Staff Notices: 13 - 17 July 2009

Table of Contents

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

Uni in the News

Epilepsy study points to immune cells

An Adelaide scientist claims a discovery of the causes of epilepsy could lead to more effective treatments for 50 million people worldwide. Dr Mark Hutchinson, from the University of Adelaide's Discipline of Pharmacology, has been looking into the disease with neuroscientists from the University of Colorado, USA. He said they have discovered that the brain's immune cells - known as glia - play a role in triggering seizures, rather than the long-held belief that neurons are responsible. "Maybe it's the immune cells that are telling the neurons to actually misfire, and so if we have drugs that target the immune cells instead, or even in addition to the neurons, we may in fact end up with a far greater treatment of the epilepsy," he said.

Source: ABC News (7 July 2009)
Uni full story: New treatment options for epileptics

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General Information for Staff

Nominations for the Australian of the Year Awards 2010

Being nominated for an Australian of the Year Award is a wonderful honour. The Australian of the Year Awards, now in its 50th year, provides all Australians with the opportunity to recognise someone who makes them proud and inspired. There are four categories in which to nominate:

• Australian of the Year
• Young Australian of the Year (16 to 30 years)
• Senior Australian of the Year (60 years and over)
• Australia's Local Hero

Your nominee does not have to be someone famous or even known to you personally. They could be in the arts, education, business, medicine or simply an active member in their community.

Nominate online at: www.australianoftheyear.org.au.

Nominations close on Monday 31 August 2009.

New! TOEFL iBT Testing Centre

The Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) is now available at the University of Adelaide's English Language Centre. With the shortage of IELTS test places available in Adelaide, students will now have the opportunity to take the TOEFL iBT test in the city centre on select dates. The TOEFL iBT measures how well students read, listen, speak and write in English and is used for entry into Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programs.

For further information visit: www.adelaide.edu.au/elc/toefl.

Tips for TRIMinising

All electronic only documents must be enclosed to ensure the document is located within the file (regardless of whether the file is electronic or hardcopy). Otherwise the electronic document will remain located with the creator.

So remember when completing the Document Registration Form for electronic documents, ensure Electronic Only & Enclosed are both ticked - there is a prompt to remind you.

Please refer to TRIM 6R2 Information Sheet - Electronic Only OR Enclosed OR Both on the Records Management webpage: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/records/trim/manuals/ for further information or see D2008/16935 in TRIM.

If you require any further assistance, please contact the TRIM Helpdesk on 35334.

TRIM Team.

Call for Applications for the Equity and Diversity Grants Scheme

The Equity and Diversity Grants Scheme is an initiative of the Gender, Equity and Diversity Committee, a sub committee of the Vice-Chancellor's Committee. The Scheme provides seed funding of up to $5,000 for new and innovative strategies that enhance equity and diversity for students and staff at the University.

The Equity and Diversity Grants Scheme Working Party, convened by Dr Margaret O'Hea welcomes applications from staff across the University.

The closing date for applications is Friday 28 August 2009.

For full details visit the website: www.adelaide.edu.au/hr/equity/ged/grants/.

Graduate Entrepreneurial Program 2010

Business Establishment Scholarships worth up to $10,000!

The Entrepreneurship, Commercialisation and Innovation Centre (ECIC), has 4 scholarships for Postgraduates + 2 scholarships for a technology based idea + 2 scholarships for PhDs near completion to support the development of an innovative entrepreneurial business idea.

If you have a desire to develop your own business, whilst studying via our sponsored Graduate Entrepreneurial Program (GEP) then register now! During the course of the scholarship you will obtain a Graduate Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship or Science & Technology Commercialisation whilst being supported in a fully furnished office at the Thebarton Incubator (ThInc).

A FREE seminar will be held on Tuesday 28 July 2009, 3:00pm - 5:00pm, 'How to turn a great idea into an even greater application' to explain the application process and business development initiatives. In addition Dr Allan O'Connor, Academic Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship accompanied by Mr Antonio Dottore, Academic Director of Science & Technology Commercialisation will equip you with basic skills and knowledge to manage new venture creation processes and business planning.
Venue: Equinox Room, Level 4, Union House, North Tce campus

To register please email your name and contact details to: Julia McCarron

Applicants may apply for a broad range of business support and training, including serviced offices in an incubation environment.

