JCU Vice-Chancellor's Blog

New blog

2009-11-02T14:48:00.002+10:00

My blog has moved to http://www.jcu.edu.au/blogs/vc/

Please change any bookmarks you have to this new url.

Have your say, launches, Singapore and Solar09

2009-09-30T19:57:00.003+10:00

Dear Colleagues,

The Staff Opinion Survey was released today by Stephen Schmideg from Sicore International – the group retained to provide this service for us. We have all received an email from the group with a link to the survey. As Stephen noted, all responses are anonymous. The completed surveys remain the property of Sicore and will never be shared with the University. We will, of course, receive the combined results and while informative at the University level, these are particularly important at the School/Office, Faculty/Division level. I would greatly appreciate it if you would take the time to have your say so that we can work towards achieving a better work environment for all.

Today was an interesting day for a couple of other reasons.

First, the Hon Kate Jones, Queensland Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, visited the Townsville campus to officially open the Campus District Cooling facility. The thermal storage tank that is part of the facility is the largest tank of its type in Australia. It holds a vast quantity of water at 5 degrees C, chilled overnight and pumped around the campus to provide energy efficient air-conditioning. The annual reduction in our emissions as a result of the new system is equivalent to taking 2600 cars off the road. What’s more, the savings for the University as far as the costs of powering the campus are concerned are enormous – at around a 30 percent reduction in costs. All those involved in seeing this project through to completion are to be warmly congratulated. And we are delighted that Ergon Energy plan to partner with JCU and will provide funding in recognition of the saving achieved over the next 5 years.

Second, we launched ResearchOnline@jcu – our new research publications repository. It can be accessed through the website (go to the Library from the front page and see the link there) and means that the work of JCU’s researchers will be readily available to view and/or download. It also means that all our research is discoverable by the major research engines, including Google. Already this accessibility is securing better connectedness – with, for example, the BBC using it to locate a JCU researcher whose work is relevant to a documentary they are making. Theses are also accessible via the site, providing exposure to original work by our talented students. Our colleagues from the Library also revealed that papers in the repository have a higher citation rate than those that are not in the repository. Citations are important for building research activity and reputation – and for building careers.

Important to also let you know that on the weekend just gone, we held a Graduation Ceremony in Singapore. In all, 320 JCU Singapore graduands were presented with their degrees and diplomas. Always a happy occasion, the enormous diversity of the graduates in terms of their country of origin was particularly striking. Students from Norway to the Maldives to Chile, as well as Singapore, India, China and so many more countries of origin were present on the day. That happy event was followed by a terrific alumni function. Around 250 alums came along. It was easy to see how much these past students enjoyed catching up with their former classmates. Congratulations to the team in Singapore for putting together such wonderful occasions and to Roger Yeldham who organizes, manages and oversees events across JCU so very well.

Finally, back to today, congratulations are due to our colleague Associate Professor Ahmad Zahedi from the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences for organizing ANZSES Solar09 conference being held at Jupiter’s in Townsville. Around 200 delegates from industry, government and academia have come along to examine renewable and clean energy technologies. Expressing leadership in areas of importance to the University is critical for us and a focus on sustainability in this way aligns powerfully with JCU’s strategic intent. Well done Ahmad.

Cheers,
Sandra

Founders' luncheon, Open days - and the tropical agenda

2009-08-29T17:53:00.005+10:00

Dear Colleagues,

Last Sunday was a very special day at the Cairns campus. Not only did we experience a very successful Open Day, with around 3200 visitors on campus, we hosted the ‘Founders’’ luncheon. This was an opportunity to honour members of the FNQ community who, 21 years ago, had been involved in fundraising for the purchase of the land on which our campus was built and supporting the development of JCU in Cairns.

Dr George Chapman provided the occasional address. It was interesting to hear about the group, their approach to achieving a University campus based in Cairns and, from George’s point of view, his hopes for the future of the University in Cairns.

Among other elements of the luncheon, the Chancellor and I sealed a time capsule, to be opened on the 50th anniversary of the launch of fundraising for the campus. That will be in 2038. A number of items had been placed in the capsule, including programs from current events around the city and, from the JCU’s Cairns-based law students, a list of laws that they hope they may have seen changed by 2038. It was a terrific occasion on a glorious, busy day on campus.

Tomorrow is Open Day in Townsville and I’m sure it will be just as successful as the Cairns event. Thanks to all staff who participated in the Cairns Open day and thanks also, but in advance, to all who’ll be involved tomorrow in Townsville. So important for us to showcase the University to the community – and prospective students.

Earlier in August, I spoke at Queensland’s ‘Science in Parliament’ day. The address was about the tropical agenda as one of the Next Big Things for science and for Queensland.

And while on the topic of the tropics, Queensland’s Chief Scientist Prof Peter Andrews and I recently hosted the ‘Torrid Zone Symposium’, with the much appreciated funding support of a Q150 grant from the Queensland Government. We had 43 invited participants to the 2 day event – folk from around the world and representing NGOs, business, the research community (universities, AIMS and CSIRO by means of Board member Dr Terry Cutler) and government, including an AusAID representative and Western Australia’s wonderful Chief Scientist, Professor Lyn Beazley) and members of the Troplinks Inc. Board and new CEO Graham Poon.

While all were welcome and made invaluable contributions, I must say it was fantastic to have Terry there. His focus on the tropics in the report of his review of the national innovation system, venturousaustralia, shone the spotlight on the potential of tropical solutions. Gotta love Annex 11. I know that Terry is serious about seeing this through.

It was an intense time as we examined the issues of the tropical world and then approaches to addressing these, including foreign aid, philanthropy, social entrepreneurship and business investment. A report is being drafted as I write that signals specific action that can and should be the subject of attention. Stephanie Hunter from my office did a champion job organizing the symposium, managing delegates and so much more besides.

Then, Peter Andrews and I took the tropical agenda to the Australian Leadership Retreat, run by the Australian Davos Connection (ADC) combining with the World Economic Forum. It was another excellent conversation with new ideas emerging about how to approach encouraging business to engage with the enormous opportunity of the growing tropical economy.

Much more happened this month, but maybe that enough for now……

Cheers,
Sandra

The expanding tropics, JCU in the frame, IRU and compacts

2009-07-29T21:32:00.004+10:00

Dear Colleagues,

July 2009 saw the release of a major review paper authored by Dr Joanne Isaac and Professor Steve Turton, concluding that the tropical region of the world is expanding. Of course the lines on the map are not changing - they represent a mapping convention. However, climatically, the tropics has widened and there is every expectation that the tropical zone will continue to expand. The implications of this ‘finding’ are immense. Not the least, the issues that our University focuses upon are becoming more relevant for more of the world.

We released this review to coincide with a presentation to the United Nations Youth Association Conference where some very smart and committed university students from across Australia and abroad were encouraged to engage with the issues of the tropical world. A week or so later, our new information campaign aimed at informing the community about JCU, what we do and how well we do it, commenced. Taken together, these initiatives are helping to raise the profile of our University and have been well received. In particular, the review paper has been picked up and reported on around the world.

Professor Steve Turton has had a particularly successful time of it. The review and his media commentary in support of it, but he also led JCU’s bid to become one of seven universities worldwide to develop and offer a Masters in Development Practice, with very generous funding support from the US-based MacArthur Foundation. Other members of this international university network include NY’s Columbia University and China’s Tsinghua University. This means that we will be responsible for offering an outstanding program aimed at training development professionals for and in our part of the world. All faculties will be involved. This is an exciting prospect for us and for our students and speaks directly to our aim to build a brighter future for the tropics.

In addition to these very important developments, regular university life has continued during the month. We have had the semester break, with many academic staff taking the opportunity to take a break or change the rhythm of their work to focus on research for a while.

VCAC members attended the IRU senior staff conference at Murdoch University in Perth. The sessions canvassed a range of higher education policy issues, with presentations from senior Federal Government officials and from industry and higher education policy experts. We also provided each other with an update on progress on a number of projects being undertaken across the group. The big news of the event was the announcement that Charles Darwin University has joined IRU, adding to the geographic reach of the group, our diversity by virtue of CDU’s dual sector nature and our strength as a result of CDU’s impressive research outcomes. CDU is a pioneering institution, tracing its roots to the 1950s development of post-secondary education in the Northern Territory. We were all delighted to welcome CDU to the IRU family.

Finally, the Federal Government has released a consultation paper on ‘compacts’. An extensive consultation process will guide the implementation of this policy. As anticipated, each University will negotiate a compact – an agreement - with the Federal Government identifying a distinctive focus in education and research as well as agreed performance targets. For 2010 temporary agreements will be made with compacts being finalized during 2010 for implementation in 2011. Given the work undertaken on JCU’s strategic intent and the University Plan, we are well placed for this new era.

Cheers,
Sandra

PS... I've recently signed up to Twitter and aim to tweet on a fairly regular basis. Just so you know.....

T&L, research, external matters and farewell Scott Bowman

2009-06-24T08:02:00.001+10:00

Dear Colleagues,

It is difficult to know where to start for this post. So much has happened in recent weeks. Here is a sample.

