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Issue 24 - Monday 15 December
ACU National Update is produced fortnightly for staff, students and friends of Australian Catholic University (ACU National). To submit a news article or event, please email editor@acu.edu.au or call 07 3623 7491.
- AUQA audit gives praise
- Joint project to share Catholic Church ‘treasures’ world wide
- Market-friendly website re-design
- National collaborative health care research centre launched
- Peer leadership program
- Academics lead discussion on religion in a divided world
- How are ACU National students experiencing online learning?
- Homework Club volunteers recognised
- Volunteers thanked for contribution
- Clemente Australia celebration
- Psychology academic honoured with Fellowship
- Students volunteer for Homeless World Cup
- Key appointment in health and ageing
- Brisbane students shine
- Melbourne Campus celebrates Christmas
- Upcoming Events
AUQA audit gives praise
The Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA) recently released its audit report of the University, acknowledging some of the good work ACU National is currently doing, particularly in support of students, and offering encouragement about some of the areas we are working to improve.
AUQA’s report focuses on Learning Outcomes and Community Engagement, giving eight commendations for areas in which we are doing well; nine affirmations for areas that need improvement, but which we are already working on; and seven recommendations about further areas for improvement.
The report positively recognised the University’s focus on graduate attributes, our support for Indigenous students and their academic outcomes, our library and academic support systems, and our commitment to enhancing our planning, quality and management systems. It also praised the diversity and effectiveness of our engagement partnerships with the community and our efforts to develop and extend our understanding of, and approach to, community engagement.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Craven has thanked staff and students from across the University’s campuses for their assistance in the audit process, and noted the recognition within the report given to the commitment, loyalty and dedication of the University’s staff.
“This is a positive endorsement of the University that gives us much to be proud of, several things that we need to improve, and an overall indication that we are doing many things well,” Professor Craven said.
“I congratulate Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Quality and Engagement) Professor John O’Gorman and his team for the thoroughness of our preparations which contributed substantially to this pleasing result for the University.”
A round of campus presentations is set to be undertaken early in the New Year to debrief staff on the report’s findings and the steps the University will take as a result.
The findings from the audit have made news in the Catholic Weekly newspaper and Campus Review magazine, which highlighted the report’s recognition that “the commitment, loyalty and dedication of its staff is one of the great strengths of ACU National”.
Staff and students are invited to visit the AUQA website at http://www.auqa.edu.au/qualityaudit/universities/#acu to view ACU National's audit report.
The University’s performance portfolio is available at http://www.acu.edu.au/acu_national/about_acu_national/quality/plan-quality/qm/2008_audit/
Joint project to share Catholic Church ‘treasures’ world wide
A joint project to make important church documents accessible online has been launched by the University and Church Resources.
The documents, created in Latin by a number of Popes and covering such subjects as faith, humanity, life and religion, will be translated, summarised and interpreted in their historical context by ACU National academics with expertise in theology, philosophy and religious education.
Teachers, students and anyone wanting a deeper understanding of the teachings of the Catholic Church are expected to benefit.
“This project is entirely consistent with the Catholic identity and Mission of Australian Catholic University,” said Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Craven.
“We are delighted to help make available some of the riches of the Catholic intellectual tradition to people of all backgrounds. It’s enormously important for the University to make these types of documents accessible. This is a great collaborative venture in a university that is to be increasingly committed to research and intellectual engagement in theology, philosophy and church history.”
In the next five years, summaries of up to 40 significant documents are expected to be made freely available online by Church Resources, a charitable trust, established by the Bishops of the Catholic Church, with a mission to facilitate participation in and contribute to the era of on-line and digital communication for the purpose of proclaiming the Gospel and building community.
Church Resources Executive Director Father Michael Kelly SJ praised the University’s emphasis on research and providing resources of vital importance, describing the partnership as “a joy and a pleasure”.
Among the attendees were Faculty of Theology and Philosophy Acting Dean Professor Neil Ormerod, Philosophy Lecturer John Quilter, Theology Sessional Lecturer John Francis Collins from the Catholic Enquiry Centre, and School of Religious Education Lecturer Dr Sandra Carroll, pictured below, who have been working on the project for some time and have already made some of the documents available.
Professor Neil Ormerod, John Quilter, John Francis Collins, Dr Sandra Carroll
Professor Greg Craven, Church Resources project committee member Tony Neylan and Executive Director Father Michael Kelly SJ
Market-friendly website re-design
As part of the Vice-Chancellor’s 2008 initiatives, the University has been undertaking a Market-Friendly Website Redesign Project to update the University’s current website to be more appealing to prospective and current students.