For further information visit: www.ecic.adelaide.edu.au/gep or contact Megan Llewellyn on 8303 4159.

Applications for the 2010 program close Wednesday 2 September 2009.
Download: GEP flyer.

Vacant Positions

www.adelaide.edu.au/jobs/

Events

UniSuper Seminar

Superannuation seminars are held by UniSuper to keep members informed about changes to legislation and initiatives introduced to help reaching your retirement savings goals. These FREE seminars provide an opportunity for staff to gain practical advice on how changes to superannuation may affect their retirement savings both at retirement and throughout working life.

Details of the next seminar are:

2009 Federal Budget - How It Affects Your Super
Date/Time: Thursday 23 July 2009, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Venue: Rennie Lecture Theatre, Johnson Labs, North Terrace Campus

On 12 May 2009, the Rudd Government handed down its second Federal Budget. Faced with a rapidly escalating Budget deficit, the Government has looked for considerable savings, some of which will impact UniSuper members.

This seminar includes:

• How the budget announcements impact superannuation
• Halving the concessional contribution caps and any taxation impacts
• Example of how Defined Benefit and Accumulation members on different income levels are affected
• Options available to reduce any potential taxation impact

An overview of the major changes from 1 July 2009, including:

• New personal income tax rates and thresholds
• Government changes to the treatment of salary sacrifice contributions
• Changes to the Government co-contribution scheme
• Retirement income stream and Social Security rates

To register your attendance for the seminar please visit the UniSuper website at: www.unisuper.com.au/members/seminars. Please supply your email address on registration to receive reminder emails and the hand out information prior to the seminar.

Water Wednesday

A special forum presented by the Water Research Centre of the University of Adelaide

Sustaining the River Murray with less - 'how science can enable water managers and business investment to manage sustainably with 30% less water'
Date/Time: Wednesday 15 July 2009, 5:30pm - 6:45pm
Venue: Napier Lecture Theatre 102, Napier Building, North Terrace Campus

Program
Chair: Prof Martin Lambert, University of Adelaide

• Declining future flows predicted in the Murray-Darling Basin
  Dr Bill Young, CSIRO, seconded to Murray-Darling Basin Authority


• Maintaining a healthy working River Murray to provide water security
  Ms Robyn McLeod, Commissioner for Water Security


• Minimum flows to fill and sustain wetlands in a healthy working River Murray
  Associate Professor George Ganf, University of Adelaide


• Your Views: Open Discussion

To reserve your place, RSVP to: environment@adelaide.edu.au.

Visit: www.adelaide.edu.au/environment/wrc/news/2009/waterwednesday1.html

Barr Smith Discovery Series

Susanna Moore: Daisy Bates and the provocation of research

The Friends of the University of Adelaide Library invite you to a FREE public talk with Susanna Moore.
Date/Time: Thursday 23 July 2009, 1:05pm - 2:00pm
Venue: Ira Raymond Exhibition Room, Barr Smith Library
Seating is limited.

Susanna Moore, award-winning author of In the Cut, which was made into a film directed by Jane Campion, is writer-in-residence in the University's Creative Writing program. She will speak about her research on Daisy Bates as a possible subject for fiction or film, and the nature of research as both provocation and inspiration, as well as the temptations that ensue for a novelist while doing research - the pleasure of it, and the difficulty in giving it up to begin the work of fiction.

Bookings by Tuesday 21 July to Robina Weir, phone: 8303 4064
Full details are on the University Library web site.

'Garden Design and Build Competition' on Open Day

Date/Time: Sunday 16 August 2009, 10:00am - 4:00pm

Come and view students of the School of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design, as they assemble their winning garden and build designs on the Hughes Plaza, North Terrace Campus.

The competition is open to 3rd year Bachelor of Design Studies students and 5th year Masters of Architecture and Landscape Architecture students, and will be part of their Semester 2 studies. The best three entries will then build their designs with the products supplied on Open Day.

All other competition entries will be on public display on Level 4, Architecture Building. We will be conducting a public vote for the best design, so please come along and place a vote for your favourite design. The prize will be awarded at 3:00pm.

Visit: www.adelaide.edu.au/openday/events/

RUSSLR Conference 2009

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 to attend, visit: www.crfbillofrights.org.

Download: conference flyer.

