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Staff News is your place to share the latest information from our University community.
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Provost's message
Last Thursday, the University hosted the Gillard Public Lecture 2025, a free event in Bonthyon Hall to which our community is invited each year. This lecture is hosted by the Honourable Professor Julia Gillard AC, 27th Prime Minister of Australia, an alum of the University of Adelaide, and a Visiting Honorary Professor here since 2013.
Read more about Provost's messageCelebration of Learning and Teaching: Honouring Our Legacy, Inspiring Our Future
For generations, the University has been home to passionate educators and dedicated professional staff whose contributions have enriched the student experience and inspired lifelong learning. The Celebration of Learning and Teaching recognises those who exemplify this spirit of excellence and creativity in their work.
Read more about Honouring Our Legacy, Inspiring Our FutureDeputy Vice-Chancellor's message
Our outlook has always been global, but in the coming months there are plenty of activities and events right here on our campuses that will exercise our minds and bodies, as well as grow our community spirit.
Read more about Deputy Vice-Chancellor's messageFree tickets to the AFLW Showdown!
Staff can access free tickets to the most anticipated match of the AFLW season, the Showdown! Claim your free tickets using the link and entering the password: 25AFCPARTNER. Join for sign making competitions, free hot chips, music and more. Friday 24 October. Norwood Oval. Further information.
Read more about Free tickets to the AFLW Showdown!Celebrating our colleagues: Hussain Ahmad
After years of perseverance, late nights, and countless breakthroughs, Dr Hussain Ahmad recently celebrated his PhD graduation at the September 2025 ceremony. His journey from curious learner to University lecturer demonstrates that with passion and persistence, anything is possible.
Read more about Hussain AhmadAdelaide University updates
27 Oct This will be an online event, hosted by the co-Vice Chancellors, where staff will get transition updates and an opportunity to ask questions. Tuesday 28 October 2 pm–3 pm. Via Zoom. 24 Oct
Australian Access Federation (AAF) supported services
The AAF services currently managed separately by UoA and UniSA will be transitioned to a single Adelaide University AAF Service in a phased approach. This means that the way users of these AAF-enabled services logon to these services will change. From Thursday 31st October 2025 UoA users will begin selecting the new AU option in the AAF portal when accessing services. More information. 24 Oct Join the latest Student Experience and Administration Domain Town Hall for updates on student transition and other key projects. Thursday 30 October, 3.30–4.30 pm. More information.
Noticeboard
30 Oct
Final conferral deadlines for inclusion in March ceremonies
Both academic and professional staff serve as front line communicators with our students. As such, it is imperative that all interactions are clear and consistent regarding the compressed conferral deadlines - and the impact they have students who are transitioning or completing their programs in 2025. Detailed information to assist with staff communication and planning is now available on a staff only section on the ‘Graduating from Adelaide’ section of the website. Enquires can also be directed to the Graduations Office. 24 Oct
Taikunthi celebrates its first birthday
Taikunthi Restaurant, on level 5 of Union House, turns one this November, and they're celebrating with a week of offers and events from Monday 3 to Friday 7 November. Guests can enjoy complimentary coffee upgrades, exclusive First Birthday Wine Packs, and the chance to win a $200 dining voucher with every purchase. Each day of the Birthday Week features a new offer or event, from free Mini Lemon Meringues with any coffee purchase on Monday to complimentary wine tastings on Wednesday and Thursday. It all culminates in an epic celebration on Friday, featuring live music, cocktail specials, a complimentary grazing table, free roaming canapés, and live music. 24 Oct
A special aged care issue of JBI Evidence Implementation
In a collaboration between JBI at The University of Adelaide and Flinders University, researchers from Flinders have developed a comprehensive, evidence-based toolkit for implementing innovation. This program of work culminates in a special issue of the peer-reviewed journal, JBI Evidence Implementation. More information. 24 Oct
Promote your 2025 peer-to-peer ambassador recruitment
If you’re planning to recruit students for peer-to-peer or ambassador programs at Adelaide University before the end of the year, please ensure your opportunity is briefed to the Adelaide University Student Communications Team for inclusion in upcoming student newsletters. More information. 22 Oct
Paid and volunteering opportunities for 2026 orientation
Applications are now open for Orientation Leaders and Volunteers. These opportunities support the development of leadership skills, expand their network, and make a real difference to students settling into university life. More information. 22 Oct
Health and Safety Representative network
After a re-nomination and election process, we are pleased to advise the HSR structure as listed on the HSR Staff Portal will continue until the future AU approach has been negotiated and established involving AU staff and their representatives. More information. 22 Oct
Cyber Awareness Month – See something, say something
Cyber Awareness Month 2025 covered strong pass phrases, MFA, device updates, and spotting phishing. Stay alert and report anything unusual to the Information Technology Service Desk. More information.
Events
2
Oct
Adelaide University Judo Club's upcoming Dynamic Balance Introductory Course commences in October running through to December. If you want to be safer in the instance of a fall this course is designed to lower your risk and improve your balance. Thursday 2 October to Friday 4 December, 11:15 am to 12:15 pm. 34 Phillips Street, Thebarton. $195. More information.