The website is a critical marketing tool for the University. Current and future students’ experience of the website informs their perceptions of the University and their decisions about where to study, therefore the website content and visual component are being reviewed and redeveloped to focus on appealing to the student market.
The vision for the first phase of the project is for the development and implementation of a website that provides a contemporary and appealing image of the University to current and future students and information that is accurate, accessible and relevant.
The first phase of the project is scheduled for release in early 2009, with staff and student testing from 5 January and a public release on 9 February.
During the staff and student testing phase the University would like as much feedback as possible. Please direct feedback, and any issues or queries relations to the website redesign, to the Project Manager at melissa.iliadis@acu.edu.au.
The website’s current homepage will be completely redesigned, with new links to content pages.
National collaborative health care research centre launched
Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Craven recently hosted the launch of the University’s Faculty of Health Sciences’ newest collaborative research centre, the National Centre for Clinical Outcomes Research, Nursing and Midwifery (NaCCOR).
Among the guests were St Vincent’s/ACU National Centre for Nursing Research Director Professor Linda Worrall-Carter, NaCCOR Director ACU National St Vincents & Mater Health Sydney Professor Sandy Middleton, St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney Acting Director of Nursing Patient Care Ms Maeve Tumulty, St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney Director of Nursing and Patient Care and Acting Executive Director Aged Care and Sub Acute Care Clinical Associate Professor Leslie Everson.
St Vincent’s Private Hospital Director of Nursing Associate Professor Jose Aguilera and The Mater Hospital Sydney Director of Nursing Barbara Paris also attended, along with many high profile researchers and health carers from the North Sydney Campus (MacKillop), Melbourne Campus (St Patricks) and collaborating institutions.
Jose Aguelera, Robyn Munro, Mater Hospital, Sydney, Director of Nursing Sr Barbara Paris
Kim Walker and Professor Sandy Middleton
Maeve Tumulty, Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Craven and Leslie Everson
Peer leadership program
The Peer Leadership Network (PLN) Program, initiated by Counselling Services on the Ballarat Campus (Aquinas), has completed a successful first year in 2008.
The program, a primary prevention strategy providing a safety mechanism for students who might be struggling to cope with the pressures of study and life, is based on the premise that young people are far more likely to confide in members of their own peer group than in adults or other authoritative figures such as teachers or lecturing staff.
Following a detailed consultation with key staff, including Mission Engagement, Academic Skills, the Rector, Campus Operations, the heads of the Schools of Nursing and Education, Academic and general staff, a decision was made to adapt and implement a mentor program developed by the Stride Foundation.
The program was launched in March 2008 with 36 ACU National students undertaking training.
The program has provided a very positive and interactive interface between representatives of the student body and members of the Student Services Team, giving a very positive ‘common goal’ for staff and student collaboration.
Developments are expected in 2009, with additional structure added to the students’ roles.
Academics lead discussion on religion in a divided world
Associate Professor Anne Hunt and Professor Ismail Albayrak represented the university at a recent public forum in Canberra to discuss the topic ‘One God in a Divided World’ together with adjunct Professor Rabbi Dr John Levi.
The forum, as part of a series being held throughout Australia to celebrate the centenary of The Catenian Association, seeks to encourage inter-religious dialogue in the wake of the tragedies of September 11, in order for people to better understand our communities and world.
The event attracted a large audience, who were treated to thought provoking presentations by the three speakers with an emphasis for the future of interfaith relations on the importance of ongoing education, interfaith discussion, and tolerance.
A common theme throughout the evening was the notion that diversity is a gift and that differences between people and faiths need not lead to conflict.
The St Thomas More Forum was established to promote thought, discussion and debate on the challenges of faith in the workplace, family and public life in the modern world. Prominent speakers and leaders are invited to address important topics as a tribute to the life and example of St Thomas More, the Patron of Statesman and Politicians.
Professor Ismail Albayrak was appointed to the newly established Fethullah Gulen Chair in the Study of Islam and Muslim-Catholic Relations at the University in November 2007. Associate Professor Anne Hunt is a lecturer in systematic Theology and Rector at the Ballarat Campus (Aquinas).
St Thomas More Forum presenters Rabbi John Levi, Associate Professor Anne Hunt and Professor Ismail Albayrak
How are ACU National students experiencing online learning?
eLearning, or online learning, is well-supported at ACU National, with an online survey recently carried out to investigate students’ experiences of learning with technology.
The survey was expanded from a Faculty of Arts and Sciences initiative, and was supported by University’s Flexible Teaching and Learning Committee.
The survey was conducted by the Online Advisers with the Director of Flexible Teaching and Learning with all faculties providing funds for a number of prizes. Over 950 students responded to the survey with 630 nominating to be considered in the prize draw.
