1 October 2008
1 October 2008
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Senior educators have unveiled a new education blueprint for Monash University.
The Monash Passport is a bold new program that builds on the existing strengths of the teaching and learning program at Australia’s largest and most internationally-focused University, and creates some exciting new initiatives.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Adam Shoemaker said the University was committed to providing every student with an outstanding educational experience with a strongly international perspective.
"The message for students is simple: at Monash University the world is your campus," Professor Shoemaker said.
"The approach, ideas and values contained in our new Monash Passport will flow through our lecture halls, tutorials rooms and research facilities and inform everything we do.
"By investing significantly in eEducation we will transform our learning and teaching experiences for all students to make their education broader and deeper.
"We will offer prestigious degrees that are recognised around the world, and provide the opportunity for rich experiences, where students can earn their qualifications and leave the University equipped with skills not just for work but to also analyse and to ultimately contribute throughout their lives."
The hallmarks of the Monash Passport are embedded opportunities for students to:
Professor Shoemaker said an additional 50 scholarships had been created as part of the enhanced Honours program, plus improved mentoring and a wider range of research options.
"At Monash, we have a strong commitment to high achievement in undergraduate research and we are fostering what we hope will be Australia's premier Honours program. We aim to enrol up to five per cent of our students in that program in the next 24 months," Professor Shoemaker said.
Next week, Monash University will also sign a memorandum of understanding with the aid and development organisation Oxfam to build stronger curriculum, internship and voluntary placement links.
"Monash has always had a strong commitment to social justice," Professor Shoemaker said.
"Now we will be giving additional emphasis to opportunities for voluntary and pro-bono work for all of our students.
"Our formal partnership with Oxfam is the first major step in our strategy to work closely with key Australian and international non-government organisations."
Professor Shoemaker said the University would also offer the most generous suite of scholarships of any Australian university, creating equity-based opportunities as well as rewarding excellence.
The Monash Passport will be launched during Educate08, a celebration of teaching and learning excellence at the University from 2-10 October, and the Monash Education Expo on 8 October, an event for potential students interested in undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
For more information visit the Monash Passport website.
1 October 2008
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| Professor Tim Flannery |
More than 1000 people packed out BMW Edge at Federation Square to hear scientist, writer and Monash alumnus, Professor Tim Flannery outline his climate change predictions as part of Monash University's 50th Anniversary public lecture series.
Presented in conjunction with the Faculty of Science, the eighth lecture in the series 'A Vision for Australian Sustainability' included discussion on the impact of humans on the natural environment, the consequences these actions are having on environmental systems, and potential solutions to climate change.
Professor Flannery, Australian of the Year in 2007, reviewed historical evidence on climate change saying that if atmospheric carbon dioxide levels continue to increase at current rates, the resulting climate change would have serious consequences for the environment and for political systems.
He said that failure to act on climate change may eventually force the creation of a global carbon dictatorship to regulate carbon use across all industries and nations, a level of government intrusion he described as very undesirable.
The author of The Future Eaters and The Weather Makers, Professor Flannery canvassed the shut down of coal-burning power stations, Australia’s principal source of electricity, as a way to drastically reduce Australia's carbon emissions.
He also spoke of the important role plants play in undoing the negative effects of air pollution and the possibility of revegetation, especially in tropical regions.
Professor Flannery, chairman of the Copenhagen Climate Council, called for a global climate treaty but endorsed the importance of individual action.
He said the Danish Government would host a UN Summit in Copenhagen in 2009 at which global decision makers would consider a global climate treaty.
After the lecture, Science faculty Dean Professor Rob Norris launched the Faculty of Science Dean's Postgraduate Research Scholarship Scheme that aims to support talented students undertaking a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) in the faculty.
The scholarships will be offered to students pursuing a HDR after achieving first-class honours.
To support this endowed scholarship visit the Donor website.
A recording of Professor Flannery's lecture can be seen at the 50th Anniversary website.
1 October 2008
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Monash staff and students are preparing for the University's inaugural graduation ceremony in China.
The ceremony will be held on Saturday 21 February, 2009 at the Grand Hyatt Beijing Hotel.
Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Richard Larkins said the event offered graduating Chinese students an opportunity to share the moment with their families. He said the ceremony was also an important indication of the strong links Monash had developed with China.
"Universities have been one of the pillars of Australia's and China's cultural and economic relationship," Professor Larkins said.
"Monash is Australia's most international university and engagement with China is a central part of our international agenda.