5
Nov
Wellbeing: Nam Baldwin - Mindful Eating (module 5)
In this module, we will share the most important universal nutritional principles and guidelines that support a healthy body and high-performance state of mind. You will discover enlightening ways to improve your food choices and be inspired by epic client transformation stories that demonstrate what is possible when we eat more mindfully. Wednesday 5 November, 12–1.30 pm. Online. Register.
5
Nov
Education at the End of Empire
A keynote lecture by Professor Leon Tikly, UNESCO Chair and Director of the Perivoli Research Centre at the University of Bristol. Revisiting his seminal work Education and the New Imperialism, Professor Tikly will explore education’s evolving role in today’s fractured global order. A leader in post-colonial and decolonial studies, he offers timely insights into transformative education. Wednesday 5 November, 2.45—4.15pm. Napier G04 Lecture Theatre, Napier Building, North Terrace Campus. Register.
5
Nov
Elder After Hours - Lumen Gala
Our Lumen Gala ignites the stage with a program that celebrates the brilliance and boundless possibilities of chamber music. Guillaume Connesson’s electrifying Techno Parade launches the evening with pulsating energy and modern flair. Wednesday 5 November, 7–9 pm. Elder Hall, North Terrace campus. Tickets.
10
Nov
The Global Consequences of the War in Gaza
This ABLE hosted panel discussion will explore the impact of the war in Gaza on international law, Australian politics, and geopolitics in the Middle East. Monday 10 November, 4–6 pm. Conference Room 715, Ingkarni Wardli, North Terrace campus.
11
Nov
Mastering difficult conversations (rescheduled)
Engaging in difficult conversations is a necessary skill in any workplace. This course teaches participants how to approach and navigate challenging discussions with co-workers, supervisors and stakeholders, ensuring clear and constructive communication. Monday 3 November, 9.30–11.30 am. 102 lecture theatre, Napier building, North Terrace campus and online. Register.
11
Nov
The Whale - The play that made a splash
Big-hearted and fiercely funny, The Whale is the story of a man’s last chance at redemption, and of finding beauty in the most unexpected places. Charlie cannot stop eating to the detriment of everyone around him, including his long-estranged daughter. Desperate to reconnect, Charlie reaches out to her, only to find a viciously sharp-tongued and wildly unhappy teen. The 2022 Oscar-winning movie was adapted by Samuel D. Hunter from his 2012 play. Friday 7 to Sunday 16 November, various times. $23–$28. Little Theatre, The cloisters, North Terrace campus. Register.
Training opportunities
24 Oct
Writing confidence for PhD students
Many students finish their PhDs doubting their writing abilities, often because feedback has been rushed, overly critical or simply a rewrite of their work. Led by Dr Malini Devadas, an experienced editor and writing coach, this one-hour workshop will discuss strategies professional editors use to provide clear, time-efficient and constructive feedback, without taking over your student’s writing. Thursday 20 November, 12–1 pm. Online. Register. 16 Oct
Python: Data manipulation and visualisation
Do you have a good knowledge of the basic concepts and techniques in Python and want to level up? In this workshop, you will learn how to use popular packages to manipulate, explore and get insights from your data, and how to visualise the results. Wednesday 5 to Thursday 6 November, 9.30 am to 12 pm. Online. Register. 16 Oct
How to support someone who has experienced sexual harm
This workshop will provide a brief overview of best practice responses to disclosures of sexual harm. It includes definitions and relevant local legislation, information about reporting and support options, university processes and staff obligations. There is time for questions or discussion with our specialist Jo McNamara and light refreshments will be provided. Tuesday 11 November, 10 am to 12 pm. Union House, Function room 2, North Terrace campus. Register.
Policies and reviews
30 Oct
Risks posed by illegal academic cheating services
TEQSA is concerned that illegal academic cheating services are posing a cyber security risk to higher education providers, through systematic targeting of learning management systems (LMS), and resulting in threats to students, academic and professional staff, research and information security, and have published the Sector update: Cyber security and associated risks posed by illegal academic cheating services. 23 Apr The updated Recruitment Procedure has been approved and is now available on the policies website. 07 Mar
Review of the Master of Computer Science nested suite
Help shape the future of the Master of Computer Science nested suite. Your insights and experiences assist in reviewing program delivery and enhancing student experience. Make a submission towards the Review of the Master of Computer Science nested suite here. Submissions due Friday 21 March, 5 pm. More information.
Job opportunities
The Conversation
6 ways to give your dog a richer life, from ‘sniffaris’ to sensory gardens
Sniffing is a low-impact, low-cost and very valuable mental workout for dogs.
South African writer Zoë Wicomb embraced humanity in all its complexity
Admitting the variety, embracing the fractures, this was the lesson of all of Wicomb’s writing.
Friday essay: tai chi helped me navigate grief and loss. Its story spans ancient China to Lou Reed
Carol Lefevre stumbled on tai chi while recovering from cancer, and after losing her mother and her aunt. It transformed her life.
Ancient ‘salt mountains’ in southern Australia once created refuges for early life
Ancient microbes built reefs in unusual places.