Strathfield Campus (Mount Saint Mary) teaching and arts student Hala Trad won the grand prize of a $450 Dick Smith voucher. Hala thanked the University, saying the prize would assist her to purchase a laptop computer. Hala’s long-term aspiration is to become a philosophy lecturer.
Other prize winners included Joe Mills from the Melbourne Campus (St Patrick’s) who plans to use his voucher on a backup hard disk, and Strathfield Campus first year arts student Mislav Belobrajdic, who was congratulated by Arts and Sciences Dean Professor Gail Crossley, Institute for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning Flexible Teaching & Learning Director Ann Applebee and School of Business and Informatics Computing and Technology Lecturer Dr Alanah Kazlauskas.
The survey was conducted with the support of Web Services Web Support Officer Evan Wills, who adapted the University’s survey software to cater for the challenges of an anonymous online student survey that included a prize draw option and ensured students could only respond to the survey once.
The survey data is currently being analysed and will provide crucial baseline data for future eLearning planning and ongoing research.
Institute for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning Flexible Teaching & Learning Director Ann Applebee with grand prize winner Hala Trad
Arts and Sciences Dean Professor Gail Crossley with prize winner, first year arts student Mislav Belobrajdic and Dr Alanah Kazlauskas
Education Dean Professor Marie Emmit (left), with prize winner Joe Mills and Associate Dean of Education (Teaching, Learning & International) Associate Professor Marj Horne
Homework Club volunteers recognised
More than 20 volunteers from the Melbourne Campus (St Patrick’s) have achieved recognition for their service to the Homework Club by each of the program partners, including the Vietnamese Mothers’ Association, The Smith Family and Jesuit Social Services at the Atherton Gardens.
The volunteers, including staff and students from all faculties, were awarded certificates of appreciation.
One of the most consistent volunteers has been Clemente Australia student Jean, who recognises the transformative power of the program as a springboard to her becoming more engaged in the community through the Homework Club.
The generosity of ACU National staff and students was again on display at a Christmas party for the Atherton Gardens Homework Club on 26 November, where more than 200 donated books were given to the program’s participants.
The books were given with the aim of continuing the reading foundations established by the volunteer tutors. Both the children and the partnering agencies expressed their thanks and greatly valued the generosity of all the contributions.
“The books from ACU National will not improve the literacy skills of these refugee children, but it will build capacity for them to change their entire community,” said one of the project partners.
Mary Campbell, Relations Coordinator, ACU National Melbourne Campus; Matthew Reilly, DipEd student volunteer; Sister Rosa, Vietnamese Mother’s Association Coordinator (program partner); Judy Cary, Coordinator, The Smith Family (program partner).
Volunteers thanked for contribution
The Victorian Police have expressed their gratitude to all students at the Melbourne Campus (St Patrick’s) who volunteered in the Fitness and Sports on Tuesday Afternoons (FASTA) recreational activities program each week with the children at Atherton Gardens.
A Police volunteer noticed great potential for growth in student involvement by recognising the relevance of skills fostered in ACU National in courses such as exercise science.
Bachelor of Arts Student Sophia Riccio-Rodriguez; Tony Brewin, Victoria Police; Mary Campbell; David, a student from Atherton Gardens.
Clemente Australia celebration
Students and staff involved in the Clemente Australia program at the Melbourne Campus (St Patrick’s) recently celebrated the completion of their second semester.
The 10 participating students and their learning partners, representatives from ACU National and Mission Australia, which refers to the program as Catalyst-Clemente, and a number of guests joined together to recognise this significant and empowering achievement.
Learning partner and ACU National PhD student Simon Rice spoke to the assembled guests.
“Success isn’t necessarily measured in academic results, but more so it is reflected in the skills these students have learned and the changes that have occurred in their lives,” Simon said.
Project Coordinator Mary Campbell acknowledged the great passion and sensitivity towards Indigenous shown by history lecturer Ellen Warne.
“Ellen made the subject truly come alive for the students,” Ms Campbell said. “Her insights are truly valued as they have left a wonderful blueprint to develop future Catalyst-Clemente program.
The students were especially grateful to Ms Warne for her ability to engage with their learning process.
Clemente Australia students, learning partners, ACU National staff and Mission Australia staff.
Psychology academic honoured with Fellowship
Senior psychology lecturer Dr Terry Bowles was awarded a Fellowship to the Australian Psychological Society (APS) at the organisation’s annual general meeting in Tasmania earlier this year.
Dr Bowles began his association with the APS as a university psychology student, before continuing his involvement as a practitioner and now an academic.