RUSSLR Public Lecture

"A Tale of Two Statutes: A Comparison of Ontario's and South Australia's Pioneering Legislation for the Incorporation of Religious Bodies"
Speaker: Dr Greg Taylor, Associate Professor, Monash University Law School.
Date/Time: Tuesday 25 August, 12:00noon
Venue: Moot Court Room, Ligertwood Building, Law School

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

Visit: www.adelaide.edu.au/lawandreligion/

Healthy Ageing Research Cluster

Health, Disability and Lifespan Development Research Group, School of Psychology presents:

The OPAL Project: Obesity Prevention and Lifestyle
Presented by: Mark Williams, SA Health, State Manager, OPAL Project
Date/Time: Wednesday 12 August, 12:15pm - 2:00pm (refreshments 1:30pm)
Venue: Room 526/527 Hughes Building

Download: HARC flyer.
RSVP by Friday 31 July via email to: Susan Gravier, phone 8303 3452.

HDA Bone Health Symposium

Research covering the areas from bone development, nutritional regulation, bone health, genetic and metabolic disorders and fractures, to repair.
Date/Time: Tuesday 4 August, 10:00am - 3:30pm
Venue: State Library of SA, Institute Building Lecture Theatre

Download: symposium invitation with further details and speaker profiles.
RSVP by Tuesday 28 July via email to: Anne Jurisevic, Healthy Development Adelaide.

Visit: www.adelaide.edu.au/hda/events/

Training & Development Opportunities

Systems Thinking in Practice - 27/28 August - Executive Education Unit

Guest International Presenter

If you are a middle to senior level manager or professional, this program will help you view your faculty or division's systems from a broad perspective that includes seeing overall structures, patterns and cycles in systems, rather than just specific events. This broad view can help you quickly identify the real causes of issues and where to work to address them.

Systems Thinking is based on the ideas raised by Peter Senge in The Fifth Discipline identified by the Harvard Business Review as one of the seminal management books of the last 75 years.

Discount: 10% discount for University of Adelaide staff.

For further information: Amanda Bramwell, phone 8303 3268.

Launch of the New Staff Learning & Development website

The University is committed to giving you the opportunity to develop your skills by offering you practical and interesting personal and professional development programs. Human Resources (HR) has developed a new Learning & Development webpage for staff which can be found at: www.adelaide.edu.au/hr/development/.

The webpage provides a range of information for staff and managers, and includes program overviews, learning outcomes and program schedules. You will also find information on how HR can work with managers to address local management issues.

The webpage is a 'work in progress' and will be updated as a new program is offered or a toolkit developed. Don't be shy, take a look and enrol in a program.

Take Control of Your Email

Take Control of Your Email
Are you spending more and more time using email? Do you feel like it is controlling you? Is your Inbox out of control? Come to this unique course and learn... How to free up more time, How to manage communications technology instead of it managing you, How to minimise email traffic (in and out) and more. Staff who have attended the course report that they are saving 40 minutes per day, they are suffering less email anxiety and their Inbox size has reduced significantly.
Audience: All staff - why not book new staff into the course in their first week? It's free, but places are limited, so get in quick!
Date/Time: 4 sessions are offered each week - go to https://apps.adelaide.edu.au/training/ to book yourself in [UA staff access only].

Staff Learning & Development

The Human Resources Branch is offering the following four workshops FREE to staff during July.

Meeting Organisation
This workshop explores the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to organise meetings including making arrangements, liaising with participants, and developing and distributing meeting related documentation.
Audience: University of Adelaide staff who are responsible for organising and taking minutes at meetings.
Date/Time: Thursday 16 July, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Facilitator: Heather Karmel, Council Secretary, Council Secretariat

Governance
This workshop explains the governance of the University. The University's governing body is Council, it is chaired by the Chancellor and is advised by several standing committees. There are also a number of Management Committees in the University advising the Vice-Chancellor and President or other senior managers.
Audience: Managers and staff who want to gain a broad appreciation of how the University functions and its legislative obligations.
Date/Time: Wednesday 22 July, 10:00am - 12:00noon
Facilitator: Heather Karmel, Council Secretary, Council Secretariat