Outstanding teaching and learning at JCU was recognized at functions in Townsville and Cairns. The broad range of activities covered in citations for these awards for excellence represent terrific exemplars for our community and beyond. Helen McDonald of FAESS was acknowledged as the JCU Citation winner for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning for sustained research informed and imaginative curricula design, assessment and teaching resources. She was acknowledged among a strong field of academics, all of whom were recognized for their excellence in teaching and learning. Other faculty based winners are: Robyn Lunn, Peter Jones, Dr Anne Swinbourne, Dr Tracey Walker, Aileen Sorohan (FAESS); Kate Galloway, Katja Fleischmann, Dr Janelle Rose (FLBCA); Dr Suzanne Munns, Dr Marion Gray, A/Prof Tarun Sen Gupta, A/Prof Linda Crane, Ray Park, Florence Schaeffer, Yasmin Panache (FMHMS); Dr Shaun Bellwood, Dr D’Arcy Mullamphy, Dr Ronald White, Patrick Higgins, Dr Ickjai Lee (FSE).

On the research front, Prof Jon Gollege won a substantial NIRAP grant to support his leading edge work on AAA biomarkers, in collaboration with colleagues at a number of Australian universities and Stanford University. Dr Rob Beaman and Dr Nick Graham, have each received Smart Futures Fellowships. The total won for these fellowships is around $1.2m and the grants will enable high level coral reef research, in one case utilizing contemporary technologies to prepare a 3-D model of the GBR to a much greater depth and in the other to drive better understanding of reef resilience, particularly promoting reef recovery after disturbance.

Prof John Tomany and Prof Simon Marginson both visited JCU to deliver seminars to staff. John works at the Newcastle University (UK) and spends time at Monash University too. He is a specialist in regional development and provided terrific insight into the roles universities play in their regions. Simon is a very well known University of Melbourne-based expert in higher education policy. His address provided insight into the contemporary environment. A critical observation that is well worth thinking through is the likely public policy shift towards supporting more discovery-based research after a focus over the past 15 years or more on more applied research. With JCU’s particular profile, we would welcome greater balance and a focus on funding for more discovery-based research endeavours.

At the recent VCAC retreat, a wide range of issues were considered. These included, progress on the curriculum refresh, JCU’s risk management process, taking JCU’s tropical agenda forward, internal communications, future EIF bids and more. We also focused on refreshing the University Plan 2010-2012. You’ll recall that the plan was developed last year in response to the Strategic Intent. The idea is that this plan has a 3-5 year outlook. Therefore, we didn’t expect to make any significant changes to the plan for the next triennium – rather elaborating and filling in some gaps in light of its first year of operation. The 2010-2012 Plan will be signed off by VCAC on July 1 before forwarding to Council on July 9. There is no change in direction – the plan aims to give continuing effect to JCU as Australia’s University of the Tropics.

As far as some external activities are concerned, in mid-May, a JCU delegation attended the Queensland-Washington State meeting in Seattle. Participants and speakers were Prof Chris Cocklin, Dr David Ireland, Prof Alan Nimmo, Dr Patrick Schaeffer, Prof Rocky De Nys and I. All JCU presentations were well received. A few of us continued onto a meeting at Boeing in Seattle, followed by attendance for varying lengths of time at meetings associated with the BIO International meeting in Atlanta. The real work happens now, with follow up on various research and commercial opportunities. We expect a series of visitors to our campuses alongside the AusBiotech meeting in Melbourne in October.

Last week, I attended the Vice-Chancellors’ Forum organized alongside the 17th Commonwealth Education Minister’s Meeting in Malaysia as an invited speaker on the business of higher education (as opposed to higher education as a business). The presentation was well received and is available at http://www.jcu.edu.au/office/vc/presentations/index.htm . I took the opportunity to spend two days at our Singapore campus on my way home, with a number of meetings internally as well as external to campus. The campus serves JCU very well as a physical presence in Singapore and in SE Asia.

We continue to be actively involved in local, state and national developments are far as higher education and research are concerned, with a number of us involved in meetings, briefings and policy discussions in recent weeks.

Finally, this week heralds the departure of Prof Scott Bowman from JCU. He is the VC-designate of Central Queensland University and will take up his appointment on August 1. Scott has made a fantastic contribution to JCU since joining the University in 2004. He has had a variety of senior management roles and has been the University’s senior executive in Cairns. His activities resulted in a far closer and more positive set of relationships between the University and the Cairns community. Certainly, many of us will miss him, his contribution - and his wry sense of humour. Scott, all the very best for your time as VC of CQU.

Cheers,
Sandra

Budget 2009

2009-05-13T09:46:00.000+10:00

Dear Colleagues,

Last night’s Federal Budget is a leap forward for higher education and research in Australia, with $5.6 billion committed.

It is especially pleasing that better indexation has been delivered, albeit being stepped in for full implementation in calendar year 2012.

While in the past we have received funding for particular projects or buildings, and that was very welcome too, better indexation funding, when it comes, will go straight to the bottom line. It is funding that we can apply to teaching and learning and to assist to cover the gap in increases in staff costs. More funding for universities to support low SES students is also an excellent measure, one that had been supported by us and by IRU Australia.

Students have done well with better funding ro support their studies, although this is accompanied by some tighter controls on eligibility. As part of the access and equity measures, there are additional funds to help students relocate and student start up scholarships.

The regional loadings to those universities that receive them, we do, will be examined, in accordance with Bradley’s recommendation, with a view to ensuring that the extra cost of operating in regional locations is understood and acknowledged.

Over the whole of Government, the boost in research funding of in excess of $8 billion represents the largest increase in funding to research, science and innovation since records began in the late 1970s. Moving towards full cost funding for research is just what is needed.

The only sobering note on the night for JCU was that our two EIF bids were unsuccessful. We had sought support for a new School of Education on the Douglas campus and for the Cairns Institute. We will receive official feedback on our bids and will need to see what we can learn with a view to putting in refreshed bids to EIF round 3 later this year. It seems that the fact we were looking for funding for items that did not involve collaborative partners and external funds committed may have been important. We will get the facts and look to do better next time.

There is a lot of coverage today about the good news – my blog post included. The devil is always in the detail, however, and it will be interesting to see what more we learn as the detail emerges.

Cheers,
Sandra

Money, money, money

2009-04-24T17:55:00.003+10:00

Dear Colleagues,

Much of the talk in the sector and beyond is about the up-coming Federal Budget. Like other Australian universities, we are looking to the Government to make a funding commitment to the issues raised in the two national reviews relevant to the sector: Bradley and Cutler.

Bradley identified that Australia’s universities have been under-funded for years and both support a significant increase in funding to universities, to assist students undertake and complete their studies and to innovation. The Deputy Prime Minister has set some challenging, but attainable, targets for the sector – and that is all good. Now we look for the funding support so that we can see this through properly.

Of course, times are tough. Growing unemployment is testimony to that as are what have become regular downgrades in the performance expectations of many firms. A consensus view is apparent, predicting that Australia will go into recession, but with a lighter touch here compared with many other developed economies. In Australia, Governments are spending on infrastructure, to create jobs while creating assets, and providing funds to consumers so that they (we) will continue to spend.

Universities have benefited from around an additional $1.5 billion from the Federal Government for capital expenditure since May 2008, with $1 billion of that being shared across all universities and the remainder being granted through HEEF. This has been just terrific for the sector – and there is every reason for Government to extend this in the Federal Budget.

A recent report released by Universities Australia demonstrates that increasing funding for universities is a sound investment that will yield significant returns to the Australian economy. The report, prepared by KPMG, estimates that if the Bradley reforms are fully funded, the economic rate of return of that investment in the Australian economy is around 14-15 percent. This is a staggering number and a far better rate of return that one would expect from most investments. And KPMG modeling clearly demonstrates that better funding for universities not only assists the sector, it also provides a platform for the revitalisation of Australian economy as well. [The report is available at http://www.universitiesaustralia.edu.au/content.asp?page=/publications/policy/economic/index.htm ]

Since my last post, the Queensland Government election has been fought, with Labor securing an historic fifth term and seeing the election of the first woman Premier of any Australian State. Since then, significant changes have been made to the Queensland Public Service, with the creation of super-departments. Education and Training is a key portfolio for us, of course, but we also take a great interest in several other areas, including Health and Employment, Economic Development and Innovation. We can expect the continued roll out of the Government’s Q2 strategy, a strategy that we can work with to play our part to secure a stronger Queensland. The up-coming Queensland Budget will be just as interesting – and impactful in its consequences – as the Federal Budget. We’ll be watching that space with great interest too.

Cheers,
Sandra

JCU and the responses to Bradley and Cutler - so far

2009-03-11T20:27:00.004+10:00

Dear Colleagues,

I have been waiting for the complete set of announcements by the Federal Government on the Bradley Review recommendations before preparing this post. While there is more to come – at Budget time if not earlier – I thought I’d share with you my thoughts on the response so far.

Let me start by saying the Government’s response is very good for James Cook University and very good for the sector and the country.

