Offcourse

Issue 5 August/September/October 2008   |    Email Offcourse - Christel.Kent@adm.monash.edu.au.

August Events 

Open Day - Sunday 3 August

Open Day at Caulfield Campus was very successful. Open Day is the largest University marketing event of the year, and the involvement of staff and students on the day is vital. Very many thanks for all your efforts and enthusiasm - they were well received and much appreciated.  We were fortunate to have pleasant weather that made the day even more enjoyable for the students, parents and visitors who attended.

The numbers were slightly higher than last year with over 6,700 attending.

(Common Lawn - Open Day 2008)

Visitors to the campus enjoyed entertainment by Jugularity and Tim Tim (juggler and balloonologist). Visitors enjoyed a free bbq provided by MONSU Caulfield.   The free fairy floss and air-brush tattoos also proved very popular.

(Tim Tim entertains the crowd)

(Jugularity - always a big hit on Open Day)

The Faculty of Business & Economics relocated to Chisholm Hall this year, with the Faculties of Arts and Information Technology, together with Social Work, Psychology and service provider areas using space on Level 1 of Building H. 

(Business & Economics make great use of Chisholm Hall)

(IT - Building H)

(Arts - Building H)

September Events 

Second Spirituality Breakfast

On 11 September, 30 staff attended a fascinating presentation by PhD student Richard Harmer. Richard's research involves exploring the construct of spirituality and its relationship to a person's identity development. The second phase will involve looking at the relationship of spirituality to a person's leadership effectiveness. In his talk Richard discussed what spirituality means, what is spiritual practice, the relationship between spirituality and identity development, and proposed some recommendations for developing a more spiritual life. Copies of Richard's paper can be obtained by contacting Kerrie Lister at HWD on ext. 32500 if you would like to participate in Richard's research visit www.developfullcircle.com

Breakfast was jointly funded by the Campus Manager's office and Health, Wellbeing and Development.

(Staff enjoy the Second Spirituality Breakfast)

2008 University-wide 10,000 Steps Challenge

Commencing on 15 September, more than 2000 Monash staff and friends participated in this year's University-wide 10,000 steps challenge.  More than 245 teams from across all campuses counted their steps, walking a virtual tour of all Monash campuses.

The Step Warriors team from Monash South Africa were first past the post, with team All Sorts from the Gippsland campus recording the highest number of steps.

The winning Caulfield team was 2 Hot 2 Trot - staff members from the Student Service Centre. 

(Some of the team members of the winning Caulfield team - 2 Hot 2 Trot)

Monash Wins Australian University Games 2008

TeamMONASH  performed brilliantly during the Australian University Games in September, winning the overall title of the best University in the country.  All participants from individuals and teams ensured a great win for Monash on Victorian soil.

 (David Nankervis, Rob Willis & Martin Doulton with the trophy awarded at the AUG 2008)

October Events

Mental Health Week

Mental Health Week ran from 5 October to 11 October with the aim to activate, educate and engage Monash staff and students around mental health and related issues.  A variety of events were held across the week, with the main activities being held on "Stress Less Day" on Wednesday 8 October.  Monash Sport arranged for an introduction to tai-chi session, with MONSU Caulfield hosting a free bbq lunch,

(Craig Lewis - chef extraordinaire!)

with complimentary water provided by Nutrient Water. 

 (Nutrient Water )

Staff listened to music provided by busker Justine Jones on the saxophone

(Justine Jones - busker)

and HWD encouraged staff to write "positive" messages and place on the "Smiley" face.

 (Positive messages on the Smiley face)

Staff were also encouraged to come to work on Stress Less Day in casual clothes and make a gold coin donation to the Relay for Life Event at Murrumbeena.

Monash Sport also lead a campus walk on Friday 10 October and Gloria Kennedy was lucky enough to win a Coles Myer voucher for participating.