"The Beijing graduation is a symbol of the great importance the University places on our relationships in China."
The 2009 Beijing Graduation ceremony will be accompanied by a series of research seminars to be convened with top Chinese universities and private companies. The University will also host a gathering of Chinese alumni, which will provide an important introduction to social and professional networks for attending graduates. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) Professor Stephanie Fahey said the wide range of events was in keeping with the University's ongoing program of cooperation with Chinese partners.
"As well as hosting a considerable population of Chinese students, Monash has a very active program of research with leading Chinese universities such as Sichuan University and Peking University," Professor Fahey said.
"Monash is home to several high-profile Chinese studies researchers and also holds regular in-country education programs that give our students an insight into China's history and culture."
Professor Fahey will discuss the University's relationship with China and the Beijing Graduation ceremony on Radio Monash from 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm on Thursday 9 October.
Applications to graduate in the Beijing ceremony can be lodged now and close on 30 November, 2008.
For more information visit the applying to graduate website and the Monash Beijing Graduation 2009 web page.
1 October 2008
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| Professor Kay Patterson |
Former Federal Health Minister and stem-cell research campaigner Dr Kay Patterson has been made a Vice-Chancellor's Professorial Fellow at Monash University.
The five-year part-time appointment was announced by the Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins.
"Kay Patterson brings a wealth of experience to Monash University. Her appointment will enhance delivery of our commitment to teaching and research excellence, and finding real solutions to the medical, social and economic challenges facing society, governments and industry," Professor Larkins said.
"Dr Patterson has already made a significant contribution to Monash University over several decades. I thank her for her renewed commitment.
"Her role will include advising senior staff on external engagement and relationships, involvement in the Ancora Imparo Student Leadership Program and exploration of opportunities for inter-university collaboration by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences."
Dr Patterson has been a tutor at Howitt Hall and a deputy warden at Richardson Hall. She holds both a Monash Diploma of Education and PhD. She was a tutor within the Psychology Department and was a member of Monash Council for 20 years.
Dr Patterson said she was honoured to be appointed as a Vice-Chancellor's Professorial Fellow.
"I hope that my long association with Monash as a student, tutor and member of Council combined with my 21 years experience as a Senator and my time as Federal Cabinet Minister will prove valuable to students, staff and the administration of the University," she said.
"I look forward to my renewed involvement with Monash and in particular with students across a broad range of disciplines."
Kay Patterson was elected to the Senate in 1987 and in government held a number of executive positions including Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Immigration and the Minister for Foreign Affairs. In 2001 she was appointed to Cabinet as Minister for Health and Ageing and then in October 2003 became Minister for Family and Community Services and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women's Issues. She retired from the Cabinet in 2006 and from the Senate in June 2008.
In 2006 she developed a private member's bill, which passed into law in December of that year, to extend existing legislation permitting embryonic stem cell research to include somatic cell nuclear transfer.
Ms Patterson has been a member of Guides Australia since she was 10. In 2002 she was appointed an Honorary Life Member of Guides Victoria. She is also a Director of Interplast Australia and New Zealand.
1 October 2008
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| PhD student Paul Kucera and members of the school group with the IBM kiosk. |
The Centre for Archaeology and Ancient History in the School of Historical Studies, Faculty of Arts, has taken Year 12 students from Newstead College in Launceston, Tasmania, on a virtual tour of Egypt via a new IBM kiosk.
The initiative, supported by IBM and the Egyptian Government, is part of a new program to educate secondary school students about the ancient culture.
The kiosk runs a program called EternalEgypt.org that enables students to tour the Giza Pyramids, the Temple of Luxor and Tomb of Tutankhamen, and to examine three-dimensional images of major objects from this tomb.
Monash is the only Victorian university to study this ancient culture in detail, with annual archaeological excavations held each year in Egypt. The University is also the only Victorian university to possess an IBM kiosk.
PhD student Paul Kucera led discussion on archaeology, mummification and the work of the centre, before taking the students on the virtual tour.
Centre for Archaeology and Ancient History Director Associate Professor Colin Hope said the visit was a resounding success.
"We now hope to conduct similar activities at schools within the Melbourne region," Associate Professor Hope said.
For more information visit the Centre for Archaeology and Ancient History website.
1 October 2008
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| Regulatory officials from APEC economies, including Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. |
Representatives from agriculture and trade ministries in the Asia-Pacific region have sought guidance from Monash University's Australian APEC Study Centre on Trade reforms.
The representatives visited the centre to learn how to reform agricultural trade in the emerging policy environment of higher agricultural prices.
