ANNUAL REPORT 2015
The Year in Review Volume 1 ANNUAL REPORT 2015
ANNUAL LETTER OF REPORT 2015 SUBMISSION
Western Sydney University’s Annual Report 7 April 2016 2015 has been produced in a two volume set: Volume 1, ‘The Year in Review’, contains Dear Minister, statutory reports, while Volume 2, ‘Financial Statements,’ contains the financial statements The Board of Trustees of Western Sydney of the University and related entities. University is pleased to submit the Annual Report of the proceedings of the University The cost of production of the Annual Report and its audited Financial Statements for 2015 is $12,500. the year ended 31 December 2015, for your presentation to the New South Wales The University Annual Reports are also Parliament. available via the Internet and can be found on our website at westernsydney.edu.au The Annual Report and Financial Statements have been prepared and submitted in accordance with the Annual Reports (Statutory Bodies) Act 1984 and the Public WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY Finance and Audit Act 1983. ACKNOWLEDGES THE TRADITIONAL Yours sincerely, OWNERS With respect to Aboriginal cultural protocol Professor Peter Shergold, AC and out of recognition that its campuses Chancellor occupy Aboriginal traditional lands, the University acknowledges the Darug, Professor Barney Glover Gandangara, Tharawal and Wiradjuri peoples Vice-Chancellor and President and thanks them for their support of its work on their lands. It is the University’s practice that appropriate Aboriginal cultural protocols be observed before formal meetings, conferences or events.
2 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Contents
THE YEAR IN REVIEW 4 STUDENT RECRUITMENT 47 Environment and Risk Management 79
FIVE YEAR- KEY STATISTICS 5 Widening Participation 47 Project Management Office 79 Campus Safety & Security 47 Entities 80 THE ORGANISATION 7 Careers 48 Risk Management 80 Charter, Purpose and Legislation 7 Academic Registrar’s Office 49 Board of Trustees 7 APPENDICES 82 Schools Engagement 50 Academic Senate 8 Appendix 1: Board of Trustees Members 82 Student Support Services 51 QUALITY AND CONSUMER RESPONSE 10 Appendix 2: Board of Trustees Meetings 83 Student Recruitment Year in Review 54 Quality and Performance 10 Appendix 3: Committees and other bodies Art Collection 55 Office of Higher Education Policy established by the Board of Trustees 84 The Academy 57 and Projects 11 Appendix 4: Academic Senate Code of Conduct 11 INTERNATIONAL 60 Membership 85
REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES 12 International Student Experience 60 Appendix 5: Board of Trustees Report 86 School of Business 12 International Partnerships 60 Appendix 6: Executive Remuneration and Performance Data 87 School of Computing, Engineering Student Mobility 60 and Mathematics 14 International Student Recruitment 61 Appendix 7: Principal Officers School of Education 17 of the University 88 COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL School of Humanities ENGAGEMENT 63 Appendix 8: Government Information and Communication Arts 19 (Public Access) 89 Office of Advancement and Alumni 63 School of Law 21 Office of Marketing and Communications 67 Appendix 9: Consultancies 93 School of Medicine 22 The Whitlam Institute 68 Appendix 10: Equity and Diversity School of Nursing and Midwifery 23 Statistics 95 The College 70 School of Science and Health 28 Appendix 11: Student Enrolment Data 97 MANAGEMENT AND RESOURCES 71 School of Social Sciences and Psychology 30 Office of People and Culture 71 Appendix 12: Governance Structure 101 LEARNING AND TEACHING 33 Organisational Development 72 Appendix 13: Organisation Structure 102 Priority Areas 33 Recruitment 73 Library 37 Work Health and Safety 73 Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Workplace Relations Islander Employment and Engagement 38 and Organisational Design 74 Multicultural Policy and Services 40 Division of Finance and Resources 74 Equity and Diversity 40 Financial Resources RESEARCH 43 and Budget Outcomes 75 Research Strategy and Performance 43 Information Technology Services 76 Research, Engagement, Development Office of Finance 76 and Innovation 45 Office of Commercial and Estate Planning 77 Graduate School of Research 45 Capital Works and Facilities 77
westernsydney.edu.au 3 ANNUAL REPORT 2015
The Year in Review
A MESSAGE FROM THE more than 160 students, providing mentoring, career advice and opportunities for relevant CHANCELLOR AND work experience. In 2015, the University also VICE-CHANCELLOR launched Western Sydney University Online, which offers fully online degrees. In 2015, Western Sydney University established a clear, compelling and resolute A key priority in 2015 was enhancing and vision for the future with the release of the promoting the impact of the University’s Securing Success: 2015–2020 strategic research to expand our research capacity plan, following endorsement by the Board through financial and non-financial of Trustees in February. Securing Success collaborations with external partners. encapsulates the rationale and provides the Following its establishment in mid-2014, the framework for the strategic imperatives that Research Engagement, Development and will shape the University for a competitive and Innovation (REDI) Business Development successful future. Importantly, it strengthens team has created more than 90 projects the University’s reputation for resilience and valued at $2.75 million. The creation of flexibility, and cements a student-centred and the new Graduate Research School, which Professor Peter Shergold AC, Chancellor research-led culture. began operating in February, allowed us to consolidate the oversight of research training. Plans are also in place to support the new strategies, notably Research and Another milestone in early 2015 was the Development 2015–2017 and Global Futures: establishment of Launch Pad in partnership Internationalising WSU 2015–2020. Another with the State Government and a range of significant achievement in 2015 was the corporate sponsors. Launch Pad aims to University’s rebrand, which reaffirms its drive innovation in Western Sydney and position as a world-class university with establish the region as a globally competitive international reach, a reputation for academic technology and innovation hub. A particular excellence, a track record in delivering highlight was a visit to the facility in October impact-driven research and one that is by Prime Minister, the Hon. Malcolm Turnbull. proudly anchored in Western Sydney. The new brand emphasises the University’s Our Global Futures: 2015–2020 strategy unique geographical position in Australia’s will increase focus on internationalising the third-largest and fastest growing economy, University. The strategy highlights signing and helps students, staff and communities new agreements and strengthening existing tap into a global perspective with unlimited agreements with international organisations opportunity. to facilitate student recruitment and research Professor Barney Glover, Vice-Chancellor projects. Scholarships for international and President Planning and construction continued on students were also offered for the first time, creating an iconic vertical campus in the assisting seven students. Another important heart of the Parramatta CBD that connects development was a new partnership with to business and the community. Construction Navitas to establish a pathway college for began in February 2015 and the new campus international students in Parramatta. should be ready in 2017. It will be a showpiece for collaborative and blended learning The University has continued to perform pedagogy in a focused, diverse and student- well financially in a challenging environment. centric environment. Ongoing investment is improving the University’s key financial systems and The University is committed to expanding enhancing financial capabilities and the academic program for postgraduate and efficiencies for better financial management undergraduate courses, with 26 new courses and sustainability. approved for teaching in 2016. In addition, the University launched the Women in Science Professor Peter Shergold, AC and Engineering (WiSE) project to give Chancellor career assistance to women studying in non- Professor Barney Glover traditional areas. The program has engaged Vice-Chancellor and President
4 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
FIVE YEARS – KEY STATISTICS
% CHANGE CATEGORY 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 q p 2014-15 NUMBER OF STUDENTS Total 39,461 40,257 41,923 43,783 44,934 2.6% p Female % 55.4% 55.6% 55.1% 55.0% 54.8% -0.2% q Commencing 15,430 15,156 16,349 17,144 18,098 5.6% p Female % 55.4% 55.4% 55.0% 54.5% 54.2% -0.3% q STUDENT LOAD Total 29,730 30,194 31,351 32,723 33,673 2.9% p Undergraduate 24,931 25,631 26,474 27,205 28,646 5.3% p Postgraduate 4,200 4,038 4,177 4,353 4,108 -5.6% q Other* 599 526 700 1,166 919 -21.2% q * Other includes enabling, cross institutional and non award STUDENT LOAD BY FUNDING SOURCE Commonwealth Supported Places 25,124 25,748 27,039 28,217 29,158 3.3% p Commonwealth Research Training Scheme 519 526 526 493 494 0.3% p Domestic fee-paying (award and non award) 1,028 928 822 727 704 -3.2% q International fee-paying 3,059 2,992 2,965 3,286 3,317 0.9% p AWARD COMPLETIONS Total 8,503 8,322 9,202 9,029 n.a -1.9% q Undergraduate 5,646 5,652 6,564 6,387 n.a -2.7% q Postgraduate 2,857 2,670 2,638 2,642 n.a 0.2% p % Change based on 2013-14 STAFF (FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT) Total 2,946 2,978 3,043 3,350 3,356 0.2% p Academic 1,396 1,430 1,420 1,532 1,544 0.8% p Teaching Only 517 502 513 585 577 -1.2% q Teaching and Research 722 736 699 706 843 19.4% p Research only 49 45 51 73 95 29.0% p Other 109 147 158 167 29 -83.0% q Professional 1,550 1,549 1,623 1,818 1,813 -0.3% q 2015 includes estimated casual based on 2014 RESEARCH FUNDING ($’000) Australian Competitive Grant Income (Category 1) 10,017 12,542 12,041 14,997 n.a includes ARC, NHMRC & Other Collaborative Income (Category 2, 3 and 4) 7,694 8,733 10,258 11,238 n.a Total HERDC Income 17,711 21,275 22,300 26,230 n.a % Change based on 2013-14 TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE ($’000) 561,602 662,820 684,199 729,665 755,617 3.6% TOTAL NET ASSETS ($’000) 1,234,397 1,321,023 1,366,871 1,454,991 1,607,353 10.5% (n.a) - not available
westernsydney.edu.au 5 ANNUAL REPORT 2015
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBERS
OFFICIAL MEMBERS
Professor Peter Shergold Professor Barney Glover, Associate Professor AC, Chancellor Vice-Chancellor Paul Wormell, Chair of Academic Senate
APPOINTED MEMBERS (MINISTERIAL)
Mr John Banks Ms Elizabeth Dibbs, Ms Genevieve Gregor Ms Vivienne James Mr Paul Newman Mr Ian Stone Pro Chancellor
APPOINTED MEMBERS (BOARD)
Mr Christopher Brown, AM Mr Michael Pratt, Ms Gillian Shadwick, Ms Gabrielle Trainor Deputy Chancellor Deputy Chancellor
ELECTED MEMBERS
Mr Tim Ferraro, Mr Elie Hammam, Ms Sophie Kobuch, Dr George Morgan, Ms Taylor Macdonald, Ms Jenny Purcell, Graduate Postgraduate Student Postgraduate Student Academic Staff Undergraduate Student General Staff
6 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
The Organisation
CHARTER, PURPOSE AND SUMMARY OF KEY BOARD DELIBERATIONS the University’s response to the digital IN 2015 environment. The Board also endorsed the LEGISLATION rebranding strategy for the University and The Board approved the final version of the considered plans to reconceptualise the University’s strategic plan, Securing Success: The University of Western Sydney is University’s campus network. established under the University of Western 2015–2020, following a lengthy and extensive consultation period with staff, students and Sydney Act 1997. The University operates in The Board approved the strategy for external stakeholders during 2014. The Board accordance with this Act and the associated developing the Westmead campus and, also endorsed the proposed measures for University of Western Sydney By-law 2005. following a tender process, approved the Securing Success, and the proposed targets sale of the residential lots on the Westmead for 2017 and 2020. The Act constitutes the University and campus to DeiCorp. prescribes its functions and the authority of The Board approved the establishment of its governing body, the Board of Trustees. The Board approved the 2016 budget. In the the Western Sydney Institute for Population Section 8(1) of the Act defines the core object context of continuing policy and funding and Community Health (later renamed the of the University as follows: “The object of the uncertainty facing the higher education Translational Health Research Institute) and University is the promotion, within the limits sector, the budget for 2016–2018 was the Australia-China Institute for Arts and of the University’s resources, of scholarship, developed according to a conservative Culture. The Board approved the University research, free inquiry, the interaction of approach. The Board also approved the entering into a joint venture agreement research and teaching, and academic establishment of a scholarship fund for with Navitas Ltd to establish the UWS excellence.” students from refugee backgrounds, International College as a key enabler for contributing $500,000 in seed funding. The Act also requires the University to have the University’s international strategy. The particular regard to the needs of Western Board also approved the establishment of Throughout the year, the Board noted the Sydney in fulfilling this object. the Campbelltown Clinical School, jointly University’s deliberations about course and funded by the University and the Health unit review, and received reports from the Administration Corporation, which owns the Academic Senate about: BOARD OF TRUSTEES land on which the facility will be built. ≥≥ School academic course reports The Board approved a significant marketing ≥≥ streamlining curriculum approval BOARD CHARTER investment to launch the new University processes The Board of Trustees is the governing brand, emphasising how the University’s authority of the University, with functions unique geographical position in Australia’s ≥≥ developing guidelines, processes and prescribed under the University of Western third-largest and fastest growing economy communication to staff and students Sydney Act 1997. The Board acts for and on helps students, staff and communities tap around the Student Misconduct Rule behalf of the University. Its key functions into a global perspective and unlimited ≥≥ academic forums co-sponsored by the are to develop broad policies and strategic opportunity. In line with the branding strategy, Vice-Chancellor and Chair of the Academic plans with respect to the University, to the Board approved a proposal to change the Senate manage the University’s resources and to name of the University to Western Sydney ≥≥ proposed amendments to the Higher University. This will require a change to the monitor the University’s performance. The Education Standards Framework members – official, appointed and elected University of Western Sydney Act 1997, which – meet approximately six times each year is expected to occur during 2016. ≥≥ the regulatory activities of the Tertiary including for a strategic planning day. The Education Quality and Standards Agency Board is supported in its work by a number The Board engaged a consultant to undertake ≥≥ the Australian Qualifications Framework. of specialist committees and two advisory an external review of the performance of the councils. governing body and its committees. The review The Board also approved changes to the affirmed the effectiveness of the Board and its membership of the Academic Senate to reflect Details about the Board, including summaries committees, and provided recommendations changes in senior positions. and minutes of meetings, are published on the for further improvements. The Board approved University’s website: westernsydney.edu.au/ the review report, and the recommendations BOARD MEMBERSHIP about_uws/leadership/board_of_trustees are to be implemented in accordance with an implementation plan provided to the Board. The Board reappointed Mr Christopher The compliance statement of the Board of Brown, AM for his second term on the Board, Trustees is contained in Appendix 5 of this At its annual strategy day, the Board and appointed Ms Elizabeth Dibbs as Pro- report. considered the importance of the digital Chancellor. Ms Sophie Kobuch replaced Mr environment in higher education, and Elie Hammam as the elected postgraduate student member. At the year’s end, the Board
westernsydney.edu.au 7 ANNUAL REPORT 2015
The Organisation
