2008 Annual Report Volume 1

James Cook University Townsville Campus Townsville QLD 4811

Cairns Campus PO Box 6811 Cairns QLD 4870

CRICOS Provider Code: 00117J www.jcu.edu.au - Ke y s t a t i s t i c s o v e r 10 y e a r s -

YEAR 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08

NUMBER OF COURSES

U/G AWARDS 113 152 179 175 177 181 176 249 171 214

P/G AWARDS 96 100 121 125 126 145 150 208 162 187

AWARDS CONFERRED 1602 1535 1780 1811 2016 2198 2817 2586 3540 3279

ENROLMENTS

UNDERGRADUATE 9529 10153 10933 11437 11669 12034 11890 12090 11716 9922

POSTGRADUATE 1668 1595 1551 1752 1918 2361 2948 3319 3606 1919

TOTAL 11197 11748 12484 13189 13587 14395 14838 15409 15322 11841

UNDERGRADUATE eftsl 7200 7736 8361 8696 8694 9850 9032 9050 8290 7708

POSTGRADUATE EFTSL 901 840 840 958 1062 1250 1666 1795 2062 852

TOTAL EFTSL 8101 8576 9201 9654 9756 10200 10698 10845 10982 8560

Co n t e n t s RESEARCH Transmittal letter...... 2 POSTGRADUATE The Year in Focus...... 3 Introduction...... 4 RESEARCH STUDENTS 723 697 668 645 687 694 738 755 715 847 Statement of Strategic Intent ...... 5 Key Performance Indicators ...... 6 At a Glance...... 7 EFTSL 504 476 482 470 497 500 492 546 507 527 Governance...... 8 PhDs CONFERRED 58 83 69 71 69 63 80 72 88 82 Structure and Organisation...... 10 University Plan...... 11 Key Achievements...... 13 FINANCIAL (Rounded $m) James Cook University Teaching and Learning...... 14 Annual Report 2008 ASSETS 331.5 354.4 376.7 428.9 480.0 434.7 483.1 652.1 692.2 769.8 Research and Innovation...... 18 ISSN 0158-7730 Produced by, and available from REVENUE 136.4 149.8 165.4 173.5 191.8 189.6 209.7 241.6 281.4 310.8 People and Culture...... 22 Governance and Corporate Services, International and Engagement...... 26 James Cook University. EXPENSES 121.6 132.1 145.5 165.5 188.8 197.6 204.9 221.7 229.8 260.5 This Annual Report is also publicly Infrastructure...... 28 available on the James Cook University Finance...... 30 website at www.jcu.edu.au James Cook University Annual Report 2008

This Annual Report fulfils the pre- scribed reporting requirements for 2008 of James Cook University to the Queensland Minister for Educa- tion andTraining, and provides a comprehensive summary of the University’s operations and achievements during the year. It illustrates the role of the University within the communities it serves, portrays the scope and importance of its activities and displays the University’s effective utilisation of the resources available to it. The report outlines a wide range of developments, innovations and achievements which provide a yardstick by which to measure the performance of the University in 2008 against its strategic intent and purpose.

2008 Annual report: PART 1 « 1 20 April 2009 The Honourable Geoff Wilson MP Minister for Education and Training 22nd Floor Education House 30 Mary Street Brisbane Qld 4000

Dear Minister

I have the honour to submit to you, on behalf of the University Council, the 31st Annual Report of James Cook University, detailing activities for the year ended 31 December 2008.

This document meets the provisions of Section 46J of the Financial Administration and Audit Act 1977. The 2008 year was a time of considerable change and development for the University community. I believe that this report serves to illustrate our evolution through this period.

Lieutenant General John Grey, AC (Retd) Chancellor

2 » James Cook University the year in focus

In 2008, James Cook University maintained its strategic intent of advancing ‘a brighter future for life in the tropics, world-wide’ and worked closely with business, industry, government, and the community, to create lasting benefits to our region and beyond. The seamless, harmonious and sound relationship between governance by the University’s Council and management by the University’s Management Team provided efficient, effective control of resources. The University’s Planning Package 2009-2011was developed and approved in the first half of the year. Our teaching and research is aligned to four major themes: Tropical Ecosystems, Conservation, and Climate Change; In- dustries and Economies in the Tropics; Peoples and Societies in the Tropics; and Tropical Health, Medicine, and Biosecurity. JCU and UniQuest Pty Lim- ited launched a partnership to commercialise, where practicable, research and innovation discoveries. Student load grew steadily and generally reflected changes in the Australian tertiary sector. On-campus student accommodation is still unable to meet demand and we are grateful to the Cairns and Townsville communities for their support in accommodating a number of our students. The Student As- sociation has been selected to operate the new Sports and Recreation Build- ing on the Townsville Campus from the start of 2009. This greatly improves the student facilities on this campus. At the Cairns Campus, the Student and Amenities and Amphitheatre project is in its final planning stages. The University is in an investment stage of development with a number of facilities projects involved. The new School of Creative Arts (Townsville Campus) was opened by Her Excellency, Ms Penny Wensley AO, Governor of Queensland in October. The Veterinary Teaching Facility at Malanda (Atherton Tableland) was opened by Senator Jan McLucas in November. The completed Cairns Campus District Cooling Project and Townsville Cam- pus District Cooling Project scheduled for commissioning in early 2009 will substantially reduce our carbon footprint. Tenders closed for the Australian Tropical Science and Innovation Precinct to be built on the Townsville Cam- pus, while the Medical Precinct Expansion will be ready for occupancy at the start of the 2009 academic year. The Tropical Medicine Mosquito Research Facility Laboratory Building has been completed on the Cairns Campus, and design development for the new School of Dentistry in Cairns was undertaken with construction to begin early in 2009. The project brief has been completed for a Mackay University Centre with various potential users such as Queensland Health and the Mackay Base Hospital. A new stand-alone Singapore Campus, reflecting our growing operation there, was opened by Mr Inderjit Singh, Deputy Government Whip, Singa- pore Government, with The Hon Anthony Byrne MP representing the Prime Minister of Australia. The event was well received in Singapore with the national media reporting it at prime news time. JCU Singapore was awarded Singapore Quality Class, being the first Australian university campus there to achieve this Singapore Government recognition of quality. JCU remains the controlling entity in partnership with PSB Academy, Singapore. The Queensland Government’s Q-Tropics strategy is designed to deliver on Queensland’s vision for tropical innovation by growing, commercialising and exporting tropical expertise. The Hub for this initiative is to be established at our Townsville Campus and will network commercialisation managers and tropical research across Queensland. We welcome our role in this initiative. Also, the Queensland Tropical Health Alliance, identified as part of Q-Tropics, led by JCU is to involve The Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Grif- fith University and Queensland University of Technology. James Cook University’s adjusted net operating result for 2008 was $0.759 million.

Lieutenant General John Grey, AC (Retd) Chancellor

2008 Annual report: PART 1 « 3 introduction

James Cook University has had a busy and productive 2008. Consid- erable achievements followed 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, campus development and university services and management. Many achievements are detailed in this report. 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 In- novation 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 delivered its report in December 2008. In respect of both major reports, the Federal Government has committed to release their white paper responses early in 2009. It is sensible that the responses should align as research and teaching are, and must remain, integrally linked as part of the university enterprise. At the State level, the announcement of the Queensland Govern- ment’s Q-Tropics strategy in October was both a potent demonstra- tion 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 Govern- ment through partnerships and funding applied to several significant initiatives and projects in northern Queensland, but in the south too. Closer relationships with both CSIRO and Queensland’s Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries through research and staff co- locations also promise great benefits. In our own region, I continue to be delighted by the support of local government, the business community and the 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 even as we gladly play the role of strong advocate for our communities. No doubt about it: our futures and the prosperity of both JCU and our communities are intertwined. Place is so very powerful. During 2008 we continued to reconnect with our past recognising two very important former members of staff: Eddie Koiki Mabo through the naming of the University’s library in Townsville for him and by naming the Ken Back Chancellery Building in recognition of the enormous contribution of JCU’s first Vice-Chancellor, Emeritus Professor Ken Back AO. Going into what will be an even busier 2009, our community is well aware that it is a challenging time to be a university in Australia. How- ever, JCU is in a strong position because of the work undertaken over many years — and in 2008 — and because of our distinctiveness. It is a great time to be us. Professor Sandra Harding Vice-Chancellor and President

4 » James Cook University STATEMENT OF STRATEGIC INTENT

OUR INTENT . We offer our students a comprehensive range of courses and opportunities to work with world- A brighter future for life in the tropics, world- class researchers in areas of special relevance wide to the tropics. . We will focus our energies on advancing north- . Our University is about people and place, and ern Queensland and northern Australia, while we adopt new methods, new approaches and looking for our work to benefit the tropics world- new technologies to help our students develop wide the skills, abilities and knowledge base they . We will work with business, industry, government need to succeed and the community to create lasting intellectual, . We bring a diverse array of knowledge, skills cultural, social, health, environmental and eco- and experience through our staff and the nomic benefits for our region and beyond broader community to fulfil the potential of our . We will produce graduates with the expertise University and intellectual curiosity required for sustainable development of our communities, and we will conduct research to provide the knowledge and OUR VALUES AND BELIEFS understanding needed to meet the challenges facing northern Australia and the tropics world- Shared values and beliefs that underpin our wide action . We recognise that knowledge has the power to . We will embrace the communities we serve and change lives engage with them at all levels, sharing a sense of pride in the University’s achievements . We value excellence and authenticity . We recognise that a sustainable environment is OUR PURPOSE central to our lives and our work . We uphold our commitments Graduates and discoveries that make a difference . Our students are at the heart of our university . Our staff, students and alumni are proud of . Our staff act with integrity in a community that James Cook University’s reputation as a pro- values and respects them vider of high quality education and world-class research . We are committed to working towards the achievement of genuine and sustainable rec- . Our key responsibility is to our students. We onciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait aim to inspire them to make a difference in their Islander peoples and the wider community fields of endeavour and in their communities . We play a critical role in igniting and supporting . Discoveries derived from high quality and high a passion for learning in our community impact research are the hallmark of our endeavours . We are enriched by and celebrate our communities’ diversity

2008 Annual report: PART 1 « 5 KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Tea c h in g and Learnin g Number of DEST Publications Total Off-Campus/Off-Shore Fee Paying Load (EFTSL) Total Commonwealth-supported Indicator of research activity. Load (UG & PG) (EFTSL) Target: 720 Indicator of student enrolments and financial performance (ie. achieve- Indicator of student enrolments and 2007: 687 ment of budget target). Target: 1667 financial performance (ie. achieve- 2008: 760 ment of budget target). Target: 8119 2007: 1714 2008: 2359 2007: 7762 Total HDR Load (EFTSL) (Interna- 2008: 7631 tional & Domestic) Reputation (International Rank- Indicator of research training activ- ings): Shanghai Jiao Tong Commencing (UG & PG) ity and research outputs (IGS). Commonwealth-supported Load Target: 505 Indicator of reputation. (EFTSL) Target: Top 500 2007: 526 Indicator of student enrolments and 2008: 522 2007: Top 500 (469) 2008: Top 400 (376) financial performance (ie. achievement of budget target). Target: 3310 Number of HDR Completions First Preferences for Domestic 2007: 3120 (International & Domestic) Students 2008: 3114 Indicator of student outcomes, and Indicator of market share. research outputs (RTS). Target: 101 Target: 4753 Total Domestic Fee Paying Load (On-Campus) (EFTSL) 2007: 76 2007: 4922 2008: 61* 2008: 4822

