• Ergonomists and human factors specialists
• Occupational health and safety professionals and practitioners
• Social planners and policy makers
• Human resources professionals
• Safety management professionals
• Designers, architects and facility planners
• Healthcare researchers and practitioners
• Engineers (manufacturing, product and design, safety)

Download: registration form & workshop flyer

RSVP to HFESA Secretariat: secretariat@ergonomics.org.au
Fax registration form to (02) 9680 9027. Enquiries: (02) 9680 9026

RUSSLR Conference Announcement

Cultural and Religious Freedom under a bill of rights
Canberra: 13 - 15 August, 2009

The University of Adelaide Research Unit for the Study of Society, Law and Religion (RUSSLR), in conjunction with other local and international institutions, will hold a major conference from 13 - 15 August, 2009 in Canberra, ACT.

The topic, "Cultural and Religious Freedom under a bill of rights", is highly relevant to the current debate in Australia on a bill or charter of rights. The conference will examine the implications for cultural and religious freedom of the proposed bill from the perspectives of legislators and policy makers, religious and community groups, academics and the judiciary. Participants include judges, leading academics, community leaders, theologians and other experts in law and religion from Australasia, America, Asia and Europe.

To register or submit an abstract, please visit: www.adelaide.edu.au/lawandreligion/conference_2009/.

For further information, download: attached flyer or contact Peter Burdon, RUSSLR Research Assistant.

Statecraft + Strategy
Understanding the Use of Force in the Modern Era

3 Day Interactive Seminar Series
13 - 15 October, 2009

This new Seminar Series aims to open up high-level discussion about when the use of military force is appropriate, and provide new thinking for practitioners and policy makers in government, defence, emergency services and other related professions. It will feature specialist speakers with experience in providing political and government advisories, diplomacy and military field craft, as well as backgrounds in psychology, philosophy, terrorism, history, nuclear power and governance. The schedule for each day will be split, with presentations in the morning followed by afternoon interactive workshops. These will enable participants to explore the topics in greater depth, apply new ideas presented to current problems and issues, and develop possible strategies for how to deal with them.

The event is a joint-venture between the University of Adelaide's Centre for Professional and Continuing Education (PCE) and SAGE International.

For further information including the program, details of speakers, cost and registration, visit the website: www.adelaide.edu.au/statecraft/.

Australian Institute of Physics (SA) Public Lecture

"A Universe made for me? The anthropic principle in Astronomy"
Speaker: Professor Geraint Lewis, School of Physics, University of Sydney
Date/Time: Thursday 28 May, 8:00pm
Venue: Napier 102 Lecture Theatre, Napier Building, University of Adelaide
All welcome.

Further details: www.physics.adelaide.edu.au/aip-sa

Steven Conte: Plodding - walking into fiction

The Friends of the University of Adelaide Library invite you to a FREE Author Event with Steven Conte.
Date/Time: Thursday 28 May 2009, 6:00pm for 6:30pm
Venue: Ira Raymond Exhibition Room, Barr Smith Library
Seating is limited.

Steven Conte was the inaugural winner of the Prime Minister's Literary Award for Fiction last year with his debut novel The Zookeeper's War. A story of passion and sacrifice, Conte's novel tells of an Australian woman and her German husband who maintain a zoo in Berlin during the final months of World War II.
In a city battered by war, tensions mount: nothing, and no one, it seems, can be trusted.

Bookings by Tuesday 26 May to Robina Weir, phone: 8303 4064
Full details are on the University Library web site.

WPDN Book Club - FREE Author Event

WPDN Book Club is open to all members of the University - Staff and students, male and female, professional and academic. Book Club is an opportunity to network with other members of the University: meet someone new, form a friendship, and share through the power of story telling.

Guest Author: Dr Peter Goldsworthy

Date/Time: Thursday 4 June 2009, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Venue: Eclipse Room, Level 4, Union Building

Do NOT miss this! Author of novels Maestro, Honk if you are Jesus, Wish, Three Dog Night, Keep it Simple Stupid and Everything I Knew (some of which have been adapted for the stage), Peter Goldsworthy has fast become a South Australian living legend. Born in Minlaton and growing up in various country towns, he graduated in medicine from the University of Adelaide in 1974 and has since divided his time equally between medicine and writing. His books have been translated into many European and Asian languages. And we cannot fail to mention the many plays, opera, poetry and short prose he has penned.

Book Now! Strictly 200 seats only. RSVP to Allayne Webster.
All Welcome. Unfortunately due to venue constraints, no food is permitted.

School of Mathematical Sciences - Fluid Mechanics Seminar

Wall turbulence: from the laboratory to the atmosphere
Speaker: Professor Ivan Marusic, The University of Melbourne
Date/Time: Friday 29 May 2009, 3:00pm
Venue: Napier, LG29

Further information about the Fluid Mechanics Seminar series can be found at: www.maths.adelaide.edu.au/news/events.php?fluids
Enquiries to Jim Denier.