provided a submission to the Minister in The Board of Trustees has delegated the benchmarking, to produce a comprehensive relation to a Ministerial appointment to replace responsibility for formulating academic Academic Honesty and Integrity Framework. Mr Paul Newman following his resignation policies and making a range of academic Following a review of some aspects of the from the Board. decisions to the Academic Senate, which is University’s Assessment Policy, the University supported by specialist and School standing has commissioned a comprehensive review of The Board also appointed new external committees. The Chair of Senate reports assessment to be conducted in the first half of members to its University Infrastructure regularly to the Board, and advises on 2016, which will also consider the role of new Committee, Audit and Risk Management managing academic risk. technologies in challenging and protecting Committee, and Finance and Investment the integrity of the University’s assessment Committee. The Academic Senate’s Work Plan aligns with processes. the University’s Securing Success strategic HONORARY AWARDS AND TITLES plan and strategic risk register, and sets out Throughout the year, the Senate received the main priorities for the Senate’s activities, briefings and gave advice about a range of In 2015, the Board conferred honorary awards taking account of the Senate’s role and terms University priorities and activities, including of the University on: of reference. the development of the new Learning and Teaching Plan; English language and ≥≥ Mr Peter FitzSimons AM – Honorary Doctor literacy support; research ethics; rebranding of Letters ACTIVITIES IN 2015 of the University; development of the ≥≥ Dr Kerry Schott AO – Honorary Doctor of During 2015, the Academic Senate’s priorities new One Parramatta Square campus; the Letters have addressed the regulatory environment internationalisation of the curriculum; for Australian universities, the University’s ≥≥ Dr Melissa Chiu – Honorary Doctor of progress with the Red Tape Task Force Securing Success strategic priorities, and Creative Arts project; and development of new learning and the Senate’s legislated roles as the ‘peak staff spaces. The Senate has also monitored ≥≥ Dr Jamal Rifi – Honorary Doctor of Letters. forum of the University for academic debate the development of the new national Higher and discourse’, and the ‘primary custodian The Board conferred the title of Emeritus Education Standards Framework, now of academic values and standards for the Professor of the University on Professor approved for implementation by 1 January University’. These priorities were: Margaret Helen Vickers. 2017, and begun the work of ensuring that its policies and processes meet the new ≥≥ the student experience – coursework and standards and provide a sound basis for higher degree research ACADEMIC SENATE the University’s re-accreditation as a higher ≥≥ student academic honesty and integrity education provider in 2018. The Academic Senate is a standing committee ≥≥ external referencing of academic of the Board of Trustees, and is the peak standards and assessment Following the recent performance review of the Board of Trustees and its standing forum of the University for academic debate ≥≥ further development of Western Sydney committees, the Academic Senate is reviewing and discourse. Its responsibilities, as defined Online and broader aspects of digitally its activities to identify areas of good practice by the Academic Governance Policy, are: supported learning and opportunities for improvement. A survey ≥≥ promoting and monitoring academic ≥≥ supporting the delivery of the academic of members was circulated in November 2015. standards, values and quality assurance components of Securing Success An Academic Governance Working Party has been established to advise the Senate on its ≥≥ advising on the development of, and ≥≥ further development of academic courses performance against, academic plans and pathways. processes and performance in relation to the new Higher Education Standards Framework ≥≥ monitoring academic collaborations and Academic honesty and integrity was a for academic governance and TEQSA’s partnerships particular area of focus during 2015. The guidance notes on academic governance. ≥≥ advising the Board and Vice-Chancellor as Senate refined and endorsed a new Student appropriate Misconduct Rule, which was subsequently During 2015, the Senate’s standing committees at the School and University ≥≥ determining academic policies and approved by the Board of Trustees, and a approving related procedures set of Inappropriate Behaviour Guidelines for level continued developing, approving and matters that are more appropriately dealt reviewing courses, units and articulation ≥≥ accrediting and approving courses, with through educative and/or remedial agreements with other organisations; programs and units interventions. The Senate’s Academic Integrity determining and monitoring academic ≥≥ promoting the quality and development of Working Party is drawing together a range standards; reviewing and approving marks research in the University. of existing programs, informed by external and grades; managing and examining
8 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
bachelor (honours) and higher degree a new and consolidated Course Design Policy. a Bachelor of Sustainable Agriculture and research candidatures; approving students A draft of a new Disruption to Studies Policy, Food Security, Bachelor of Humanitarian and for graduation; developing and monitoring to replace the complex Special Consideration Development Studies, Bachelor of Screen academic policies; and shaping and promoting Policy, was provided to Senate members Media, Master of Epidemiology, Master of the University’s academic culture, values and in December for comment. Considerable Psychotherapy and Counselling, Master of standards. progress was also made on reviewing the Nursing (Professional Studies), and Graduate Progression and Unsatisfactory Academic Diploma in Cardiac Sonography. HIGHLIGHTS IN 2015 Progress Policy. Several other academic and research policies were also updated, and The Senate continues to protect and enhance During the year, the Senate worked closely work has begun on ensuring that all policies the academic reputation of the University with the Office of the Vice-Chancellor to are aligned with the new Higher Education in an increasingly competitive environment, hold four academic forums to enhance Standards Framework. by promoting consistent academic policies, communication with the University standards and student experiences across community. The topics for these forums were The University’s PhD Pathways project the University. It also serves as a forum for ‘Enhancing the Student Experience’, ‘Barriers commenced operations in 2015, with the engaging staff members and students in lively to Research’, ‘An Internationalised Curriculum’ first intake of students to the Master of and constructive debate about key academic and ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research course under the oversight of issues for the University. Education’. Each forum included academic the newly established Graduate Research and professional staff members from a range School. The Academic Senate’s Research of disciplines and organisational units within Studies Committee continued to promote the University, as well as a number of student good academic governance and quality representatives. This resulted in robust assurance for higher degree research across and valuable discussions, with reports that the University, with a focus on examination included collated outcomes and proposed processes and standards, and scrutiny of actions. This program of forums will continue autonomous sanctions requirements. in 2016. The Office of the General Counsel reviewed The Senate has reviewed the membership, current policies relating to student misconduct terms of reference and reporting (academic, non-academic and higher degree arrangements for its standing committees research), in consultation with the Academic to identify any changes that would improve Integrity Working Party of the Academic their operation and the flow of information Senate, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellors. The between the committees and the Senate. The Senate and its relevant standing committees review commenced with the research-focused discussed draft versions of the new Student committees, followed by the curriculum Misconduct Rule and associated guidelines approval committees, to implement some throughout 2015. As reported above, the recommendations from the Red Tape new Student Misconduct Rule and associated Task Force and make a range of other guidelines will be implemented from 1 improvements to the course and unit approval January 2016. A comprehensive Academic processes, including comprehensively Honesty and Integrity Framework is under updating the relevant academic delegations development and is expected to be completed and documentation. by the middle of 2016.
In 2014, a core Academic Policy Advisory Other highlights of the year included Group was established under the Senate’s the approval of new undergraduate and Education Committee, to ensure alignment postgraduate courses including double between the reviews of various policies. The degrees; an expanded range of pathway Senate agreed on a set of prioritised policies courses taught by The College; new Bachelor for review in 2015. Significant achievements of Business and Bachelor of Accounting included approving the first stage of revisions courses; a Bachelor of Data Science designed to the Assessment Policy and the Award to be taken in combination with a range Courses and Units Approvals Policy, with of other degrees; and a range of other further revisions to occur in conjunction with strategically important courses, including
westernsydney.edu.au 9 ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Quality and Consumer Response
QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE University. The University has well-developed and associated business case, which is processes to track student performance assessed for approval by the Business and and for students to provide feedback on Infrastructure Development Committee, The Office of Quality and Performance (OQP) their experience, which is benchmarked the Executive and the Academic Planning played a key role in developing the metrics nationally and internationally. The University and Courses Approvals Committee. The and targets for monitoring implementation uses standardised surveys to gather course concept proposal and business case of the strategic goals and objectives set in student feedback on teaching, their learning require schools to address key strategic and Securing Success. These include tracking experience in units of study, their overall financial imperatives of any new proposal. performance across the University against key course experience, and their whole experience These include providing evidence of student performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting at the University. and market demand, alignment with the on initiatives that support Securing Success to University’s strategic plan, and showing the Board of Trustees. A new dashboard was The University has continued collaborating that the course satisfies the Australian also developed to track performance against with the University of Tasmania, Deakin Qualifications Framework requirements. targets and this will be included in the Vice- University, Swinburne University, Murdoch Chancellor, Professor Barney Glover’s, annual University, University of Queensland, The University’s cyclical review process means end-of-year report to the Board of Trustees. Macquarie University and Victoria University all Schools are reviewed every five years. The on the inter-university peer review of teaching review includes a self-assessment report, In 2015, the University continued working to and learning standards. Schools have been which an independent review panel considers ensure that quality management processes providing and receiving peer feedback for recommendations. The University also align with the Tertiary Education Quality and on teaching standards and moderating conducts cross-institutional reviews of key Standards Agency (TEQSA) higher education assessments of capstone units. Schools thematic areas, which are central to realising standards framework, in particular ensuring oversee the outcomes and report emerging the University’s mission. The School of that the University has robust processes to themes to the Senate Education Committee. Medicine and the School of Social Sciences fulfil its self-accrediting obligations. and Psychology will be reviewed in 2016. The University has introduced a more rigorous Quality management is embedded in strategic process for developing and approving new The University also requires all schools to and operational planning, accreditation, course offerings. Schools must now complete review undergraduate and postgraduate reporting and review processes across the a standardised course concept proposal course performance data annually. This
2015 RANKING RESULTS
TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION CWTS LEIDEN WORLD UNIVERSITY QUACQUARELLI SYMONDS RANKINGS RANKINGS RANKINGS
Subject rankings Faculty rankings Impact rankings
World Top 100 World rankings under 50 rankings
Top 200 Top 300 Top 400 Top 300 10th in Australia
Agriculture / Arts Forestry English Humanities/Social 401–500 56 651–700 Education Language/ Medicine 259th Globally Science Literature Psychology/ Management Sociology
10 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
process identifies course-related issues and OFFICE OF HIGHER OHEPP continued to oversee the reports on quality improvement initiatives implementation of nine projects worth $3.6 introduced at the school and the program EDUCATION POLICY AND million, funded by the Higher Education level to improve KPIs. The DVCA oversees PROJECTS Participation and Partnerships Programme. the annual review process and reports to the This included submitting an interim report Senate Education Committee. It was a critical year for the higher education to the Australian Government, which was sector and higher education policy in well received. All projects met their key In addition to supporting the above activities, Australia. The Australian Government’s higher performance indicators for 2015 and funding the OQP is responsible for student load education reforms – which were introduced will finish at the end of 2016. The Office also planning, strategic information analysis and in the 2014–15 Budget and included the most organised several networking lunches for advice, business intelligence and institutional significant proposed changes to Australia’s staff and key external stakeholders working survey services for the University. The higher education sector in more than 25 in the area of pathways to university for student load-planning model – a key input to years – were defeated for a second time in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander the University’s budgeting, forecasting and the Senate. A number of national reviews and community. planning processes – is being migrated to a inquiries that explored fundamental changes statistical modelling software tool to improve to the future direction of Australia’s higher The Office prepared both the Indigenous the predictability of student load data and education sector were also completed in 2015. Education Statement and the Indigenous enhance scenario analysis. Advancement Strategy, and successfully In 2015, the Office of Higher Education secured funding for the Indigenous Tutorial In 2015, the University began integrating Policy and Projects (OHEPP) continued to Assistance Scheme. The Office was also student learning data from its ‘Views’ learning provide analysis and advice on key higher involved in transitioning and integrating key management system into its enterprise education issues to the University’s Board OHEPP functions into the Office of Aboriginal data warehouse. With further development, of Trustees and Executive Group. The Office and Torres Strait Islander Employment the project could give the University key also contributed to national policy debates and Engagement, to bring together and insights into the student experience, learning through media commentary and submissions strengthen opportunities for Aboriginal outcomes and student retention. to national inquiries, most notably Senate and Torres Strait Islander students and inquiries into the Higher Education and community. The University has increased its focus on Research Reform Amendment Bill 2014 and global rankings performance indicators as the Principles of the Higher Education and shown by the appointment of a Lead Dean Research Reform Bill 2014. The Office played CODE OF CONDUCT for Global Rankings, Professor Kevin Dunn, in a key role in analysing higher education policy late 2014. In 2015, the OQP advised Professor proposals to ensure the University was well The University is committed to maintaining Dunn on ranking outcomes, standing and positioned to assess and respond to their high standards of personal and professional quality of rankings, opportunities to improve likely effects. The Office was also represented conduct in all its activities. These standards performance and the effect the University’s at a Universities Australia policy analysts are outlined in the University’s Code of rebranding campaign had on rankings. The meeting, and participated in a working group Conduct. The Code establishes the ethical OQP communicated with staff across the responsible for input into developing a key framework within which the University University about the importance of rankings Universities Australia data publication. operates, and guides students, visitors and and the relevance to their disciplines. In contractors on the ethical standards we addition, the OQP enhanced the University’s In May 2015, Western Sydney University’s expect they will also uphold when engaging data collection and submission processes to Vice-Chancellor, Professor Barney Glover, with the University. It outlines what is required the various rankings organisations. was elected Chair of Universities Australia, of members of the University community, and the peak body representing the university recognises that the University and its policies sector. An OHEPP representative was operate in the context of state and federal appointed to give Professor Glover policy laws. The Code of Conduct can be accessed and analytical support in this new role. Since online at: policies.uws.edu.au/view.current. his appointment, Professor Glover’s notable php?id=00072 achievements include a National Press Club address in October, the launch of Universities All of the University’s policies are published in Australia’s Keep it Clever policy statement, an online database, available at: meetings with federal ministers and senators, policies.uws.edu.au conference addresses and participation in numerous media events.