Indicator of student enrolments and *Reporting period dates re-aligned – 7 months financial performance (ie. achieve- actuals repoted only Number of alumni who are able ment of budget target). Target: 118 to be contacted by the University Indicator of engagement success. 2007: 299 People & Culture 2008: 254 Target: 10,000 % of academic staff with PhD 2007: 1997 Commonwealth-supported Indicator of academic quality. 2008: 5000 Retention % Target: 56% Indicator of student success, teach- 2007: 53.5% Ph y si c al & Virtual ing quality and financial perfor- 2008: 59.6% Infrastru c ture mance (ie. achievement of budget Number of Significant Events target). Target: 77.8% Staff turnover Indicator of campus safety and risk 2007: 76.8% Indicator of staff morale and busi- profile. Target: 0 2008: 73% ness risk. Target: 10% 2007: 5 2008: 12 Overall Student Satisfaction 2007: 10.5% (CEQ) 2008: 10.7% Unscheduled ICT Downtime Teaching Quality Measure. Indicator of business continuity. Target: 68.6% % of Indigenous staff FTE of total FTE. Target: 2,000,000 hours 2007: 67.2% 2007: 3,116,864 2008: 66.0% Indicator of equity and access em- 2008: 3,015,521 ployment strategy success. Indigenous Participation (Enrol- Target: 1.8% Finan c e & Resour c es ments) 2007: 1.3% Indicator of equity access. 2008: 2.3% % Net Operating Result/Income* Target: 396 Indicator of financial management 2007: 382 success. Target: 11% 2008: 413 International & En g a g e m ent 2007: 18% Total On-Campus International 2008: 16.2% Adjusted net operating result 0.29% (target 2 %) Resear c h & Innovation Fee Paying Load (EFTSL) Total Research-related Income Indicator of student enrolments and Unqualified Audit Outcome financial performance (ie. achieve- Indicator of research activity. Tar- Indicator of financial management ment of budget target). Target: 1153 get: $49.9m standard. Target: Yes 2007: $45.8m 2007: 1085 2008: 1105 2007: Yes 2008: $49.6m 2008: Yes

6 » James Cook University AT A GLANCE

Student Body 16,593 THURSDAY ISLAND Course delivery SINGAPORE JCU Singapore HORN ISLAND Horn Island Research Station Staff (full time equivalent) 1628

Students graduating in 2008 3279

Alumni 37,877 MAREEBA Lotus Glen Correctional Centre course delivery from School of Indigenous Australian Studies Faculties 4 CAIRNS FIJI Cairns Campus Fiji School of Nursing MALANDA Veterinary Teaching Facility Schools 17 ORPHEUS ISLAND Orpheus Island Research Station PALUMA Paluma Research Station Residential Colleges 8 CHARTERS TOWERS TOWNSVILLE “Fletcherview” Tropical Townsville Campus Veterinary Research Station International Tropical Marine Resource Centre MOUNT ISA Undergraduate Awards available 214 James Cook University course delivery at Mount Isa Institute of MACKAY TAFE and the Mount Isa Centre Mackay Study Centre for Rural and Remote Health Postgraduate Awards available 187

Townsville Campus site: Area (ha) 360.1 Permanent buildings 154

Cairns Campus site: Area (ha) 87.9 BRISBANE Permanent buildings 13 Brisbane Campus

Mackay Study Centre: Area (ha) 0.23 To service the northern Queensland region from which it Permanent buildings 2 draws most of its students, the University has established two major campuses. The Townsville Campus is based in the suburb of Doug- Field Stations 5 las, and another large campus is located at Smithfield in Cairns, while a smaller campus has been established in Brisbane and additional study centres are located in Revenue $310.8m Mackay and Mt Isa. The University also has several specialist research and teaching sites in other parts of Queensland and through- Operating Expenses $260.5m out the rest of Australia, as well as strong links with international educational and research institutions and organisations, with particular emphasis on the Pacific and Capital Expenditure $66.3m Southeast Asia. In addition, the University has a flourish- ing campus in Singapore and School of Nursing in Fiji . More detailed information about the University’s overseas Assets $769.8m operations can be found in the chapter on International and Engagement on pages 28-29.

2008 Annual report: PART 1 « 7 governance

Co u n c i l m e m b e r s h i p a n d a tt e n d a n c e

Th e Ch a n c e l l o r (Ch a i r ) Lieutenant General John Grey, AC (Retd) attended 7/7 meetings held during 2008 membership

Th e De p u t y Ch a n c e l l o r (De p u t y Ch a i r ) Carmel Marie Ross BA Qld MA JamesCook MBA CQld AICD 2/2 (resigned in April) Ian David Jessup BEc James Cook FCPA CA 7/7 (5 as Deputy Chancellor from May) Official Members:

Th e Vi c e -Ch a n c e l l o r Sandra Harding BSc (Hons) ANU, M.Pub.Admin UQ, PhD NCSU, FAICD, FAIM 6/7 Andrew Vann BEng (Hons) NottTrent PhD Brist Grad- CertBusAd USC FAIM GAICD (Acting) 1/1 Members of the Council of James Cook University, 2008 Th e Ch a i r p e r s o n o f t h e Ac a d e m i c Bo a r d , Back row left to right: Mr Francis Tapim, Mr Gary Thompson, Mr Peter Cox, Mr Graham Paul Gadek BSc (Hons) UNSW, PhD UNSW, MAIBiol 7/7 Kirkwood, Prof David Yellowlees, Mr Michael Kern (Secretary), Dr Jan Wegner

Appointed Members: Middle row left to right: Dr Maria Moon, Mr Joseph Walker, Prof Peter Leggat, Prof Her Honour Judge Sarah Bradley BA Qld LLB Qld 6/7 Andrew Vann (Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Advisor), Her Honour Judge Sarah Bradley, Mr Campbell Charlton, Mr Kiel Shuttleworth, Mr Geoff Gorton Campbell Charlton BComm LLB FCA MIMC 7/7 Allison May Geisel AssDipBus CIAE DipTeach KGTC BEd Front row left to right: Ms Therese Smith, Prof Paul Gadek (Chair, Academic Board), BCAE BBus (Acc) USQ FCPA FTIA AIMM PFP 5/7 Prof Sandra Harding (Vice-Chancellor), Lt Gen John Grey AC (Chancellor), Mr Ian Jes- sup (Deputy Chancellor), Ms Lorna Hempstead, Ms Jill O’Sullivan Lorna Rosemarie Hempstead BA(hons) MAnc AMIAA FAIAM 6/7 Absent: Ms Alison Geisel, Ms Jennifer Jensen

Ian David Jessup BEc James Cook FCPA CA 7/7 Maria Elizabeth Louise Moon MBBS Melb FRACO FRACS 7/7 Carmel Marie Ross BA Qld MA James Cook MBA CQld St u d e n t s — AICD 2/2 (resigned in April) Peter Cox DipT James Cook, BEd WACAE 2/2 (from Francis Mickey Tapim 4/7 September) Gary Francis Thompson 2/3 (from July) Leeann McKiddie BSc UQ (resigned July) 4/4 Elected Members: Jill Catherine O’Sullivan BVa (Hons) James Cook MCA James Cook 6/7 Ac a d e m i c St a f f — Peter Leggat BMedSc Qld MBBSQld GDipEd Darling- Kiel Louis Shuttleworth BA James Cook 7/7 DownsIAE PGDipClinNutr IAN DTM&H Mahidol MMedEd Co n v o c a t i o n — Dund CertAddSt Curtin DIH Otago GDip CDA MPH Otago PGCertTravMed JamesCook GCertAeroMed Griff PhD Jennifer Joy Jensen BA UQ Dip Ed UQ BEdSt UQ SAust PGCertAeroEv Otago MD Qld MHealSc Otago GradDipEdAdmin BCAE Master in Education USQ Master DrPH JamesCook GCertAstron JamesCook GCertEd of Guidance and Counselling JCU 5/7 James Cook FAFPHM FACTM FFTM ACTM FFTM RCPSG FACRRM FSIA FAICD FACE FRGS ACPHM Graham Kirkwood BEc James Cook AAUQ Qld Dip Co CMSA 7/7 Dir UNE FCPA FAICD 7/7 Janice Helen Wegner BEd-BA (Hons) JamesCook MA Additional member: PhD 7/7 Therese Smith BSc JamesCook Grad Dip Teach (Second- David Yellowlees BSc PhD H-W 6/7 ary) QUT 6/7

Ge n e r a l St a f f — Secretary: Geoffrey Gorton BBus USQ Grad Dip CSP ICSA 7/7 Michael William Kern BCom JamesCook CA Grad DipCSP ACIS 7/7 Joseph Laurence Walker 6/7

8 » James Cook University Establis h m ent sub-committees, including the reconstitution of the Academic Board, its committees (Education The University was established by an Act of the and Research) and sub-committees (HDR), and Queensland Parliament, the James Cook University appointment of a full-time Chair of the Academic of North Queensland Act 1970, later remade as the Board James Cook University Act 1997. . review and approval of proposed amendments to JCU Coun c il the JCU Act The Council is the University’s governing authority. Its . review, amendment and remaking of Statutes 1 primary role is to oversee the affairs of the University and 2 and, in so doing, to ensure that the appropriate structures, policies, processes and planning are in place for . approval of the Reconciliation Statement JCU to effectively manage its activities and achieve . development and approval of the suite of official its goals. Council is also responsible for setting and KPIs and targets reviewing the strategic direction of the University, as outlined in the Statement of Strategic Intent. . approval of the restructure of the University Major achievements of the Council’s operations dur- . approval of the introduction of the new discipline ing 2008 included: of Dentistry . approval of the JCU budget Ris k m ana g e m ent . input into and approval of the Review of Strategic Intent Risk management has been identified as an integral component of the University’s efficient operation, . approval of the Academic Plan in identifying significant business risks which would have a material impact on the operations of the Coun c il c o m m ittees University. The Council has established a number of commit- During 2008, further development work was under- tees that provide support in overseeing the activities taken on a Risk Management Framework to meet and operations of the University. Full membership of two primary objectives: these committees, and details of meeting attendance, are provided in Volume Two of this report. . provide consistency to business risk management practices throughout the University. The . Academic Board framework outlines a methodology, based upon . Finance Committee qualitative risk assessment, which should be . Investment Sub-Committee applied to assessment of any risks of a general . Remuneration and Human Resources Committee nature. . Audit and Compliance Committee . outline the risk management process used at . Strategy Committee JCU. This framework has been designed to . Ceremonial and Honorary Degrees Committee provide assurance that all key risks within the . Discovery Rise Executive Steering Committee business are being identified and managed appropriately and to ensure the University, including management and the Council are aware of key Governan c e and c orporate h i g h li g h ts business risks. JCU fosters the practice of good governance, led by the Council and supported by a suite of relevant policies and guidelines headed by the Code of Dis c losures under Wh istleblowers Ac t Conduct. During 2008, the University finalised one disclosure Highlights during 2008 included: relating to a Building Regulations Compliance issue as a Public Interest Disclosure under the Whistle- . full compliance with the requirements of the Na- blowers Act 1994. The University has developed, tional Governance Protocols, notwithstanding the and is in the process of implementing, an action plan Commonwealth Government decision to remove to address these and other concerns following a the Protocols’ enforceability comprehensive review. . further implementation and embedding of the The University received one Public Interest Disclo- Risk Management Framework sure under the Act — relating an alleged non-compli- . implementation of the recommendations of the Re- ance with the State Purchasing Policy — which was view of the Academic Board, its committees and unable to be substantiated.

2008 Annual report: PART 1 « 9 STRUCTURE AND ORGANISATION

Pro -Vi c e -Ch an c ellor eput y i c e h an c ellor Vi c e -Ch an c ellor D -V -C Fa c ult y of Arts , Edu c ation & So c ial Cairns , International & Develop m ent Prof Sandra Harding Sc ien c es Prof Scott Bowman Prof Nola Alloway (Acting) Prof Janet Greeley until September l International l Marketing l Arts & Social Sciences l Media Relations l Education l Engagement & Alumni l Indigenous Australian Studies

Pro -Vi c e -Ch an c ellor Deput y -Vi c e -Ch an c ellor Senior Deput y Vi c e -Ch an c ellor Fa c ult y of Law , Business & Th e Resear c h & Innovation Prof Andrew Vann Creative Arts Prof Chris Cocklin (since July) l Teaching & Learning Development Prof Robin Woellner Prof Norman Palmer until June

l Business l Advanced Analytical Centre l School of Creative Arts l ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies l Law l Australian Tropical Forest Institute l Australian Tropical Science & Innovation Precinct l Graduate Research School l Research Services

Pro -Vi c e -Ch an c ellor Deput y -Vi c e -Ch an c ellor Ch airperson , Ac ade m i c Board Fa c ult y of Medi c ine , Healt h Universit y Servi c es & Re g istrar Prof Paul Gadek & Mole c ular Sc ien c es Ms Heather Gordon (Acting) Prof Ian Wronski l Accommodation, Halls & Residences l Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences l Equity Services l Pharmacy & Molecular Sciences l Human Resources l Medicine l Facilities Management l l Nursing, Midwifery & Nutrition Governance & Corporate Services l l Public Health,Tropical Medicine & Rehabilitation Information Technology & Resources Sciences l Library & Information Services l Mt Isa Centre for Rural & Remote Health l Student Services

