Issue 2, Monday 1 March 2004

 New students get the low down on university life

More than 400 new students participated in a range of activities aimed at helping them orient to university life and the Peninsula campus last week.

The Orientation festivities commenced with an official opening ceremony involving campus staff donning academic attire. Official welcomes were given by Academic Director Professor Phillip Steele, Cr Barry Priestley on behalf of the Frankston City Council and Ms Nisha Sinha Roy on behalf of the student body.

Following the official opening, staff and students alike enjoyed morning tea and a traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony conducted by Carolyn Briggs, elder spokesperson for the Boonerung people, and Dean Stewart (pictured). The ceremony involved burning eucalyptus leaves and represented cleansing the land but also signified new beginnings and growth.

New students then took part in the Amazing Race, which involved visiting a number of check points around campus and receiving a stamp on their passport for the chance to win. A questionnaire with a range of questions about the campus and university provided bonus points. Rather than being led by current students, the Amazing Race idea, coordinated by the campus's Host Scheme, was a great ice breaking activity and way for the new students to meet and interact with each other.

The free BBQ and entertainment organised by the Student Union also went down a treat with faculty welcomes and activities held during the afternoon.

Further activities will be held this week to continue to assist new students with the transition into their new learning environment.

Special thanks to the Orientation Committee and Greg Hurworth from the Faculty of Education for his wonderful piano playing.

Research collaboration day a success

About 50 academic staff and research students from the Peninsula campus attended a Research Collaboration Day last week.

The day, held at Morning Star Winery in Mornington, was an opportunity for staff to discuss their research interests and the work that they are currently undertaking.

It also provided a forum to discuss ways in which staff might collaborate on joint research projects while exploring synergies between current research activities.

The Research Collaboration Day also highlighted the diversity and range of research that is currently being undertaken by staff and research students at Peninsula campus. Information about the day, including a list of staff and their research interests, will be posted on the web. Further details will follow.

Japanese students on study tour at Peninsula

The Study Groups unit of Monash International is conducting English language programs for more than 170 students from nine Japanese tertiary institutions at Peninsula this March.

One of the largest programs includes a significant component provided by the School of Nursing. Most groups will be undertaking some activities with local primary and secondary school students during their courses.

The students are keen to make friends on campus so please make them feel welcome.

CPR refresher course

Occupational Health, Safety & Environment (OHSE) will hold a CPR refresher course at the Peninsula campus on Tuesday 20 April at 2 pm to 3 pm and 3.30 pm to 4.30 pm. 

In accordance with the Monash University First Aid Policy, staff are required to update their CPR refresher skills every six months for a period of three years, at which time, they must re-do their First Aid Course. It is extremely important that first aid staff undertake this training to gain the experience and confidence to act as a Monash first aider.

The cost of the refresher is $35. Please contact Michael Mirra on extn 44212 to book.

A healthy start for 2004

The Monash Peninsula Fitness Centre offers a range of exercise and group fitness classes for all levels. The following classes are being offered:

All classes will be on a casual basis and cost $5 per class unless staff are on a payroll deduction with a previous membership that includes fitness classes. For further information, contact Fitness Centre manager Kate Wallis  on 9770 1495. Bookings for classes are essential.

Introduction to campus for new staff

New staff at the Peninsula campus are invited to attend an introduction session on Tuesday 23 March at 3 pm.

All staff who have commenced at the campus is the last six to 12 months are invited to attend this informal session over afternoon tea, which will cover general information about the campus followed by a campus tour.

If you would like to attend, please register with Julie Ryan on extn 44015.

 Peninsula notes

Campus Academic Board representative

Sonja Petrovic-Lazarevic from the Faculty of Business and Economics has been appointed the Peninsula Campus Based member on the University Academic Board.

Flu vaccinations

The 2004 season flu vaccines are here and available to all staff, students and their family members for $15. For further information and to book an appointment, contact Community Services on extn 44223.

Authorised by the Office of the Academic Director - Peninsula