westernsydney.edu.au 11 ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Review of Activities
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS stalled higher education reform package. TEACHING AND LEARNING In addition to these activities, the School is The development of the Bachelor of Business using strategies to build postgraduate student and Bachelor of Accounting degrees is a OVERVIEW numbers, focusing on the international major undertaking. Current school leavers market. In 2015, the School of Business initiated and industry partners alike have shown wide-ranging changes to its leadership, considerable interest in these highly The School is developing alternative entry degree offerings and financial sustainability, innovative programs. It is also encouraging pathways to a masters degree, including a repositioning it to be in line with the that international partners, particularly in the ‘qualifying’ program, to increase demand University’s new brand and capitalise on the Chinese market, have responded positively to for the course. Similarly, the School has opportunities this will bring. the new Postgraduate Qualifying Program. preliminary approval to institute a fee scholarship in selected, highly competitive Leadership In 2015, the School continued developing the international markets to increase student pedagogy to support blended delivery, and The Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice- intake and match other universities’ offerings. President (Research and Development), consolidated work on blending undergraduate units. The School has shifted the emphasis to Professor Scott Holmes, accepted a dual Staff appointment as Dean of the School of providing one-on-one, just-in-time training The School of Business staff members Business in mid-2015. He has since been to build professional capacity and support continue to thrive in changing circumstances. changing the School’s focus to ‘enterprise specific educational technologies and tools such as vodcasting, online marking and the futures’, connecting it with businesses and Relocations of staff members in 2015 at the community to ensure that students gain functionalities available in vUWS. In 2015, both the Parramatta and Campbelltown a key focus was designing and developing relevant knowledge and experience across a campuses caused minimal disruption to range of existing and future business models. fully online units for three programs: the the School’s activities. The School’s move Master of Commerce (Financial Planning), the to One Parramatta Square, scheduled for The School’s leadership has supported this online EMBA, and the Bachelor of Business 2017, is being handled in a professional and shift in focus, providing quality student Administration (BBA). Thirteen fully online consultative manner. Preparation is underway support to achieve the shared vision of units were developed and offered in 2015, and on the teaching and learning design for improved research and teaching results. more are being developed for 2016. the new facilities, as well as on process New offerings and practice reviews for academic and Teaching and learning innovation were high professional staff members. on the agenda in 2015. The Blended Learning In the 2016 autumn semester, the School is team identified the need for specialised offering two new undergraduate degrees, The results of the 2015 My Voice survey support resources for online postgraduate the Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of were positive, showing improvements from students, and designed and built the state-of- Accounting. These degrees replace the 2012. The survey identified areas that need the-art Online Student Orientation website. Bachelor of Business and Commerce degree. attention, and action will be taken. Another innovative project launched in 2015 The School spent a long time in 2015 The School continues to emphasise the was the Sport Management program to preparing these innovative degrees to importance of cultivating leadership, improve student engagement and academic ensure they are attractive to the market. In giving priority to developing research and readiness. Further programs include an addition to simplifying the course structure governance leaders internally. In 2015, online interactive resources package to and enhancing the relevance of courses professional leadership coaching continued help prepare students for work in individual offered within these degrees, the School ran for staff members new to the roles of Director units, which has received positive feedback. an advertising campaign under the tagline of Academic Program and other similar Similar resources can be developed for other ‘Change Maker’. Early market impressions of leadership positions. programs in the School. the degrees’ structure are very positive. The School’s professional staff members The School’s work has been showcased in a Financial sustainability have once again completed an external audit variety of different channels, including the The School’s reliance on the CGS and HECS- through SAI Global and have maintained ISO Financial Planning Association (FPA) and HELP undergraduate model makes the School 9001:2008 Quality management systems – the Western Sydney University Designing for vulnerable to changes in domestic demand. Requirements certification. This recognises Learning Showcase in December 2015, where The new degree programs and repositioning that the systems and processes our staff members presented learning innovations. of the School’s brand will assist in increasing professional staff members follow are meeting the CGS and HECS-HELP load and prepare the the demands of the School, the academic staff The School has also participated in the School for any developments in the currently and students. University-wide Pathways to Success project, as well as Max Potential and a dedicated
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program of connecting with high schools in Sustainability, Business Networks and Supply Residential Fire Injury and Savings from the Western Sydney catchment to showcase Chain Research Node and Business Education Prevention’ the new brand and discuss the new degrees. Research Node. ≥≥ Dr Neal Arthur, University of New South Wales, delivered a seminar titled ‘Capital Based on a more organic and flexible ACCREDITATION Expenditure and Its Impact on Future approach, the new model emphasises staff Profitability: An Empirical Study of During 2015, the Bachelor of Business members’ strengths, interests and expertise. Australian Firms’ and Bachelor of Accounting courses were As such, it encourages self-organising approved. Each course required accreditation research clusters, constituted by academics ≥≥ Professor Cristina Chaminade, Lund by the relevant professional bodies. CPA with similar and/or complementary research University, conducted a seminar titled Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia interests or skills. The model encourages ‘Changing Knowledge Dynamics and and New Zealand (CAANZ) and the Institute collaborative scholarship within or across Globalisation of Innovation’ of Public Accountants (IPA) all accredited disciplines that will reward academics and ≥≥ Professor Robert Faff, University of the Bachelor of Business with an Accounting increase research productivity at the School. Queensland, presented an informal major; the Australian Property Institute seminar on publishing tips. accredited the degree with a Property In 2015, the School continued to use six major; and the Australian Human Resources Research Liaison Officers (RLOs). The RLOs Eight women were awarded grants from the Institute’s (AHRI’s) National Accreditation provide support for visitors and assist with Women’s Research Fellowship, a University Council will make its decision on a Human grant applications, as well as networking for initiative. Resource and Management major in June applied research and engagement projects. 2016. CPA Australia, CAANZ, the IPA and The positions are unpaid and the roles are ENGAGEMENT the Financial Planning Education Council appointed from expressions of interest made all accredited the Bachelor of Accounting. from within the School. The School increased engagement activities Confirmation of these accreditations before in a range of areas in 2015. In addition to the launch of the courses in autumn 2016 is a In October 2015, we had 109 higher-degree continuing to support programs such as great achievement and a positive enticement students. Many students graduated in the the Western Sydney Awards for Business to potential new students. previous 12 months. The Higher Degree Excellence, the Lucy Mentoring Program and Research Forum was held in October, with 18 Max Potential in the Hills and Parramatta In February, the School became eligible students showcasing their work and progress. regions, the School held one-on-one to proceed towards accreditation with the meetings with business organisations across Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of The School of Business had a lively year of the Western Sydney region and wider Business (AACSB). The next stage towards guest speakers and visitors, including: Sydney. A number of these visits were at the accreditation is to submit the Initial Self organisations’ request, but increasingly the Evaluation Report (iSER), and a mentor has ≥≥ Professor Peter Naudé, Manchester School is targeting organisations where there been allocated to assist the School through Business School, discussing his paper is have an existing relationship or there is this next stage. The School had a successful ‘Making the “Qualitative” in fuzzy set mutual benefit in making contact. meeting with this mentor in October, gaining Qualitative Comparative Analysis Work: positive feedback about the School’s progress The Example of Relational Attractiveness Several organisations have requested towards the standards alignment, particularly of the Customer’ assistance with their intern programs and the work towards the Assurance of Learning ≥≥ Professor Russell Belk, York University, see the School as a valuable source of future process, our student-centred focus and presenting his paper ‘Qualitative Research staff members. The School has worked with industry engagement. The mentor believes Methods in Consumer Psychology – organisations including a major retailer, large that the School is in a good position to be Ethnography and Culture’ government organisations, local councils, two of the ‘Big Four’ accounting firms and a approved to proceed towards accreditation ≥≥ Linda Hollebeek , Senior Lecturer, large automotive retailer. The School assisted after the iSER submission. Auckland University of Technology, some of these organisations with promoting presented ‘Consumer Community their intern programs; and held on-campus Engagement Practices in a Virtual Brand RESEARCH information sessions for students close to Community – A Typology’ It was a year of change and The School graduating. The School also worked with the looked closely at its research position and ≥≥ Professor Ted Miller, Pacific Institute for University’s Careers unit, holding information areas of expertise and considered the future Research & Evaluation, Maryland, US and nights that focused on specific industries or shape and direction of research. A whole of Adjunct Professor at Western Australia professional areas of work. School Research Forum was held to mark the Curtin University’s Centre for Population beginning of a shift towards an alternative Health Research, ran a seminar titled In other projects, members of the School met model of research to supersede the Business ‘Prevention versus Cure: Costs of US a number of organisations to discuss potential
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research or consultancy work and gave some through its academic and professional thinking’, ‘design thinking’ and ‘data-driven, of these organisations information about outreach, and a broad range of analytical thinking’. The School has developed courses their staff members may wish to study partnerships and community involvement multidisciplinary learning scenarios and at Western Sydney University. The School ≥≥ leading the university-wide development supporting mechanisms, which integrate sees real opportunities for Executive and of data science and analytics strength, with these competencies with the acquisition of Professional Education and is in discussions the aim of underpinning all four research entrepreneurial skills. with a major professional body and a training themes. organisation to train or jointly train their In alignment with this approach and to meet members. At this stage, the School anticipates evolving industry requirements, the industrial launching Executive Education courses early “In popular culture, the entrepreneur design program has been overhauled. in 2016, subject to approval. is the rogue genius who succeeds The School expanded opportunities for work- The School has continued to focus on without – or in spite of – education. integrated and interdisciplinary learning. The identifying projects in organisations where And it would be extremely multidisciplinary engineering and product postgraduate and undergraduate students convenient if that were true.” design project ‘Sustainable Electric Scooter’ provided a hands-on, research-led and may be able to work as a part of an assessment Entrepreneurship “is a human item, often in groups and sometimes work-integrated learning experience for individually. This gives students hands-on endeavour, requiring attention to the students from the undergraduate design and business experience, enabling them to apply way that our attitudes are shaped, engineering programs. what they are learning to real situations. our skills developed, our networks formed. And so it is inseparable from The Formula SAE-A Project has been officially The School retains close links with local and opened and embedded into curricula for national business organisations, attending education – not independent of it.” both the undergraduate and postgraduate programs in mechanical engineering, and functions where staff members often speak, This quote from Professor Ian Chubb, AC’s robotic and mechatronic engineering. and taking the opportunity to promote the introduction to the Office of the Chief School. This provides support for those Scientist’s report Boosting high-impact organisations, keeps the School in touch with The students in the Information Systems entrepreneurship in Australia – A role for program have been participating in a work- local business issues and delivers business universities (Spike Innovation, October 2015), contacts for the School’s programs. integrated learning project involving real- summarises the role of entrepreneurship in the life small to medium-sized enterprises in contemporary world and the need to change Picton, studying and identifying the most SCHOOL OF COMPUTING, our mindsets to encourage entrepreneurialism appropriate technology solutions to improve through the student learning experience the companies’ business operations. ENGINEERING AND and grow future professionals with the MATHEMATICS entrepreneurial skills to disrupt and transform The School continues to build its capacity industries. for the agile and rapid design of academic The School of Computing, Engineering programs in collaboration across the and Mathematics (SCEM) at Western Together with the Australian Government’s University, so it can thrive in the highly Sydney University is a driver of academic National Innovation and Science Agenda, this dynamic and competitive higher education entrepreneurship, creative experimentation, report has been an essential beacon in guiding environment. In addition to the modularised innovation and disruption. In 2015, the School SCEM activities in 2015. The School is pivotal and flexible curriculum structures created as focused on developing and implementing to the Western Sydney innovation ecosystem. part of the reshaping of the existing academic student-centred initiatives, including: SCEM entered 2015 with established academic programs, the School focused on developing systems and structures to support innovation, markedly different interdisciplinary academic ≥≥ shaping new, distinct academic programs agility and academic entrepreneurship. The programs and double degrees. that offer engaged learning experiences, year saw substantially improved interaction integrating high-impact research, tangible between the disciplines, with steady Strategic priority has been given to developing development and entrepreneurial enrolments in the School’s programs. the undergraduate and postgraduate data opportunities science academic programs that start in 2016. ≥≥ establishing new integrated research and LEARNING, TEACHING AND ACADEMIC The trans-disciplinary undergraduate degree development projects with measurable ENTREPRENEURSHIP (which is undertaken as a double degree with another discipline) aims to equip graduates impacts and extensive student In 2015, the activities in this area were with the capabilities to embark on data- involvement underpinned by the School’s philosophy, driven investigations in their study areas. The ≥≥ further extending the national and which promotes four student success program recognises that data science needs international presence of the School clusters: ‘computational thinking’, ‘systems
14 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