Pro -Vi c e -Ch an c ellor Ex c utive Dire c tor Fa c ult y of Sc ien c e , En g ineerin g Finan c e & Resour c e Plannin g & Infor m ation Te c h nolo g y Ms Patricia Brand Prof Jeff Loughran (Acting) Prof Chris Cocklin until June l Finance & Business Services l Corporate Planning & Performance l Earth & Environmental Sciences l Commercial Services l Engineering l Quality Enhancement l Marine & Tropical Biology l Audit & Assurance l Mathematics, Physics & Information Technology l Australian Centre for Tropical Freshwater Research

10 » James Cook University UNIVERSITY PLAN

The University Plan gives life and substance to the tional impact and reach. JCU recognises its “power Strategic Intent for the whole of the JCU community, of place” and engages with all its communities and establishing the high-level framework within which industry to promote a sustainable region which is Faculty and Divisional plans will be developed. socially inclusive. JCU will continue to be a good corporate citizen having clear civic responsibility, inter- Our Ac ade m i c c ulture acting in a mutually beneficial way to ensure that the region grows and prospers in a sustainable manner. Our goal is to position JCU as a leader in teaching JCU will be a partner and advocate, integral to the and research addressing the critical challenges fac- social, cultural and intellectual life of its community. ing the tropics, world-wide. A defining feature of JCU By attracting international students from the tropics is its tropical location and excellence in disciplines of we will be able to build the social and intellectual particular relevance to the tropics. As a comprehen- capital of the developing countries within our region. sive university in the tropics, JCU is well placed to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration to meet these In preparing our students for a global environment, challenges. To this end, JCU is committed to provid- they will be exposed to global perspectives in a ing shape and direction to our teaching and research number of different ways; through the curriculum, by alignment to four major themes: their fellow students and educators. During their time at JCU students will be provided opportunities to • Tropical Ecosystems, Conservation and Climate travel and study overseas through exchanges, short Change courses or study aboard. Our international students • Industries and Economies in the Tropics are a great asset and we will engage with these graduates by facilitating international alumni groups • Peoples and Societies in the Tropics and developing ways in which they can meaningfully contribute to the internationalisation of JCU. • Tropical Health, Medicine and Biosecurity

We will build on current areas of world-class excel- People , Pla c e and Culture lence in JCU to achieve a strong performance in scholarship and teaching inspired by a researchen- The JCU experience is about igniting and support- riched environment. We recognise that the University ing a passion for learning and engagement that will is judged not only on its quality but equally on its make a difference for our lives and our work, our relevance and impact beyond academia. Accordingly communities, and life in the tropics, world-wide. we commit ourselves to research of excellence and We are an international community of scholars and high impact, particularly on issues of critical impor- professionals, with a global outlook, working for the tance to the world’s tropics. As a regionally-based best interests of the University. We value all aspects university, we recognise our obligation to engage of the University, respecting genuine expertise wher- with industry and government, commercialise our ever it occurs and celebrate individual and collective research findings and achieve critical mass through successes. Our size is an advantage in being able to productive research partnerships with other research encourage more opportunities for interaction among organisations. JCU is a site and catalyst for innova- staff, students, and our communities. We support the tion and understanding. total student experience, understanding that learning does not only take place in the classroom and Our teaching is high-quality, innovative and engag- that students’ time spent at the University is about a ing to students. Our approach is characterised by whole range of experiences. We have a commitment personal relations with students and we provide al- to excellence, equity and diversity for all students ternate modes of delivery responsive to their needs, and staff. in a contemporary learning environment, ensuring contact with teachers and other students. Our students come from many backgrounds. We are also enriched by having both of Australia’s indig- Over the next five years we will be aiming to: enous populations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Is- landers located in its region of northern Queensland. • increase the on-campus student population to Indigenous Australians have a special spiritual rela- 14,000 EFTSL in Australia tionship with the land. At JCU, our campuses reflect • double our research income to $80 million per the diverse landscapes, people, place and cultures. annum Our locations are our laboratories, and enliven and enrich the way in which the University operates. We • develop teaching and research specialisations endeavour to be an employer of choice, building an on our different campuses, particularly acknowl- environment which facilitates and rewards excel- edging the growth potential of Cairns. lence, performance and productivity. Both students and staff will achieve their greatest potential in an Our en g a g e m ent - lo c all y , nationall y and environment that values excellence, diversity and g loball y fosters community spirit. JCU is a contemporary and dynamic institution and a Our physical infrastructure is centred on integrating major driver of economic growth and social change the educational, social, cultural and economic devel- in northern Queensland, as well as having interna- opment requirements to create a community with a

2008 Annual report: PART 1 « 11 vibrant and sustainable academic, social, artistic and North Queensland, is significantly affected by the commercial life. The conventional lifestyle elements resources boom. International student demand is be- of location, amenity, and environment are expanded ing impacted by the strong Australian dollar. Strong to include attributes of opportunity, innovation, economic growth for the country, a strong labour creativity and entrepreneurship - creating a different market and a strong dollar provide for a challenging kind of work-life environment. we are committed to outlook. providing the best physical and virtual infrastructure The University is in an investment phase as part of possible for them. Scholarly communication is no the next stage of JCU’s development. This invest- longer tied to place and time and students have em- ment is centred around a refocussing and strength- braced new technologies for teaching and learning ening of its strategic intent. This will involve the need and social networking. JCU has made a commitment to reprioritise University resources in order to deliver to a strategic and managed approach to ICT deploy- on the strategic intent and objectives expressed in ment and to planning and reviewing the opportuni- the University Plan, and creating the capacity for the ties provided by appropriate ICT investments University to continue to invest in its future.

Our lon g ter m sustainabilit y Having a sustainable physical and virtual environment will enhance the university’s reputation as a The Higher Education Sector is being confronted by provider of high quality education and world class new challenges both domestically and internation- research. Increasing the range and quality of infra- ally. For the first time, the supply of Commonwealth structure will inspire our students and staff and foster supported places exceeds the level of demand wider business, industry, government and community across the sector. Queensland, and particularly engagement.

UNIVERSITY PLAN objectives

Ac ade m i c Ph y si c al and Virtual Infrastru c ture Objective A1: Enhance our tropical focus Objective I1: To transform our campuses into places Objective A2: Enhance the quality of our teaching of international renown which enhance university life and prosperity through precincts of inspiration, courses reflection and social engagement. Objective A3: Deliver appropriately skilled graduates Objective I2: As Australia’s research university for who will make a difference the tropics, we provide welcoming, sustainable and Objective A4: Offer a socially inclusive learning fit-for-purpose facilities and spaces that reflect our environment Objective Strategies Performance unique locations, value our connection to place, and Indicators enable our quality teaching and research. Objective A5: Enhance research excellence Objective I3: Provide robust virtual environments that foster teaching and research and builds a sense Objective A6: Enhance research impact of community. Objective A7: Enhance research commercialisation Objective I4: To provide a safe and secure University Objective A8: Enhance Research Capacity and environment where students and staff are able to Infrastructure work and pursue their educational goals.

People and Culture International and En g a g e m ent Objective PC1: University Experience - Create a Objective IE1: Enhance Internationalisation of JCU culture of scholarship and innovation and promote Objective IE2: Enhance the degree to which JCU is an inclusive and welcoming learning community for engaged with its communities staff and students. Objective IE3: Promote inclusion within the region Objective PC2: Diversity - Develop a culturally appropriate environment which ecognises and Finan c e and Resour c es celebrates the diverse multi-cultural communities in Objective FR1: Manage resources in a financially re- which the Uiversity resides. sponsible way to support the University Plan as the Objective PC3: Future Readiness and Success - To University moves into its next stage of development. create a culture with the capacity, capability and Objective FR2: Realise capabilities to achieve a resilience to anticipate and respond to the future consistent financial management framework with including changes in the workforce, and to advance stronger accountabilities. and transfer knowledge. Objective FR3: Adopt a continuous improvement cul- Objective PC4: Leadership and Management – To ture which seeks to enhance productivity and ensure recognise that the University requires good leader- value for money. ship at all levels and a strong management culture to Objective FR4: Integrate planning and performance be an employer of choice. frameworks within University business cycles.

12 » James Cook University key achievements

Tea c h in g and Learnin g . 2720 students took part in workshops on academic writing, organisational skills and note-taking . teaching and learning goals, objectives, strategies and performance measures were developed for the Academic Plan . the Library’s new Finding Indigenous Information online facility . Faculty Associate Deans for Teaching and Learning were ap- saw 9392 hits in the first seven months pointed . Workforce Planning Model integrated with Budget; . the Education Committee was established as a sub committee . Indigenous employment co-ordination renewed, pursuant to the of Academic Board Reconciliation Statement; . ten JCU academics shared seven citations for excellence in . change management co-ordination introduced and all organisa- teaching from Australian Learning and Teaching Council tional change managed . a major Curriculum Refresh Project was established to ensure courses are in line with strategic intent, with the University International and En g a g e m ent receiving $2.8 million form the Structural Diversity Fund for curriculum renewal . international and engagement goals, objectives, strategies and performance measures were developed for the University Plan . through the First Year Experience Project, a survey of first year student responses indicated improved student satisfaction, and . international student numbers increased provided direction indicators for further strategies . JCU Singapore student numbers continued to grow . professional accreditation was secured or renewed for a large number of degree programs . the Directorate of Engagement was established with responsibility for alumni relations, community engagement, fundraising and development Resear c h and Innovation . research and innovation goals, objectives, strategies and perfor- h y si c al and irtual nfrastru c ture mance measures were developed for the University Plan P V I . infrastructure goals, objectives, strategies and performance . the University received $35.2m of research funding in 2008, measures were developed for the University Plan including $14m in the form of Australian Competitive Grants . the Australian Tropical Forest Institute was completed and . three research students were awarded JCU Excellence for opened on Cairns Campus  a Doctoral Research Thesis medals and their work received . design work continued, and a construction contract was award- national and/or international acclaim ed, for the Australian Topical Science and Innovation Precinct . the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies had its . a new School of Creative Arts building was completed and third full year of operation in 2008, cementing Australia’s leading opened on Townsville Campus contribution to coral reef science . the first stage of the Pharmacy and Medical School Expansion, . Australian Research Council awarded $3.6m to the University, a 300-seat lecture theatre, was completed while the National Health & Medical Research Council awarded $2.1m . a new Sport & Recreation Centre was completed at the Towns- ville Campus . Statement of Intent signed with Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries to jointly establish an Australian . the Veterinary Science program education centre in Malanda Institute of Tropical Agricultural Sciences and a veterinary emergency centre and hospital at the Towns- ville Campus were completed • awarding of $5.184m through the Commonwealth Government’s Diversity and Structural Adjustment Fund to help establish . the Campus District Cooling project on the Townsville Campus the Cairns Institute at the University to provide the focus for continued on track for completion in 2009 research in the humanities and social sciences in the tropics . James Cook University Library on Townsville Campus was of- • successful application for $3.43m from Diversity and Structural ficially named the Eddie Koiki Mabo Library, and the Humanities Adjustment Fund to establish the Australian National Network in II building was officially named the Ken Back Chancellery Marine Science Finan c e and Resour c es People and Culture . finance and business goals, objectives, strategies and perfor- . people and culture goals, objectives, strategies and performance measures were developed for the University Plan mance measures were developed for the University Plan . quality enhancement framework was implemented . Equity Directorate created . SpendVision expense management system was fully implement- . implementation of the Shared Services Project in areas of Fi- nance, Marketing, IT, Human Resources and Student Services ed . . progress made on developing strategies for good practice Strategic Asset Management Plan was developed and imple- raised as issues in the Staff Climate Survey mented . Financial Management Framework was implemented, with . JCU allocated 427 new Commonwealth Learning Scholarships development of a new resource allocation model, a move from with a total value of $750.000 cash to accrual based budgeting and development of a long range financial model . JCU’s Learning Advisers provided 2721 individual consultations