A student demand driven model is appropriate. Universities will be paid for each student who studies at that University. It means that each University will have to be clear about its particular strengths and ensure that programs are high quality and distinctive – worthy of student interest and attention.

Of course, higher education isn’t a perfect market. Professional accreditation amd associations moderate what can be offered where, and there are likely to be some rules about who offers what. Maybe the latter will be made plain through compacts agreed between universities and the Government.

Some are worried about larger metro unis expanding hugely and compromising the ability of others to attract students. I suspect a more likely response by the metro unis is to focus on quality, particularly where greater $$ per student are on offer. No matter what others’ response might be, the point for us is to continue with our curriculum refresh and ensure that our programs are high quality and distinctive – worthy of students’ attention.

The bold equity and participation targets confirmed by the Government – 40 percent of 25-34 year olds holding a bachelors degree by 2025 and 20 percent of students to come from low SES backgrounds – are good targets. They represent a worthy aspiration for our country and are likely to lead to enhanced national productivity and international competitiveness. JCU – and other universities like us (Flinders, Newcastle, La Trobe, Murdoch and Griffith) - were established to provide enhanced educational opportunity, in places that the older universities would not or could not service. Accordingly, most have always featured a high proportion of low SES students. Certainly, more than 20 percent of JCU's student body comes from low SES backgrounds. Furthermore, it is in regional Australia and in outer metro areas where the population whom we need to engage in higher education to approach these targets resides. Our University will continue to play a leading role in this.

A new regulatory agency is nothing to fear. Why would we be concerned about a rigorous test of the quality of our programs and activities? Like audits in general, the aim is to secure improvements in what we do and how we do it. I’m always very happy to accept any help we can to ensure that we are performing in an optimal way – and to secure advice about how we can improve.

Finally, the research announcements, while less specific than the education announcements, serve to confirm the Government’s concern to ensure that research excellence is pursued in Australia. We should have no argument with that either.

The challenge for the Government will be to ensure that the new approach provides the opportunity for fresh areas of research excellence to emerge in new places. The alternative would be to freeze-frame current research excellence. Imagine if that had happened in, say, the 1950s or 1980s. Much of the exciting research activity emergent since then would not have happened or perhaps would have been stillborn. I'm sure the Government is alert to this issue and the policy challenge it represents.

Of course, we don’t yet have a lot of detail. Nor do we understand the level of funding that might accompany the announcements and directions identified. And the devil is always in the detail. But from my perspective, we should warmly welcome the announcements to date and look forward to participating fully in the future of higher education in Australia.

I’ll pick up some of these themes and more in the Staff Forums planned for the end of this week in Townsville and early next in Cairns. I look forward to discussing all this and more with you then. Staff can add their thoughts to this post on our Discussion forum.

Cheers,
Sandra

First for 2009

2009-02-19T10:36:00.003+10:00

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to academic year 2009. I’ve been back for a few weeks now, as have many in our community. Of course, there are those who worked through to progress their research in the quieter period, to ensure that we had students in place and so that our facilities would be ready for the New Year. Thanks to all those who have been working over the summer – I trust you have the opportunity for a break soon.

2009 will be a big year for higher education and for James Cook University. Most of all, this week is the opportunity to welcome new students and welcome back to campus continuing students. I think we are lucky as an industry that every year we have the opportunity to start fresh. From my perspective, the energy and enthusiasm brought to our campuses by incoming students is invigorating and a regular reminder of the importance of our activities.

Of course, there is the Global Financial Crisis. The global economy has deteriorated even since my last post in December 2008. We are in uncharted waters and it is difficult to know how long these tough times will last or to anticipate just how difficult they might become.

Interestingly, in tough times, when labour markets weaken, there is often a flight to education. Upgrading skills holds in prospect a more favourable position in the labour force. I think we may be seeing the beginning of this effect in our backyard.

Certainly, we have seen welcome, additional support for the sector from the Federal Government. As far as JCU is concerned, we received a share of an unexpected funding pool to assist with our infrastructure needs. More recently, we received some additional funding in recognition of our efforts in teaching and learning – not a huge sum, but very welcome all the same.

The Federal Government is releasing further capital funds for ‘shovel ready’ projects as part of its big infrastructure spend. The Government’s response to the Bradley and Cutler Review reports is being finalized and while the current context means there is likely to be less funding available in aggregate than there might have been, the sector continues to press the case for support. Certainly both review reports express a profound understanding of the need for additional support. The challenge will be to see that turned into reality.

So onwards, into 2009. The global context of our operation is without recent precedent. There will be challenges and opportunities for us in the current environment. But, the way I see it, our historic role endures and has become even more important. What we do matters.

Remember, there is now an intranet staff discussion site available to all. You can access this at www.jcu.edu.au/discuss . Please feel free to comment on this article, start a conversation or simply to contribute.

Cheers,
Sandra

Last post for 2008

2008-12-24T09:44:00.001+10:00

Dear Colleagues,

My last post for 2008. Last time, I commented on the challenges, activities and achievements of the year and promised that, this time, I’d look forward.

So, what are some of the ‘big ticket’ items for 2009?

The first is to work on the activities that we have already identified for the year. These are found in the University Plan (http://cms.jcu.edu.au/idc/groups/auth/documents/corporate_plan/jcuprd_025575.pdf) with Faculties and Divisions having derived their own priorities and agendas in this context, as agreed in October.

As part of our action for 2009, I highlighted three priorities:
student demand and retention, collaboration across boundaries, and building community. Each of these will receive particular attention during 2009, with faculties and Divisions already identifying how they will do this.

The above covers our core responsibilities of teaching, research and engagement. But there are some other issues that demand our attention next year too.

As I mentioned at the last staff forum, the only truly unique thing that we can do, that no one else can do, is to confer a JCU degree. Our degree needs to mean something. It should be distinctive as well as of high quality. So next year we will forge on with the work on the curriculum refresh, aided by almost $3m gratefully received from the Federal Government for this purpose. In a complementary way, we need to focus on the JCU student experience; what that is, how it is distinctive and how we can make this a valuable academic and personal experience.

We will continue to pursue improvements in light of the 2007 Climate Survey, preliminary to another survey to be conducted in late 2009. This happens at the Faculty/School, Division/Office level – as results were highly variable across the University.

The quality agenda will receive renewed attention with Kari Arbouin taking over the lead role in this area. We will have organizational unit reviews – two per year – at Faculty and Divisional level, with FLBCA and University Services to be reviewed during the year. There will also be a new approach to quality monitoring and enhancement of academic programs/courses starting in the first quarter of 2009. Faculties have been asked to prepare for delivery of a Faculty Academic Programs Report that will identify all courses offered by the Faculty and review their critical stats, CEQ/GDS outcomes, subjects established and disestablished and more. I’m sure these data are already reviewed on an annual basis within faculties, but to capture these in a Program Report and have this aired at Education Committee/Academic Board and VCAC as well as within faculties at faculty boards will enable lessons learned to be shared and decisions made about courses based on relevant, comparable data.

We will have some of our ‘tropical leader’ appointments being taken up from early 2009. There will be a focus on enhancing research competitiveness and a good look at the architecture of our approach to research support and activity.

We continue with our push as Australia’s University for the Tropics, through tropical leaders, the curriculum refresh, establishment of the Cairns Institute (with $5m assistance from the Federal Government – thank you), building ATSIP, commencement of the new Queensland Tropical Health Alliance infrastructure and the Biosecurity Institute (all three supported by the Queensland Government through Smart State, Innovation Funds and DPI&F - thank you), Discovery Rise and pursuit of capital monies to fund Zona Tropical. In keeping with this fresh and vital portrayal of who we are and what we do, we need to refresh the presentation of our University. The current turquoise block logo is dated, not meaningful outside of Queensland and, at a practical level, difficult to reproduce on our collateral. I think it is important to maintain the connection with our crest and colours – but our logo needs a revamp.

In other activities, we will look to developing a systematic strategic alliance with other universities and institutes around the tropical agenda. This is not something that can be rushed and we will wish to build on current relationships to make progress on this.

Alumni and engagement activities will continue to develop, with the positive outcomes for 2008 serving as the platform for 2009. We are planning a universities in regional Australia symposium and a very special, high level event – linked to Q150 (Queensland’s 150th birthday celebration) – exploring the critical issues of the tropical world.

Returning to our own operations for a moment, a new Staff Study Assistance program will be commenced in 2009, providing for payment of fees for staff who are undertaking approved study at JCU. Enterprise bargaining will continue and we are looking to trial a cohort approach to junior academic staff recruitment. The idea is to collect vacancies across the University and advertise them as a group. We can then welcome a cohort of new staff, providing them as a group with access to assistance to aid their settling in and other services, such as seminars on writing to get published, approaches to research and the like.

Of course, we will also be managing the outcomes of the Government White papers linked to the Cutler and Bradley Reviews. These are both good review reports and we will look to play a positive role in helping to inform how the final outcomes are shaped.

It is a challenging time to be a University in Australia – but we are in a strong position because of the work we have done over many years - and in 2008 - and because of our distinctiveness. It is a good time to be us.