to be embedded into specialty programs to In 2015, the School increased its international the School maintains an extended External enable graduates to become professionals enrolments, notably in the Bachelor of Advisory Network from which it forms who are competitively positioned to succeed Information and Communications Technology, External Advisory Boards for the specific in today’s data-rich business environments. Bachelor of Information Systems, Bachelor academic programs. The breadth of the The postgraduate degree addresses the of Engineering and Bachelor of Construction network allows for interaction and movement rapidly growing demand across almost all Management undergraduate degrees. Among between the disciplines according to the domains of human endeavour for specialists the postgraduate degrees, the new Master needs of each program. with in-depth knowledge and practical skills of Engineering was the leader in attracting for making sense of vast quantities of data and international students. In 2016, the School is RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT information. working on increasing its international student numbers in the areas of industrial design and In 2015, the School continued to build the The School continued to enhance the data science. research and development aspects of student nomenclature of its double degrees. Together centredness. with the School of Business, SCEM finalised An essential feature of the School’s strategy for double degrees in engineering and business, maintaining academic standards is achieving The disciplines of engineering, mathematics, and with the School of Law it delivered professional accreditation for all its programs. built environment, and information and degrees in construction management and law. During 2015, the School completed accreditation computing sciences at Western Sydney for the undergraduate and masters coursework University, to which SCEM is the major In 2015, the School offered substantially academic programs in computing, engineering contributor, improved their performance redesigned two-year masters programs in and construction management. The four- in the Excellence in Research for Australia ICT, engineering, building surveying, fire year Bachelor of Engineering programs in (ERA) 2015 round to be rated ‘world standard’ safety engineering and bushfire protection. It Mechanical Engineering have been granted or ‘above world standard’, with two at ‘well laid the foundations for creating specialised full accreditation from Engineers Australia at above world standard’. This improvement technology streams in postgraduate programs the level of Professional Engineer. The new brings better alignment of the School’s across the University. In particular, it offers two-year Master of Engineering courses, which research strengths with its areas of core the ICT specialisation in the University’s commenced in 2015, have obtained provisional teaching competence. Master of Business Administration program. accreditation from Engineers Australia at the In 2015, School researchers succeeded Specialisations in data science, project level of Professional Engineer. The School in 12 grant applications in the national management and other areas are in has also ensured the Australian Qualifications competitive grant schemes for project funding preparation. Framework Level 8 compliance of its revised commencing in 2016, including 11 grants in Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) program. The School contributed extensively to The the Australian Research Council schemes Academy, in the development and delivery of The 2015 Widevision Plus exhibition of and one in the National Health and Medical the novel double-degree Bachelor in Applied student work in the areas of industrial Research Council schemes. As part of its Leadership and Critical Thinking. design, engineering and ICT showcases strategy to increase its capacity in developing the entrepreneurial aspects of the student competitive research applications, the School Flexibility and convenience in learning, and learning experience. For the first time, the continued the SCEM Challenge Grant Scheme, access to staff expertise are essential parts exhibition was held in the Launch Pad space which stimulates projects that address of student centricity. In 2015, the School in Werrington Park Corporate Centre. The problems related to the research themes in the continued to enhance blended learning exhibition gave the business community a University’s Research and Development Plan methodologies in all its courses. Priority view of student innovation and entrepreneurial 2015–2017, and which require collaborative was also given to developing blended potential in high-tech product areas. In future, (and where needed, interdisciplinary) teams. learning curricula in areas with significant the exhibition will be enhanced to incorporate In 2015, SCEM continued its quest for the staffing pressures – such as construction a broader base of student research, design and diversification of research income and the management, where the anticipated efficiency development outcomes. To enrich students’ development of effective, productive and dividend offered by blended learning will be entrepreneurial experience, SCEM will work committed funded research partnerships. most useful in the short and medium term. more closely with entrepreneurship support A team of researchers from the School, teams in the region, including the Launch SCEM leadership in digital disruption in the Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Pad and the Oran Park Smart Work Hub, education has been well recognised. Dr the University of Technology Sydney were by providing opportunities for reciprocal Anton Bogdanovych won the ICT Higher awarded the Big Data, Big Impact Grant professional development, joint research Education Educator of the Year 2015 award through the Cancer Institute NSW. projects and the use of facilities by students. at the Australian Computer Society Digital In 2015, many contributions by the School’s Disruptors Awards, and Dr Tomas Trescak To ensure the relevance of student learning researchers were recognised nationally and received a Gold award in the same category. to the realities of our fast-changing society,
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internationally. Professor Wei Xing Zheng collaborations in civil, mechanical and introduction of advanced destructive testing was named a Thomson-Reuters Highly Cited materials engineering with top institutions machines. The electrical engineering labs Researcher for 2015. Professor Anthony including Shanghai Jiao Tong University, were redesigned, with the introduction of Maeder was appointed the 2015 Fulbright the University of Science and Technology of a new Lab-Volt training system and a new Distinguished Chair in Agriculture and Life China, City University of Hong Kong, Hong multi-faceted teaching space, enabling Sciences, based at the Kansas State University, Kong Polytechnic University, the National cross-disciplinary collaboration. The School and was elected a Fellow of the Australian University of Singapore, and Michigan State also expanded its robotics park with Computer Society. Professor Glenn Stone University. Motorman and Baxter robots, in line with the was elected a member of the International development of its strengths in mechatronics Statistical Institute (ISI). Professor Janusz In 2015, the School continued its work with and robotics, and in support of the MARCS Nowotny was elected a Fellow of the Institute all the Research Institutes in the University, Human–Machine Interaction research of Materials, Minerals and Mining in the UK. focusing primarily on its commitments with program. Professor Andrew Francis was accredited the MARCS Institute and the Institute for Infrastructure Engineering (IIE). The School as a Fellow of the Australian Mathematical ENGAGEMENT AND OUTREACH Society (FAustMS). Dr Yingbin Feng won further developed the Human–Machine the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Interaction program at the MARCS Institute, In 2015, the School continued initiatives that Premier Research Paper Award for his paper with outcomes in believable artificial integrate broad engagement and outreach ‘Effect of Safety Investments on Safety intelligence technology, and human–robot and with communities, industry and government Performance of Building Projects’. This sample human–information interaction. The School with teaching and research, providing rich, of achievements by SCEM academics, which also engaged extensively with IIE’s research research-led learning and diverse extra- is far from comprehensive, illustrates the staff projects and provided student supervision. curricular experiences to its students. research excellence that students can access. These collaborations extend the research opportunities for students and the quality of The School provided broad support to the The School, including the Centre for Research research supervision. Western Sydney University Solar Car Project in Mathematics (CRM), continued to build team during the preparation stages for the research capacity in data science, making In 2015, in a quest to raise the quality of World Solar Car Challenge 2015 and during strategic new appointments in the area. training experience for its higher degree the competition itself. This is one of the CRM continued its steady development. Its research (HDR) students, the School focused world’s largest competitions in the science, distinguished visitor program, concentrated on research student communication, technology, engineering and mathematics on two campuses, together with similar presentation and social skills. It created an (STEM) area. The University team competed in programs from other research groups, helped environment of opportunities for gaining the Challenger Class, which is conducted in a develop student research culture. such skills by hosting a number of events: single stage from Darwin to Adelaide. the Australasian Computer Science Week In line with developments in data science, the in January; the Genome Rearrangements The University team finished in Adelaide in School’s Artificial Intelligence Research group Symposium in April; and the Eighth 10th place out of 29 competitors from around extended the focus of its research to the area International Structural Engineering and the world. The challenge attracted newspaper of ontological reasoning and its application Construction Conference, and the Victorian and television coverage, and was the subject in big data. The group continued its strong Algebra Conference in November. Through of a TVS documentary. The Western Sydney performance in the related areas of machine such events, students have the opportunity to University Solar Car Project had a humble learning, and knowledge representation interact extensively with research leaders and start in 2011. Since then, more than 200 and reasoning. The group expanded its peers. The School implemented a process for engineering, industrial design, computing and international collaboration, working with top improving communication and presentation marketing students have been involved in the research institutes including the Institute of skills of its HDR students, and their exposure project at various stages. Software at the Chinese Academy of Sciences to the international research environment. The School continued its strong engagement and Chongqing Beijiou Software Co, China. In 2015, the School further invested in the with primary and high school students. More Among its many visitors, the group hosted Dr translation of research outcomes into tangible than 30 high school students participated in Dave de Jonge – a 2015 Endeavour Scholar technologies – in particular, in enabling the Solar Car Project. SCEM also offered school from the Artificial Intelligence Research infrastructure supporting technology students various other programs and events to Institute of the Spanish National Research innovation and entrepreneurship. SCEM help them develop an entrepreneurial appetite Council. These collaborations and visits expanded the School Design Centre facilities for solving global challenges, including the reflect the overall expansion of the School’s with the introduction of a 3D printer capable Solar Go Kart Program, the Robotics Club, international research connections. The SCEM of multi-material printing, a 3D scanner Student Scientific Computation Day and the Advanced Materials and Smart Structures and laser cutter, and new instrumentation Meteor Global 24hr Hackathon. research group continued its strong research in mechanical properties testing with the
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Since 2013, Western Sydney University, SCHOOL OF EDUCATION Certificates (Teaching and Learning in Higher through SCEM, has been a member of the Education, and Technology and Teaching). national Digital Careers program, which Stakeholder contributions from external The School of Education is committed to a aims to increase the number of Australia’s advisory committees continued to be vital contemporary, interdisciplinary, creative, creative, imaginative and entrepreneurial to monitoring and improving the quality innovative and community-oriented academic ICT students. These students are expected of courses offered by the School. It also focus. The School’s teaching and research to be the key drivers across many areas, increased the School’s connections with the programs aim to ensure that graduates ranging from health to agriculture, in the teaching profession, particularly in relation to are highly skilled educators who grow to digitally enabled knowledge economy. The securing professional work experience for be effective and sought-after professional program focuses on primary and high school pre-service teachers. leaders with the capacity to lead change and students, parents, teachers and school-based support the best outcomes for communities career advisors. The program is supported Summer School continued to be very and the students they teach. A key measure by the Australian Government, as well as popular, with enrolments increasing from the of the School’s standing was Western state government, industry, university and previous year to more than 1,500. While some Sydney University’s ranking in the Top 200 professional association partners in each state units were offered online, many provided Universities for Education in the QS World and territory. In 2015, the School helped judge students with enhanced blended learning University Rankings by Subject, 2015. the Young ICT Explorers competition – both opportunities. All of the newly accredited programs implemented in 2015 had the option at the NSW and national finals. The School At the undergraduate level, the School of summer study as part of the School’s overall is planning to bring the competition’s 2016 of Education offers a teaching program strategy to offer greater flexibility for students NSW finals to the Parramatta campus, with for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and accelerated pathways to graduation. increased participation by students from students preparing to work as primary school Great Western Sydney schools. teachers. In collaboration with a number of The School of Education staff continued to other Schools, it offers a suite of ‘pathways In 2015, the School continued its support make a significant contribution to promoting into teaching’ programs that allow students of the Western Sydney University Penrith excellence in teaching and learning at to enter post graduate education studies Observatory team’s integrated engagement the University. In 2015, the following through an undergraduate major in education and research program. The team ran an staff members were recognised for their studies. The School’s Masters of Teaching extensive program of astronomy nights achievements in teaching and learning: programs prepare educators and teachers and workshops for primary and high school for early childhood, primary and secondary students and the broader community, ≥≥ Doctor Tania Ferfolja received an education settings. The School also offers a designed to enhance and extend research- Excellence in Teaching Award, recognising number of postgraduate specialist programs led teaching and learning in STEM subjects her outstanding contribution to teaching in social ecology, educational leadership via astronomy and space science. The team equity and social justice issues to pre- and inclusive education, and higher research also delivers teacher workshops and other service teachers for more than a decade. degrees to support the professional learning specialised group programs. The team ≥≥ Doctor Song Truong received a citation of educators and teachers across the includes dedicated academics, professionals for outstanding contribution to student education sector. and HDR students. learning, for his student-centred approach During 2015, the School embarked on a set of to teacher education that embeds In 2015, the School further developed ambitious plans to increase course diversity authentic learning pedagogies and the MakerSpace area on the Kingswood and improve its reputation as the provider of internationalisation of the curriculum to campus, which attracts considerable interest choice for the ongoing professional learning of enhance student engagement, motivation through regular tours by school groups and educators. Sources of research and consultancy and learning. international visitors. It is now open to the income are being diversified to develop a more ≥≥ Doctor Jacqueline Ullman received a local community one afternoon a week. The sustainable base for the School. citation for outstanding contribution to concept has been expanded to the Parramatta student learning, for her research-inspired campus. The School showed agility in setting social justice pedagogy that brings theory up and running, on very short notice, an area TEACHING AND LEARNING and research alive through practical demonstrating its achievements at the 2015 A key priority during 2015 was implementing applications to inspire a future generation Sydney Royal Easter Show. newly accredited programs that were of teacher-researchers. the product of a major curriculum review completed in 2014 under the leadership Other awards and prizes: of Associate Professor Mary Mooney. The School expanded its online presence with ≥≥ The title of Emeritus Professor was conferred the implementation of two online Graduate on Adjunct Professor Margaret Vickers.