“It’s an honour to be awarded this Fellowship which I accepted as a mark of esteem,” Dr Bowles said. “It has been a pleasure to work with other fine academics and practitioners at the APS and academic colleagues who are members of the APS. The award does symbolise an acknowledgement of the previous work I have done, but also points to the responsibility of continued service and working towards the aims of the Society.“
Dr Bowles is the Coordinator of Educational and Developmental Psychology, a specialist postgraduate program at ACU National. He is involved with a number of psychology students in postgraduate research, and is on the Organising Committee of several APS Conferences to be held in 2009.
Dr Terry Bowles
Students volunteer for Homeless World Cup
A group of exercise science students from the Melbourne Campus (St Patrick’s) volunteered as sport trainers at the recent Homeless World Cup at Birrarung Mar, hosted by the Big Issue Australia.
The football tournament, held from 1 to 7 December, attracts homeless and marginalised people from across the world by offering a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent their country.
First-year exercise science student Darren Lusher found his study at ACU National had provided him the necessary skills to assist the World Cup athletes with training drills, coaching and injury prevention education in the lead up to the tournament.
“It has been an amazing experience and I feel that I’ve been able to make a difference,” Darren said. “It was great to see people from all over the world who have benefitted from this program.”
“I have loved working with people I would usually not have an opportunity to engage with. This program has been really inspiring for the participants and allowed me to see them become more motivated at each training session and really enjoy themselves.”
Just as the event was a life-changing experience for the 500 players from across the world, Mr Lusher said he would jump at the chance to be involved in the cup again. "Watching the Australian team win their first game at Federation Square was amazing," he said.
Exercise science lecturer Kade Paterson organised for a number of students, including Darren, to volunteer their time at a weekly street soccer program leading up to the World Cup.
“Our students have been involved in educating participants in injury prevention and providing treatment during their training sessions,” Mr Paterson said. “They have also undertaken senior management roles including team liaison officers and international team coordinators. In their roles, all of the students have shown maturity and leadership beyond my expectation.”
Exercise science student Shane Grinter, Australian World Homeless cup team coach George Halkias, exercise science student Darren Lusher, and Australian player Stephen Maloney (front).
Key appointment in health and ageing
Flagships Project Manager (Health & Ageing) Ms Monika Bhatia has been appointed as a member of the Home and Community Care (HACC) Advisory Committee for a period of two years.
The appointment was approved by the New South Wales Minister for Ageing and Disability Services the Hon Paul Lynch and the Australian Minister for Ageing, the Hon Justine Elliot.
Brisbane students shine
Brisbane Campus (McAuley at Banyo) visual arts honours student Celeste Gillies recently displayed her final thesis in a series, Reclamation, in a co-exhibition with the 2D2 art class’s major assessment pieces.
Celeste’s work challenges traditional depictions of women in art, from one that entails passivity to a more spirited portrayal, making her point by combining her own facial image with sub-cultural references including cult figure Captain Black and commedia dell’arte character Colombina.
Celeste has been influenced by surrealist artists Dorethea Tanning, Lenore Fine and Frida Kahlo, and her work leaves a lasting impression.
Other student artists investigated a wide range of topics including community, ambition, love, family and childhood. Within their work, each student drew influence from prominent art movements, as well as integrating their own individual style.
The result is a diverse body of work that displays the potential of second and third year students.
Jewel Sagar pictured with her painting exploring the theme of love
Second year art student Sophie Kirkwood with her painting
Melbourne Campus celebrates Christmas
Melbourne Campus (St Patrick’s) staff gathered for a Christmas lunch recently, joining together to celebrate the holiday season and successes of 2008.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Professor Gabrielle McMullen, who is moving to a three-day-a-week position in Sydney, wished everyone a joyous holiday and thanked the campus staff for their hard work.
Melbourne Campus staff would like to wish all interstate colleagues a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.
Michelle Campbell, Wayne Maschette and Professor Linda Worrall-Carter
The Melbourne Campus Operations team poses with the Christmas Tree
Get involved in 2009!
ACU National staff and students are invited to enjoy the social side of university life in 2009 by joining a range of sporting clubs.
The University will be supporting a number of groups including AFL, Bushwalking, Debating, Cycling, Netball, Lawn Bowls, Chess, Touch Football, Oratory, Yoga/Dance, Volleyball, Choir, Rock-climbing, Tennis and a Book Club.
If you are interested in participating in any of these groups, please email Mark Young at mark.young@acu.edu.au with your name, campus, club you are interested in and your mobile number.
Upcoming Events
- Human Rights public lecture - Melbourne - Friday 12 December
- Information Evenings Tuesday 16 December – Monday 22 December
Details on this 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
