Offcourse

Issue 3 June/July/August 2009 Email Offcourse – christel.kent@adm.monash.edu.au

New Vice-Chancellor Visits Caulfield

Over 200 staff and students attended the Vice-Chancellor's address to the Caulfield Campus on Wednesday 26 August. Professor Ed Byrne spoke about the challenges that lie ahead over the next few years at Monash and outlined how Monash can build on the success it already has achieved and to realise his ambition for Monash – “ to be one of the leading institutions not only in Australia , but the region” .

( Professor Ed Byrne speaks to staff and students of the Caulfield Campus)

2009 – University-wide 10,000 Steps Challenge

Registrations are now open for the 10,000 steps challenge. This year's challenge is “Walk for the Soul” and is a 5 week, virtual walk from Monash's Prato campus in Italy through to London .

Teams of up to 8 people consisting of staff, family, students, friends are encouraged to sign up and take the challenge. Further information can be found at http://www.adm.monash.edu.au/ohse/wellbeing/10000-steps.html

Mid-Year Orientation 2009

On Wednesday 15 July, approximately 200 new students who are commencing study from Semester 2 attended the Campus Welcome. Professor Rob Willis welcomed the students on behalf of the University and representatives from MONSU Caulfield welcomed the students on behalf of the student association.

Some of the activities at Mid-Year orientation included campus tours with senior students, academic sessions detailing what to expect at university, social activities and introduction to student clubs and societies.

Open Day 2009

Open Day at Caulfield Campus was held on Sunday 2 August. A cool, but dry day ensured healthy visitor numbers to the campus, - 6,491 was the figure recorded. MONSU Caulfield hosted a free bbq and fairy floss and 30 Student Ambassadors ensured that visitors were always where they wanted to be. Business & Economics reported the number of enquiries was up 50% from 2008 and all information sessions about Architecture within the Faculty of Art & Design were at capacity.

Open Day is the University's biggest recruitment event and thanks are extended to the number of staff and students who ensure the Day is a success.

(Activities on the Common Lawn)

(Faculty of Business & Economics – Chisholm Hall)

(Visitors to Art & Design)

Wildlife on Campus

During Multicultural Week (Week 4), MONSU Caulfield arranged for a visit on campus of some wild and exotic animals: birds, baby kangaroos, snakes, crocodiles, etc. , Many students seemed to enjoy the experience, with some getting up close and personal.

(Baby Crocodile)

(Getting up close with a Green Tree Frog)

Red Cross Blood Donations

The Australian Red Cross was on campus on Wednesday 26 August taking blood donations. This was the Red Cross' second visit to the campus for 2009 and once again all appointments were fully booked.

2010 Diaries Now Available

The Camups Bookstore has an extensive range of 2010 diaries now available. Slimline through to A4, bright colours, designs and environmentally friendly.

Compendiums also available.

Prices range from $5 to $25. Something for everybody.

Women's Networking & Support Group

If you enjoy meeting other staff on campus over lunch, why not join the Caulfield Women's Networking & Support Group?  The group meets monthly on Mondays and always has interesting speakers. If you would like to join or have further queries, please contact Helen Dunne on ext. 31595 or via email: helen.dunne@adm.monash.edu.au

Witnessing of Documents

If you need documents witnessed, please contact Christel Kent who will provide you with names of staff who can assist.

If you are qualified to witness documents and you are happy to be added to the list of those who can assist, please contact Christel Kent by telephone ext. 31000 or via email: christel.kent@adm.monash.edu.au

Caulfield Profiles

This month we profile Dr. James Gomez, School of Humanities , Communications & Social Sciences

How long have you been with the University?

I have been at Monash nearly 4 months.

Prior to working at Monash, where were you located and what was your role?

I have over 15 years of international experience as a policy and communications specialist in inter-governmental agencies and non-governmental organisations. Before joining Monash, I was Visiting Scholar, Department of Political Science, at Keio University , Japan (2008-9). Prior to that, from 2006 to 2008, I was Programme Officer at International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) in Stockholm , Sweden . I was Regional Research and Communications Manager with the Friedrich Naumann Stiftung - a German political foundation - based 2001-2006 in Thailand and 1996-2000 in Singapore .

What do you do in your spare time?

I like driving, and I spend my time during the weekends exploring different parts of Victoria .

What challenges are ahead in your current role?

I teach at Monash's Public Relations programme managed by the School of Humanities , Communications and Social Sciences. What is challenging and exciting about the program is that it's a new and fast growing program that can be developed to position Monash Public Relations as the premier offering in Victoria . I look forward to contributing towards its development.

What is it about your job that holds your interest or is particularly satisfying?

Public Relations is a rapidly evolving discipline, I am especially interested in keeping abreast with the developments in new media technologies and its positive contributions to the subject. Public Relations is also increasingly taking an international dimension with most of the new jobs in Public Relations being created in the Asia-Pacific region. It is therefore satisfying to know that the Monash Public Relations program in some ways is grooming young graduands in this discipline to take up jobs in this region.

The name of the last book you read or are reading?

The White Tiger - Winner of the 2008 the Man Booker Prize.

Of all the places in the world you would like to visit/re-visit, where is your favourite destination and why?

My favourite travel destination is Japan because it is a country that delicately mixes new technological advancement with traditions. I also like the Cherry blossom season in Japan , which usually occurs in March.

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

Be sensitive to other people's feelings. If you are, you can work better with others and provide better work place leadership.

If you would like to be “profiled” in an upcoming edition of Offcourse please email me at christel.kent@adm.monash.edu.au