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≥≥ Doctor Katrina Barker, Keith Bradshaw, Learning), the Department of Education School’s profile and enhance its reputation Daniela Falecki and Jacqueline Ullman agreed to formalise partnerships with for engaged research. For example, in 2015 were recognised in UniJobs Australia’s top schools that provide professional experience the School (led by Associate Professor 10 lecturers at Western Sydney University. placements for pre-service teachers. These Christine Woodrow) signed an Agreement ≥≥ Associate Professor Anne Power received agreements are a significant step toward of Collaboration with JUNJI (National Board the Exceptional Service Award for her work assuring the quality of placements and also of Early Childhood, Chile) and the School of on the Professional Teachers’ Council over offer the opportunity to work more closely Education in Santiago, Chile. Activities with the past 10 years. with schools on a range of other matters, JUNJI under this agreement will include the including professional learning for teachers publication of research material developed ≥≥ Doctor Catherine Attard was recognised and supporting research at school sites. at Western Sydney University for a Latin for her outstanding service at the American early childhood audience and a Professional Teaching Council Presentation The Education Knowledge Network, under leadership development research project in for the Mathematics Association. the direction of Doctor Catherine Attard, the community of Puente Alto, Santiago. ≥≥ Kerry Staples received the prestigious Jean expanded its offerings and reach in 2015 as a Denton Memorial Scholarship to support result of new partnerships with a number of The School’s Overseas and Professional her doctoral studies. organisations, including the National Institute Experience program (OPEP) continues to ≥≥ Associate Professor Mary Mooney received of Dramatic Art and the Beacon Foundation, offer students the opportunity to undertake the Drama Australia President’s Award for which offer workshops under the Education professional experience in Malaysia, Thailand Excellence in Teaching. Knowledge Network banner. Further and China. Led by Doctor Song Truong and partnerships are under discussion. The School Shirley Gilbert, the School was successful The Western Sydney Enactus team, supported holds a high level of accreditation for ongoing in obtaining funds from the New Colombo by Associate Professor Diana Whitton, professional learning for teachers. Courses at Plan which will support more students to was also recognised for its work on social this level were offered for the first time in 2015. undertake placements in China during 2016. entrepreneurship endeavours. The team has Students will teach conversational English at been active in the local community since International engagement with the School Ningbo University, and participate in cultural 2003, and in 2015 was recognised for its continues to have three main drivers: Higher activities through their International Student work partnership with OzHarvest to develop Degree Research (HDR) cohort programs, Program. An exciting expansion of OPEP a curriculum for primary school students research partnerships and overseas initiated in 2015 will see eight pre-service relating to food sustainability and waste. professional experience programs. teachers from the Bachelor of Education (Primary) – Aboriginal and Torres Strait The ROSETE (Research-Oriented School- Islander Education participate in a short- ENGAGEMENT AND INTERNATIONAL Engaged Teacher Education) program is a term mobility program with the University of Partnerships with a wide range of key program for the School. This partnership Victoria in Canada early in 2016. organisations and communities are a central with the Ningbo Municipal Education Bureau feature of the School. Led by the Director and the NSW Department of Education and RESEARCH of International Engagement, Associate Communities involves research students Professor Christine Johnston, these from Ningbo, China researching their own In 2015, the Centre for Educational Research partnerships established at local, national and teaching of Mandarin as volunteers in Sydney (CER) led by Professor Margaret Somerville international levels provide opportunities for schools. During 2015, Professor Michael Singh continued to develop a strong research culture pre-service teachers, staff and community and Doctor Jinghe Han and Department of around core themes of sustainability, equity colleagues to engage in teaching, learning and Education colleagues consolidated work to and globalisation in educational practice and research. Engagement activities in the School extend ROSETE to accommodate students research. In concert with research efforts include professional experience, service completing PhDs or masters research across the School led by Professor Wayne learning, professional development through degrees concurrently with their volunteer Sawyer as Director of Research, the School the Education Knowledge Network, and work supporting the teaching of Mandarin in was able to achieve significant outcomes collaborative research. schools across Sydney. The Support Network including the awarding of funding for two ARC for Arabic Postgraduates (SNAP) cohort of Discovery Projects: Providing high-quality professional experience doctoral students grew in number in 2015 and, and service learning placements for our pre- under the leadership of Professor Carol Reid, ≥≥ Professor Margaret Somerville for ‘Naming service teachers is a high priority of the School. continued to constitute a significant program the world: early years literacy and This was recognised in a material way by the of work for the School. sustainability learning’ appointment of Doctor Tania Ferfolja to the ≥≥ Professor Wayne Sawyer (with colleagues position of Director of Professional Experience International research partnerships involving from the University of Melbourne) for in 2015. As part of the NSW Government’s collaborations with institutions in Chile, China, ‘Investigating literary knowledge in the reforms to education (Great Teaching, Inspired Taiwan and Kazakhstan continue to raise the making of English teachers’.
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Research activity across the School and CER students. Roundtable discussions provided New Courses also made great gains in terms of attracting opportunities for students to meet with The School continued to identify new markets funding from a variety of sources, including experienced teachers and discuss topics and develop new courses that brought state government departments, industry and including conducting research in school together existing offerings in novel and philanthropic organisations. The projects settings, publishing strategies, and challenges interesting ways. The courses (and associated being funded embrace a wide range of topics, associated with the different stages of exit awards) approved in 2015 we are: including: researching child friendly cities candidature. (UNICEF); outdoor education; place-based ≥≥ Bachelor of Screen Media (Arts and learning; child-friendly play spaces; retaining Production) early career teachers; multimodal language SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND ≥≥ Bachelor of Language and Linguistics practices in high-needs schools; perceptions of COMMUNICATION ARTS Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer ≥≥ Master of Accessible Media education; engaging pedagogy in schools The School of Humanities and Communication ≥≥ Master of Arts in Continental Philosophy with low socio-economic status; implementing Arts is one of the largest and most diverse ≥≥ Master of Arts (Creative Arts) trauma-informed practice in disability NGOs; schools at Western Sydney University, financial literacy; reviewing early childhood offering the Bachelor of Arts; Bachelor of Arts Several new double degrees are on offer from schools and Koori Preschool program (Interpreting and Translation); Bachelor of 2016: research; parent engagement; developing Communication; Bachelor of Design (Visual leadership in early childhood education; trades Communication); and Bachelor of Music ≥≥ Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor training for Western Sydney; and providing degrees. The School also offers several double of Social Science evaluation expertise for a number of services degrees; coursework masters degrees in ≥≥ Bachelor of Communication/Bachelor of and programs across NSW. convergent media, creative music therapy, Business creative writing, interpreting and translation ≥≥ Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor CER and the School jointly hosted an equity and TESOL. It is located on three UWS of Business symposium on 28–30 October. This significant campuses – Bankstown, Parramatta and national gathering drew together a critical Penrith – and hosts the Writing and Society Learning and Teaching Awards mass of experienced researchers concerned Research Centre, the Digital Humanities with advancing equity in education, with Research Group and the History at Western The School has a strong reputation for the intention of reframing policy and Sydney and Philosophy at Western Sydney RIF innovation and scholarship in learning and practice in educational inequality. The event initiatives. teaching. yielded a number of significant outcomes, including plans for research projects and Professor Kaye Shumack (Team Leader) publication projects and, for the first time, LEARNING AND TEACHING and the Bachelor of Communication’s the establishment of a national network of Blended Learning hybrid online team (Ms Nicole Bridges, Dr researchers. Asha Chand, Ms Wendy Chandler, Dr Roger The School of Humanities and Communication Dawkins, Dr Milissa Deitz, Dr Navin Doloswala, Arts is a leader in externalising existing The School’s Higher Research Degree Ms Maryella Hatfield, Ms Jacki Krahmalov, Dr programs for a fully online student cohort. program, under the leadership of Doctor Rachel Morley, Mr Enrico Scotece, Mr George An online version of the Bachelor of Chwee Beng Lee, continues to support more Karlychuk, Mr Rob Leggo, Mr Peter Steele and Communication was successfully introduced than 100 students completing masters and Ms Fiona Thurn) received a Western Sydney in 2015. In 2014, templates and protocols were doctoral studies. During 2015, 11 students University Teaching Excellence Award. set up for creating online materials, and an graduated from these programs. One office-based assisted video recording studio graduate, Doctor Sarah Powell, won the Dr Margaret Hanlon received a Western was established, creating an environment in prestigious NSW Institute for Educational Sydney University Citation for Outstanding which we doubled our production of high- Research Beth Southwell Research Award for Contribution to Student Learning. quality learning materials. More than 1,000 of Outstanding Thesis. these eight to 12-minute instructional lecture Dr Matthew McGuire, Mr Roman Goik and Ms In September, the School hosted a Higher “pods”, including animations and interactive Karen Lewis were part of the award-winning, Research Degree Student Conference on web-based material, were produced in 2015, multi-disciplinary Student Transition, Retention Kingswood Campus. The conference was well as well as apps to assist learning. In addition, and Success (STaRS) team that received received, with approximately 100 students 65 units at 200 and 300 levels were revised a Western Sydney University Citation for and staff members attending throughout for online or blended delivery, completing the Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning. the day. The conference included a wide project to have all the School’s offerings in range of student presentations, culminating blended mode. in a number of ‘best paper’ awards for
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Distinguished Teaching Fellows Philosophy at Western Sydney ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Mr Roman Goik (Design) and Associate Professor David Wood (W. Alton Jones Awards Professor Gwyneth Howell (Communications) Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt Unquiet Minds: Psychiatry in World War Two were recognised as University Distinguished University) delivered the Thinking Out Loud and its Aftermaths Teaching Fellows. lectures at the State Library of NSW. Dr Elizabeth Roberts-Pedersen was awarded funding of $354,000. Professor Peg Birmingham (DePaul ENGAGEMENT University), Professor James Martel (San The Invention of Collateral Damage and the The School continues to initiate activities and Francisco State University) and Professor Changing Moral Economy of War projects that engage with the international Anna Yeatman (Whitlam Institute at Western Dr Jessica Whyte was awarded funding of academic community and other stakeholders. Sydney University) jointly delivered the 25th funding of $346,434. Successes in 2015 include: Sydney Seminar for the Arts and Philosophy on the topic ‘Can There Be Law Without War Letters – Musical Settings of WWI letters China–Australia Symposium on Bilingualism Violence?’ at the State Library of NSW. Dr Diana Blom won funding from the ANZAC The China–Australia Symposium on Centenary Local Grants Program. Bilingualism was jointly organised by the WRITING AND SOCIETY RESEARCH CENTRE College of Chinese Language and Culture, OTHER AWARDS AND PRIZES The Centre hosted The Endlessness of Ending: Jinan University and the School of Humanities Samuel Beckett and the Mind conference ≥≥ Associate Professor Chris Andrews and Communication Arts, and was held in on 29–30 June 2015 and the China Australia was elected a Fellow of the Australian Guangzhou in November 2015. Literary Forum 3 on 28–29 August 2014. Academy of the Humanities. Digital Humanities ≥≥ Professor Paul Arthur was awarded a visiting professorship from the The Department hosted Digital Humanities RESEARCH Government of India’s GIAN scheme 2015: Global Digital Humanities conference, The School won several research grants in 2015. for global excellence in science and the annual conference of the Alliance of technology. Digital Humanities Organizations (ADHO). It ARC Discovery Grants ≥≥ Michael Mohammed Ahmad was was the first time the conference has been Mapping print, charting enlightenment recognised as one of The Sydney Morning held outside Europe and North America and Professor Simon Burrows (Western Herald Best Young Australian Novelists of more than 500 delegates (320 international Sydney), Professor Paul Arthur (Western 2015 for The Tribe. delegates) from 33 countries attended. Sydney), Dr Jason Ensor (Western Sydney), The major sponsors were State Library of Professor Angus Martin (University of Sydney) ≥≥ Dr Catherine Bishop won a State Library NSW; Gale: Cengage Learning; ProQuest; and Professor Dan Edelstein (Stanford of NSW Australian Religious History the Australian Academy of the Humanities; University) were awarded funding of Fellowship, a New Zealand History Council of Humanities, Arts and Social $459,606. Research Trust Fund Award, an Australian Sciences (CHASS); and the Australasian Academy of the Humanities Travelling Consortium of Humanities Research Centres. Data Centres and the Governance of Labour Fellowship, the Australian Academy of the and Territory Humanities Publishing Award and the City History at Western Sydney Professor Brett Neilson (ICS, Western of Sydney History Publishing Award. Professor Jan Zielonka (Professor of European Sydney), Professor Ned Rossiter (HCA, ≥≥ Luke Carman won the UTS Glenda Adams Politics at the University of Oxford and Ralf Western Sydney), Dr Tanya Notley (HCA, New Writing Award 2015 at the NSW Dahrendorf Professorial Fellow at St Antony’s Western Sydney), Professor Laikwan Pang Premier’s Literary Awards. (Chinese University of Hong Kong), Professor College) gave the third annual Europe ≥≥ Felicity Castagna’s The Incredible Here and Stefano Harney (Singapore Management Lecture at the State Library of NSW on ‘Can Now has been chosen for the International University), Associate Professor Sandro the European Union Defend Ukraine?’ in Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Mezzadra (University of Bologna), Professor September. The lecture was recorded and 2015 Honour List. broadcast by ABC Radio’s Big Ideas program. Anna Reading (King’s College London) and Dr Florian Sprenger (Leuphana University ≥≥ Dr Bruce Crossman was awarded an Media for All of Lüneburg) were awarded funding of Australia–Japan Foundation grant for $433,790. a project in collaboration with Aichi The School hosted the sixth international Prefectural University of Fine Arts and Media for All conference – Audiovisual Music. Translation and Media Accessibility: Global ≥ Dr Anne Jamison won a Nancy Keesing Challenges, which was the first time it was ≥ Fellowship from the State Library of NSW. held outside Europe.