Centre chairman Alan Oxley said reforming agricultural policy to improve productivity and increase trade would improve incomes and reduce poverty.
"The rise in commodity prices is a paradigm shift in the policy environment," Mr Oxley said.
"It creates a new opportunity to present afresh the benefits and utility of using open market reform tools.
"The officials we train will be able to respond to the impacts of rising prices as well as the challenges that improve the contribution of agricultural production to economic growth."
Mr Oxley said Monash was able to share its experience and technical capacity with emerging economies as they grow and demand new regulatory frameworks to strengthen agricultural production and income generation.
"Monash University's APEC Study Centre has experienced people to assist with developing policy reform programs and it also has the benefit of being able to draw on first-hand knowledge gained through the success of Australian policy regimes," Mr Oxley said.
For more information visit the Australian APEC Study Centre website.
1 October 2008
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As principal partner university of the 2008 Australian University Games, Monash University is helping the games 'go green'.
Forty-two universities are participating in this year's Games, including a team from the Papua New Guinea University of Technology.
Monash will host six sports: badminton, squash, hockey, touch football, Australian Rules football and handball.
The University's sporting venues will be carbon neutral, waste wise, water smart and resource efficient for the duration of the games.
Monash will also hand out reusable eco mugs and environmental tips to all participants.
Monash Sport Sustainability Officer Raqibul Hassan said the Office of Environmental Sustainability had worked with Monash Sport to ensure a green games.
"We hope to use the Australian University Games to empower all involved to take positive environmental actions in their own lives," Mr Hassan said.
"We intend to achieve this through showing leadership in our operations, and by the legacy we leave with the games."
The Australian University Games started last weekend and run until Friday 3 October. For further information visit the 2008 University Games website.
1 October 2008
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| The Monash Philharmonic Music Festival will be held on Saturday 4 October. |
The Monash Philharmonic Music Festival is taking Melbourne's community musicians out of the church and scout halls for one spectacular day of non-stop music.
This Saturday at the Clayton campus, more than 250 community musicians, from classical orchestras to swing jazz bands, will take to the multiple stages in the Performing Arts precinct.
The brainchild of the Monash University Philharmonic Society, the Monash Philharmonic Music Festival (MPMF) was devised in 2003 as a way of strengthening ties between the community music organisations of Melbourne, and to give community ensembles a unique opportunity to perform to a wider audience.
After a hiatus in 2007, the MPMF returns, this time with even more bands, orchestras and choirs. This year's festival will feature the Ringwood RSL Pipe Band, Australian Youth Band, Lowdown Street Orchestra and many more.
The festival begins at 10am with performances on the hour, every hour across two venues. Tickets can be pre-booked or purchased on the day.
For further information, or to book tickets email Zara Thompson at festival.publicity@monashphil.org or call or +61 437 199 471, or Regina Lee at festival.producer@monashphil.org or call +61 412 517 659.
The Monash University Philharmonic Society was started by students in 1982 for the promotion of friendly on-campus music groups for students, staff and the community of Monash.
1 October 2008
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| Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Edwina Cornish, Associate Professor Ashley Buckle, MeRC director Professor Paul Bonnington, Dean of IT Professor Ron Weber, and Associate director MeRC Professor David Abramson. |
The Monash e-Research Centre (MeRC) showcased its innovative and practical ICT solutions for Monash researchers during an e-XPO in August.
The e-XPO, which included seminars from 12 e-Research leaders and a technology and applications exhibition, was designed to promote e-research opportunities available to Monash researchers from all faculties and disciplines.
The MeRC supports researchers by harnessing the resources and capacities of the IT Services Division, the library and computer scientists in the Faculty of Information Technology and creating and delivering ICT services that enhance research capability.
MeRC director Professor Paul Bonnington said Monash was leading the way in meeting the challenges of e-research, in both its use of advanced infrastructure, and in pushing the envelope of researcher practice.
"For instance, by using a software tool called Condor, which enables us to harness otherwise unused computers, Associate Professor Ashley Buckle and his team of researchers from the department of biochemistry are able to perform biological research that simply wasn't possible before," Professor Bonnington said.
Associate director of MeRC Professor David Abramson, who planned e-XPO week, said the event had a fantastic mix of educational talks and live demonstrations.
"It enabled us to highlight existing Monash research projects and a number of state and external organisations/government initiatives including the Victorian e-Research Strategic Initiative, BioGrid Australia, the Australian e-Research Infrastructure Council and the Australian National Data Service, which were on hand on the day to show their support for Monash researchers," Professor Abramson said.