Thank you for all your hard work and your positive contributions during the year. It has been a busy and rewarding year.

I hope you have a chance to have a break over the summer. I look forward to working with you during what is sure to be an even busier 2009.

Cheers,
Sandra

Staff forums and approaching year-end.......

2008-12-06T12:50:00.004+10:00

Dear Colleagues,

This week, at Staff Forums on Cairns and Townsville campuses, we had a look at the events, issues and activities in, and affecting, our community during 2008.

Years seem to fly by and time seems to speed up as we approach the Christmas/New Year break. Certainly, it is very busy as we conclude the year, with our first graduation of this round on December 20 in Townsville. And even as parts of the University are in wind-up and acquittal mode for 2008, other parts are getting into full swing around managing marketing, offers and enrolments. Many colleagues use some of summer to get stuck into research while others in our community are still involved in teaching. There really is no down-time in universities any more and it is always good to remember that while many of us will take some time for a break over summer many others are on campus hitting peak activity levels.

2008 has been a busy year. In addition to the important, everyday work – academic and professional – there have been considerable achievements following the ‘launch’ of the university’s refreshed Strategic Intent early in the year. These achievements cross all domains: teaching and learning, research and innovation, engagement, infrastructure, marketing and media, and campus development. I identified only some of these at this week’s Staff Forums (presentation is at http://www.jcu.edu.au/office/vc/staff_forums/JCUPRD_041762.html ).

The external world has been a hectic place for higher education with many reviews at the federal level – three with particular relevance to universities. The report of the Cutler review of Australia’s National Innovation System was released in September and incorporated special mention of “tropical solutions” as an "immediate national innovation priority”. The CRC Review, lead by Professor Mary O’Kane, was one part of the Innovation review. The Bradley Review of higher education in Australia is yet to report. I expect this will be Christmas reading for many of us. In respect of both major reports, the Federal Government has committed to release their white paper responses in February. It is sensible that the responses should align as research and teaching are, and must remain, integrally linked as part of the university enterprise. The impact of VSU was also reviewed, with a solution identified permitting universities to levy students up to $250 per annum from mid 2009, with those funds to be applied to enhancing the student experience. Students will be able to defer payment of the levy as part of a HECS-style loan arrangement. Universities that decide to introduce the levy will be required to meet certain benchmarks – but we know no details as yet. This will be a matter for consideration early in 2009.

At the State level, the announcement of the Queensland Government’s Q-Tropics strategy in October is both a potent demonstration of and support for the critical opportunity inherent in the growing global tropical knowledge economy. JCU will play a strong role, a “centre-stage” role according to Minister Desley Boyle, in pursuit of the research, teaching and innovation aspects of the strategy. This new initiative builds on the strong support of the Queensland Government through partnerships and funding applied to several significant initiatives and projects in northern Queensland, but in the south too.

Locally, I continue to be delighted by the support of Local Governments, business and our broader communities who see JCU as an important asset in the northern Queensland region, and who are willing to play a role to ensure the University thrives. No doubt about it: our futures and the prosperity of both JCU and our communities are intertwined. Place is so very powerful.

During the Staff Forums, I also spoke about the year ahead. More on that next time. I’ll make one more blog post before the Christmas/New Year shut down. In the meantime, best wishes for all year-end activities.

Cheers,
Sandra

PS: The new Discussion Forum site is almost ready for use. It has been tested and I expect it will be released this week. Once released, an email with the details and the link will be sent to all staff.

Bradley, the Ken Back Chancellery Building, Academic Excellence

2008-11-23T17:01:00.004+10:00

Dear Colleagues,

We’re expecting the Bradley Review Report on tertiary education to be delivered next month, with a response from the Deputy Prime Minister in February. There is a deal of speculation on the content of the Report, but no certain information. Because the Review embraces tertiary education, it is clear that the report will concern itself with VET as well as universities.

Thinking back on the 2020 Summit, the focus there was on post-secondary education and the link with productivity. The Deputy PM was the co-chair of the Productivity Stream and was almost certainly involved in the conceptualization of tertiary education as post-secondary education. Comments were made over that weekend about the need to ensure that post-secondary education was available in a less linear way, to fit with non-linear lives, recognizing that these days skills development, university education or TAFE doesn’t happen at a certain time in one’s life, nor in any particular order. It won’t be surprising if the Report elaborates on this and proposes a framework that values both VET and higher education and seeks ready and smoother pathways between them.

There are significant expectations across the sector that the level of funding for universities needs to be addressed. The Cutler Report recommended full-funding of research. Realising this recommendation alone would provide some relief and negate the need to cross-subsidise research from funds that should be applied to teaching and learning.

Of course, the current financial crisis makes rather more complex the issue of additional funding in the next Budget. While the Government is focused on big infrastructure spend to keep activity alive in the economy, the prospect of a deficit budget next May could put any proposals for new money into universities into unfavourable perspective. Yet we know there is a strong case. I would be surprised if the Bradley Review didn’t find that additional funding was required. Compacts seem likely to be the way that funding changes will be implemented. It will be good to see the shape of the recommendations when they are delivered.

Two terrific events on campus this week. First, the main administration building (variously known as Humanities II, DA001 or administration) was officially named the Ken Back Chancellery Building last Friday. Emeritus Professor Ken Back AO headed the University College of Townsville and then James Cook University for 23 years, from 1963 to 1986. It was from that building that he oversaw the development of the campus, its built environment, program development and significant growth in staff and student numbers. Many former staff and other members of the broader community attended the naming ceremony, catching up with each other, with Ken, his wife Pat and their two daughters. His was a unique contribution that is most deserving of this unique honour. My thanks to Stephanie Hunter who managed the event, making all the arrangements including tracking down many people who were delighted to hear about the event and very pleased to be back in contact with the University.

The second event was today’s award ceremony in Townsville for students who won University and Academic Medals during the 2007 calendar year. More than 100 people were in attendance. These graduates demonstrated sustained academic excellence during their studies and deserve today’s recognition. The ceremony for Cairns-based award winners is set for Friday 28 November. Thanks to all our colleagues who attended the event today - and to those who will attend on Friday. Special thanks to Roger Yeldham and his team for orchestrating both ceremonies and ensuring they run smoothly and well.

Cheers,
Sandra

Q-Tropics, Tropical Health Alliance, President-elect Obama – and Change

2008-11-06T14:30:00.007+10:00

Dear Colleagues,

Some terrific news last week from the Queensland Government. In a major announcement, the Premier and Minister Boyle launched the Government’s multi-million dollar Q-Tropics strategy. This is a visionary initiative, promising the development of an important new export industry for northern Queensland as well as moral and intellectual leadership on the issues of the tropical world. This leadership is sorely needed. As the developed country with the largest tropical landmass, it is appropriate that Australia plays a role. And this Queensland Government initiative means our State is stepping up to this leadership task.

As the Minister put it, James Cook University is “centre-stage” in the Q-Tropics strategy. The Government’s tropical expertise strategic initiatives will be hubbed out of James Cook University with the strategy bringing to bear the considerable strength in issues of significance to the tropical world from other universities and institutions.

As part of this strategy, $19.45 million goes to fund the Queensland Tropical Health Alliance. The Alliance is led by JCU and involves other leading players in tropical health and medicine: the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Griffith University (through its leading Eskitis Institute for Cell and Molecular Therapies) and QUT (involving aspects of their work on the biofortification of bananas). $12 million of the total comes to JCU to fund essential research infrastructure in Cairns and Townsville. While many people have been involved in the proposal from across the partner institutions, special acknowledgment for this success is due to JCU's Professor David Yellowlees, whose hard work and sheer persistence with what always was a good proposal has ultimately achieved well deserved success. The Queensland Government is also to be commended for their leadership and recognition of the potential of the issue, in line with the State’s invigorating Q2 strategy. As in all these things – the hard work begins now.

Writing of beginnings, the result in favour of President-elect Obama on a platform of change has been amazing to watch. As someone who lived in the US South for a few years, the enormity of the social change effected with the election of the first African American as President of the United States is nothing short of stunning. We all have our own views on US party politics, our preferred candidate, the position and influence of the US over the past several years. But, from where I stand, the overwhelming voter turn out, the determination to achieve generational change – and a change that at once embraces a candidate on his merits while rejecting the limited, historic social status of a significant minority of American citizens, engenders hope, even pride, in the possibility for change at a societal level in America, but here too, and the world over.

Of course, our own university also exists in this context of significant change – not only change in our own polity with the Federal election last year, local government changes this year and a State election to come, but also in economy and society, not the least of which focuses on recognition for Indigenous Australians. There are good things happening, though these are turbulent times and we are not immune to – nor should we fail to participate actively in – the changes to come. Some of these changes will have, are having, challenging impacts for us at an institutional level. But, you know, the way I see it is that these days change is the norm, and stability the aberration. We must respond effectively to, rather than try to stave off, change. This requires effort and a willingness from us all to make the tough as well as the easier decisions when they need to be made, always doing so in good faith, with the interests of the University, our own community and our broader communities in mind.