20 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
≥≥ Dr Peter Mauch was awarded a Japan ≥≥ Small Acts of Disappearance by Fiona Dr Roy is the senior law academic on the Society for the Promotion of Science Wright (Giramondo). Campbelltown campus, where she has fellowship. developed a seminar series and research lunch bag activities, bringing research colleagues ≥≥ Dr Lucija Medojevic won the Australian SCHOOL OF LAW Linguistic Society’s 2015 Michael Clyne closer together. Dr Catherine Renshaw ran Prize for best PhD thesis. a particularly successful research project on Demand was strong for the School of Law’s human rights in Myanmar. ≥≥ Ms Kendal Murray won Deakin University’s combined degrees in 2015, particularly the Contemporary Small Sculpture Exhibition new Bachelor of Criminology and Bachelor Community engagement has always been and Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize’s 2015 of Laws. The ongoing development in online a key aspect of the School. The University’s Beowulf Award. learning and the deepening of blended Parramatta Community Justice Clinic (PCJC) ≥≥ Dr Amin Palangi won the Australian learning across the School have been plays a crucial role, providing free legal advice Directors Guild prize for Best Director in excellent. The School has developed new to the community, as well as giving law the Feature Documentary Category. courses to offer in 2016, including a Master of students great practical experience. The PCJC ≥≥ Professor Anthony Uhlmann was elected Laws in International Governance, as well as is a partnership with the Macquarie Legal a Fellow of the Australian Academy of the more combined law degrees in International Centre, and it is hoped the partnership will Humanities. Studies, Construction Management and ICT. be expanded to include the Macarthur Legal In addition, the School provided input for the Centre at Campbelltown in 2016. ≥≥ Associate Professor Dimitris Vardoulakis uniquely developed Bachelor of Business won the Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence (BBus) (offered in 2016) introductory law The Kirby Cup (named after the Adjunct Award for Leadership. unit, called Enterprise Law. It also updated Professor and former High Court Judge, the ≥≥ Alexis Wright was awarded a Sidney Myer the compulsory law units for company law Hon. Michael Kirby, AC) mooting competition Creative Fellowship. and taxation law in the new Bachelor of for HSC Legal Studies students was launched Accounting and provided a new major in the in 2015. This builds on the last five years BOOKS AND OTHER RESEARCH BBus, which focuses on business regulation of sponsoring the Whitlam Cup for Year PUBLICATIONS and corporate governance. 10 Debating, whose finals are run in the University’s moot courts at both Parramatta ≥≥ Plantations and Protected Areas: A Global The School has a close relationship with and Campbelltown. Other events include History of Forest Management by Dr Brett the Law Students’ Association and ran joint membership of the legal profession’s many Bennett (MIT Press) events, including the Law Orientation Camp, committees, pro bono work and providing ≥≥ Forestry and Water Conservation in South mooting competitions and on-campus commentaries for TV, radio, newspapers Africa by Dr Brett Bennett and Mr Fred ‘wellness programs’. The highlights of the year and The Conversation website. In addition, Kruger (ANU Press) were the Law Ball in October and the three Professor Steven Freeland was appointed ≥≥ Minding Her Own Business: Colonial graduation ceremonies in April, September to review space law for the Commonwealth Businesswomen in Sydney by Dr Catherine and December. The video about successful Government. Bishop (NewSouth Books) alumnus Mr Deng Adut was part of the University’s rebranding campaign, and has School governance was reorganised to ≥≥ Murder in Tottenham: Australia’s First heightened awareness of the law school and provide greater leadership opportunities for Political Assassination by Dr Rowan Day the power of a refugee lawyer. Mr Adut was the First Year Advisor Directors of Research/ (Anchor Books) the guest speaker at the Law Students Ball. HDR, Engagement and International. ≥≥ Animal Property Rights: A Theory of International has focused on China, India Habitat Rights for Wild Animals by Dr John Research has been a central theme for the and Bangladesh, and University and School Hadley (Lexington Books) School as its three clusters (International memorandums of understanding were ≥≥ Biopolitical Imperialism by Dr Mark Kelly Governance, Environmental & Sustainability signed for teaching, student exchange and (Zero Books) and Social Justice) link to the University’s research opportunities. Visits to Shanghai, broad research themes. The School published Beijing, Xi’an, Taipei and Dhaka have built ≥≥ Sexual Myths of Modernity: Sadism, a number of books, chapters and journal strong foundations for future international Masochism, and Historical Teleology by Dr articles in 2015 and lodged a number of grant collaborations. Already, 25 law students from Alison M. Moore (Lexington Books) applications. the Central University of Politics and Law ≥≥ Wandrin’ Star: Wild Jack Peake of (Beijing) have visited Parramatta and 25 local Peakhurst by Dr Wayne Peake (Ascot Six HDR students graduated with doctorates students have studied Chinese Foundations Press) in law. The School also appointed six new of Law at Shanghai University, under the New ≥≥ Max Weber’s Theory of Modernity: The academics, including Associate Professor Dr Colombo Plan. Endless Pursuit of Meaning by Dr Michael Alpana Roy and several lecturers, providing Symonds (Ashgate) greater depth in the research clusters.
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SCHOOL OF MEDICINE The Bathurst Rural Clinical School (BRCS) mutually valuable as it continued the robust celebrated its fifth anniversary in conjunction conversations and collaboration necessary for with Bathurst’s 200th anniversary celebrations developing these course components, and the At the end of 2015, the first graduates in May. The School held an education day program as a whole. from the School of Medicine’s 2011 intake followed by a dinner at which the School completed their specialty training in General formally recognised the retirement of Practice. Many other students are continuing RESEARCH Jenny Akers, a foundation staff member. As their specialty training in different fields Executive Officer for Clinical Education, she The School was again pleased with the across Western Sydney and beyond. As the oversaw the establishment of the clinical outcomes of the National Health and Medical 10th anniversary of the School’s first intake of schools at Campbelltown and Blacktown Research Council (NHMRC) grants announced students approaches, the School is increasing hospitals, and then later set up the rural in 2015. In a very competitive environment, its focus on maintaining and developing its program. the School had excellent results. Professor alumni program. David Simmons, who joined the school from Dr Bronwen Dalziel and Glenn Mason from the United Kingdom in early 2015, won a The Dean, Professor Annemarie Hennessy, was the Medical Education Unit were awarded an $2.2 million grant for the TOBOGM study made a member of the Order of Australia in Office of Learning and Teaching Citation for investigating gestational diabetes mellitus. the 2015 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for her Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning Associate Professor Federico Girosi from ‘significant service to tertiary education, and for their work on the Scientific Streams. These the Centre for Health Research is also an to medical research, particularly in the area of streams are online materials that Bachelor of investigator on this study. Professor Vaughan clinical hypertension and maternal health.’ Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) Macefield was appointed chief investigator on two successful studies, with funding of The Royal Australasian College of Physicians students use during years 3–5 of the program. more than $800,000 to continue investigating awarded Professor John Whitehall the Howard Dr Dalziel and Mr Mason were the only Western neurogenic hypertension. He is conducting Williams medal in acknowledgement of his Sydney University staff members to win this one of these studies in conjunction with outstanding contribution to paediatrics and national award in 2014. Dr Dalziel was also Professor Annemarie Hennessy and Associate child health. awarded a Western Sydney University Learning and Teaching Award for using an evidence- Professor Angela Makris. Associate Professor At the 2015 Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence based framework for guiding student learning Tim Karl, who has joined the School in early Awards, Dr Elizabeth Conroy was named throughout the course. 2016, won a $651,000 grant to explore Early Career Researcher of the Year, Dr neuropathological mechanisms associated Brahm Marjadi and Tina Banks were the team Associate Professor Joanne Lind was with schizophrenia. Finally, Professor John winner of the Engagement and Sustainability named an inaugural Western Sydney Morley, Professor Hennessy, Associate category, and Dr Vincent Ho received a University Distinguished Teaching Fellow in Professor Lind and Professor Macefield are citation for his outstanding contribution to recognition of her sustained achievement also listed on grants that are being facilitated student learning. and commitment to outstanding teaching through other institutions. scholarship and practice. The School is also pleased to note the At the Blacktown/Mt Druitt Clinical School achievement of Dr Erika Gyengesi, who was The School continued to focus on providing and Research Centre, Dr Vita Birzniece and promoted to lecturer in the 2014 promotion supervisor support and engagement. Professor Mark McLean have established round. For those in hospital environments, this a Metabolic Research Clinic, which is an mainly occurs through the clinical schools important expansion of clinical research We are pleased to welcome the Aboriginal and relevant clinical academics. The activities that are enabling engagement in Health and Wellbeing group, including Dr School continues to seek opportunities national and international studies. Megan Williams, Ms Sally Fitzpatrick, Dr for discussions and learning opportunities Rachelle Arkles and Dr Ilse Blignault, to the through its alliances, for example, bringing The number of graduates to complete a Centre for Health Research. together general practitioners and community Doctor of Philosophy continues to grow. We partners who supervise students in the celebrated with eight new graduates at the Medicine-in-Context component of our December ceremonies – the largest single LEARNING AND TEACHING program. number since the School was established. Following Professor Cees van der Vleuten’s More than 100 students are currently studying visit to the University, Professor Wendy Hu In October, for the first time we convened a for a Doctor of Philosophy at the School and travelled to Maastricht and Utrecht universities workshop that brought together supervisors the Centre for Health Research. This reflects in the Netherlands to work on international from all non-clinical attachments (community well on the breadth and depth of research projects in medical education, and to explore partners, paediatric school supervisors and activity across the School and the contribution opportunities for further collaboration in Aboriginal Medical Service supervisors) with of staff members and students to external research and scholarship. alumni and students. This workshop was measures of quality, including the outstanding
22 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Excellence in Research Activity results the Trackers, the local team that competes in the as a profession manifested in the continued University achieved in 2015. annual Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout high student enrolment in 2015. With 4,513 competition, which BRCS sponsors. students (international students represented ENGAGEMENT 22.15 per cent across the suite of courses), the School continues to build on its reputation for Community forums were held on the SCHOOL OF NURSING AND quality outcomes, with enrolments increasing Campbelltown campus and at the Blacktown/ MIDWIFERY by 9.3 per cent in the Bachelor of Nursing Mt Druitt Clinical School in March and (Advanced) and 13 per cent in the Bachelor of September. There were a range of speakers The School of Nursing and Midwifery (SoNM) Midwifery. and presentations, including an update on is an acknowledged leader in nursing and the new Macarthur Clinical School. The NSW midwifery education and research, delivering Health Minister, the Hon. Jillian Skinner, MP, LEARNING AND TEACHING high quality education, engaged learning attended an official sod-turning event for the SoNM continues to focus on blended learning and teaching, industry partnerships, research new School in December 2015, while a student for both effective, flexible teaching and excellence, professional leadership and presentation was held on research conducted student engagement to meet the University’s organisational effectiveness. With one of with the Pacific Islander community in goal of being student-centred. The use of the largest undergraduate, pre-registration Western Sydney. Once again, community iPads and the resulting advances in blended nursing degree programs in Australia, the ideas have been adopted in new approaches learning are reflected in the success of School measures achievement in terms of to curriculum planning, with future student the courses, the student outcomes and its ability to make a difference to students, projects and patient/carer shadowing for the individual successes of the Blended staff, graduates and the Western Sydney students in the clinical phase of their studies. Learning team. The School was recognised community. in the Learning Impact Awards for Blended Many other pathways are available for The School offers undergraduate degrees in Learning Optimization and blended learning community participation in the operations nursing and midwifery and a range of post- designer Mr Con Athanasiou was recognised and activities of the School. These include graduate diploma and degree programs at our as an Apple Distinguished Educator. SoNM interviews (as part of the admissions process), Campbelltown, Parramatta and Hawkesbury exhibited the success of the strategy, with six examination programs, community forums campuses, as well as catering to first-year staff members sharing new skills at the SoNM and membership of School committees. nursing students at the Lithgow campus. Blended Learning Showcase, the Cengage SoNM has also offered courses offshore for Learning Workshop and the University Staff expertise is also critical for engaging Designing for Learning Showcase. with the wider community. For example, in more than 25 years in collaboration with the Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), and is 2015, Professor Hilary Bambrick gave expert The School has reviewed online postgraduate investigating working with Kiang Wu Nursing evidence at the Federal Parliamentary inquiry offerings for quality and engagement. It is also College of Macau and Parkway College in into ‘The human rights issues confronting introducing interactive teaching and learning Singapore. In Australia, SoNM extended its women and girls in the Indian Ocean–Asia activities, moving away from static formats reach in Western Sydney, opening a campus Pacific region’. Professor Bambrick is also and using the Learning Activity Management at Lithgow two years ago, which has created working on projects studying the effects of System (LAMS) to design, manage and opportunities for local students and the climate change and processes for adapting deliver online collaborative learning activities. community. to change. In addition, Dr Poonam Mudgil In addition, the School is using more online participated in the CSIRO Scientists in Schools The School strongly supports research and media, Collaborate and discussion boards program, giving a presentation at Birrong Girls has established a national and international to maximise student support, feedback and High School. profile in nursing, midwifery and health engagement for online units. research. In 2015, SoNM’s Excellence in Students in the School of Medicine also use In 2015, the School introduced the third and Research for Australia (ERA) ranking their developing knowledge and skills in final year of the new curricula for both the increased to 4, reflecting the School’s research community engagement activities. In 2015, Bachelor of Nursing and the Bachelor of strengths in midwifery, maternal and child these included (in conjunction with staff Midwifery, and the first cohort graduated in health, aged care, chronic and complex care, members and fellow students from the December. The cohort of first-year Bachelor acute care and mental health. The School School of Nursing and Midwifery) offering of Nursing students at the Lithgow campus continues to successfully collaborate with health checks to Sydney Metro rail workers is expanding in 2016 following the program’s the Joanna Briggs Institute and the Ingham at Castle Hill, Macquarie Park, Kellyville and success and positive engagement with the Institute, both based at Liverpool Hospital. Mulgrave. BRCS students and staff members local community. also ran health checks at the Burraga Sheep In a competitive market, the School’s success Show and the Perthville Community Fair, as The School is increasing its training in the use in introducing the new curricula and the well as for members of the Bathurst Black of simulation (SimPad and SimMan) in clinical sustained demand for nursing and midwifery
