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| THURSDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2012 |
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| NEWS |
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University launches smoke-free campus
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In a major step to ensure the health and wellbeing of its staff, students and visitors, the University has introduced a new smoke-free policy for all its campuses.
In a major step to ensure the health and wellbeing of its staff, students and visitors, the University has introduced a new smoke-free policy for all its campuses. The new policy, which came into operation on Monday 30 January, follows an extensive period of consultation and feedback during 2011. Surveys of staff and students showed an overwhelming level of support for the proposed changes. The University's Director of Human Resources, Colin Streeter, said the change is a really positive step towards providing a healthy and safe environment for the whole University community. "The dangers associated with smoking and passive smoking have long been recognised, and we also have an obligation under state legislation to provide a smoke-free environment," he said. "A number of other universities in Australia and overseas have also moved to introduce smoke-free campuses." Read the full story. Quick links:
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Improved policy database coming soon
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The University will soon introduce a new and improved way for you to search for policy documents.The University will soon introduce a new and improved way for you to search for policy documents. The present policy database, known as Policy Online, will soon be shut down and replaced by a new online Policy Register. This register will provide the single authoritative source for University policy documents. It will feature an improved search function and better security. For more information please visit the Policy website or contact the University Policy Manager, Kerrie Henderson, on 9036 9049.
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New partnership to help manage campus facilities
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The University has engaged an international infrastructure services management company, Brookfield Multiplex Services, to partner with Campus Infrastructure and Services (CIS).The University has engaged an international infrastructure services management company, Brookfield Multiplex Services, to partner with Campus Infrastructure and Services (CIS). The contract aims to provide improved facilities management and related services for the Camperdown/Darlington Campus. This follows the successful contracting of facilities management for the Camden, Cumberland and Rozelle campuses to Brookfield Multiplex Services in July 2011. The contract also aims to improve the overall customer satisfaction for staff and students through an increased focus on preventative maintenance programmes. Other work will focus on reducing backlogs and to optimise efficiencies in the delivery of services. The new contract will harness Brookfield’s expertise in facilities and infrastructure management. The contract covers services such as mechanical, plumbing, pest control, electrical, fire, cleaning, ‘building fabric’ (walls, floors etc) and waste. The contract also provides a framework and capability for venue management on campus. Much of the day-to-day work relating to this new contract will occur behind the scenes for most staff and students. Campus Assist will remain the first point of contact for enquires and work relating to facilities management and services. People who have logged jobs with CIS in the past should continue to use the Campus Assist Online website or call the Campus Assist Helpdesk on 9351 7838.
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| GET INVOLVED |
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Volunteers needed for exercise study
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Are you concerned about your weight and physical fitness? Would you like to receive free exercise therapy?
Are you concerned about your weight and physical fitness? Would you like to receive free exercise therapy? The Faculty of Health Sciences and the Boden Institute of Obesity, Nutrition and Exercise are conducting a study that aims to compare different exercise strategies in reducing liver fat. To participate, you must be aged between 29 and 59 with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25. For more information and to register, contact Shelley Keating on 0405 735 200.
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Sound therapy study
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The School of Psychology is running an ongoing study on sound therapy – a treatment method many people have previously found useful – and this is an opportunity for you to participate.The School of Psychology is running an ongoing study on sound therapy – a treatment method many people have previously found useful – and this is an opportunity for you to participate. Sound therapy involves stimulating the middle ear muscles with sound, which may impact on emotion, mood and associated physiology. The researchers are looking for people to take part in research examining the impact of sound therapy on brain and body function, as well as a variety of questionnaires on emotion and mood. To register your interest and find out more, please contact James Heathers on 9351 3544.
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| PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT |
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Leadership and management courses at the CCE
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Managers can find themselves in increasingly complex and competitive circumstances in which business know-how and skills, and inevitably the confidence to excel, is more important than ever.Managers can find themselves in increasingly complex and competitive circumstances in which business know-how and skills, and inevitably the confidence to excel, is more important than ever. Join a course at the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) to increase your management skills and confidence:
For more information or to enrol, call 9036 4789 or visit the CCE website.
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Ensure team effectiveness
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SydneyLearning is running a one-day professional development course for staff wanting to gain new skills around team effectiveness.SydneyLearning is running a one-day professional development course for staff wanting to gain new skills around team effectiveness. The ‘Ensure team effectiveness’ course is part of the SydneyLearning Diploma of Management. Participants who choose to complete the take-home assessment can use the workshop as credit towards gaining a nationally recognised qualification. Course detailsWhen: 9am to 5pm, Thursday 16 February Where: CCE, 160 Missenden Road, Camperdown Cost: $600 (University staff are entitled to a discount) For more information contact SydneyLearning on 9036 4768, or visit the SydneyLearning website.
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| EVENTS |
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The ‘precariat’: a new dangerous underclass
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Millions of people, including many in Australia, are entering a global precariat – part of a new class structure shaped by globalisation. Sydney Ideas and the Department of Government and International Relations present this fascinating lecture.Millions of people, including many in Australia, are entering a global precariat – part of a new class structure shaped by globalisation. Sydney Ideas and the Department of Government and International Relations present this fascinating lecture. A new generation of educated people start their working life in debt, but many are not offered any job security in a new flexible labour market, and drift towards casual and part-time work. Will they form a new under-class that threaten existing social structures? Join Professor Guy Standing from the University of Bath and Co-President of the Basic Income Earth Network as he examines the labour market dynamics underpinning the growth of the precariat, and outlines the new ‘politics of paradise’ taking shape outside the political mainstream. Event detailsWhen: 6 to 7.30pm, Thursday 9 February Where: Foyer, Sydney Law School, Camperdown Campus Cost: free (unreserved seating, no registration required) For more information visit the Sydney Ideas website.