Cheers,
Sandra

PS: When I began this blog in January, I said that I planned to use it to keep you up to date with particular issues the University is facing - and simply to fill you in about what's happening and what's new from my perspective.

As I said then I am very happy for the JCU community to feel free to add your views and perspectives on the issues I have raised, or you can always email me directly at sandra.harding@jcu.edu.au if you'd rather do that.

While the comments that have been posted on this have been very interesting – if that is the right word – few if any of them relate back to what I originally posted.

However the length of the discussion has shown that there is a need for an open forum where people can express their thoughts so we will create a new site where you will be free to do that - keeping in mind the laws of defamation, privacy, and our own Code of Conduct. To begin the site we will transfer all the present discussion across to the new forum.

An advantage of the new site will be that it will allow anyone to begin a new discussion, and different threads can be followed. We will email the details as soon as it is established next week.

In the future when it is felt any comments on my blog are heading off on a different track and are more appropriate for the discussion site we will post them across.

World financial crisis and the days ahead

2008-10-17T17:36:00.004+10:00

Dear Colleagues,

Not surprisingly, the financial crisis around the world has been the focus of much media and attention. In the last couple of days, the impact on universities has been raised. Some universities have very large investment portfolios. The fall in stock markets around the world has meant that earnings will be far lower than in recent years, with less funding available for use. Some of the larger universities in Australia are saying that their income from this source will be halved.

As far as JCU is concerned, our investments are not so large and the impact for us of the stock market crash is far more modest. Our earnings will inevitably be less than before, but because this is a relatively small source of income for us (albeit a welcome one) the impact for us is not so significant.

Indeed, to look for a silver lining in the deepening world financial gloom, the weaker Australian dollar makes Australia a more attractive proposition for international students. And a tighter labour market often encourages people to consider studying to enhance their education and skills.

No doubt, it is a tough time in the financial world and no institution (or person) is immune.

As I mentioned at the Staff Forums this week, we are facing a couple of tight years in a budgetary sense – the world financial crisis isn’t helping, we are still managing the impact of the drop in student numbers in 2006 and 2007, and the funding model for universities in Australia needs significant improvement.

There isn’t a lot we can do about the financial crisis, but there is a lot we can do, and we are doing, to enhance our position as Australia’s University for the Tropics. We are in investment mode, looking to make some signal research appointments and reviewing and refreshing our curriculum. There is an internal job being done too aimed at freeing up resources to apply to teaching and research.

The good news is that ours is a strong university with a unique position in Australia. What we do matters. Even though we will experience some bumps in the road, we know that our position is fundamentally sound, our mission enduring and immensely worthwhile, holding in prospect, as it does, a brighter future for life in the tropics worldwide.

Cheers,
Sandra

Singapore, Cutler Report, Plans, Budgets and Rugby

2008-09-19T17:29:00.005+10:00

Dear Colleagues,

It has been a few weeks since my last post. A busy time - but I know that the same is true for us all.

I was in Singapore for a few days for a series of events. The opening of JCU's new campus there went very well, with representation from both the Australian and Singaporean Governments. This important moment in our University's history was followed by a well attended Graduation Ceremony. A PhD was conferred along with an Honorary Doctorate, to Dr Henry Heng, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Almost 1000 people attended the Ceremony. These events were followed in turn by a very happy alumni function. It was terrific to catch up with JCU alumni, based in Singapore, some of whom studied at the University in the 1980s.

The National Innovation Review Report was delivered a short while ago. Dr Cutler's report is very wide-ranging, as the terms of reference promised. It was terrific to see a focus on tropical science, knowledge and innovation being recommended as "an immediate national innovation priority". This is a green paper, with white paper and funding decisions to come, and it is great to see national acknowledgement of what we know is a significant national opporrtunity.

Closer to home, a great deal of work has gone into finalising faculty and division plans for the next triennium. These link clearly to the University Plan and promise to drive towards achieving our strategic intent to build a brighter future for life in the tropics worldwide. We are finalising the 2009-2011 budget in light of these plans. It isn't an easy time to be a University right now and we will need to manage carefully. We're not alone in this. All universities in Australia are looking to the numerous reviews to be concluded so the funding position of higher education can be improved.

Last evening, JCU beat Army to win both the Commander's Cup (women) and Chancellor's Cup (men). JCU's women dominated, with a final 19-5 scoreline. The men's game was much closer, with the lead changing several times in the last 20 minutes of the game. JCU's men came through, though, in a 28-27 nail-biter. Congratulations to both teams. The games were played with great spirit and great pride on both sides.

Cheers,
Sandra

Top 400, looking for new colleagues and Open Day

2008-08-18T10:18:00.003+10:00

The latest Shanghai Jiao Tong world ranking of universities was released in the last week.

Excellent news for JCU: our standing improved from 400-500 to 300-400. That is we have been independently assessed to be among the top 400 universities in the world based on research excellence.

That we are there at all is testimony to outstanding work by many over many years – with improving research results in more recent years. Only 15 of Australia’s universities are included in the list, and only two in Queensland. The results are not calculated proportional to the size of the institution, so this outcome is even more impressive given our outputs are being compared with those of much bigger universities, many of which we have outperformed on the measures used by this prestigious league table. My thanks to our current community for the excellent and impactful work that is reflected in the ranking, and also to colleagues from earlier years who played their important role in their time.

The University also had some good news with improvements in the Good Universities Guide (GUG) in a number of areas. While there is still room (and plans) for improvement, it seems that, on average, these data too are moving in the right direction.

You may have seen the advertisement for our 17 new professorial positions in The Australian on 6 August. It was a fresh approach to our advertising, with high impact intent. We have received very good feedback on the ad and it seems that it has certainly attracted attention (including commentary by Stephen Matchett of the The Australian Higher Education Supplement). The ad was designed to elicit strong interest in the available positions – and an understanding in the higher education world that we are serious about pursuing our intent to deliver “A brighter future for life in the tropics, worldwide”. More information on this significant recruitment activity is available at www.jcu.edu.au/tropicalleaders .

Open Day at Cairns campus was a great success yesterday. Estimates vary, but I understand that around 3000 people attended. All faculties reported busy stalls, with prospective students and parents lined up at times. There was a lot of interest in the new Dentistry program. It was terrific to see so many staff on hand to welcome visitors and prospective students – the day had a really good feel about it.

The liveliness of the day was enhanced by the high energy presence of students competing in OPTI-MINDS, a competition for teams of school students. Around 67 teams from 33 schools, from Weipa to Innisfail, had worked very hard for several weeks, preparing their approaches and presentations for the challenge. Congratulations to all division winners who now head to Brisbane for the State finals in October.

Next Sunday (24 August) is Open Day on the Douglas campus at Townsville. I look forward to seeing many colleagues and visitors there on the day. I'm sure it will be a good one too.

Cheers,
Sandra

Welcome Back, Reviews, "Place", Plans and Darwin Medallist

2008-07-27T17:04:00.003+10:00

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome back to those of our colleagues who have been away over the past weeks. During the period between semesters, many take the opportunity to participate in conferences in Australia and abroad while others are in the field – with or without students – pursuing their work.

A very warm welcome to returning students too – and to new students who are commencing programs next week. I hope the semester ahead is rewarding for you all.

Orientation for Semester 2 happens on campus this week. Even as we get this study period underway, the University also gears up to encourage students to choose JCU for study commencing 2009. Some of our colleagues went to TSXPO in Brisbane earlier in the month and JCU Open Days happen next month on August 17 in Cairns and August 24 in Townsville. As mentioned via email a little while ago, I encourage you all to participate in Open Day activities. It is an opportunity to showcase our programs and our research and to bring the community into what we do.

Shortly the much anticipated Innovation Review report will be released. It is due on July 31. As you’ll recall, the Panel visited both Townsville and Cairns campuses and we were very pleased to provide a forum for the Panel to explore issues of tropical science, knowledge and innovation as well as traditional knowledge with members of indigenous communities.

Last Friday, I was in Canberra attending the IRU Australia consultation with the Bradley Review committee. You’ll recall that committee is charged with examining Australia’s higher education sector with a view to providing recommendations for Government on the future of the sector. It was a very interesting meeting. The Panel visits Townsville on Monday 28 July – consulting with a broad range of people on this issue. I feel very grateful that the Panel has chosen to gather information in our part of the world.

On Monday 21 July, I participated in one of a series of seminars about the Bradley Review convened by the Centre for the Study of Higher Education at the University of Melbourne. I suggested that we need to bring “place” back in to any consideration of the future of higher education, noting the importance of avoiding ‘on average’ assumptions, analyses and solutions. Sweeping statements or solutions about higher education misses the highly variable and textured nature of the sector and the continent. The presentation is located at http://www.cshe.unimelb.edu.au/investinginthefuture/SH%20Presentation.pdf .

Closer to home, it is a particularly busy time for faculties and divisions as work proceeds on their 2009-2011 plans and budgets. The critical issue is to ensure that these plans speak to the University Plan, itself aimed at actioning the University’s strategic intent. These will be finalized in September, in discussion and against the level of performance we need to achieve across the University.