Ride to Work Day

A record 440 staff and students registered to ride to work and an additional 496 car pooled to work in support of Sustainable Transport and Ride to Work Day on Wednesday 15 October. 89 people registered to be part of the Caulfield Ride to Work Day team, with 53 of them enjoying a healthy breakfast at MamaDuke sponsored by the Office of Environmental Sustainability and Campus Management Caulfield.

By participating in Ride to Work Day, staff enjoyed better health, saved petrol and time in traffic and assisted the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and thereby helping to address climate change.

Relay for Life Fundraising Lunch

More than 80 Monash staff attended the Relay for Life lunch on Friday, 17 October at Caulfield campus to help raise funds for the Murrumbeena Relay For Life, which was held on the weekend of 25 and 26 October. Relay for Life is a 24 hour team based event supported by the Cancer Council Victoria to raise funds for cancer research, education and support services. The funds raised from the Caulfield campus lunch contributed to the overall fundraising effort of the Murrumbeena event. 

Monash has supported the Relay for Life event at Murrumbeena athletics track for a number of years. Monash staff (present and past) volunteer their time as members of the organising committee for the event. Over 40 teams took part in the event including 5 Monash teams – Monash Caulfield Campus, MONSU, Monash Sport, Monash Clubettes and Epicurists.

The lunch featured guest speaker Kerry Tucker, recently released from prison after serving a sentence for corporate fraud, who gave an extremely thought-provoking and entertaining talk entitled Trauma to Triumph, Overcoming Adversity - My Story. Kerry completed her Master of Arts degree in prison and is currently undertaking a PhD.

 (Kerry Tucker - Guest Speaker at Relay for Life Fundraising Lunch)

 (Members of the organising committee of the 2008 RFL, Rob Willis, Helen Dunne & Kerry Tucker)

Oxfam Trivia Challenge - Thursday 13 November

Emma Weir and Amber Horsburgh are two Monash Caulfield Bachelor of Business Management/ Marketing students. At the end of November they leave to take part in an Oxfam Challenge, cycling 500km in 12 days from Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam through rural Cambodia finishing at the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, whilst also spending two days helping with project work in Cambodia. To participate, they have pledged to raise $11,000 to assist Oxfam in the support of eradicating poverty and suffering around the world. It's been a massive effort with many fundraising projects, and this is their last event.

All donations for the evening are going to Oxfam, so please consider attending the Trivia Night - details of the event are provided below.

Please come along and support two Caulfield students trying to help a good cause!

To celebrate the close of the study calendar get together a table of up to 10 at $15 per person for the Oxfam Trivia Challenge. All money going towards missionary work in Vietnam and Cambodia (see further details below).

With finger-food supplied and all drinks BYO a fun, inexpensive night is on the cards to round out the year. You may even go home with a quality raffle prize or two - including gym memberships, holiday packages and sporting memorabilia!

Details:

Peter Wagstaff - MC for the evening

Thursday, 13 November  - 6.30pm for 7pm start

Room H1.16 (Level 1, Building H, Monash Caulfield campus)

$15 entry/donation to Oxfam Australia

Up to 10 per table (if you don't have a team of 10 - no problem as we can put you in a team)

Finger food provided

BYO drinks

Please RSVP to activities@monsucaulfield.org.au asap and at the latest by COB Monday,10 November. Tickets (and details about entry/donation payment) are available by emailing the above or by contacting the MONSU Caulfield Service Desk: level 2,  Building S in person or on x32525.

Any further queries can be directed to Amber Horsburgh on 0401 436158.

Transition Roundtable Tuesday 25 November

Staff are invited to attend the Monash Transition Roundtable to be held at the Clayton campus on Tuesday, 25 November 2008.

This event will provide an outstanding educational opportunity for staff who are involved or interested in learning more about student transition at Monash. It will bring together a diverse set of speakers from across the University to present on a range of transition issues and initiatives relevant to the Monash Student Experience and to the Monash Passport.

Some of the major topics covered within the Transition Roundtable program are:

• Peer mentoring
• Leadership and ambassador programs
• International student support
• Academic and generic skills development
• Orientation programs

This event is provided at no charge to Monash staff.