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Forum on preparedness for first-year mathematics
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In light of recent media coverage on the decline in popularity of maths and science study for young people, join this forum to discuss issues and strategies for dealing with diverse student cohorts.In light of recent media coverage on the decline in popularity of maths and science study for young people, join this forum to discuss issues and strategies for dealing with diverse student cohorts. The day will begin with a keynote presentation from Professor Jacqui Ramagge from the University of Wollongong. The keynote will feature the current pattern of mathematics study in Australian high schools. There will also be snapshots from universities and workshops on key issues and strategies. Event detailsWhen: 10.30am to 5pm, Wednesday 15 February (drinks and dinner at the conclusion of the event) Where: New Law Lecture Theatre 101, Sydney Law School, Camperdown Campus Please visit the Institute for Innovation in Science and Mathematics Education website for more information and to register.
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Sydney Health Policy Network: strengthening prevention policy
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Participate in a unique opportunity to engage with a wide range of prevention policy stakeholders at this forum.Participate in a unique opportunity to engage with a wide range of prevention policy stakeholders at this forum. The forum aims to to foster an ongoing exchange between research and policymaking perspectives. Event details When: 8.30am to 1.15pm, Friday 9 March Where: Common Room, The Women’s College, 15 Carillon Avenue, Newtown Cost: free For more information and to register visit the Sydney Health Policy Network website.
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| STAFF BENEFITS |
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WeightWatchers at Work
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A WeightWatchers at Work program commences in the Darlington Centre, Darlington Campus, on Monday 6 February at 1pm.A WeightWatchers at Work program commences in the Darlington Centre, Darlington Campus, on Monday 6 February at 1pm. Join the next 13-week programme. For more information about costs, or to confirm your participation, contact Miriel Hobbs, Staff Card Benefits Program Manager.
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| FEBRUARY TEACHING@SYDNEY |
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A recent architect of the University of Hong Kong's curriculum renewal process, Professor Michael Prosser, is visiting the University in February. He will be speaking about his recent work and experience with the University of Hong Kong.
A recent architect of the University of Hong Kong's curriculum renewal process, Professor Michael Prosser, is visiting the University in February. He will be speaking about his recent work and experience with the University of Hong Kong. Professor Prosser is a former executive director at the Centre for the Enhancement of University Teaching, the University of Hong Kong, and former director of research and evaluation at the United Kingdom’s Higher Education Academy. Read about Professor Prosser’s visit in this month’s Teaching@Sydney. Other highlights include:
- information on new funding for teaching excellence grants and fellowships from the new government Office of Learning and Teaching
- the latest Student Course Experience Questionnaire results
- a successful ‘Widening Participation’ project in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
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| COURTYARD SESSIONS: MUSIC UNDER THE TREES |
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Free Friday evening live music sessions in the Seymour Centre courtyard.Free Friday evening live music sessions in the Seymour Centre courtyard. Come along to the Seymour Centre and enjoy a glass of wine under the shade of the courtyard trees. Relax and listen to a diverse range of live music from some of Sydney’s finest emerging talent. All sessions are kid and pooch friendly! Wet weather plans are in place if it rains. Event detailsWhen: Friday evenings between 6 and 9pm (until 30 March) Cost: free University staff receive a 15 percent discount on all bar items (except the barbeque).
For more information visit the Seymour Centre website. |
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| DO YOU WANT HELP TO QUIT SMOKING? |
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Our campuses became smoke-free from this week, and the University is offering a quit smoking program for staff.Our campuses became smoke-free from this week, and the University is offering a quit smoking program for staff. Conducted by a professional clinician, the program uses proven strategies for quitting and will be run in a fun, easy to learn, and supportive environment. All levels of motivation are welcome – even if you don’t want to quit right now. The eight one-hour lunchtime sessions will be held on campus from late March. This program is fully funded by the University to help improve the health and wellbeing of staff. To register your interest and find out more about the program and designated smoking areas, visit the Occupational Health & Safety website. |
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| CHINESE FILM FORUM |
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Following the public talk ‘The History of Chinese Cuisine’ in February, the Confucius Institute will hold its second annual Chinese film forum on Monday 6 February.Following the public talk ‘The History of Chinese Cuisine’ in February, the Confucius Institute will hold its second annual Chinese film forum on Monday 6 February. Chinese and Australian film makers will compare and contrast the art of film making in China and Australia. The discussion will also cover cooperation between Australian and Chinese film makers. The forum is jointly organised by Confucius Institute, Chinese Film Festival Inc and the Australian Directors Guild.
Event details
When: 6 to 7.30pm, Monday 6 February Where: Law Lounge, New Law Building, Camperdown Campus Cost: free RSVP: Confucius InstituteFurther information is available on the Confucius Institute website. |
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| LINKS |
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