Finally, I’d like to bring some outstanding news to your attention. Professor Terry Hughes, Director of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, hubbed at JCU, has received yet another award. He recently received the prestigious Darwin Medal from the International Society for Reef Studies for his contribution to biological science, particularly “…for his work on understanding the impact of climate change, pollution and bleaching on coral reefs.” (http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/07/13/2302259.htm) I’m sure you join with me to congratulate Terry on this latest entry in his very long list of prestigious awards and eminent achievements.

Cheers,
Sandra

BIO, Beijing, Professor Emeritus Norman Palmer, SQC and AUQA

2008-07-06T21:04:00.007+10:00

Dear Colleagues,

Much has happened since my last blog entry. During June, in addition to the usual activities, I attended the combined Vice-Chancellors/Chancellors meeting and the Universities Australia meeting in Sydney, the BIO convention in San Diego, the inaugural JCU graduation for our students studying in Beijing – and bade farewell to Professor Emeritus Norman Palmer.

Australia’s Chancellors and Vice Chancellors meet as a combined group annually. This year, the meeting coincided with the release of the Bradley Review discussion paper. The paper is carefully crafted. It provides no real indication of preferred direction or solutions. The University will respond to the paper as part of the Innovative Research Universities Australia group and independently as well.

BIO is the largest and most extensive conference on biotechnology and related fields in the world. Around 20,000 delegates attended, including JCU colleagues, over 100 Queenslanders and 450 Australians. Other Queensland universities have engaged with the meeting over many years. I was keen to better understand it and its potential for JCU. At the meeting, there are many opportunities for interaction with colleagues, with those involved in the creation and commercialization of new technologies. As is often the case for most meetings, the real value emerges on the back of vicarious interactions while waiting for formal events to unfold. During the meeting, past Premier of Queensland, the Hon Peter Beattie, was recognised for his commitment to the industry, receiving the inaugural BIO International award.

I officiated at JCU’s first graduation ceremony for Bachelor of Information Technology graduates who have studied their program through the Beijing University of Technology (BJUT). In all, 71 graduates were presented. It was a terrific event – my congratulations to Ceremonies Coordinator Roger Yeldham who organized and managed the whole event.

Professor Norman Palmer, DVC (Research and Innovation) retired on Friday 4 July. Norman provided 11 years of loyal and committed service to the University and had overseen the further development of JCU’s research profile and productivity. Since I’ve been at JCU, I have been impressed by Norman’s ideas, his capacity for work as well as his deep commitment to advancing JCU. His leadership in our preparation for the RQF will serve us very well in the ERA era. In recognition of the significant nature of Norman’s contribution to JCU, he has been awarded the status of Professor Emeritus of the University and will, therefore, always be a member of our community.

We have had some very good news from Singapore in the last week or so. Our Singapore campus has achieved Singapore Quality Class (SQC) accreditation; this is a major achievement and provides powerful, external validation of the quality of our work in Singapore. On quality assurance matters closer to home, we have been advised that AUQA will audit the University next in 2011.

The Australian Chamber Music Festival is happening in Townsville as I write – and JCU has supported and sponsored this event over many years. Indeed, the Festival would likely not have happened at all if it were not for the advocacy, organization and support of the inaugural event, 18 years ago, by Professor Ray Golding, then Vice Chancellor of JCU. I trust that Townsville based members of our community have the opportunity to attend one or more Festival events.

Cheers,
Sandra

The Bradley Review, Innovation, Reconciliation

2008-06-11T21:12:00.005+10:00

Dear Colleagues,

Yesterday, the Bradley Review discussion paper was released. The paper is deliberately designed to generate discussion and ideas from the sector, with a clear focus on delivering a world class higher education system for Australia. This is important as this ambition contrasts with the idea of merely focusing on building one or two world class universities – trophies that would not touch most students or communities in our country.

The focus, however, is not just on universities. It is on the whole of post-secondary education, higher education and the tertiary education sector. As Bradley points out, while participation in higher education in Australia compares well against other OECD nations, our participation in VET compares much less favorably. The tenor of the discussion paper is to urge a full-blooded discussion of the whole range of issues affecting higher education, without presuming any particular outcome. As usual, our University will engage positively with the review process. Responses to the paper are being sought by 31 July 2008.

In other good news, the Federal Government has determined to kick off the HEEF funding round for 2009. Universities are being asked to submit expressions of interest by mid August, describing projects that might be funded from this source. You may recall that the recent Federal Budget indicated an intention to roll the HEEF funds into a new Education Investment Fund, almost doubling the size of the Fund to a total of $11 billion. The EIF will be broader in scope, but for now the Federal Government had committed to provide just over $300 million to universities under the HEEF conditions and to be distributed on July 1 2009. Of course, JCU will seek to be involved in this opportunity to fund research infrastructure.

Last week, JCU hosted Dr Terry Cutler and the Innovation Review panel and secretariat members, both in Townsville and in Cairns. In Townsville, it was a very full day, but one where the opportunity for innovation in Tropical Australia was fully canvassed. As well as local luminaries, representing AIMS, CSIRO, GBRMPA, and major industry reps, colleagues from WA and the Northern Territory were present, including representatives from Murdoch University, UWA and Charles Darwin University, along with WA’s and Queensland’s Chief Scientists. Australia’s Chief Scientist was also present as a Review Panel member. In Cairns, the focus was on indigenous, traditional knowledge and innovation. This, too, was an excellent consultation. Dr Cutler told me that he was delighted with the events and with what he and fellow panel members learned. Of course, we were pleased to host the Panel and secretariat and my thanks in particular to Vanessa Cannon, my Executive Officer, who made it all happen in an organizational sense.

The last week or so also saw the launch of JCU’s reconciliation statement in Mackay, Mt Isa and Cairns. All were terrific events with their own character. We will be launching the statement on Thursday Island later this month. I am very grateful that local communities, particularly the indigenous communities, have come along to recognize and support our intention as expressed through the statement. No doubt, they, like us, will look to ensure the intention translates into action. It will.

Cheers,
Sandra

An Historic Day

2008-05-22T07:42:00.015+10:00

Dear Colleagues,

Yesterday was one for the history books. Hundreds of people attended a very special event on campus at Townsville – really three very special events.

We were delighted that the Hon Jenny Macklin, Federal Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs officiated. We were also very pleased to have the Hon Lindy Nelson Carr, Queensland Minister for Communities, Disability Services, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth play an official role on behalf of the Queensland Government. The extended family of Eddie Koiki Mabo, particularly Mrs Bonita Mabo, were our very special guests.

Let me tell you about the three events.

First, the University's Reconciliation Statement was launched. The Statement was adopted by JCU's Council in late 2007. It was prepared after extensive consultation within our community, lead by Professor Yvonne Cadet James and my Indigenous Advisory Group. The Statement can be found at http://www.jcu.edu.au/office/vc/ . The statement commits the University to recognise the past and look to the future. While the University has over many years had programs in place to provide access and support, as well as extensive engagement in research for and with indigenous people, the Statement challenges us in a fresh way as a University community. The University’s future actions and achievements will be judged against the commitments made, and rightly so.

Second, the University Library at the heart of the Townsville campus was named in honour of Eddie Koiki Mabo. Eddie Koiki Mabo was a gardener at JCU and, as a result of a conversation on campus with two eminent historians, Professors Henry Reynolds and Noel Loos, he found out that Murray (Mer) Island where he was born did not belong to his people, but to the Crown. Eddie Koiki Mabo then proceeded on a journey of discovery for himself, using the resources of the Library, sitting in on lectures and presenting at a Land Rights Conference on campus in order to understand, to challenge and ultimately to change the law. The case went to the High Court and, ultimately, the Mabo decision recognised traditional ownership in law. Sadly, Eddie Koiki Mabo died before the High Court had made its historic determination. Australian history was changed in the way it was because someone we'd now know as a traditional owner had a conversation on a regional campus with two academics. Members of the Mabo family were in attendance on the day and participated in the ceremony, particularly Mrs Bonita Mabo and Gail Mabo. And the dancers who performed part of a production titled "Koiki", choreographed by Gail Mabo, added to the occasion. James Birrell, the award-winning architect who designed the Library in the 1960s, was also in attendance and was delighted about the Library’s new name.

Third, the Hon Jenny Macklin delivered the annual Mabo Lecture: "Laying New Foundations: the way forward in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policy". This was an excellent address and signalled the development of a new approach to determining and managing land claims under native title legislation. This has been picked up in the media and no doubt will generate a great deal of debate about the way forward. Minister Macklin was building on the momentous events of earlier this year, the 'Sorry' Day, as well as our own momentous event in the formal recognition of Eddie Koiki Mabo and his relationship with the University, to chart a new course through policy and action on native title. The Minister's speeches are located at http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/jennymacklin.nsf . I imagine yesterday's address will be loaded soon.

It was terrific to have so many community members in attendance, including local traditional owners, other dignitaries, as well as a large number of staff and students. One for the books.

