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Issue 9 - Wednesday 9 May

ACU Update is produced fortnightly for staff, students and friends of Australian Catholic University (ACU). To submit a news article or event, please email editor@acu.edu.au or call 02 9739 2514.

Inspiring graduations

Some 640 students graduated from the Ballarat (Aquinas), Strathfield (Mount Saint Mary) and North Sydney (MacKillop) campuses in the past week, with four new honorary doctorates bestowed at the graduation ceremonies.

Social justice campaigner and former federal Minister Fred Chaney AO gave an inspiring address to education, theology and nursing graduates at the Ballarat ceremony, highlighting the differences they could make to the lives of others through their work.

Former NSW Premier’s Department head Gerald Gleeson AC KCSG, who played a key role in helping found ACU, addressed arts and science graduates at the Sydney Town Hall. Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Sheehan AO praised Mr Gleeson’s “extraordinary contribution to public administration” as well as his “wisdom, counsel, fearless advice and sound judgement”.

Leading theologian Reverend Dr John Thornhill sm, who addressed education graduates, was honoured for his ability to make theology accessible to Australians from all walks of life and bring about “real and lasting social change”.

Respected aged care advocate Susanne Macri AM, on her passion for quality nursing education addressed health sciences graduates. Ms Macri was honoured for affirming the dignity of the elderly and raising standards in aged care.

“It is because of tireless campaigners like Sue Macri that our society is beginning to heed the call to provide more suitable living conditions for its growing aged population and affirm the dignity of our community’s elderly,” Professor Sheehan said.

gentleman academic gown

Award for ACU’s Chancellor

ACU Chancellor Brother Julian McDonald cfc AO has been awarded an honorary doctorate from the Divine Word University in Madang, Papua New Guinea.

The award is in recognition of Brother Julian’s long years advocating for children, his contributions to higher learning and administration, and for forging a strong relationship between the Divine Word University and ACU.

ACU Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Sheehan AO said Br McDonald was a highly deserving recipient of the Honorary Doctorate for his many achievements. Br McDonald was appointed Chancellor of ACU in November 2000. He has been a member of the University Senate since 1992, and was previously Pro-Chancellor from 1995-2000. He also spent 12 years as Province Leader of the Christian Brothers in NSW, the ACT and Papua New Guinea and is currently Executive Officer of the National Committee for Professional Standards – a committee of the Australian Catholic Bishops and the Australian Leaders of Religious Institutes.

The meaning of AUQA

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Quality and Outreach) Professor John O’Gorman has invited all members of staff to familiarise themselves with details of the Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA) audit process in the lead up to the 2008 review.

There were 12 commendations and 19 recommendations for the University following the 2002 audit, and the University’s progress since then will need to be demonstrated. All Directorates and Units will be involved in a large or smaller way. In particular, the University plans to show its strengths in embracing the Mission, community engagement, and learning outcomes.

Presentations about the audit have occurred on four campuses, with more to take place at the Ballarat Campus (Aquinas) tomorrow (Thursday 10 May)and Canberra Campus (Signadou) this Friday 11 May.

  • More information on the 2008 AUQA audit and on quality management at ACU can be found at www.acu.edu.au/quality

Flexible teaching and learning

Assistance is available for academic staff wishing to expand their flexible teaching and learning options, including making online resources available to students.

A comprehensive list of staff involved in online teaching and learning, their contact details and their areas of expertise can be accessed from the Institute for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning website. See the Useful Links section of the site for Online Teaching and Learning Roles at http://my.acu.edu.au/staff/services/staff_development/academic/iatl

Anyone with questions about flexible teaching and learning should contact ACU Flexible Teaching and Learning Director Ann Applebee.

Exploring homelessness

Brisbane Campus (McAuley at Banyo) education graduate Troy Tornabene, an Assistant Principal (Religious Education) at Queen of Apostles School Stafford in Brisbane, recently returned to the University to address Studies of Society and Environment students.

The students enjoyed hearing Troy tell how he and fellow teachers worked with senior primary school pupils to study homelessness from a faith and social justice perspective.

He showed how Studies of Society and Environment, Technology, English and Religious Education curricula were integrated as the children worked in small teams to create a film.

Dr Vanessa Rice with male student
ACU Brisbane Campus (McAuley at Banyo) fourth year education student Nathan Kneen (left), School of Education Studies of Society and Environment Lecturer Dr Joy Kennedy, education graduate Troy Tornabene and fourth year education student John Polmear.

National Heart Week activities

The School of Exercise Science Clinical & Training Services recently ran heart awareness programs at the Melbourne Campus (St Patrick’s) with the support of the School of Nursing as part of National Heart Week.

There were free blood pressure checks, staff and students wore red shirts and received stress balls, apples were given away, and a guessing competition to win a free gym membership. There were heart posters placed near each lift with advice on exercise and the heart.

Dr Vanessa Rice with male student
School of Exercise Science lecturer Dr Vanessa Rice (left) with Melbourne Campus (St Patrick’s) arts and business student Daniel Pinto during National Heart Week

Workshop and book launch on mining research data

ACU Quality of Life and Social Justice Flagship adjunct visiting fellow Dr Pat Bazeley will show researchers how to get more out of their data at a workshop at the Melbourne Campus (St Patrick’s) on Monday 14 May from 9.30am to 4.30pm in room MJ 203, at 24 Brunswick Street.

Research data is too often underexploited, she argues, and findings can be further enriched through the use of comparative analysis, event association and relationship patterns of data.

Following the workshop, Dr Bazeley will launch her new research guide Qualitative data analysis with NVivo at 5pm in the 5th floor staffroom at 115 Victoria Parade. Wine and cheese will be provided by research software company QSR International.

If Flagship members and associate members would like to book into the workshop, please contact Maria Triandafilidis on (03) 9953 3416 or at m.triandafilidis@patrick.acu.edu.au,. If any ACU staff or post-graduate students would like to attend the launch, please contact Sue Bullen at s.bullen@qsrinternational.com, today.

Thespians on the Mount

Crazy doctors, dancing nurses and eccentric patients will feature in a musical comedy, No ill feeling, being presented by Strathfield Campus (Mount Saint Mary) students, Thespians on the Mount.

“Come along for a good time,” said Dean of Students Tim O’Hearn. “It will be week 11 and you will need light entertainment to take your mind away from assignments and exams.”

It will be held on Wednesday 16 May, Thursday 17 May and Friday 18 May at 7pm in Murray Hall at the campus. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students, with proceeds to go to The Spastic Centre.

Upcoming Events

Details on these and other upcoming events can be found at www.acu.edu.au/events

Promote your event by listing it on the myACU events section and by emailing details to editor@acu.edu.au.