2008 Annual report: PART 1 « 13 TEACHING AND LEARNING

Teaching and learning is the core business of James • Less students are working Cook University and our teachers are among the best in the country. • Students who are working are working more hours Following on from the Statement of Strategic Intent, the Academic Plan was drafted and consulted, • Links between content in study period 1 subjects enabling the establishment of teaching and learning has improved objectives, strategies and key performance indica- • More students felt the quality of teaching of teach- tors. ing in their course was generally good Associate Deans for Teaching and Learning were • More students are having a year off after finishing appointed in each Faculty and have undertaken school significant roles promoting and responding to relevant issues within their Faculties and across the The University is committed to developing in its Institution. They are key members of the newly- graduates a range of qualities and attributes that will established Education Committee, which reports enable them to make an outstanding contribution to to Academic Board and is the central instrument both their own discipline and to the wider community. for teaching and learning policy development and Graduate satisfaction in degree programs, and their implementation. success in finding employment or going on to further study, is reflected in the Learning and Teaching Supported by the Federal Government’s Structural Performance Fund figures for 2007 released in late Diversity Fund, progress was made on the Cur- 2008: riculum Refresh initiative, under which Faculties and Schools are reviewing courses and subjects to Science, Engineering Adjusted score ensure they meet the University’s strategic intent of Outcome 2007 Further full-time or part-time study 19.6 ‘a brighter future for life in the tropics, world-wide’. 2007 Full-time employment 90.7 The initiative will be finalised in the first half of 2009. Student satisfaction 2007 Satisfaction with generic skills 75.8 In 2008, visiting national and international scholars in 2007 Satisfaction with good teaching 57.5 teaching and learning were invited to speak at JCU, 2007 Overall satisfaction 71 through funding received form the ALTC through Success 2007 Progress rate 79.5 their Promoting Excellence Initiative. This follows an 2006 Retention rate 74.8 increased level of connection with the ALTC which has included participation in the Sessional Staffing Business, Law Adjusted score Report, and in the Distributive Leadership Project. Outcome 2007 Further full-time or part-time study 24.6 2007 Full-time employment 83.9 Contact was also made with other Intensive Re- search Universities of Australia to explore common Student satisfaction 2007 Satisfaction with generic skills 70.7 interests in teaching and learning. 2007 Satisfaction with good teaching 46.6 2007 Overall satisfaction 67.1 Continued focus on the first year student experience included delivery of the second student survey, Success 2007 Progress rate 77.7 which indicated close to a 10% increase in the num- 2006 Retention rate 69.8 ber of students who found their staff approachable, Arts, Education Adjusted score reaching a high level of 80.8%. Further information Outcome 2007 Further full-time or part-time study 19.3 from the survey indicated that in comparison with 2007 Full-time employment 82 data from 2006: Student satisfaction 2007 Satisfaction with generic skills 75.5 . Students have better access to computers and 2007 Satisfaction with good teaching 60.6 internet 2007 Overall satisfaction 73 . Students’ use of web based resources including Success 2007 Progress rate 80.4 LearnJCU has increased 2006 Retention rate 67.1 • Staff were perceived as more approachable, Health Adjusted score available to discuss student’s work and more Outcome 2007 Further full-time or part-time study 4.9 interested in student’s progress 2007 Full-time employment 99.1 • More students reported having made close friends Student satisfaction 2007 Satisfaction with generic skills 74.5 at Uni 2007 Satisfaction with good teaching 53.4 • Students were more informed about the range of 2007 Overall satisfaction 67 student services available Success 2007 Progress rate 87.3 2006 Retention rate 78.3 • Students are spending more time on campus – Course contact hours appear to have increased

14 » James Cook University The University sees the central role of learning and • Dr Helen Garner and Dr Nathan Swailes from teaching as a crucial part of fulfilling its mission and Veterinary and Biomedical Science recognises a need to continually assess the quality • Ms Mandy Shircore, Ms Rachel Bradshaw and of its teaching policies, practices and procedures, Ms Dominique Thiriet from Law and to evaluate them against accepted best practice, to ensure graduates can take their place confidently • Dr Tom Mylne from Public Health, Tropical Medi- in the workforce with degrees respected by the cine and Rehabilitation Science. professions. The 2008 Vice-Chancellor’s Citation for Outstand- Staff a c h ieve m ents and awards ing Contribution to Student Learning was won by Mr Clive Hutchison. In 2008, ten JCU academics won seven citations for excellence in teaching from the Australian Learning Develop m ent of tea c h in g staff and Teaching Council. Very few universities across JCU provides professional development for its Australia received more awards. teaching staff, with workshops provided by the The award winners who were cited for an outstand- Teaching and Learning Development Directorate ing contribution to student learning, were: across a wide variety of topics designed to improve the quality of the teaching and learning. Specific • Mr Clive Hutchison from the Faculty of Law, focuses for 2008 were academic writing and innova- Business and Creative Arts, for engaging and tions in learning technologies. motivating tertiary creative arts students through sustained development of innovative, industry The annual Teaching and Learning Week’s 2008 relavant, flexible subjects and resources that themes were enhancing the teaching/research nex- stimulate deep learning within a collaborative us and improving feedback for student assessment. environment. Professor Kerri-Lee Krause from Griffith University presented on the teaching/research nexus, while • Professor Philip Pearce from the Faculty of Law, Professors Sally Brown and Phil Race from Leeds Business and Creative Arts, for advancing tour- Metropolitan University provided highly successful ism education and the learning experiences of workshops and seminars. Other presenters at semi- tourism students through world class research, nars and workshops during 2008 included Denise scholarship and service. Chalmers (formerly of the ALTC), Professor Peter Goodyear from the University of Sydney, Dr Philip • Dr Angela Hill from the Faculty of Arts, Education Morgan from Newcastle, Dr John Willison from the and Social Sciences, for the redesign of cur- University of Adelaide and Deborah Southwell from riculum to incorporate work integrated learning QUT. and authentic assessment in the field of teacher education. The Learning Adviser program performs a key student support function and includes workshops • Dr Stephen Torre from the Faculty of Arts Educa- covering the range of academic and writing skills, tion and Social Sciences, for enhancing positive the publication of study support materials, individual student engagement in university literary studies. assistance for undergraduate and postgraduate • Dr Pauline Taylor from the Faculty of Arts, Educa- students, support for AusAid students, and the tion and Social Sciences, for integrating exten- mentoring program. Significant effort has gone into sive professional knowledge and experience into supporting students from non-English speaking quality teaching for first year Education students. backgrounds in 2008 and this will be further developed, especially in relation to postgraduate student • Professor Kim Usher, Dr Kim Foster, Dr Lee support in 2009. Literacy and numeracy issues con- Stewart and Mrs Joanne Tollefson from the Fac- tinue to arise for students in higher education across ulty of Medicine, Health and Molecular Sciences, Australia and significant input is being provided by for effective curriculum which promotes student learning advisors to address the problems. learning in nursing education in regional, remote and Pacific locations. The Student Mentor Program on Townsville, Cairns and Brisbane campuses provides one of the most • Dr D’Arcy Mullamphy form the Faculty of Sci- far reaching and visible networks for successfully ence, Engineering and Information Technology, assisting first year students at JCU. for dispelling the fear of Mathematics through respect for the learning of individuals. Innovations The University also gave teaching awards to these The University was successful in gaining $2.8m in staff, as well as to : funding from the Federal Government Diversity and Structural Adjustment fund to support the Curriculum • Dr Marcus Sheaves form Marine and Tropical Refresh initiative’s review of courses and subjects Biology over 2009 and 2010 to ensure they align with the

2008 Annual report: PART 1 « 15 University’s strategic intent. The aim of this project Hon FAFPHM FRACMA FAMA was awarded an is to position JCU as Australia’s National University Honorary Doctorate of Science at the December for the Tropics and as Australia’s most distinctive 2007 Faculty of Medicine, Health and Molecular University. All JCU’s programs will be reviewed to Sciences ceremony in Townsville. ensure they match the University’s four strategic themes: • Mr Don Fry AO DipEng(Mech & Eec) Hon FIEAUST CEng MIMarE MRINA FTSE was • Tropical Ecosystems, Conservation and Climate awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering Change at the March 2008 Faculty of Science, Engineer- • Industries and Economies in the Tropics ing and Information Technology ceremony in Townsville. • Peoples and Societies in the Tropics • Mr Les Hiddins was awarded an Honorary Doc- • Tropical Health, Medicine and Biosecurity torate of Science at the March 2008 Faculty of In addition, they will be reviewed to ensure they are Science, Engineering and Information Technol- appropriately internationalised, linked to research, ogy ceremony in Townsville. include Indigenous knowledge, offer opportunities for work-integrated learning and expose students to • Emeritus Professor Bernard Moulden AM sustainability issues. BA(Hons) Durham PhD Reading Professor Emeritius University of Western Australia, Flexible learning development projects continued Professor Emeritus James Cook University was to build on work begun in 2007, with grants made awarded an Honorary Doctorate of the University to staff to design more effective modes of flexible at the March 2008 Faculty of Science, Engineer- delivery. Activities to help students in their transition to University continued to be developed through the ing and Information Technology ceremony in First Year Experience Project, which flowed from the Townsville. survey of the first year student experience conduct- • Professor Jeannie Herbert was awarded an ed in 2006. Honorary Doctorate of Educational Studies at the Graduations and Em plo y m ent March 2008 Faculty of Arts, Education and Social Sciences ceremony in Townsville. A total of 2217 students graduated from the Uni- versity in 2008. Students graduating at the various • Maj. Gen. (Ret’d) Professor John Pearn AM, graduation ceremonies totaled 1106 of whom 808 RFD BSc MBBS(Hons) MD Qld PhD DCH Lon- came from the Townsville Campus, 127 from Cairns don FRACP FRCP UK FRCP Edin FRCPS Glasg Campus, 98 from Singapore, 46 from Guangzhou FACTM Hon FRACMA FAIM FAMA was awarded and 27 from Fiji. A further 1111 degrees for gradu- an Honorary Doctorate of Science at the April ates were conferred in absentia by Council. 2008 combined Faculty of Science, Engineering Honorary docotrates were awarded to nine people and Information Technology, Faculty of Medicine, who have made significant contributions in their Health and Molecular Sciences and the Faculty fields. of Law, Business and the Creative Arts ceremony in Cairns. • Australia’s Governor General, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce was awarded an Honorary Doctor Graduate destination data showed that 69% of of the University at the December 2007 Faculty James Cook University graduates (2007 National of Medicine, Health and Molecular Sciences Data) were in full-time work, an increase of 1.8% ceremony in Townsville. on the previous year, but 9.5% higher than the • One of Australia’s Living Treasures, Dr Basil Het- national average. The data also showed 9% were zel, an Honorary Doctorate of Science Honoris in part-time work and seeking full-time work, while Causa at the December 2007 Faculty of Medi- only 3.9% were not working but seeking full-time cine, Health and Molecular Sciences ceremony work. in Townsville. Total enrolment for the academic year was 13410 • Dr John Barton (Jack) Best AO MB BS MD Melb on-campus students, or 9329 EFTSL. Offers of un- PhD Monash FRACMA FAFPHM FAMA was dergraduate places were made to 4403 prospective awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science at students through QTAC; and 602 direct undergradu- the December 2007 Faculty of Medicine, Health ate offers were made outside the QTAC system. and Molecular Sciences ceremony in Townsville. Cairns Campus had an enrolment of 2106 EFTSL • The Honourable Dr Michael Richard Lewis representing nearly 23% of the total University enrol- Wooldridge BSc MB BS MBA Hon LLD Monash ment.