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teaching. The Clinical Practice Unit technical SoNM offers an elective unit, A Field Study: SoNM continues to offer dedicated and staff at Laerdal head office in Melbourne Comparative Studies of Health Care Delivery, targeted literacy support to students through had hands-on simulation, maintenance and and in 2015, 19 students travelled to Om Professional Communication and Academic moulage (simulated wounds) training to Goi, a remote and mountainous region in Literacy (PCAL) staff members. The School maximise use of the equipment to reinforce Northern Thailand. The students and two has hired PCAL staff to ensure this successful learning outcomes. In addition, the School SoNM academics volunteered at health support program continues. These TESOL has begun creating student clinical practice centres, which are the main healthcare facility qualified staff members play a pivotal role skills videos to enhance learning and available to local people. The centres provide in student support, offering face to face, engagement as part of the blended learning general health care, health assessments, individual, group, workshop and online strategy. Learning and Teaching Enhancement antenatal checks and immunisation. Several literacy support across all SoNM campuses. Grants (LTEG) have supported this. These other students also undertook individual trips, Student use of support continues to grow, videos will be embedded in Professional including three who went to the Maldives. with 6,742 support visits between January Practice Experience (PPE) units and will The New Colombo Plan partly subsidised and August 2015 alone. Statistical analysis cover foundation skills including dispensing the students’ experience under its Mobility highlights the link between PCAL support and medication. Program. The Thailand trip will expand to increased GPA across all Post Entry Language other destinations, starting with China in 2016 Assessment (PELA) groupings, which is The school also uses LTEG for projects to as a project that is underpinned by Primary supported by a 94.5 per cent satisfaction rate support students. These projects include Health Care focus of the curriculum. among students who attend PCAL sessions. creating a central database for an academic literacy support initiative, promoting positive SoNM is also investigating extending the In 2015, the School also ran a WSU Seed experiences for new students and developing Master of Nursing programs to Macau, in Grant project, Validation of an academic assessment task rubric templates. collaboration with Kiang Wu Nursing College literacy and language skills (VALUES) model of Macau, and to Singapore, in collaboration for undergraduate nursing students, which The School reviewed the content and with Parkway College. This move into Asia is was included in the 2015 Student Transition, assessment for the Bachelor of Nursing targeted to meet demand for postgraduate Retention and Success (STaRS) conference in courses in 2015 to ensure academic rigour, nursing education in Singapore and Macau, Melbourne in July. The data from the project relevance and equity for students. The whose health systems face similar challenges is being collated for further analysis and undergraduate program has several new to the Australian healthcare system. dissemination in 2016. electives that will appeal to health discipline students across the University. The School A number of new and reaccredited Australian SoNM continues to focus on clinical anticipates that the student feedback on the Qualifications Framework (AQF) compliant placements, with significantly fewer available Course Completion Survey will continue to courses were offered in 2015. These include than in 2014, despite continued high reflect high levels of satisfaction. the newly accredited Graduate Diploma enrolments in both the BN and BM. Health of Midwifery, and a new course targeting Workforce Australia (HWA) funding has been In 2016, the internal accreditation review of onshore international students, the Master of used to find new clinical placement providers the three Bachelor of Nursing curricula; 4691 Nursing (Professional Studies) (MN[PS]). This in both the private and public health systems, Bachelor of Nursing, 4692 Bachelor of Nursing two-year program will assist newly graduated however, the shortfall is growing and the (Graduate Entry) and the 4693 Bachelor of international Registered Nurses to be work- School is exploring other placement options. Nursing (Advanced) will begin. ready for the Australian healthcare system. In addition, the Master of Mental Health Nursing In 2015, SoNM was the pilot school for the The Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced) course and two new specialisations (Aged Care and new student placement system InPlace, has been designed to develop future nursing Primary Health Care) within the Master of which has significantly improved placement leaders and researchers, and student numbers Nursing (MN) were offered for the first time opportunities. InPlace allows staff members continue to grow, with a 9.3 per cent increase in 2015. to view a student’s placement history and from 2014. Students participate in a mentoring identifies issues preventing allocation program and extension activities that These courses add a number of professional of placements. The system’s reporting encourage participation in research activities pathways to meet the educational needs module gives an instant snapshot of overall in the School and University and develop of Nurses in Western Sydney. Both the MN placements within the School. The system is students’ leadership capacity. The Bachelor of and the MN(PS) feature either a capstone more equitable for students, as it promotes Nursing (Graduate Entry) continues to attract experience or research project in their final student progression by allowing online many international students. The 2017 intake sessions to synthesise and apply advanced access to information, preference selection will be reviewed to ensure that the course nursing concepts. and earlier notification of placement, which continues to meet student demand and increases rates of uptake. remains competitive in the wider market. Building on the success of the Student Literacy Support (SLS) program in 2014,
24 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
ENGAGEMENT both Singapore and Macau. The School has ≥≥ Building and leading effective clinical strengthened and expanded its international and academic partnerships in practice, SoNM had a very busy 2015, with 45 events reach, hosting a number of visiting academics education and research involving students, staff, prospective from the UK, China, Slovenia, Taiwan, Thailand, students, the community, industry and other ≥≥ Increasing the uptake of evidence in Saudi Arabia and Jordan. The Philippines external parties. These ranged from School practice and preparing nursing and Consul General addressed Filipino students engagement and student activities to events midwifery leaders for practice in 2015 as part of the Reach Out program, discussing targeting Indigenous people and international and beyond. consular issues and support available from the markets, all aimed at increasing the profile, Filipino students’ association. participation, education and opportunities The School is involved in the UWS Summer for students and prospective students from Scholarship program and has eight projects The annual Making the Difference in Health Western Sydney. for the Research Scholarship program for Care forum, held in the Female Orphan School 2015–16: at Parramatta, attracted senior clinicians The School is focusing on winning market share and administrators from public and private in the competitive higher education market and ≥≥ Dr Olayide Ogunsiji: Intimate partner health facilities. Guest speaker Professor held targeted events in 2015. Attracting higher violence among migrant and refugee Debora Picone, AM, Chief Executive Officer numbers of school leavers is a key goal, and population: a literature review of (CEO) of the Australian Commission on SoNM hosted more than 100 high school career interventions Safety and Quality in Health Care, spoke advisers at Hawkesbury CPU, advertising ≥≥ Dr Paul Glew: Student Literacy Strategies on the importance of leadership for safety the School’s facilities and courses as part of Project and quality in health care. The event also the successful Career Advisers’ Day 2015. Dr showcased the strength of the School’s ≥≥ Professor Lesley Wilkes: Hand Hygiene Rebecca O’Reilly presented information about current research and facilitated networking among patients: a pilot study the direct entry pathway into the Bachelor of across health facilities. ≥≥ Associate Professor Yenna Salamonson: Nursing to 25 student-enrolled nurses from Examining antecedents of plagiarism, Concord Hospital. SoNM’s one-day conference, Leadership for and evaluating the effectiveness of Nursing and Midwifery Excellence: 2015 and The School is committed to the University’s support strategies to prevent and reduce beyond, attracted 150 nursing professionals. strategic goals and has worked on Indigenous plagiarism in higher education Eight highly respected national and engagement, undertaking eight activities. ≥≥ Dr Rakime Elmir: A meta-ethnographic international leaders gave keynote addresses. These included the NRL Indigenous player visit, study of migrant men’s experiences of Heartbeat and the Koori Education Carnival, becoming a father in a new country ≥≥ Professor Jo Walton from the Graduate which took place on all three campuses. All School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, ≥≥ Associate Professor Bronwyn Everett: An these events involved career-oriented talks by Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand analysis of unsolicited patient complaints staff members and interactive activities in the reported to a tertiary care hospital Clinical Practice Units. ≥≥ Ms Ann Kinnear, CEO of the Australian College of Midwives ≥≥ Dr Ajesh George: Process Evaluation of the Midwifery Initiated Oral Health Program SoNM appointed Dr Stacy Blythe as liaison ≥≥ Professor Catherine Hungerford, Head for Pregnant Women in Greater Western officer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of School of Nursing and Midwifery and Sydney students. Dr Blythe attended the Congress of Indigenous Health, Charles Sturt University Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses ≥≥ Dr Peter Lewis and Dr Nathan Wilson: ≥≥ Professor Margaret Fry, Director of and Midwives (CATSINaM) 2015 conference, Registered nurses’ experiences of caring Research and Practice Development, which brought together experienced nurses for people with disabilities in an acute-care Nursing and Midwifery Directorate and midwives, clinicians, educators, policy setting. Northern Sydney Local Health District, makers and administrators from across the Faculty of Health University of Technology nation. The School has engaged with the Ten representatives of SoNM (past and Badanami Centre for Indigenous Education ≥≥ Professor Lynn Kemp, Professor Deborah present staff members and students) and Indigenous students, encouraging Parker, Ms Judy Mannix and Professor attended the annual Hawkesbury Alumni students to participate in peer mentoring and Hannah Dahlen, all from Western Sydney Chapter (Inc) (HAC) luncheon at NSW to apply for cadetships and scholarships. University, spoke on: Parliament House to raise funds for the ≥≥ Characteristics of leaders: recognising, Hawkesbury Scholarship Appeal, which Internationally, the School continues its developing and using your leadership includes a Hawkesbury Nursing Scholarship. long-term relationship with Hong Kong qualities and skills The event was hosted by the NSW Minister for Baptist University and Huazhong University Primary Industries and Minister for Lands and ≥≥ Curiosity in practice and education: of Science and Technology (HUST) in China, Water, Mr Niall Blair, and the Parliamentary asking ‘What if?’ to inspire change in and has established new relationships in Secretary for Natural Resources and Regional practice and education
westernsydney.edu.au 25 ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Review of Activities
Planning, Mr Rick Colless. Hawkesbury alumni of Nursing, Director CANR, in collaboration Health Outcomes, Research, Translation and including Acting Deputy Dean, Dr Deborah with SWSLHD. Professor Lynn Kemp was Evaluation (COHORTE). Both are based at the Hatcher, shared recollections of their student appointed Professor of Nursing, Director Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research experiences at Hawkesbury. Translational Research and Social Innovation at SWSLHD. (TReSI). A Professor of Mental Health, In collaboration with the School of Medicine also with joint SWSLHD funding, has been TReSI, led by Professor Lynn Kemp, is located and Sydney Metro, SoNM participated in appointed and will begin work in early 2016. at the Ingham Institute and researches the the Rail Safety Week initiative in which 216 processes for community-based delivery to rail workers at four sites received basic CANR continues to achieve outstanding whole populations at scale. Currently, TReSI’s health checks. This was an excellent primary research results under Professor Parker. work focuses on early childhood services and healthcare learning experience and contributed Located in the Ingham Institute at the developing research methods and frameworks to students’ clinical placement hours. Liverpool Hospital, staff members are for translational research. These methods embedded in one of the region’s fastest have wide application and are being explored SoNM’s Centre for Applied Nursing Research growing local health districts, creating a for issues ranging from cancer treatments to (CANR) collaborated with District Oral collaborative research hub with clinicians. The health policy implementation. It has two major Health Services to produce a video, advising major areas of research are patient safety, ongoing projects in 2015. on maintaining good dental health during women and children, cross-cultural health, pregnancy. Keep Smiling While You are and health literacy. Dr George’s project, the ≥≥ The Maternal Early Childhood Sustained Pregnant was funded by a grant of almost online Midwifery-Initiated Oral Health (MIOH) Home-visiting (MECSH) program is a $33,000 from NSW Kids and Families. It is an program, is being implemented across several complex intervention, which is embedded initiative of the South Western Sydney Local states and the Australian College of Midwives in the universal health visiting service Health District (SWSLHD) Midwifery Initiated has endorsed it as a continuing professional for the range of families (20–25 per Oral Health Dental Service, which has had development (CPD) activity. It is currently cent of the population) who are at risk very positive feedback from midwives around being used for CPD across several health of poorer maternal and child health and the country. districts. A CANR project, Implementation of development outcomes. A MECSH trial in a Safety Huddle for Falls and Near Miss Falls south-western Sydney demonstrated its Professor Dahlen continues to raise the profile in a Rehabilitation Unit, beat more than 50 effectiveness, and MECSH is now being of the School’s Midwifery discipline, with a submissions in its category to be awarded implemented in Australia, the UK, South series of articles in mainstream media. Highly Commended in the Australian Council Korea and the US. on Healthcare Standards 2015 Annual Quality ≥≥ Volunteer Family Connect (VFC) is a RESEARCH Improvement Awards. program for volunteer home visiting for SoNM supports the University’s Securing vulnerable and isolated families with young The Centre for Nursing Research and Success plan and has links with industry, children. The TReSI group is collaborating Practice Development (CNRPD) located at business, government and community with service providers (The Benevolent Nepean Hospital, a joint venture between partners in the pursuit and expansion of Society, Good Beginnings Australia and the University and Nepean Blue Mountains research in the School. This is reflected Karitane) to develop and trial the VFC Local Health District (NBMLHD), encourages in the 2015 Excellence in Research for program. collaborative research by seconding clinical Australia (ERA) rating of 4, an increase from nurse consultants and through education The COHORTE research group is a dedicated previous ERA cycles. sessions with nurses in the local health district. translational oral health research group The School also continues to host the New led by Dr George. It is a joint collaboration In 2015, the centre’s research areas included South Wales Centre for Evidence Based Health between SoNM and SWSLHD Oral Health Nurse Roles and Workforce, Essentials of Care, which is the NSW Collaborating Centre Services. COHORTE is affiliated with CANR Care, Migrant Health and Clinical Practice for the Joanna Briggs Institute. The institute and its primary role is to build the capacity Standards. CNRPD also facilitates writing has collaborating centres in 65 countries, and of nurses and midwives to provide oral retreats for staff members and students, the number of centres is increasing, providing health education, assessment and referrals encouraging and supporting research and opportunities for international research in various clinical services in the SWSLHD. enabling interaction and collaboration collaborations. Collectively, these research These services include antenatal, paediatric, between early career researchers and concentrations, which align with health and cardiovascular, diabetes, aged care, drug experienced researchers. This increases the research national priorities, contribute to health and Aboriginal health. The group School’s research capacity. healthcare innovations. currently has two higher degree research students who are investigating the link Two new research groups have been In 2015, two new professors were appointed. between oral health and cardiovascular established: Translational Research and Social Dr Deborah Parker was appointed Professor diseases/diabetes and the potential role of Innovation (TReSI) and Collaboration for Oral