Training & Development Opportunities

HR Workshops

The Human Resources Branch is offering the following workshops in June. These programs are FREE to all staff.

Communication - Legal & Risk Consequences
The program concerns the management of internal and external communications. The program provides an overview of the legal responsibilities for managers and staff and provides practical strategies and processes for managing risks associated with verbal and written communications.
Audience: Managers and staff responsible for internal and external communications.
Date/Time: Tuesday 2 June, 10:00am - 12:00noon. Venue to be advised.
Facilitator: Celine McInerney, General Counsel, Legal and Risk.

Planning, Development and Review (PDR)
The University is committed to building the capability and confidence of all staff to engage in the PDR process and associated conversations. In addition to providing an overview on the revised PDR, the workshop explores the broad benefits of PDR, roles and responsibilities, and how to get the most from your PDR discussion.
Audience: PDR applies to all continuing staff on a fixed term contract of 12 months or longer.
Date/Time: Wednesday 3 June, from 9:00am - 12:00noon. Venue to be advised.

Understanding the Media
The program provides an insight in how to respond to media enquiries. The program provides an overview of the responsibilities of managers and staff, and provides practical strategies and processes for managing interviews and written responses.
Audience: Managers and staff who engage with the media.
Date/Time: Wednesday 10 June, 9:00am - 12:00noon. Venue to be advised.
Facilitators: Robyn Mills and Candace Gibson, Marketing & Strategic Communications.

Please direct all enquiries and registrations to: Janet Hart, phone 8303 3130.

Negotiation for Success - 18 & 19 June - Executive Education Unit

If you are a middle to senior manager or professional, Negotiation for Success will help you to improve your negotiation skills.

Effective negotiators understand the importance of preparation, which includes an understanding of the needs of the other party before the negotiation begins. Highly successful negotiators know how to deal with conflict, use influential language; and understand the key elements of negotiation; and they negotiate for mutual gain.

Discount: 10% discount for University of Adelaide staff.

For further information: Amanda Bramwell, phone 8303 3268.

Be prepared for your exams

Performing well in exams: essay and short answer questions
Date/Time: Tuesday 26 May, 1:10pm - 2:00pm
Venue: Seminar Room, Level 3 South, Barr Smith Library

Visit the CLPD website for additional seminars and more information.

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre is staffed by Academic Learning & Language (ALL) lecturers who offer individual consultations to students enrolled at the University of Adelaide.

Venue: Room 346a, Level 3 South, Barr Smith Library

Visit the CLPD website for more information and details of opening hours.

Maths Drop-In Centre

The Maths Drop-In Centre provides free assistance with maths and/or stats to all University of Adelaide students.

Hours: 10:00am - 4:00pm, Monday to Friday

Open during teaching weeks and at selected times during mid-semester breaks and swot-vacs. No appointment required.

Venue: Room 105, Level 1, Schulz Building

Visit the CLPD website for more information.

Asia-Pacific Forum for Educational Integrity

The University has taken out institutional membership of the Asia-Pacific Forum for Educational Integrity for 2009. For University of Adelaide staff attending the 4th Asia Pacific Conference on Educational Integrity a members discount of 15% applies to their Conference Registration.

Visit the APFEI website or email Ursula McGowan for further information.

4th Asia Pacific Conference on Educational Integrity
28 - 30 September 2009, University of Wollongong

Call for one-page proposals: closes 31 May 2009.

Visit the APFEI Conference website for more information.

Cultural Awareness - CLPD

Specifically tailored cultural awareness session available for groups of staff or students. These can be held in Divisions, Faculties, Schools or Disciplines. Deans, Heads of Schools or Course Coordinators are invited to contact the CLPD to request specific workshops.

Email Ursula McGowan to arrange a session.

Professional & Continuing Education (PCE)

Upcoming Professional Development Courses

Professional Telephone Skills
Thursday 28 May

Risk Management
Tuesday 2 June

From Team Member to Team Leader
Wednesday 3 June

Improve Your Business Skills
Thursday 4 June

The Indispensable Personal Assistant
Friday 5 June

Discount: 5% discount for University of Adelaide staff

You can now enrol and pay online! Visit our website and follow the easy steps.
www.adelaide.edu.au/pce

For further information visit our website, email Jo Carrick or phone 8303 4777.

Information for Researchers

Adelaide Research & Innovation

The latest commUNIcate RESEARCH news is available online.

Research Branch

See the Research Branch Bulletin for the latest news on major grant rounds & information sessions, a selection of competitive grants, prizes & funding opportunities now open.