16 » James Cook University 2008 Annual report: PART 11 « 17 RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

James Cook University leads Australia in research eed conference proceedings (which translates into of importance to the tropics and is among the top 760.5 HERDC weighted points). universities of the world for research in tourism, ecology/environment, plant and animal science and Citations are widely recognised as the most robust geosciences. measure of research quality, particularly in the sciences, and data published by one of the world’s The University’s focus on the tropics directly benefits leading sources of information on citations, indicates the northern Queensland region, and is of growing that JCU is ranked 44 in the world for citations in the significance for the nation and the world. field of Environment & Ecology and 111 in the field of Geosciences. The tropics accounts for 46% of the nation’s land- mass and – despite its low and dispersed population Based on citations per paper in all fields, JCU base – is the source of more than 30% of the na- was ranked 12th among the Australian universi- tion’s exports, particularly from mining, oil and gas. ties in 2008, and was the highest ranked institution Six per cent of Australians live in the tropics, includ- worldwide in the field of coral reef ecology based ing about one-third of Indigenous Australians. on citations, and in the field of tourism based on publications. In an era of threatening climate change, tropical issues are of global significance. About half of the Resear c h trainin g at JCU world’s population lives in the tropics and the rate of growth of the region’s population is double the world Research students are integral to the success of average. The tropics are under severe and growing the University’s research. In 2008, there were 847 pressure: many tropical countries are experiencing research students at JCU and about 32% were in- biodiversity loss on a massive scale; and continuing ternational, a significant proportion compared to the poor health outcomes are linked to high population accepted 20% benchmark for Australian universities. density and the emergence of new infectious dis- In 2008, 97 research students, including 82 PhD eases. These processes are exacerbated by global graduates, were awarded their degrees. warming. One student was awarded the University Medal for In 2008, the Cutler Review of the National Innovation Excellence for a Masters Research Thesis. System (Venturous Australia) identified ‘tropical solu- Resear c h h i g h li g h ts tions’ as an immediate national innovation priority. The University’s aims are to conduct research to The Federal Government’s principal funding body provide the knowledge and understanding needed for non-medical research, the Australian Research to meet the challenges facing northern Australia and Council (ARC), awarded $3.6 million to the Univer- the tropics worldwide. sity under its various programs. This focus on tropical solutions aligns with the ARC Centre of Ex c ellen c e for Coral Reef national innovation priority identified by the Cutler Studies Review. It aligns also with the increasing investment The ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Stud- by the Queensland Government in tropical science, ies had its third full year of operation in 2008. The knowledge and innovation, reflected in the release in Centre of Excellence undertakes research on the 2008 of the Q-Tropics Strategy. science that underpins the sustainability and man- The Tropical Leaders Recruitment Program received agement of the world’s coral reefs. approval for the appointment of up to 19 Professors The Centre’ s research programs are multidisci- who are considered world leaders in targetted areas plinary and global in focus. Managing corals reefs of research excellence. proactively, in anticipation of future uncertainty is a The role of research at James Cook University is key unifying theme in all of the Centre’s research central to the region’s future, and its importance is programs. acknowledged by both the Queensland and Austra- The ARC Centre is ranked number one globally for lian Governments and by businesses and organisa- citations in coral reef science, and is the world’s tions across Queensland. largest provider of graduate training in coral reef JCU’S resear c h perfor m an c e research, with over 150 PhD students currently enrolled. The Centre cements Australia’s leading In total, the University received $35.2 million of contribution to coral reef science, with strong col- research funding in 2008, including $14 million in the laborative links between the major partners — JCU, form of Australian Competitive Grants, reinforcing the University of Queensland and the Australian JCU’s position as Australia’s premier University in National University — and 162 leading institutions in the tropics and one of the country’s leading regional 36 countries worldwide. research organisations. The University published 1098 HERDC research publications (2007 data) In 2008, Professor Terry Hughes was awarded the in research journals, books, book chapters and refer- Darwin Medal for his outstanding contributions to

18 » James Cook University coral reef science. Professor Hughes also at- Researchers Development award worth $150,000 tracted the 2008 Thomson Scientific Citation Award over three years. His qualitative study will explore as one of Australia’s top 10 researchers. Professor the barriers to implementation of infectious disease Bob Pressey was awarded the inaugural Australian interventions from the perspective of the Indigenous Ecology Research Award by the Australian Ecology communities and health service staff. Society of Australia for excellence in research in ecology. ARC Lin k a g e Proje c ts In 2008 JCU received $690,000 for four Linkage ederation ellows h ip ARC F F projects including: A highlight in 2008 has been the award of a Federa- . A collaborative project with AngloGold Ashanti tion Fellowship to Professor Michael Bird. One of Australia Ltd, in which Associate Professor Tom the world’s leading experts in environmental geo- Blenkinsop and Professor Nick Oliver will investi- chemistry, Professor Bird has joined JCU to work on gate the combination of features that caused the environmental changes, carbon cycling and human exceptional metal concentration at Sunrise Dam impact in tropical Australia. Gold mine, which is Australia’s largest gold pro- His research aims to predict the response of tropical ducer, with a deposit containing at least 10 million ecosystems to future environmental changes; de- ounces of gold. The ARC will contribute $214,000 velop effective methodologies for improved carbon to the project over two years. sequestration, verifiable carbon accounting and . Use of nearshore regions of the Great Barrier emissions trading; and achieve sustainability in the Reef by sharks and other predatory fish remains use of natural resources. largely unresearched, particularly regarding the Recently Professor of Environmental Change at use of habitats and competition for resources. In the UK’s third oldest university — the University of cooperation with the Queensland Department of St Andrews in Scotland — Professor Bird was one Primary Industries & Fisheries and the National of a select group of 14 who were awarded Federa- Marine Fisheries Service), and supported with tion Fellowships in 2008. He joins Professor Terry a $195,000 grant over three years, Dr Colin Hughes (a dual Fellowship holder) as the other ARC Simpfendorfer will examine the movements of Federation Fellow at JCU. nearshore predators to define habitat use and interactions among species and evaluate the ef- ARC Dis c over y Proje c ts ficacy of marine protection areas.

JCU received ten grants under this scheme in 2008 National Healt h and Medi c al Resear c h for total funding of $ 2.4 million and included the fol- Coun c il (NHMRC) Fundin g lowing research projects. The NHMRC fosters medical and public health A team lead by Drs Peter Franks and Joe Holtum research and training throughout Australia across received $500,000 over three years to build a global a wide variety of funding schemes. The University chronology of the capacity of plants to exchange gas was successful in obtaining five Project Grants com- over the 450 million year history of land plants. This mencing in 2009 totalling $2,077,620. will provide an unprecedented perspective on the relationship between changes in atmospheric carbon Professor Jonathan Golledge received three dioxide, global vegetation and climate change. NHMRC Project Grants totalling $1.25 M for his research into detecting and treating abdominal Professor Ross Alford, with funding of $490,000 over aortic aneurysms. Professor Golledge and his three years will investigate recent recovery in some team at JCU will be collaborating with colleagues at frog species from the fungal disease chytridiomyco- Fremantle Hospital, the University of Queensland, sis, which is a significant threat to Australian frogs. Stanford University, Beijing Genomics Institute, and The aim of the research is to develop ways to control Washington University. the disease in other species, and helpi protect Australia against this invasive and highly destructive Associate Professor Geoffrey Dobson has devel- disease. oped a novel organ preservation solution and has obtained a grant of $471,000 to improve the solution, Professor Richard Keene’s project, supported for permitting organs to be safely stored for up to 15 three years with $320,000, aims to develop new hours, a substantial advance on current limits. complex metal-based molecules for use in cataly- sis, light-harvesting and small molecule recognition Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease – a applications. The interaction of these composite complication which follows infection with a specific materials with nucleic acids will be used to develop bacterium – is a significant cause of illness in indig- new RNA-binding materials, with particular emphasis enous communities in Australia. The purpose of the $360,125 study by ASssociate Professor Natkunam on HIV-AIDS. Ketheesan and a colleague from Oklahoma is to Dr Adrian Miller was awarded an Indigenous compare the body’s response to the bacterium in

2008 Annual report: PART 1 « 19 patients and healthy controls, and observe the pat- Over the past decade, JCU’s approach to this terns of antibody and immune cell reactivity to both challenge has been to build capacity by creating the bacterium and body proteins. partnership with other research organisations in the region, and to co-locate key research staff and infra- Ot h er resear c h proje c ts structure. The ultimate goal is to increase research JCU continues to be a major contributor to the capacity in the northern Queensland region. Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility AIMS@JCU, brings together researchers from (MTSRF). Researchers at JCU led by Professor JCU and the Australian Institute of Marine Science Bruce Prideaux, for example, lead the tourism com- (AIMS) to focus on collaborative research in tropical ponent of the MTSRF. aquaculture, coastal processes and modelling, and JCU has performed well over the years in obtaining stress in tropical marine systems. funds from the Commonwealth’s Research and De- The Tropical Landscapes Joint Venture (TLJV), velopment Corporations, government departments established in 2006, is a collaborative program of and industry, and 2008 was no exception. research between JCU and CSIRO that focuses on Professor Lee Fitzpatrick received a grant worth research to underpin the sustainable management $948,500 from Meat & Livestock Australia to evalu- of tropical Queensland’s environmental assets. ate over three years the economic returns, produc- There is also growing collaboration between JCU tion parameters, feedlot performance, carcass and the Queensland Department of Primary Indus- characteristics, meat quality and animal welfare tries and Fisheries (QDPI&F) under the auspices of and behaviour issues associated with early and late a Memorandum of Understanding. castrated, short-scrotum and male calves, which are not castrated in any form, sourced from northern Linked to its commitment to research partnerships, breeding herds. the University has embarked on major infrastructure developments with the goal of co-locating research- A cross-disciplinary team from the Indigenous Health ers from JCU and partner research institutions. Unit, Education, Medicine, and Social Work & Com- munity Welfare have received a $668,000 grant The Australian Tropical Forest Institute Building, from the Commonwealth Department of Families, opened on the Cairns Campus in 2008 and was Housing, Community Services & Indigenous Affairs named the Sir Robert Norman Building. It brings to- to develop an integrated service delivery model for gether researchers from JCU, CSIRO and QDPI&F Palm Island. The team led by Associate Professor to create Australia’s largest grouping of researchers Jacinta Elston will scope the development of the focusing on the sustainable management of tropical model in four key areas: Service Planning and Mod- landscapes. ATFI also houses the Australian Tropical elling; Education; Participation (Social Inclusion); Herbarium, Australia’s largest collection of tropical and Human and Social Services. plant species. Associate Professor Wendy Earles has obtained Due for completion in 2010, the Australian Topical $375,000 from the Queensland Department of Child Science and Innovation Precinct (ATSIP) will house Safety to design a learning and development strat- CSIRO researchers currently based at the Davies egy for non-government child protection placement Laboratory in Townsville along with researchers from services. The strategy will address issues such as JCU with complementary research interests under the sustainability of this non-government sector, the TLJV. growth in workforce capacity, creation of pathways The Queensland Government has provided substan- for learning, and building knowledge & practice tial support for these facilities through its Smart State frameworks for workers and carers in the Far North- Research Facilities Fund (SSRFF) and Innovation ern and Northern zones. Building Fund (IBF).

MBD Biodiesel Ltd has contracted Professor Rocky International di m ension de Nys and Associate Professor Kirsten Heimann to develop appropriate algae strains and evaluate The University continues its research overseas with process parameters in a test photo-bioreactor for significant new funding for international research the production of biodiesel from microalgal biomass. projects in 2008, particularly in areas reflecting This $351,560 project has also attracted significant JCU’s research strengths in areas of importance to Queensland Government support. the tropics. The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Infrastru c ture and Collaboration Research (ACIAR) has awarded $50,000 to a team One of the greatest challenges facing regional led by Dr Paul Nelson to bring together major palm universities such as JCU is establishing the critical oil players in Papua New Guinea to develop envi- mass to effectively address their priority research ronmental indicators of sustainability. Palm oil is the issues. largest cash crop in PNG.

20 » James Cook University A second ACIAR project led by Drs Tony Page and Jonathan Cornelius will focus on the socio-economic constraints to smallholder sandalwood producers in Vanuatu, with the goal of developing capacity and attracting future investment.

Indi g neous resear c h JCU occupies a special place in the recent indigenous history of Australia. The University was the base for many years for Eddie Mabo, a Torres Strait Islander whose endeavours led to the historic decision of the High Court of Australia to recognise native title. The University’s commitment to indigenous issues continues through the School of Indigenous Australian Studies. JCU’s record of research on issues of importance to Aboriginal and Torres Strain Islander peoples continues. Between 2001 and 2008, over 436 research grants held by researchers at JCU focused on themes of relevance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and accounted for close to $60 million of the University’s research income. In recent years, this income has represented 65% of the University’s research income.

Resear c h initiatives In concert with the University’s Statement of Strategic Intent, new initiatives in Research and Innovation during 2008 were centred on tropical knowledge and innovation. The University launched its Tropical Leaders program to recruit as many as 19 new research leaders. The University signed a Statement of Intent with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fish- eries to jointly establish an Australian Institute of Tropical Agricultural Sciences. Following the Statement of Intent signning, the Queen- sland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries announced plans to establish a new multi-million dollar biosecurity facility at the Townsville Campus. The Cairns Institute will provide the focus for research in the humanities and social sciences on the tropics and in 2008 the University was awarded $5.184 million through the Commonwealth Government’s Diversity and Struc- tural Adjustment Fund to help establish the Institute. The University was also a partner, in conjunction with the University of Western Australia, to a successful $3.43m Diversity and Structural Adjustment Fund application submitted by the University of Tasmania to establish the Australian National Network in Marine Science. In the interests of developing a national network of institutions interested in tropical solutions, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Griffith University to collaborate in research relevant to the tropics.