Planning, Development and Review (PDR) - Program for Managers & Supervisors
Performance management can be viewed from two sides. On one side it is process of development, two-way communication, encouragement and motivation - processes that focus on the employee as people. On the other, it is the process of aligning work objectives, monitoring and assessing employee contribution, and providing feedback - processes that focus on employees as resources and enablers of organisational goals. This program aims to assist managers in addressing both sides.
Audience: Managers and Supervisors who have responsibility for the management of the performance and outcomes of staff that report directly to them.
Date/Time: Tuesday 28 July, 9:00am - 1:00pm

Policy
This workshop explains the policy framework of the University and how the framework supports the governance and operations of the University.
Audience: Managers and staff who are required to interact with or implement University policies.
Date/Time: Wednesday 29 July, 10:00am - 12:00noon
Facilitator: Heather Karmel, Council Secretary, Council Secretariat

All programs can be booked online at: https://apps.adelaide.edu.au/training/bookings/courses. [UA staff access only]
For enquiries, please email Janet Hart or phone 8303 3130.

MyMedia Information and Demonstration

Staff are invited to attend a MyMedia Information and Demonstration session during the semester break. Two sessions have been scheduled:

Dates: Wednesday 22 July, 1:00pm - 2:00pm; and Friday 24 July (repeat), 2:30pm - 3:30pm.
Venue: Napier 102 Lecture Theatre, Napier Building

University Awards for Teaching, HDR Supervision or Enhancing the Student Experience

Applications for the following University of Adelaide awards are due by 5:00pm, Friday 11 September 2009.
Further details are available from the Teaching Awards and Grants website.

• Stephen Cole the Elder Awards for Excellence in Teaching 2009 (undergraduate and postgraduate by coursework teaching)
• Excellence in Higher Degree by Research Supervision 2009 (higher degree supervisors)
• Award for Excellence in Support of the Student Experience 2009 (Professional staff award)

Award writing seminars

The Teaching Awards and Grants Office will be running an Award Writing Seminar twice prior to the date of submission for University of Adelaide awards. The seminars will be an opportunity to talk to previous award winners and attend a presentation about award writing given by experienced award writer and editor, Barbara Brougham, the Teaching Awards and Grants Officer.

Dates: Thursday 23 July and Thursday 13 August (repeat), 10:30am - 12:30pm.
Venue: CLPD, Level 2, Schulz Building West, North Tce campus (map).

To register your interest for either seminar or to discuss the awards and the awards process, please email Barbara Brougham or phone via mobile 0437 649 976.

Teaching @ University: Enrol for Semester 2

There are still vacancies in the Semester 2 Teaching @ University course for academic staff.

Please visit the Teaching @ University webpage to download an enrolment form.

ERGA Conference 2009: Feedback and Flexible Learning

24-25 September, University of Adelaide
The 2009 ERGA conference will be addressing the theme of Feedback and Flexible Learning. The aim of the ERGA Conference series is to bring together colleagues from the higher education sector to discuss best practice and new approaches in the tertiary environment.

Our keynote speakers this year will be Professor Marcia Devlin, Chair in Higher Education Research, Deakin University, and Professor Susan Jones, Head of Zoology, University of Tasmania.

Call for Submissions

Proposals are invited for workshop and panel sessions, and abstracts and papers for concurrent sessions. Submissions are due on 31 July 2009.

Please visit the ERGA website for detailed information on the keynote speakers and requirements for submissions, or to register for the conference as an attendee.

Attendance at ERGA 09 is FREE for members of the University of Adelaide.

WPDN Lunchtime Networking Forum - Skills Development Session

Date/Time: Wednesday 22 July, 12:00noon - 1:00pm
Venue: Ira Raymond Room, Barr Smith Library, North Terrace Campus

Special Guest: Presentation Skills with David Griggs
An opportunity not to be missed! David Griggs, the popular presenter of PCE's Confident and Persuasive Presentations, will be conducting a one-hour session on presentation skills.

Learn some critical tips for improving your business communication by overcoming anxiety and entering into a state in which you can present with ease.

RSVP by Tuesday 21 July to Linh Tran.

Visit the WPDN website for more information about our events: www.adelaide.edu.au/wpdn/.

Professional & Continuing Education (PCE)

Introduction Language Courses

Introductory courses start at the end of July and run weekly for 10 weeks. Suitable for complete beginners, these 'taster' courses will provide a practical introduction to the language of your choice.