"There was something for everyone. I'm sure next year the e-XPO will be even more significant in its reach."
For information on e-Research tools and the e-XPO visit the MeRC website.
1 October 2008
I trust that everyone is now aware of the Monash Passport model, to be launched formally during the Education Expo on October 8 as part of the Educate08 celebration of excellence in learning and teaching at Monash, which will be held from Thursday October 2 to Friday October 10.
The Monash Passport offers students a broad menu of opportunities, combining degree programs with international exchanges, leadership programs, work training programs and volunteer and research opportunities as a grounding for outstanding careers.
The hallmarks of the Monash Passport are embedding opportunities for students to:
Details of the exciting Educate08 program and the Monash Passport model are accessible through the Monash website.
Participation in sport is, for many students, a highlight of their university experience and nowhere is this better supported than at Monash. On Sunday evening, September 28, I officially opened the 2008 Australian University Games (AUG) at the Melbourne Town Hall. Monash University is the Principal Partner University for the Games. These Games will encompass approximately 7000 participants competing in 28 sports making it the biggest University Games to date. There will be more participants than in the Melbourne Commonwealth Games. Monash University has 520 students taking part and of course many other students and staff are involved in the organisation of the Games and as volunteers.
Monash University was placed second in the AUG in 2007 and taking into account the non-AUG sporting events was placed first overall in sports in 2007.
Importantly, it is not only in sport that Monash students are taking part in activities that add to their university experience in areas other than academic achievement. Our debaters again performed outstandingly well at the World Championships and Monash is the fourth ranked university in the world in debating. Student theatre, the Monash Philharmonic and the many other Clubs and Societies provide opportunities for students to pursue a wide range of interests. Many other students are active participants in volunteer organisations such as the Oaktree Foundation, Engineers without Borders, AISEC, Students in Free Enterprise and Golden Key as well as many others within the University and in the community. Other students play leadership roles in student associations.
Monash University is strongly committed to giving students the opportunity to undertake a range of activities outside the classroom that help them to develop personal and life skills beyond anything that can be achieved through academic studies alone. Lifelong friendships are commenced, often crossing national boundaries. Organisational, leadership and communication skills are developed and personal interests are fostered outside work that enrich the lives of our students and often form the basis for lifelong activities.
Such activities well and truly prepare students to "Adopt as your fundamental creed that you will equip yourself for life, not solely for your own benefit but for the benefit of the whole community" as exhorted by Sir John Monash.
1 October 2008
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Name: Professor Simon Adams
Org Unit: Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) and Faculty of Arts
Title: Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) and Head, School of Arts Monash South Africa
How long have you been with Monash University?
I started at Clayton in January 2008 and then moved to the South African campus in February.
Prior to working at Monash, where were you located and what was your role?
I was the Executive Dean of Arts and Sciences at the University of Notre Dame in Fremantle, Western Australia. I was actually Acting Dean of Business, leading a restructure of the faculty, before I came to Monash.
What exciting challenges are ahead in your current role?
Building our South African campus and strengthening our relationships with governments, non-government organisations and universities on the continent. I think my biggest challenge is to find ways in which Monash can be more meaningfully engaged with African debates around issues of poverty, conflict, social justice and AIDS.
What is it about your job that holds your interest or is particularly satisfying?
Africa is never boring. Even at its most 'challenging' there is still something magical about this continent. I'm always amazed and gratified by how little an individual needs to do in order to have such a positive impact on someone's life here. I enjoy the excitement of working somewhere where the stakes are so high.
Of all the places in the world you would like to visit/re-visit, where is your favourite destination and why?
New York City. For all the reasons that people have loved and hated the city for the last four hundred years -- culture, architecture, history -- and because of the grand social experiment it represents. There is something special about any city that can be the progenitor of both novelist Henry James and rapper Tupac Shakur.
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
My old boss taught me to always be mindful of "the Karrakatta principle". Karrakatta is a cemetery in Perth. Like all cemeteries, it's full of irreplaceable people.
What is something about yourself that most of your colleagues wouldn't know?
I knew Sarah Jessica Parker before she was famous. I take no responsibility for her career choices since 'Sex and the City'.
1 October 2008
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Newton's apple tree was planted at the Clayton campus in 1975 and is a cutting from the original tree from which Sir Isaac Newton reportedly observed an apple fall, prompting him to formulate his theories of motion and gravity, one of the most remarkable insights in human history.