20082008 Annu Annual report:al report: PART P A1RT « 1 21« 21 PEOPLE AND CULTURE

James Cook University is committed to providing a ing for academic promotion, as well as training in supportive environment for both students and staff, various general and specialist software programs. and continues to evaluate and develop organisation- Women accounted for 63% of attendances. al structures and mechanisms to further that goal. Professional staff (the composition of which is 67% Staff female), actively participated in staff development opportunities, with 408 individual attendances includ- JCU has a commitment to increased excellence, ing a number of part-time staff who – along with equity and diversity for all staff, and to attracting, casual staff -- are able to benefit from development retaining and developing outstanding staff to work in opportunities at JCU. a high quality education and research environment with special relevance to the tropics. The 2007 Staff Wo m en Satisfaction Survey confirmed that while the Univer- The University’s concentrated efforts to increase the sity has a dedicated staff who are committed to, and number of women at senior levels has resulted in an enjoy working for, JCU, a increased focus on com- increase of female Senior Lecturers from 30 in 2002 mitment to staff and workplace culture is required. to 82 in 2008. The proportion of women in senior Implementation of the Staff Satisfaction Survey staff positions in 2008 was 27% with a short term recommendations was a key issue in 2008. goal of 30% by 2010 and a long term goal of parity. The Staff Satisfaction Survey was the benchmark for a People and Culture Plan that was implemented in Women were successful in achieving promotion to 2008. The Plan sets the key strategies for achieving both Associate Professor and Professor levels in the the People and Culture Objectives of: Academic Promotion rounds held in 2008. Seven (39%) female staff were promoted to Associate . Creating a culture of scholarship and innovation Professor and to a Personal Chair out of a total of and promoting an inclusive and welcoming learn- 18. Seven (64%) of the 11 successful applicants ing community for staff and students; for promotion to Lecturer and Senior Lecturer were . Developing a culturally appropriate environ- female. ment that recognises and celebrates the diverse Seven female staff were awarded Smart Women multi-cultural communities in which the University Smart State Awards to assist in their development resides; profile: Tara Dalla Pozza in Community Innovation, . Creating a culture with capacity, capability and Romina Rader Amy Maurice and Karen Benn in Sci- resilience to anticipate and respond to the future, ence, Kateryna Bazaka in Engineering, Dr Kirsten including changes in the workforce and advanc- Heimann in Biotechnology, and Amanda O’Malley in ing and transferring knowledge; and Environment. James Cook University supported two staff, both of them female, from its Townsville and . Recognising that the University requires good Cairns campuses to attend the Association of Ter- leadership at all levels and a strong management tiary Education Management Inc’s “Towards Middle culture to be an employer of choice. Management” program in New Zealand. Staff Develop m ent The University’s efforts to promote the work/life JCU is constantly seeking, within limited resources, nexus are increasingly effective. JCU’s Union Col- to develop staff, particularly in the core requirements lective Agreement 2006, which came into effect in of leadership and management. 2007, offered University staff substantially improved Leadership and management development for parental leave. Full-time employees with at least 12 senior staff changed focus to include Discipline months’ continuous service who are primary care Leaders and Managers, with funding provided for givers are entitled to 20 week’s paid leave, plus one the development of a program to further this aim. day’s paid leave per week for the first 30 weeks after The Executive Strategic Leadership program was resuming employment. Returning to the position held not offered in 2008, but was renewed for offering in immediately prior to parental leave is an entitlement coming years. at JCU. Records maintained since 1995 indicate that, of women who take maternity leave, almost all A Staff Study Assistance Scheme was introduced are still in service six months after their return. 2009 implementation as a strategic initiative under the People and Culture Plan. Eq ual Opportunit y for Wo m en in t h e Wor k pla c e Academic staff recorded 52 attendances at the Uni- versity’s generic staff development offerings, such as In 2007, the University was granted waived status by supervisor and management development, manage- the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace ment of performance, conflict resolution, managing Agency (EOWA) from statutory reporting until 2010. change, stress and time management, and prepar- The waiver was granted on the basis of the quality of

22 » James Cook University JCU’s programs as reported in the 2006–2007 year. Perfor m an c e m ana g e m ent The University was commended on its high level of workplace program analysis, consultation with A sustainable Performance Management Process staff, and formal action to address issues identified. (PMP) for all staff has been a goal for the University for the past four years and in 2008 indications are EOWA commented favourably on the University’s that around 85% of staff participated, being a sig- action in providing support to female academics nificant improvement on 2007’s percentage of 70%. through its Special Studies Program and Teaching A review of the PMP process was initiated in 2007 Relief Awards. with staff at Townsville, Cairns and Mt Isa campuses Indi g enous Staff invited to participate, with the results assisting in the rewrite of a more focused and user-oriented PMP In 2008 there were 45 Indigenous staff (2% of all policy and process in 2008. staff) employed at the University in a range of positions including academic, management, administra- As part of the budget and planning processes in tion, research, projects, librarian, student support 2007, all areas of the University developed perfor- and information technology. mance indicators, with progress being made in 2008 towards aligning PMPs to this framework. The University exceeded the 2008 short-term goal of increasing the proportion of Indigenous staff to 1.8%. The long-term goal remains to increase the Students proportion to 7.4%, which represents the proportion of Indigenous peoples in the North Queensland com- The University is constantly improving its services to munity. Toward this end, the University committed help students reach their full potential in a supportive learning environment. to the employment of an Indigenous Employment Coordinator from 2008, with the task of increasing In 2008 JCU continued to give particular focus to Indigenous positions across all disciplines. Through- the first year experience of students, with highlights out the year, SIAS provided Indigenous cultural including projects, publications and resources to awareness training programs for University staff and help with such issues as relocation, orientation and external organisations. immediate family impact.

Wor k for c e Plannin g Services include Infohelp, Learning Advisers, the Mentor plan, SHADES (Sexual Harassment Assault The 2008 planning process built on the work done Discrimination Education and Support) program, in 2007 and aims to map staff requirements for the Counselling, Careers and Employment, and various next three years. The intention is to allow better and scholarships, bursaries and grants. In addition, more integrated planning of staffing to meet the Uni- programs such as ASPIRE, UniPrep and RATEP versity’s strategic needs and to reduce the impact of (Remote Area Teacher Education Program) help change on staff. All change in 2008 was conducted increase regional participation in tertiary educa- with the assistance of the Change Management tion, while the University also actively supports Office, resulting in greatly improved outcomes com- potential students from rural and remote areas, the pared with the previous year. Indigenous community and those with a low socio- economic background. The project commenced in 2006, with the aim of reducing the complexity of University organisational Library staff provided 491 face-to-face and online tu- structures, courses and subject offerings. The main torials, attended by 10,453 students. Further devel- outcomes in 2008 were: opment of innovative learning technologies included new vodcasts, podcasts and blogs, while some . amalgamation of the schools of Engineering and of the more than 62,000 Infohelp enquiries were Mathematics Physics and Information Technol- made through the new Instant Messaging reference ogy; service launched in June as AskNow@JCULibrary. A . introduction of a Shared Services Model for the new SMS service to send loan information directly to delivery of administrative services; and mobile phones was also introduced. . a decision to merge the University Services and Learning Advisers continued to provide student International and Engagement divisions in 2009. support services on an individual and group basis throughout the year with a wide program of activi- Workforce Planning continued its development, with ties. A generic program of learning skills, writing the Plan being used as the basis for the staffing skills, numeracy and effective speaking workshops component of the Operational Budget and integrated attracted a total of 1300 attendances, while 88 into all change management processes. workshops were provided at the request of Schools

2008 Annual report: PART 1 « 23 and Faculties totalling 3100. Learning Advisers program targeting high school students from low also played a key role in the University’s Orienta- socio-economic backgrounds, Indigenous students tion Week activities with a total attendance of 1230 and students from rural and remote areas. Students in Cairns and 1490 in Townsville. The orientation are offered financial assistance to visit the Towns- program included workshops on academic writing, ville or Cairns campuses to participate in a number organisational skills and note-taking. of on-campus activities and in 2008, 68 secondary students did so. A further 427 High School students International students on AusAid scholarships par- in Years 7,10.11 and 12 either were addressed at ticipated in the Introductory Academic Program held their High Schools or when they visited JCU cam- prior to the start of both study periods. The program puses in 2008. The ASPIRE program has expanded focuses on helping students settle into life in Austra- to include visits to high schools located in Weipa, lia and the University. Thursday Island, Bamaga and Kuranda. In addition to personal counselling services and UniPrep offers a program for school leavers/mature- ‘drop in’ sessions, the Counselling Service contin- aged potential students, giving preference to those ued to develop the program of workshops aimed at improving students’ wellbeing, coping and resilience from equity groups. It is a two-week preparatory skills. In 2008 JCU introduced several new activities course offered to prospective students to assist them and publications to focus students on their career to develop networks, skills and confidence prior to development, including the E-Portfolio curriculum making the commitment to commencing tertiary assessment tool, the ‘Industry Link’ employer liaison study. This course was offered on Townsville, Cairns program, a Career Action Plan to help guide stu- and Thursday Island campuses, 62 potential students in career management throughout their stud- dents participated in 2008. 38 enrolled and another ies, and an inaugural Engineering-specific Careers 9 applied for the JCU Tertiary Access Course. Fair. The SHADES (Sexual Harassment Assault Discrimi- The University also offers and administers a range nation Education and Support) program for students of scholarships, bursaries and grants, in 2008 al- who feel they may have been sexually harassed, locating 427 new Commonwealth Learning Schol- assaulted or experienced discrimination, trained 47 arships — 189 Commonwealth Education Costs students using the Peer Support Model. Scholarships Ordinary, 13 Commonwealth Education The On Track support program assisted retention Costs Scholarships Indigenous Enabling, 190 Com- by providing timely information to first year students monwealth Accommodation Scholarships Ordinary, considered at risk of withdrawal. In 2008 all 172 2 Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarships Townsville students contacted remained enrolled Indigenous Enabling, and 33 Indigenous Access and of the 219 Cairns students contacted, 171 Scholarships – plus 19 JCU Equity Bursaries and remain enrolled. The Critical Communicate program 36 bookshop grants to commencing students, with delivered comprehensive orientation information to a total combined value of all scholarships (new and almost 5,000 first year students. continuing ) is $2,937,112. Further Equity Sup- port Grants were awarded to 177 undergraduate Student Equity provides support and or programs for students with ongoing hardship, while another 11 each of the identified equity groups, including grants students received MTB Grants, with a combined that assist students from low socio-economic back- value of $72,200. grounds, from rural and isolated regions, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, students with a disability, In 2008 JCU performed well in a benchmarking sur- students from non-English speaking backgrounds vey of tertiary sector client service centres, scoring and students in predominately gender-specific study. above the sector average on all but one measure. Indi g enous students Student Eq uit y Offi c e In 2008, 41 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander JCU values its diverse student body and aims to students were enrolled in JCU’s tertiary access pro- provide full and equal access for students who are gram, which prepares students for entry into degrees under-represented in Higher Education, such as in a number of disciplines. There were 337 students Indigenous students, low income background stu- enrolled in undergraduate courses, representing dents, non-English speaking background students 3.2% of the total undergraduate body, and 41 en- and students with a disability. The University is com- rolled in postgraduate courses which is 1.5% of the mitted to promoting, encouraging and valuing equity total postgraduate domestic on-campus enrolment. and diversity and to providing the optimal environ- The School of Indigenous Australian Studies (SIAS) ment for all students to achieve success. offered courses and subjects designed to prepare In 2008, the Student Equity Office continued to run a Indigenous and non-Indigenous students for futures number of access programs, including the ASPIRE in a wide range of careers and roles. The school

24 » James Cook University also provided academic counselling, career advice, Students wit h disabilities social and cultural support and facilities and tutorial assistance for students studying in a range of fields. Students with disabilities are supported through the Office of Disability Resources Centre within Student The ongoing sponsorship of the employment of Equity. Student and student-related consultations a National Indigenous Cadetship Liaison Officer provided one-on-one support, referrals, assess- continued to promote retention rates and employ- ments for adjusted exam conditions, liaison with ment opportunities by providing financial support other staff and general support. Support included to students while studying and formal employment alternative formatting of subject material, laptops, during study vacation periods. CCTV, and tape recorders and/or note taker assis- The Library launched the Finding Indigenous Infor- tance. Disability Resource Officers (DRO) provided mation online interactive tutorial to help rural, remote assistance to students with health, injury or disability and off-campus students gain a better understanding concerns, assignment and examination completion of resource discovery tools, with 9392 hits recorded and other challenges whilst studying at University. in the first seven months. A Disability Action Plan was developed and ap- Rural and re m ote students proved. In 2008, 2,506 students originated from regional The Disability Resources Centre internal audit areas, while 417 came from rural areas designated confirmed a total of 261 students registered and as remote. The Remote Area Teacher Education Program (RATEP) continued to deliver teacher- supported in Townsville and 143 in Cairns. Fifty-five training courses to 15 remote communities in north, first year students were registered in Townsville and northwest and southwest Queensland. The program 45 in Cairns during 2008. 2008 consultations totalled is expanding into new areas and is looking at new 2700 in Townsville (1.7 DRO position) and 1818 in collaborative relationships with Open Learning Cairns (0.7 fractional DRO position). Australia and other Government agencies. Most of The new Coach Mentor Program launched at on the RATEP courses are being delivered via ‘Learn Townsville Campus saw nine students trained to JCU’ and enable students to interact with on-campus provide one-on-one support for first year students in students. their transition to university life. Students fro m low so c io -e c ono m i c ba c k g rounds Twenty-three staff in Townsville and five in Cairns were nominated and recognised for an Inclusive Students from this equity group continue to rep- Practice Award (IPA) for providing exceptional sup- resent a higher proportion of enrolments at JCU port to students studying with a disability. In 2008 than the national average. Strategies to increase community organisations were invited to be involved participation are focused on secondary students with the IPA and a partnership was established with from disadvantaged schools and non school leavers/ STEPS Disability Qld and the National Disability Co- mature aged potential enrolments with specialist ordination Officer, with STEPS agreeing to support staff appointed to the areas of student employment, accommodation services and welfare coordination. the awards financially.