For more information and registration, visit the Monash Transition Roundtable 2008 website at:

http://www.monash.edu.au/cemo/monash-roundtable-2008/

Registrations close on 20 November, 2008.

End of Year Office Clean Out

People wishing to have office equipment and furniture removed during the "end of year office clean-out" in the first two weeks of December (December 1-12) will need to complete the "end of year office clean out registration form" available via the Environment website (via Facilities & Services homepage).

New Carpooling Matching Service

Monash's new carpool matching service allows you to find carpool mates in your area within the university community.  Further information can be accessed via the Environment website (via the Facilities & Services homepage).

Campus Security 

Local police advise of several robberies being committed recently in the shopping precinct adjoining the Caulfield campus.

Whilst to date these robberies have occurred off campus and nobody has been physically injured, it is important to be aware, remain calm but alert to our surroundings and employ safe behaviours as part of our normal daily routine.

Staff working at service counters, or any areas with direct public interaction, are encouraged to take time to discuss and refresh their local security arrangements and ensure everyone is aware of the local emergency procedures and contact numbers.

General information and advice is available at http://fsd.monash.edu.au/security/security-advice/armed-hold . Staff with any questions or seeking further advice or information can contact the University's Security Investigator, Mr Lee Wilson  (lee.wilson@adm.monash.edu.au) or 9902 0855.

Local police and campus security patrols have been increased. We are encouraging staff to be vigilant and advise anything suspicious immediately to campus security on internal extn: 333 or 9903 2211.

OHSE Consultant

Peter Fell, OHSE Consultant - Caulfield campus has an office in Building A, Level 1, Room A1.05.  For advice on OHS matters Peter can be contacted on ext. 31322. 

Christmas Cheer Market   

 A Christmas Cheer Market will be held on Tuesday 25 November commencing at 4.00 p.m.  If you are interested in having a table/stall please contact Adeline Christie via email: adeline.christie@buseco.monash.edu.au

Women's Networking & Support Group   

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

Witnessing of Documents  

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

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

Caulfield Profiles

In this edition of Offcourse, we profile Alison Richardson, Manager - Student Development, Education Office, Faculty of Business & Economics .....

How long have you been with Monash University?

20 months. 

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

I ran my own business in Melbourne, consulting and working with training and corporate organisations.  I also saw a very diverse range of private coaching and counselling clients.  

What do you do in your spare time?

Being a creative spirit sees me doing lots of arty activities.  I sing in a small group called Souled Out; I take sculpture class weekly with a Master sculptor; I make my own jewellery and like to dabble in painting and drawing. 

What exciting challenges are ahead in your current role?

I am currently working on a team project developing a Leadership program for BusEco undergraduate students.  We will launch the first phase, the Ambassadors Program in 2009 at Caulfield campus, and I am excited to be a part of what will be an innovative program for our students.   Also high on my list of challenges is continuing to further enhance the student experience by way of co-curricular support programs.  The list is endless, and I love a good challenge! 

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

Working with students, they offer never ending opportunities for me to learn about people, places, cultures and I am aware that of how it is through these interactions that I often discover more about myself.  I find this part of my role very rewarding. 

The last book that you read?

I am currently reading a coaching book, “Turbo Coach” by Brian Tracy.  It’s been an interesting read focussing on career success and planning. 

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

I love Australia, and there are several places on my list of “must sees” including Kakadu and Coober Pedy.  I would love to revisit Japan, as I really enjoyed the cultural challenges of being non-Japanese speaking.  I had some very funny moments!  Next trip hopefully will be to visit the sights, sounds and flavours of either Japan or Vietnam. 

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

Feedback is just feedback; it is what you do with it that is the measure of the person you are.

What is something about yourself that most of your colleagues wouldn't know?

I am passionate about new science discoveries, and an avid reader of New Scientist, and I am a part-time sculptor.

your Favourite Quote

If it is to be, it’s up to me!!

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