As well as thanking all those who officiated and were witnesses to the event, I would like to particularly acknowledge the hard work of Stephanie Hunter in my office who was responsible for putting the whole day together. Of course, Stephanie was supported by many others across the University, including Kiara, Karen and Vanessa in my office, but overall the weight of responsibility rested on her shoulders. She did an outstanding job and deserves to be publicly acknowledged. Many, many thanks Stephanie.

Thanks are also due to:
Peter Hill and our colleagues in Facilities Management who did a fantastic job of rejuvenating the entry area to the Library in time for the big event and making sure that everything looked wonderful and the facilities worked on the day. Many thanks to you all.

Heather Gordon, Helen Hooper, Jennifer Frost and other colleagues in the Library for their cooperation and assistance and the wonderful display upstairs. Library staff in particular can take pride in the role they and their forebears played during Eddie Koiki Mabo's time - and in the outcomes of that work today.

Melinda Barron, President of the JCU Students Association, supported by her colleagues and Kiel Shuttleworth, immediate past President and current JCU Council member, did a terrific job organising and managing the hand print activity. To explain, all those present who wished to participate (and hundreds did) could place their hand print on a canvas as recognition of the commitment made through the Reconciliation Statement and as a memento of the day. The finished canvas will be displayed on campus.

Professor Yvonne Cadet James who was involved in advising on the event and was very accomplished in the role of MC on the day.

Associate Professor Gracelyn Smallwood, who welcomed everyone to the event on behalf of the traditional owners and who provided advice and assistance in the lead up to the day.

Jim O'Brien and and Jo Meehan who organised and managed the media for the event. The coverage has been excellent.

Staff in the Faculties of Arts, Education and Social Science (FAESS) and Law, Business and Creative Arts (LBCA) for their organisation of the Mabo Lecture. And to Professor Janet Greeley, Pro Vice-Chancellor (FAESS) for MC'ing the Lecture and Ms Heron Loban who gave a wonderful vote of thanks to Minister Macklin on behalf of us all.

Amidst all this, I presented the Ministers with the first two copies of our new research publication "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research@JCU - Making a Difference". It provides insights in the many issues members of our community are working on with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

After such an uplifting day, when many new University stories came to light, it will be interesting to see what today holds.

Cheers,
Sandra

Academic Plan, Senator Carr's visit and Reconciliation

2008-05-11T11:31:00.004+10:00

Dear Colleagues,

Last Thursday evening, JCU's Council endorsed an Academic Plan for the University. The final version will be up on the website very soon. As members of our community know, this Plan has been developed in a consultative fashion, a process led by Professor Paul Gadek, Chair of Academic Board. The Plan focuses attention on the development of specific strategies aimed at delivering excellence, relevance and distinctiveness in JCU's research and teaching. This is a five year plan, responding to the University's statement of strategic intent, itself endorsed by Council in February this year. Many in our community took the opportunity to provide comment on the Plan as it developed. The University has also developed four enabling plans - finance and resources, people and culture, physical and virtual infrastructure, international and engagement. Much in these plans responds to issues raised in last year's Staff Opinion Survey. These plans too have been available on the web in their various iterations, for comment and input. Collectively, these documents will direct our activity over the next five years. Faculties and Divisions will be asked to respond to them as part of the planning and budgeting round later in the year. My congratulations and thanks to all our colleagues were involved the development of these plans and to the many members of our community who contributed.

A couple of important events in the week just past. Senator the Hon Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research visited Townsville on Friday May 9. He visited AIMS earlier in the day and launched the important Great Barrier Reef Ocean Observing System (GBROOS), designed to stream data live from a network of sensors on the reef. JCU developed technology and know-how has played a part in this development. Later in the day, the Minister visited JCU's Douglas campus. We briefed the Minister on the University, our position and aspirations, and he visited the ARC Centre of Excellence in Coral Reef Studies, to be briefed on the outstanding work undertaken there. It was a useful and productive visit and we were very pleased that the Minister took time out of his busy schedule to visit us so early in his tenure as Minister.

The other important 'event' was the announcement that the Library on the Townsville campus would be renamed the Eddie Koiki Mabo Library. Eddie Koiki Mabo was a gardener at JCU whose conversation with Professor Henry Reynolds and Associate Professor Noel Loos on campus one day ended up changing Australia's history. After being told by Henry and Noel that Mer Island was not his or his people's land, but instead claimed by the Crown, Eddie Koiki Mabo commenced the heroic struggle that was to result in the High Court decision, known by the Mabo name, which overturned that position. Though he was a gardener at JCU, Eddie Koiki Mabo attended lectures and used the resources of the Library extensively during this extended period. He spoke at a Land Rights Conference at JCU describing traditional ownership on Mer Island. It is worthwhile reflecting on the fact that Australia's history was changed in the way it was because someone we'd now call a traditional owner had a conversation with two academics on the campus of a regionally-based university.

The Hon Jenny Macklin, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs will be at JCU on May 21 to launch the University's Reconciliation Statement, name the Library in honour of Eddie Koiki Mabo and his association with the University and to deliver the annual Mabo Lecture. It will be a great day.

Cheers,
Sandra

Past VCs, 2020 and a long weekend

2008-04-23T07:53:00.004+10:00

Dear Colleagues,

This week, JCU’s past Vice-Chancellors visited the Douglas campus to help celebrate the University’s 38th birthday. Four of the six Vice-Chancellors were present, with the other two sadly unable to join us. Past Vice-Chancellors Ray Golding and Martyn Forrest sent warm messages to us all, indicating their support for JCU and their sorrow that they could not be present on the day.

It was very special to have JCU’s inaugural Vice-Chancellor Emeritus Professor Ken Back present. He served the University for more than 20 years, stewarding the University College of Townsville through to University status and serving until 1986. It was wonderful to hear from him about the development of the campus, stories of the early days, including the Queen’s visit to sign personally the University into life.

Emeritus Professor Ken McKinnon whose short time at the University was very impactful said he was amazed at the University’s achievements and Emeritus Professor Bernard Moulden enjoyed the day, was pleased to see the University moving forward and found out about some new developments as well. In speaking to the gathered group at the special morning tea, Ken Back said on behalf of the other Vice-Chancellors how pleased they were to see the University fulfilling its early promise.

Writing as a participant, the 2020 Summit was a terrific event. Was it a talkfest? Well, certainly there was a lot of talking – but that’s what you need to generate and test new ideas and to reconsider existing ideas. In my opinion, the event was very worthwhile, although of course the true test of its utility will be in the Government’s response to the ideas generated. In the final session, Prime Minister Rudd committed to acquit the ideas – indicating what would be done, what would not be pursued and why and what might be modified for implementation – by the end of 2008. His commitment was very clear and I expect to see this realised. In the meantime, the interim report is available at the 2020 website where the debate continues.

The University 5 year plans, actioning our strategic intent, are being finalized as I write. The next iteration will be available soon on the web for your review and comment. These are close to final now and I hope we’ll be in a position to sign off on them in early May.

Have a good, long weekend. It is a special one. I don’t know about you, but I find the ANZAC day holiday a time to pause and reflect on the sacrifices and events of war, certainly at Gallipoli but at other times and places too, and on the doggedness with which we should pursue peace. Lest we forget.

Cheers,
Sandra

HEEF, Graduations and 2020

2008-04-02T08:24:00.017+10:00

Dear Colleagues,

Members of the Higher Education Endowment Fund (HEEF) Advisory Board, specifically Chairman Philip Clark AM and Board member Dr Cherrell Hirst AO, accompanied by Ms Julie Randall from DEEWR, visited JCU's Townsville campus on Tuesday 1 April. The Advisory Board is currently consulting the sector on the draft application guidelines for accessing the earnings of the (currently) $6B Fund. The Board are visiting all capital cities plus Townsville in this round of consultations. It was terrific to have the Board here and for JCU to have our say directly on this important development.

It is very pleasing that the Board are recommending that applications for funding should be strongly linked to the strategic intent of the university and favour collaborative activities. It is intended that the funds be used for infrastructure broadly defined, including new buildings, refurbishments and extensions where those refurbishments/extensions are linked to a collaborative proposal that directly supports the strategic intent and IT infrastructure. While co-investment is encouraged, this is not essential to the success of a proposal. The Board are currently considering a project grant range of between $10M and $100M.

As Mr Clark pointed out, the HEEF fund is here for the long haul. Its continued existence is not dependent on future budget cycles. The consultative process being undertaken, last year in respect of the Fund more broadly and this year in respect of the operations of the application and evaluation process, has been very positive and promises enduring benefits for the sector. The first round expressions of interest seeking funding from the scheme for specific projects are likely to be invited towards the end of May 2008.

Graduation ceremonies have been the biggest news in the past week, in Townsville on 28/29 March and coming up in Cairns on Saturday 5 April. There has been good staff attendance at the ceremonies to date. This is very important. Graduates enjoy seeing their professors and lecturers there and, from my point of view, it is a terrific thing for us all as well. There are very few sectors where it is possible to see evidence of collective success walking across a stage.