Students fro m Non -En g lis h Wo m en spea k in g ba c k g rounds Women students made up 66.3% of the commenc- Learning Advisers provided assistance to interna- ing student population, well above the population tional students during 2008 through 1392 individual reference value of 55%. In 2008, Student Equity consultations and domestic NESB accounted for assisted 20 first year engineering students to attend 23% of individual consultations for 2008. a first year female students Engineering Conference.

2008 Annual report: PART 1 « 25 INTERNATIONAL AND ENGAGEMENT

JCU sees engagement with its communities as a The AusAID program continued to be successful vital aspect of its success. with 24 commencing students, taking the program to a total of 65 students from 17 countries, principally In 2008, a new software program was implemented Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and the Solomon to improve engagement with alumni and the JCU Islands. Two Indonesian marketing events were community, and alumni events were held in Singa- attended in addition to the annual AusAID event in pore, Malaysia, Cairns and Townsville. Papua New Guinea. 2009 will see JCU’s largest Market research was conducted with schools in intake of AusAID students to date. the JCU catchment area and with prospective In 2008, the University was also promoted through Indigenous students to guide programs to improve familiarisation tours of JCU campuses in Townsville communications and engagement activities. New and Cairns for overseas agents. The University branding and communications guidelines were engaged with numerous other bodies such as State produced to enhance JCU communications activities and Federal agencies and local groups such as and programs. Study Townsville, Study Cairns, Advance Cairns and Implementation of new Application Management Townsville Enterprises to ensure that the opportuni- System for international students began. ties, research and courses available at JCU were made known to as wide an audience as possible. The Student Mobility Office was established to increase the number of JCU students accessing an The International Student Admissions section was overseas study experience. involved in efforts to streamline international recruitment processes to make JCU more competitive. The first senior academic mission to South America Continuous work undertaken to improve offer-to-ac- was completedf, with opportunities for dual degrees ceptance conversions including the implementation and exchange agreements identified, and new of Hobsons Made Offer follow-up system. The ad- partnerships established in Brazil, Chile, Peru and missions team continues to recognise local educa- Colombia. tion provider pathways including schools, TAFE and An on-line inquiry management system was intro- the JCU English Language Centres (JCU-ELCs), duced. enabling the team to issue students with packaged offers for further study. The University’s success on the international front was acknowledged in 2008 with a higher position in The International Support team continues to provide the Shanghai Jiao Tong World Rankings. JCU is now students with a high level of services including air- ranked in the top 400 universities in the world and in port arrival, welfare support, temporary accommoda- the top 100 institutions in the Asia-Pacific. tion bookings and assistance with on and off campus living options. Returning home programs were In 2008, JCU had 4790 enrolled international stu- conducted on both Townsville and Cairns campuses, dents compared with 3942 in 2007. More than 2700 as were training sessions for Faculty staff, focusing international began their studies in 2008 with 855 on improving social inclusion, cultural awareness, in Townsville, 241 in Cairns, 674 in Singapore and international student academic progression and 734 at JCU Brisbane. A further 249 students began monitoring and development of a University-wide studying under the JCU banner with partner or critical incident policy. related institutions in Fiji and China. The campuses attracted students from 90 countries including China, A new Student Mobility Office was opened in mid- India, USA, Indonesia, Germany, Canada, France, 2008, with a continued focus on increasing JCU Sweden, Norway, Malaysia, Japan, and the UK. student study opportunities overseas. Additional Students were enrolled across all study areas and exchange agreements were signed in the US, UK, levels, with the largest groups in postgraduate and Mexico and Denmark. study abroad programs. JCU Sin g apore The International Marketing team increased activi- JCU Singapore saw international and domestic Sin- ties overseas, entering into growing markets such gapore student numbers continue to grow in 2008. A as Nepal and Latin America. An academic mission total of 556 international students and 264 domestic to South America was undertaken by the DVC new enrolments resulted in a 11% growth in total International, Director International and Faculty Pro- new student numbers compared to 2007. Vice-Chancellors, enhancing discussion around the development of new strategic institutional partner- Domestic figures for new students showed a 1% ships and joint programs. Engagement was also growth, with psychology proving to be the most undertaken with international bodies such as NAFSA attractive subject area for Singaporean students. Association of International Educators in North Among the international cohort at JCU Singapore, America, and European Association for International there was particular success in Chinese student Education in Europe to promote JCU. The JCU numbers, which rose by 53%, while Indian student China office ceased operations in late November numbers grew by 25%. The campus also attracted after a year’s joint-venture between the campuses. students from the UK, Australia, USA, Sri Lanka,

26 » James Cook University Egypt, Maldives, Nepal, Thailand, Sweden, Holland and Open days, school visits, information sessions, careers fairs, Germany showing the JCU Singapore brand is continuing to advertising campaigns, publications and the University’s spread around the world. JCUS is also keen to encourage website were all used to help showcase JCU. Activities were more students from the main Australian campuses to spend concentrated in North and Far North Queensland, but also part of their studies overseas and has encouraged greater included other Queensland regional centres, the Northern participation in the Study Abroad and Exchange programs. Territory and selected schools in South East Queensland and northern New South Wales. JCU Singapore was awarded the coveted Singapore Quality Class for Private Educational Organisations (SQC-PEOs) in The University’s study advisors undertook an active pro- 2008 – the first Australian University to win the award. The gram of presentations and events for high schools students, SQC-PEO scheme, administered by SPRING Singapore, mature age prospective students, parents and communities. recognises excellence in Singapore’s private education Special information events were held in regional centres sector. In August 2008, the University also moved into a across Queensland on the University’s new dental program new, 1.8-hectare state-of-the-art campus at Upper Thomson and other health related courses. Road. The community library, food centres and convenience A number of publications were produced covering courses stores are within walking distance, while the campus allows for prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students students to access a range of learning and activity facilities. and study options for school students. Course brochures were published to provide more specific information. A range Fiji Sc h ool of Nursin g of online communications projects was initiated, including JCU’s School of Nursing, Midwifery and Nutrition conducts YouTube videos featuring JCU students, and a searchable an offshore program in Fiji in conjunction with the Fiji School database of courses on the University’s website. of Nursing; the Fiji Ministry of Health and the Fiji Board of New branding and communications guidelines were pro- Nurses, Midwives and Nurse Practitioners. Each year 25 duced to more closely reflect the University’s strategic intent, Fijian registered nurses upgrade their qualifications to Bach- and a new system of marketing management was introduced elor’s level and the University accepts several students from to more closely integrate marketing and communications other Pacific Island nations into this course and also sup- activities across the University. ports several Master’s students enrolled in Fiji. There were 46 graduates this year, including one Master’s student. En g a g e m ent Guan g z h ou Universit y , Ch ina The Directorate of Engagement was officially launched in 2008 with responsibility for alumni relations, community The Master of International Professional Accounting program engagement, fundraising and development. Alumni and is run in conjunction with Guangzhou University, China. The Development officers were employed to establish offices in course is accredited by CPA Australia and ICAA. A deci- both Cairns and Townsville. The year also saw the design sion was made in late 2008 to cease operating the Master and implementation of the software program Raisers Edge, Program at Guangzhou. At present the status of the contract which is integral to alumni and donor management. Our is in teach-out mode with all currently enrolled students contactable alumni, who now number around 5100, are a scheduled to finish in November 2009. crucial part of the JCU community. Alumni events were held Beijing Universit y of Te c h nolo g y , Ch ina in Singapore, Malaysia, Cairns and Townsville and a new network has been established in Singapore. A framework JCU continues to deliver the Bachelor of Information Tech- and policies were developed to guide the establishment of nology in China through the Beijing University of Technology Alumni Networks both on-shore and off-shore. (BJUT). BJUT is ranked 40 of all 1700 Chinese Universities and boasts the largest Computer Science school in China. In Media Liaison July, after four years of successful collaboration with BJUT, JCU held the first graduation ceremony in Beijing which saw The Media Liaison Unit produced more than 240 press 72 students complete the program. As of September 2008, releases and media alerts during 2008, plus a number of 541 students were enrolled in the program. A new four-year Internet-only releases. During the year the unit published contract for the program was signed with BJUT in late 2008. three editions of the University’s new full colour magazine, Discover, which was launched in 2007. Media liaison led to En g lis h Lan g ua g e Centre some 5898 appearances in the media locally, nationally and The University continued to work with Kings International internationally being recorded by our monitoring services. College to deliver English language programs through JCU 2005 2006 2007 2008 English Language Centres in Cairns and Townsville. In 2008 Radio and television 1973 2470 2253 1838 there was a marked increase in the number of students Local newspapers* 929 1010 1010 985 undertaking English for Academic Purposes programs in Regional newspapers+ 937 1171 1011 1065 Townsville to prepare them for study at JCU. The University National# 653 720 582 654 and Kings International College also opened a shopfront in Internet 662 1073 758 1356 Cairns, which will enhance recruitment. Total 5154 6444 5614 5898 Mar k etin g *Townsville Bulletin and Cairns Post. The University ran a series of integrated marketing programs +Regional includes all newspapers across Australia other than the major metropolitan that aimed to foster awareness and interest in tertiary study dailies and Sundays and the Bulletin and Post. among prospective students. #National refers to the major metropolitan newspapers and magazines

