Issue 15, Monday  4 June 2001

Profile - Kenny Lee

You might think that Kenny Lee probably had enough on his plate, undertaking postgraduate studies in the form of a master in information systems.

But the current president of the Caulfield Student Union has taken on a job that is guaranteed to keep him extra busy.

Kenny says that most of his time as president is taken up with meetings. "There are board meeting, executive committee meetings, individual student department meetings such as sports and rec," he said. "And this year is especially hectic due the changes in the student organisations structure."

Kenny first got in involved in student union activities through the ASEAN club. He decided that getting involved on a higher level was the only way to make a difference.

"There is such a diverse range of students at this campus it’s easy to become a spectator and just let things pass you by. I’ve realised that to make a difference you need to get involved."

While he realises that he can not single handedly make a difference he says that providing an advocacy type service to students means that there is a better chance for change.

Kenny sees the student union as a service for students but one that requires input from the student body as a whole.

"We are always open to suggestions and ideas about the types of services we offer and it is good when students provide us with feedback about the things they want to see from the student organisation."

Kenny is also keen on the idea of activities rather than activism. "While there is an important place for student activism, I feel it is important to provide students with ways to get involved and make a difference without necessarily getting political."

Kenny says that the current student organisation changes, with MONSU having individual student representation for Caulfield and Peninsula campuses, are working well.

"Having a student president at Caulfield and one at Peninsula means there are fewer conflicts in terms of time. This way the president on each campus is able to focus specifically on the needs of their campus."

Kenny is also keen to hear from anyone with ideas or suggestions about the student organisation. "Feedback is the key to improvement," he adds.

President of the Student Union at Caulfield campus Kenny Lee finds much of his time in meetings but enjoys the opportunity to 'make a difference'.

Web design workshops

After a very successful series at Clayton, the ITS Designing Web Usability workshops will be repeated at Caulfield over the coming weeks.

The workshops will be held in Room S2.32 (Chisholm Tower), Caulfield, on Wednesdays from 1 pm to 2 pm, with an optional discussion group afterwards. Anyone interested in Web design is welcome.

The schedule is:

13 June 'Introduction to usability: A designer's guide to human beings', by Dey Alexander.

20 June 'WebCT', by Katalin Kish

27 June 'Designing usable web pages', by Dey Alexander

4 July 'Designing usable web content',  by Dey Alexander

For further information about these sessions, contact Dey Alexander on extn 54740, or Lisa Wise on extn 54742.

Changes in the Campus Director's Office

Helen Dunne, Executive Officer to the Campus Director, has been seconded to the Faculty of Engineering at Clayton campus for four days a week until the end of the year. Helen will continue to work in the Campus Director's office at Caulfield on Fridays.

In Helen's absence, Julie Ryan (extn 32071) and Christel Kent (extn 31000) are the contacts for John White's office. Helen will return to the position in January 2002.

During this time, Offcourse will be produced fortnightly. The next issue will be available the week beginning 25 June with the copy deadline  on Thursday 21 June.

Notice board

House to let

Caulfield academic on six months leave from 1 July to 31 December 2001 wishes to let a large (35 squares), 4 bedroom modern house, with all conveniences, in Brighton East. 2.5 car garage, ducted heating, indoor
and outdoor spa. 15 min. drive to Caulfield campus; 20 min. to Clayton; 35 min. to Peninsula. Port Phillip Bay, tram and train are close by. Enquiries on extn 32062.

Education Credit Union

EDUCATION CREDIT UNION
Servicing the needs of the Education sector with

• Personal, friendly and prompt member service;
• Low cost banking facilities (93% of  members don't pay transaction fees);
• Access to all ATM/EFTPOS outlets in Australia;
• Access to any international ATM displaying the Visa logo;
• Highly competitive, quality loan packages; and
• Convenience banking (internet and phone services available with no transaction fees).

Compare our low fee structure and interest rates to other financial institutions. For further information, contact the Monash Service Centre on extn 54130
or email: monash@edcredit.com.au or visit www.edcredit.com.au

Authorised by the Office of the Campus Director - Caulfield 

Contributions can be emailed to Julie. Ryan@adm.monash.edu.au by 5 pm Thursdays.