We introduced a few innovations this round. A representative of the graduates now thanks the occasional speaker for their address - an address that is directed at the graduating cohort. Each of the students who have performed this role has done an outstanding job, not only congratulating the speaker, but also encouraging their fellow graduates to acknowledge their family and friends and University staff. We have also trialled a reception immediately following the ceremony for VIP guests, University staff, doctoral students and their families, the graduate representative and family. In speaking with a few staff on the weekend, both these innovations have been warmly received. We are also asking that PhD graduates achnowledge their supervisors (or where supervisors are unavoidably absent, the Head of School representing the supervisors) by doffing to them, with the supervisors standing as their names are read and doffing the student in response. When this worked (ie the graduand remembered), it was a very nice thing - for the students, the supervisors and the audience - to see evidence of how special and important the relationship between research student and supervisor really is.

Colleagues, thank you for your support of the graduation ceremonies. They are critical events on the academic calendar. The Marshals play an important role as does the Mace Bearer, and I thank them for that. We should also acknowledge the hard work of the Ceremonies Officer, Roger Yeldham and staff from Examinations Section. Roger is responsible for making all the arrangements for every ceremony and he and our colleagues collectively ensure that all goes smoothly on the day.

You may also have become aware that three members of JCU staff have been selected as delegates to the 2020 Summit to be held in Canberra on the weekend of 19/20 April. Professor Chris Cocklin, PVC (Science, Engineering and IT) will be participating in the "Population, sustainability, climate change and water" section, Professor Caroline de Costa in the "A long-term national health strategy" section and I will be involved in "The productivity agenda (education, skills training, science and innovation)" section. I'm sure we all approach this very positively and are each looking forward to participating in the debate and sharing ideas about Australia's future.

Regards,
Sandra

Higher education revolution underway

2008-03-13T21:15:00.007+10:00

Dear Colleagues,

Universities in Australia have two Ministers - the Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard who looks after education and Senator Kim Carr who looks after research and innovation.

Senator Carr announced the Innovation Review recently, and this is well underway. That Review includes examination of Cooperative Research Centres as an approach to driving research outcomes, collaboration and innovation. This is a welcome development and James Cook University will engage positively with this Review.

Today, the Deputy Prime Minister announced a broad ranging Education Review. This development is also most welcome. The expert panel charged with conducting this Review represents a sound mix of skills and experience. The panel will be chaired by Emeritus Professor Denise Bradley, past Vice-Chancellor of the University of South Australia. Denise is an accomplished and respected higher education leader and manager who will do a terrific job.

In her speech, the Deputy PM indicated the panel will provide advice to the Government on several issues:

creating and supporting diversity across the higher education sector, with universities that have a global outlook accompanied by a distinctive mission;
improving the sector's contribution to increased economic productivity;
improving funding arrangements;
widening access to higher education and improving student support programs;
securing high standards across the sector; and;
an articulated higher education system engaging universities and VET.

Certainly, I welcome the Education Review, alongside the Innovation Review previously set in train by Senator Carr. Both Reviews provide the opportunity for a fresh look at the critical role that universites play. They also hold in prospect serious engagement with the question of what it takes to ensure that our critical role can be discharged.

There can be no doubt that James Cook University plays a significant and distinctive regional and national role and is recognised internationally for the quality of our work. Both these Reviews offer an opportunity for us to contribute to new thinking about the sector and the role we can and should play, to advance northern Queensland, Australia and the tropics world-wide.

Cheers,

Sandra

The semester begins...

2008-02-25T10:07:00.003+10:00

Dear Colleagues,

The academic year kicks off today as Orientation Week begins. I spoke with a number of parents and students on the weekend as they attended various sessions. Parents in particular were helping their student settle in as well as taking the opportunity to find out a little more about what lies ahead for their student and how they might help. Some of our colleagues put together a terrific booklet for parents and partners, full of important information as well as handy hints. It is well worth a look.

Even as the semester gets into full swing, there are other important developments that offer the prospect of a very good year ahead.

The Staff Opinion Survey results have now been disaggregated by Faculty/Division, School/Office and distributed to Faculty and Division Heads. Every staff member will have access to their own School or Office results, their Faculty/Division aggregate results and overall University aggregate results. The University level results are available at www.jcu.edu.au/vc/staffclimate/index.htm.

I know that the Heads of Faculty and Division Heads will be putting in place consultative processes to explore these results and examine options for improvement where indicated. I encourage all staff to take an active interest in this. As I indicated at the final staff forum in 2007 where we went through the headline, University level data, there are a lot of positives, but also a lot of negatives that we’ll need to work through with a view to improving staff experience at work.

At the Staff Forum on Friday, I shared with you JCU’s refreshed Strategic Intent, derived after much consultation with staff and the broader community since August 2007.

The refreshed Strategic Intent builds on the historic intent and purpose of James Cook University, with ‘Our Intent’ now summarised as “A brighter future for life in the tropics worldwide”, followed by several explanatory points. Our Purpose is to deliver “Graduates and discoveries that make a difference”, again with a number of explanatory points. Core Values and Beliefs have also been articulated, and all of this is in keeping with the key concepts staff examined and provided comment on in the second last Staff Forum of 2007. The revised Strategic Intent document can be found at www.jcu.edu.au/vc/staff_forums/JCUPRD_021328 and forms the foundation for our planning and action going forward.

I have also put some new structural arrangements in place, as described at Friday’s Forum and endorsed by Council the previous evening. The review of the Intent statement informed the development of these new structural arrangements and, as discussed, the changes were principle-based and deliberately conservative. Faculties are unchanged; there are some changes to the Divisional structure, with the key impact affecting two of the four Divisions. The new Organisation Chart is at www.jcu.edu.au/vc/staff_forums/JCUPRD_021328.

All the best for the commencement of the semester. I’m glad the students are back, bringing their liveliness, energy, passion and even their irreverence to our community once more.

Regards,
Sandra

2008-02-04T16:18:00.000+10:00

Dear Colleagues,

Thanks for kicking off the blog in a useful way. It has been good to see others' posts.

It's a busy time getting ready for the new semester and we have some new systems in place, Student One being one of the most important, to become used to as the semester gets underway. I'm aware that a number of staff have been working very hard on this. Thanks to those staff and to others for your collegial support of them as they work to ensure the new system is operating smoothly.

Interesting for the University now to be working with two Ministers in the Federal Government. As many of you will be aware, research and science were split from the old DEST, so that two different Departments now deal with the business of universities - one focussed on education and the other on research and innovation. Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard, is our education Minister and Senator Kim Carr is our research and innovation Minister.

The senior executive of JCU had a chance to meet and interact with both Ministers last week at the senior staff conference of the Innovative Research Universities Australia (IRUA). For those that are not aware, JCU is a member of IRUA, an alliance of seven Australian universities: Macquarie, Latrobe, Flinders, Newcastle, Murdoch, Griffith and James Cook. All are similar in history, in age and profile. All are research universities, set up on the traditional model in the 60s and 70s, but operating in a contemporary way. Six of the seven (including JCU) are listed in the top 500 in the world according to the reputable Shanghai Jiao Tong University ranking.

Both Ministers confirmed the importance of the group and that there was an significant and on-going role for our universities. Indeed, they believe we have a very important role to play and a persuasive voice in Australian higher education. Minister Gillard chose the occasion to make some positive announcements, particularly about the need to ensure that the relationship between the Government and universities is characterised by trust and that universities will enjoy greater autonomy to direct their own paths. A diverse, world class higher education system is one of Minister's Gillard's ambitions.

Senator Carr also provided very useful commentary about the importance of IRUA universities and the importance of ensuring that research and innovation in Australia is strengthed. Minister Carr is also keen to ensure that universities, other publicly funded research agencies (eg CSIRO, AIMS) and industry are working well together. He also spoke about the Innovation review he has initiated. Both Ministers' formal addresses would be available on their websites.

Thanks for the comments on Western Courts. I'll ask Peter Hill, Director of Facilities Management Office, to provide some more information on this for you.

Regards,
Sandra Harding

The beginning...

2008-01-24T11:21:00.000+10:00

Dear Colleagues,

This is my first blog post at JCU. Let me first wish everyone a very Happy New Year and all the best for a rewarding 2008. I hope you have all have the opportunity for some break over the holiday period. No doubt 2008 will be busy.

JCU's new students are starting to enrol. We have made a similar number of offers this year compared with 2007 - a good result given the decline in applications across Australia. While some of us have been away, a signficant number our colleagues have been very busy over the past few weeks supervising student offers and acceptances.

Before we know it, the start of the semester will be upon us. I don't know about you, but I particularly enjoy the start of the academic year - the sense of a new beginnings and renewed energy and vibrancy on campus as students return.

I plan to use the blog to keep you up to date with particular issues the University is facing - and simply to fill you in about what's happening and what's new from my perspective. I intend to post regularly - though how often, I'm not too sure as yet.

Please feel free to add your views and perspectives to the blog. Very happy to use the blog to discuss issues and events from your perspective as well. Of course, you can always email me directly at sandra.harding@jcu.edu.au if you'd rather do that.

If you are still away, please travel safely back to campus. If you're at work already, I look forward to seeing you around.

Cheers,
Sandra