2008 Annual report: PART 1 « 27 INFRASTRUCTURE

The Planning activity continued at both the Towns- mencing within the School of Medicine and Dentistry ville and Cairns campuses. In Townsville, a statutory on Cairns Campus in 2009. The first year of the pro- planning document was prepared that modifies the gram will utilise existing and temporary facilities with Townsville City Plan to accommodate the previously a new building becoming available in late 2010. The announced Discovery Rise project. A master plan of new facilities, provided at a cost of some $30m, will the Cairns Campus was commissioned. include simulation and clinical skills training areas, an anatomy laboratory, a prosthedontics laboratory, Capital development activity proceeded at one of the student home rooms and collaborative study spaces highest levels in the University’s history, with projects and academic offices. totalling $85m under construction, and a further $65m worth of projects undergoing design develop- During the course of the year the University accept- ment during the year. ed the offer of the former Cairns Yacht Club building which has been relocated to the campus from its Capital pro g ra m s former site at the Cairns Port and will be incorpo- JCU and CSIRO formalised an agreement to de- rated into the design of the Cairns Student Amenities velop a joint facility on the Townsville Campus that Precinct. The project will incorporate a new student will become the nation’s tropical research and de- refectory, bar, coffee shop and bookshop and will velopment headquarters. This agreement took place be designed and constructed as a single $3.6m under the overall Tropical Landscapes Joint Venture project with an outdoor amphitheatre funded from between the two organisations. Design of the new the Commonwealth Government VSU Infrastructure $32m facility and associated support precinct was Fund. The iconic Cairns Yacht Club building has finalised during the year and a construction contract been incorporated into the design to add both space awarded. The new facility is planned for completion and character to the precinct. Relocation has been in early 2010 and will house the Tropical Agriculture supported by both the Cairns Port Authority and the program, the Centre for Climate Change and the State government. Detailed design of the precinct Australian Centre for Tropical Freshwater Research. was nearing completion at the end of the year. The Australian Tropical Forest Institute Building was Construction of the Tropical Medicine Mosquito completed and named the Sir Robert Norman Build- Research facility was substantially completed. The ing, and the Humanities II building was named the facility has been provided at a cost in excess of $2m Ken Back Chancellery. in collaboration with the University of Queensland and benefited from substantial funding from the Bill The new School of Creative Arts building – which and Melinda Gates Foundation. replaced the facilities at the former Vincent campus – was completed and occupied for second semester. During the year the University embarked on an am- The high-tech facility includes gallery space, studio bitious $20m project to provide centralised, chilled and computer labs as part of the School’s revised water generation, storage and distribution network focus on new media arts. The building was opened to service the air-conditioning needs of the major by the Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency Ms buildings on the Townsville Campus. This is a state- Penelope Wensley, AO on October 8. of-the-art system that replaces the ageing distributed chiller plant at these buildings. The system is similar The 300-seat lecture theatre component of the to but substantially larger than the chilled water Pharmacy and Medical School Expansion project system that has been operating successfully at the was completed for use in second semester. The Cairns Campus for the past 18 months. It will enable remaining components of this $39m project, which a reduction in energy consumption of approximately includes expanded anatomy, clinical skills and phar- 20 per cent, leading to substantial operating cost macy facilities and new medical research areas, are savings and a peak demand reduction of around scheduled for completion in early 2009. 4MW which will extend the life of University and The $7.5m Veterinary Emergency Centre and Hospi- community power infrastructure. The system will be tal at the Townsville Campus and the $1m Malanda commissioned in early 2009, after which time con- Teaching Facility were both completed during the nection to buildings will occur progressively. year. These are the final components of the facilities Western Courts was constructed in the first semes- to support the Veterinary Science undergraduate ter 2008 as a temporary solution to the on-campus program which commenced in 2006. student accommodation shortage caused by the clo- A new Sport and Recreation Centre was completed sure of Western Hall. The $2.9 million facility houses at the Townsville Campus. Funded from the Com- 112 students in single rooms with en-suite facilities. monwealth Government’s VSU Infrastructure Fund Environ m ental initiatives at a cost of almost $5m, the facility includes aerobics and gymnasium facilities, a viewing deck overlooking The first stage of a project to identify, measure and the main oval, and refurbished squash courts. manage trade waste at the Townsville Campus was completed during the year. Site water sub-metering Detailed design was substantially completed for a has commenced, and cost-benefit analysis of vari- new building to house the Dentistry program com- ous water-saving options are under consideration.

28 » James Cook University Various creek bank stabilization projects were un- sland Tropical Health Alliance (QTHA) that will bring dertaken on the Townsville Campus during the year. together, under one umbrella, a world-class integrated These included erosion control works at the site of the tropical health and medical research network that Campus District Cooling project mass chilled water incorporates key nodes of tropical health and medical tank, and remediation works to the causeway on research expertise in Queensland. Headquarters of the Solander Road and the University Creek footbridge to QTHA will be at JCU’s Townsville Campus while a new overcome storm damage. 1,300m2 research building will be constructed at the Cairns Campus to provide facilities for research into Battery recycling has commenced on both the Towns- bio-security and infectious diseases ville and Cairns campuses with generous support from local Battery World businesses which provide recycling Power , ener g y and utilities bins at various campus locations. Substantial enhancement of the high voltage network Se c urit y at the Townsville Campus is planned for 2009. The first stage of work is being undertaken in conjunction The Police Beat that was previously established for a with the Campus District Cooling project, and follow-on trial period on the Townsville Campus has continued to work will provide network redundancy and resilience. operate very successfully throughout the year and, at the end of the year, negotiations were under way for a Townsville Ca m pus lon g -ter m plannin g longer term Police Beat presence on the campus. Planning activity continued for the redevelopment of Infor m ation te c h nolo g y and resour c es the Townsville Campus into an integrated academic, residential and commercial community through the To improve efficiencies in a number of service areas Discovery Rise project. The principle activity during (HR, Student Administration, Marketing , Finance and 2008 was the development of a statutory planning IT Service and Support) a plan to centrally manage IT document to modify the Townsville City Plan to accom- services was implemented in 2008. Faculty and School modate the project. This activity included subsidiary IT Services and Support staff will be transferred to studies for traffic, infrastructure, environment, recre- ITR in January 2009. Policies and procedures, new ation and geotechnics. An urban planning document technology assessment and implementation will be has also been prepared for the town centre and health managed centrally by ITR while IT support staff remain precincts. physically located in School and Office areas. airns a m pus m aster plan An Identity Management System built on Sun’s IDM C C software was developed over an 18-month period and A new master plan in preparation for the Cairns Cam- implemented at the beginning of 2008. pus will develop the existing plan to include the Lot 13 land to the north and accommodate plans for the A secondary DataCentre was completed on the Towns- proposed development of the Smithfield Town Centre. ville Campus increasing the capacity of the existing This plan accommodates the dentistry and amenities DataCentre and providing not only additional hous- projects and will guide future campus development ing capacity of IT infrastructure but also form part of such as the Cairns institute and student accommoda- ITR’s Service Continuity Plan with storage and server tion. infrastructure being split between the two DataCentres providing redundancy and resilience for services. Librar y and ePrints New SAN infrastructure was commissioned at the Library staff continued to develop the JCU ePrints end of 2008. ITR expanded on its existing virtual repository for research publications to meet the Aus- server environment basing solution on VMWARE ESX tralian Government requirements for the HERDC, ERA software. The use of virtual technologies has allowed and for JCU initiatives such as the Academic Portfolio ITR to combine over 95 production environments onto Project. In 2008, 135 items were added to the reposi- four servers acting as virtual hosts resulting in higher tory bringing the total number of items to 1140. From server utilisation, reduced DataCentre footprint and this number 121,959 abstracts have been accessed reduced management overheads. and 64,653 full papers downloaded from 184 separate countries. The upgrading of HPC server infrastructure was supported by a grant from the Queensland Cyberinfras- In May, the James Cook University Library in Towns- tucture Foundation . and has increased the compute ville was officially named the Eddie Koiki Mabo Library capacity available to researchers by 100% and is also in honour of one of the most influential figures in the supported by the addition of new Compellent storage 20th Century Australian history. Eddie Koiki Mabo — infrastructure. At the end of 2008 this new capacity one of the key figures in the drive for Native Title and was reaching 100% utilisation and plans are in prog- Land Rights — spent many hours in the JCU Library ress to apply for funding to further expand this capacity undertaking research for the campaign. In late 2008, in 2010. the Vice-Chancellor approved $6.8 million from the Better Universities Renewal Fund to be spent on the Queensland Tropi c al Healt h Allian c e redevelopment of the Mabo Library, commencing in Funding was announced to establish the Queen- 2009-2010.

2008 Annual report: PART 1 « 29 FINANCE

The Division of Finance and Resource Planning Major a c h ieve m ents was created in 2008 as part of the restructure of University services. The Division comprises the As part of the establishment of the new Division, offices of the Executive Director, Financial and Busi- a review of human resource, financial and other ness Services (previously part of the Chancellery), practices across the Division was carried out with Commercial Services (previously part of the Divi- the intention of standardising this for all areas and sion of University Services), Quality Enhancement all staff. This has been an interesting process and (previously part of the Division of Student Services & has included reviewing and standardising equipment Quality Assurance), Corporate Planning and Perfor- replacement programs, management and staff train- mance (a new office established in 2008) and Audit ing, updating of position descriptions, implementation and Assurance (previously part of the Chancellery). of performance management and workplace health and safety practices to name a few. We now have in The Division was established through the trans- place a system which is consistent and effective. fer and amalgamation of a number of functions and resources which were previously undertaken Establishing the Division in 2008 has been a major within other areas. In addition, there has been an focus of activity and involved restructuring of ser- investment in the provision of additional services vices and identifying appropriate resources to enable which has been made possible through additional the objectives of the Division to be achieved. Re- resources provided in the 2008 budget and by recruitment of a number of senior positions has been structuring existing operations to accommodate new necessary. The remaining senior staff positions and and an expanded range of services. Much of 2008 other staffing complements should be in place by has been focussed on establishing the new Division the end of 2008 which will then allow initiatives to be and building a Divisional team. This has occurred fully pursued. simultaneously with the development and implemen- Qualit y Fra m ewor k tation of a number of major initiatives designed to refocus and reshape the way in which the University A quality enhancement framework which embeds undertakes its business activities. quality principles into practices and outcomes across the University was implemented in 2008. The The Division has responsibility for organisational development of policies for a rolling program of or- strategic and operational planning, provision of ganisational reviews and annual course reviews was strategic business and financial management and approved by Academic Board and VCAC. The first advice, policy setting, quality enhancement, internal review under this new framework, was undertaken audit and business risk and assurance. The Divi- for JCU Singapore. sion encompasses a wide-ranging and often times independent set of activities with impacts across the Strate g i c Asset Mana g e m ent Plan Faculties and Divisions. A Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP) has The Division aims to make a significant impact been developed and has provided the framework through: within which the medium to long term capital and infrastructure needs, including target allocations to . Corporate Planning & Performance – provision address the aging infrastructure, have been identi- of business intelligence and planning informa- fied. The challenge will be in allocating these quite tion, working with Faculties to increase our significant sums in order to deliver on the SAMP. understanding of our business. Discovery Rise has been identified as one of the . Quality Enhancement – development of a qual- solutions which will address these issues. The Fa- ity framework which underpins everything the cilities and Infrastructure Advisory Committee (FIAC) University does. This should be the driving force has made significant progress towards developing behind what we do not the AUQA Audit! a process for adequately managing capital and infrastructure. . Audit & Assurance – enhancing the profile of the audit function within the University by undertak- Finan c ial Mana g e m ent Fra m ewor k ing value creation assignments. During 2008, a new Financial Management Frame- work was implemented which involved the develop- . Commercial Services – expansion of the range ment of a new resource allocation model, the move of services provided and being a partner for from cash to accrual based budgeting and the de- areas at the early stages of development for new velopment of a long range financial model. This will initiatives. ensure that there is a consistent approach to budget- . Financial and Business Services – improvement ing, reporting and performance and that all areas of of service provision utilising the shared services the business are identified and appropriate strategies model and building a strong team of finance implemented for effective management. From 2009, and procurement professionals to provide these Faculties and Divisions will be required to budget for services. depreciation on plant and equipment to ensure ade-

30 » James Cook University quate funding is provided for replacement. Funding of depreciation for Buildings and Infrastructure presents funding challenges due to the significant amounts involved, however, the new framework provides the opportunity to at last tackle this issue. Strategies for increasing investment in this area will be identified as part of the 2009-2011 resource allocations.

Pro c ure m ent and e x penditure m ana g e m ent The Shared Services model of delivery for finance and procurement services was endorsed by the Vice Chancellor’s Advisory Committee and has been implemented for faculties and some divisions. The remaining areas will be resolved in early 2009. It is anticipated that it will take much of 2009 to bed down the new service delivery model and identify opportunities for service improvement and rationalisation to occur. This service model is considered an impera- tive to supporting the new financial management framework. Improvements were also made to processes involved with contract management, tendering and major capital procurement with the Commercial Office providing the advice and support as part of their new expanded role. A number of new strategic procurement contracts have been implemented in 2008 including the roll-out of a standardised desk-top replacement program and finalisation of the MFD implementation. Spendvision, the University’s Expense Manage- ment System, for managing travel and purchasing expenditure was fully implemented in 2008 together with the introduction of corporate credit cards. Train- ing of nearly 1000 staff in the use of the system was undertaken over the year. Refinements and process improvements will continue to occur as the new system is bedded down during 2009. The University’s HR Management system, Alesco, was successfully upgraded to a new operating version.

Corporate Plannin g and Perfor m an c e Significant progress has been made in the provision of business intelligence through the establishment of the Corporate Planning and Performance Office. Faculty and University portfolios have been developed which have provided a useful context for planning discussions within Faculties. Development of new reporting and analysis capabilities using Student One are well underway with more planned for 2009. Development of performance measures and the process of review has been implemented with a full reporting cycle scheduled by March 2009.

Internal Audit Audit Committee approved the implementation of an expanded approach to the audit function which includes a re-focussing of this office to include value creation assignments in addition to the necessary compliance and operational auditing. This will come into effect in 2009 with the appointment of a new Director of Audit and Assurance.

2008 Annual report: PART 1 « 31 2008 Annual Report Volume 1