Ideal for travellers, as well as when communicating for business or pleasure, these practical courses will give you the confidence to interact in basic social situations and, importantly, will also enhance your socio-cultural understanding and survival skills for the countries in which your language is used.

Languages offered:
Chinese (Mandarin)
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Spanish

Mid Year Entry to Full Year Courses

If you already have some language ability, you may be able to enter a Full Year course half-way through the year. Mid Year courses commence at the end of July. A range of languages and levels are available.

For further information visit our website, email Rupert Irudarayaj or phone 8303 4777.
You can now enrol and pay online! Visit our website and follow the easy steps.
www.adelaide.edu.au/pce

Upcoming Professional Development Courses

Performance Management That Works
Wednesday 22 July

Focus on Grammar
Thursday 23 July

Managing Stress in the Workplace
Tuesday 28 July

From Team Member to Team Leader
Wednesday 29 July

Captivating Communications in the Workplace
Friday 31 July

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 Joanna Carrick or phone 8303 4777.

Information for Researchers

HDR Supervisor Induction Workshop

If you wish to be registered as an HDR supervisor at the University of Adelaide, in either principal or co-supervisor capacity, you MUST attend an HDR Supervisor Induction Workshop. The induction workshop provides an essential introduction to the policy, practice and strategic context of HDR supervision at the University.

The next one is to be held:
Wednesday 5 August, 1:00pm - 3:30pm, The Vines, National Wine Centre of Australia, followed by the Cocktails & Connections session.

Please come along and join us.

Register online at: www.adelaide.edu.au/graduatecentre/rep/staff/enrolment/

More about the program at: www.adelaide.edu.au/graduatecentre/rep/staff/hsw/

Further enquiries: Dr Ian Green on 8303 6035 or Dr Cally Guerin on 8303 3043, email researchereducation@adelaide.edu.au.

Cocktails & Connections

Want to meet some new fellow researchers? Want to get some new ideas for research collaborations? Want to hear from some of the University's research leaders? Then this session is for you. Come along and get connected.

Wednesday 5 August, 4:00pm - 6:00pm, The Vines, National Wine Centre of Australia, followed by the HDR Supervisor Induction Workshop.

This is a relatively informal event, with a series of activities designed to get like minded researchers talking to each other. It is aimed at researchers new to the university as well as established researchers looking to reinvigorate their networks. All researchers welcome.

Register online at: www.adelaide.edu.au/graduatecentre/rep/staff/enrolment/

More about the program at: www.adelaide.edu.au/graduatecentre/rep/staff/cc.html

Further enquiries: Dr Ian Green on 8303 6035 or Dr Cally Guerin on 8303 3043, email researchereducation@adelaide.edu.au.

Future Research Leaders Program

The Future Research Leaders program has been developed collaboratively by the Go8 universities, and is delivered in full each semester for the benefit of the research community of the University of Adelaide. The program is aimed at current and aspiring research leaders, and seeks to build a range of skills and knowledge critical to successful research leadership and management.

There are eight modules in the program, together with a researcher orientation module. Modules are undertaken by a combination of online study, independent research and a face-to-face workshop. Do just one module, or do as many as you like. "It's up to you. And it's all free!"

More about the program at: www.adelaide.edu.au/graduatecentre/rep/staff/frlp/

Register for workshops at: www.adelaide.edu.au/graduatecentre/rep/staff/enrolment/

Further enquiries: Dr Ian Green on 8303 6035 or Dr Cally Guerin on 8303 3043, email researchereducation@adelaide.edu.au.

Exploring Supervision Program

The Exploring Supervision program (formerly the Effective Supervision program) provides professional development for HDR supervisors. Each semester we present a series of three interactive workshops, together with a range of tools, techniques and resources, covering key topics in HDR supervision. In addition, completion of the full module of the program leads to registration as a principal HDR supervisor.

More about our workshops: www.adelaide.edu.au/graduatecentre/rep/staff/esp/

More about the full module of the program at: www.adelaide.edu.au/graduatecentre/rep/staff/fullmodule.html

Register for workshops at: www.adelaide.edu.au/graduatecentre/rep/staff/enrolment/

Further enquiries: Dr Ian Green on 8303 6035 or Dr Cally Guerin on 8303 3043, email researchereducation@adelaide.edu.au.

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.