26 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
cardiac rehabilitation nurses and diabetes Professor Kate Stevens of the MARCS Institute Everett B. Bridging language barriers for nurse educators in this area. for Brain, Behaviour and Development, CALD patients. $21,927. Professor Jane Ussher and Professor Janette ≥≥ Everett B, Schofield K, Glavan M, Berry D, The Mother Infant and Family Health Research Perz, both from the Centre for Health Perey A, Womsley K, Smith L, Parker D. Network (MIFam), led by Professor Virginia Research, School of Medicine. PEEP – End of life care presentations to Schmied and Professor Dahlen, has a strong the emergency department for community presence in Sydney’s west, working with Professor Chang, School of Nursing and palliative care patients. $13,626. women, families, health and community Midwifery, Professor Caroline Smith, National groups, as well as with national and Institute of Complementary Medicine and Dr ≥≥ Everett B, Astorga C, Yogendran D and international researchers. The program, which Gisselle Gallego, Adjunct Fellow, School of Maneze D. Promoting self-management in is funded by the Australian Research Council Medicine won a $77,800 Illawarra Retirement patients with diabetes in South Western in partnership with Karitane and Tresillian Trust (IRT) Foundation Research Grant for Sydney: The ACCLAIM Study. $17,472. Family Care Centres, embraces the diversity their project. ‘An educational intervention to of cultures and groups and their experiences. improve health literacy and decision making AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS In 2015, the program had two key research about supporting self-advice and decision The School’s academic and professional projects: making among older Australians: A randomised staff were recognised for a number of controlled trial.’ The IRT Foundation funded achievements in 2015. ≥≥ Characteristics, trends, co-admissions only two of 65 applications. and service needs of women admitted to ≥≥ Dr Alexandrou won the inaugural Western residential parenting services in the year Dr Cathy Dickson and Dr George won a Sydney University Research Impact following birth in NSW $28,580 grant from the Director of The Centre Competition from a pool of 13 other for Oral Health Strategy to support their ≥≥ POstnatal Processes and PathwaYs finalists. The competition aims to illuminate project, ‘Early Childhood Oral Health Online (POPPY): A study investigating postnatal and celebrate sites of realised and/or Module Development for Child and Family pathways and care for women and their potential impact through the University’s Health Students’. babies in NSW. research. Dr Alexandrou’s winning presentation was his ongoing multi- Seven SoNM staff members (Dr Elaine Burns, Dr Evan Alexandrou’s research project, ‘One centre trial in IV lines, One Million Global Dr Elmir, Dr Diana Jefferies, Dr O’Reilly, Dr Million Global (OMG) Peripheral Intravenous Catheters Worldwide Prevalence Study. Catheters’ Study into the impact of these Holly Priddis, Dr Lucie Ramjan and Dr Peter ≥≥ The newly formed collaborative research catheters (PIVCs), is the first of its kind. It Lewis) won grants totalling $133,093.25 group between SoNM/CANR and SWSLHD will provide a snapshot of the prevalence from the Office of the DVC (Research and Oral Health Services – COHORTE, has been of catheter use and complications, such Development) for Researcher Development recognised in the 2015 SWSLHD Quality as patient discomfort and delays in vital Strategic Initiative Funding – Women’s Awards. The submission, ‘Partnering to treatment. Most research relating to PIVCs Fellowship Scheme and the ECR Research improve oral health of Aboriginal children’, is conducted and reported in economically Support Scheme. won the Quality Award under the category developed nations, with their use and Dr Evan Alexandrou is CI 6 on a research Excellence in Provision of Care and Service management in developing nations largely project funded with $1,101,717.35 from NHMRC. to Aboriginal Clients. The project was also unknown. Project teams at Western Sydney Professor Claire Rickard, Dr Li Zhang and Dr selected for submission to the NSW Health University and Griffith University are surveying Samantha Keogh from the Centre for Health Awards 2015 under the Preventative Health the research, and results are expected later Practice Innovation at Griffith University are category. this year. This unfunded study has gone global leading this research. Less than 14 per cent (more than 400 hospitals in 65 countries ≥≥ A CANR-supported project to reduce of applications were funded, making this are participating), resonating with clinicians, falls risk has been awarded Highly an outstanding achievement. The project, particularly nurses, worldwide. Commended in the Clinical Excellence and ‘Peripherally InSerted CEntral catheter Patient Safety category in the Australian Securement: the PISCES Trial’, is a multi-site Council on Healthcare Standards 2015 GRANTS trial. Dr Alexandrou is the content expert and Annual Quality Improvement Awards. Professor Esther Chang is a collaborator and lead researcher at Liverpool Hospital. Associate Professor Everett, Deputy mentor on a successful National Health and Director of CANR, has been working with CANR has been involved in winning three Medical Research Council (NHMRC) post- Mr Brian Lane, Nurse Unit Manager from grants through the NSW Health Nursing and doctoral fellowship led by Dr Sandra Garrido the Camden Rehabilitation Unit in South Midwifery Office Strategic Funds. through the NHMRC dementia framework. Western Sydney Local Health District, The fellowship will begin in January 2016 evaluating the project and developing an ≥≥ Ioannou S, Holter G, Thomas V, and provides $601,000 of funding over four educational resource for patients and staff. Seremetkoska M, Oakley N, Morris J, years. Fellow collaborators and mentors are
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≥≥ Professor Kemp was a finalist for the 2015 SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND The School is continuing to explore, develop NSW Woman of the Year Award, which and offer new academic programs and is recognises the outstanding contribution HEALTH using new teaching approaches and synergies. women across NSW make to industry, In 2015, the second cohort of students community and society, and celebrates The School of Science and Health offers a began the highly popular Bachelor of Health their significant achievements. diverse mix of disciplines across science and Science (Paramedicine). To meet growing and health. The range in both teaching programs ≥≥ Mr Athanasiou, SoNM’s Blended Learning changing demand, the Bachelor of Health and research strengths allows for exciting and Designer, was recognised as an Apple Science (Health and Physical Education)/ innovative collaboration across traditional Distinguished Educator at an awards Master of Teaching and the Bachelor of Health boundaries, and leads to achievements in ceremony in Singapore. Only two Fellows Science (Public Health) have been developed interdisciplinary and interprofessional learning were selected from higher education in and are on offer from 2016. and teaching, and research. Australia. The Australian Physiotherapy Council ≥≥ SoNM Blended Learning Designer, In 2015, the School’s courses continued to extended the accreditation for the highly Mr Athanasiou, entered a video in the grow in popularity, increasing its success and successful Physiotherapy program for another Learning Impact Awards, which recognise growth in research excellence and research five years in 2015. the most powerful and influential uses outcomes, and expanding the number of of technology in support of learning events held. The School’s success was again The School is continuing to grow its worldwide. This year the SoNM entry came reflected in staff members’ achievements international relationships. The Forensic second at the Australian Finals of the and recognition in the 2015 Western Sydney Science department is developing partnership Learning Impact Awards in the Blended University Learning and Teaching Awards, arrangements in China in undergraduate and Learning Optimisation category, and will with academic and professional staff postgraduate education and exchange. be an entrant in the Global Finals next year. members receiving awards for Outstanding ≥≥ Associate Professor Salamonson, Dr Contribution to Student Learning. The Blended Learning team and academic Jane Koch and Ms Rebecca Stamopoulos staff are working on teaching and learning and team members from other areas LEARNING AND TEACHING materials, and embedding online materials in of the University received a University many teaching units, ensuring they remain Student numbers continued to grow in 2015, Learning and Teaching Awards Citations contemporary and flexible. As part of the up 1.4 per cent on 2014. Programs including for Outstanding Contributions to Student overall approach, technology support was Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Learning for their work on the STaRS expanded for the School’s MiHub facilities, Paramedicine, Podiatric Medicine, Natural program. The program was established allowing academic staff members more Science and Forensic Science attracted strong to provide institutional leadership and opportunities to develop and improve student preferences and enrolments. strategic oversight and direction for teaching and learning materials. planning and implementing initiatives and We moved our Health and Physical Education The School completed several exciting activities to support student transition and program to the Kingswood campus, giving projects with the assistance of Catalysing enhance the first-year student experience. students and staff members greater access Innovation in Learning and Teaching (CILT) ≥≥ Rebecca Stamopolous, SoNM Marketing to new and modern facilities. Construction funding. These projects included students Officer, was awarded the 2015 Western of a building that will house contemporary competing in the national Interdisciplinary Warrior Runner Up Award for her teaching and learning, and research facilities, Health Challenge, establishing the UWS significant contribution to the web has begun at the Parramatta campus. It will Paramedic Student Research Engagement rebrand. house science-based programs, and in 2017 Academy (UPSTREAM) program, and a ≥≥ Five academic and four professional staff the School’s Medical Science program will be student-led market garden project focusing members are participating in the Inspire expanded. on sustainable agriculture. Leadership program. Several facilities and laboratories at the Hawkesbury campus have been upgraded to ENGAGEMENT enhance learning opportunities and research The School of Science and Health has capabilities. These include the Crime Scene continued to lead many community simulation facility, and the creation of an engagement activities. The Men’s Health Ecology research laboratory and outdoor Information and Resource Centre, through wildlife research area. New anatomy and science additional Government funding, continues laboratories were opened in 2015, significantly to provide a range of community-embedded improving teaching, learning and research services and research with Indigenous opportunities at the Campbelltown campus. communities, through programs including
28 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
the Men’s Shed at Mt Druitt and Men’s Health another three were rated at ‘above world CHALLENGES IN 2016 Week. standard’ (ERA rating of 4), and seven were Careful planning and monitoring of staffing rated at world standard (ERA rating of 3). needs are required for ongoing success and The School’s commitment to community Overall, the School contributed to 18 FORs growth across all areas of the School. Staff activities was best demonstrated in 2015 rated at world standard or above (compared turnover and growing student enrolments, through programs for scientific literacy, such with 12 in ERA 2012). which has led to increased staff numbers, as Bandicoots, Bugs and the Bush, UniSteers allowed the School to recruit new academic 2015, and HEARTBEAT: Get the Rhythm, The School won several grants, including staff in several areas that better match the which involved students, staff members, a prestigious $574,644 National Health School’s agenda. As the School expands primary schools and the community. The and Medical Research Council-Australian its course offering in 2016 and develops School’s Science Education Officers continue Research Council (NHMRC-ARC) Dementia new options for 2017, careful planning and to raise awareness about potential career Research Fellowship grant awarded to Dr monitoring will be needed to ensure programs pathways for secondary school students Genevieve Steiner; a $419,000 NHMRC Career are relevant. in areas relating to the primary industries. Development Fellowship awarded to Dr Their work was again recognised, with team Siobhan Schabrun; and a $700,000 project The School intends to expand its overseas members receiving a Citation for Outstanding grant awarded to Dr Thomas Astell-Burt. relationships and increase the number of Contribution to Student Learning in the 2015 international students enrolled, as part of a Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Awards. The School’s academic staff received 26 wider approach to inbound and outbound grants through the Research Development student mobility. Key activities in 2016 We are also continuing to increase our Initiative Scheme, a University program include developing and introducing plans and engagement with industry and research aimed at assisting Early Career Researchers. appropriate resourcing, and working closely partners. Professor Caroline Smith was awarded with the International Office. Western Sydney University Researcher of the Work has begun on the Hawkesbury Year for 2015. In mid- to late 2016, the School will move its Agripark, which will enhance education and Parramatta operations to a new purpose- research collaboration with industry and the The National Institute for Complementary designed facility that will accommodate a community in agriculture and agribusiness. Medicine (NICM) received $2 million from range of student, teaching and research The School is also developing a world-class the renowned philanthropic organisation The needs, expanding our academic program. complementary medicine clinical and research Jacka Foundation of Natural Therapies to The School is also anticipating more teaching hub with support from the public and private bolster complementary medicine research space will be available for the growing sectors and an international university. in Australia. In addition, NICM announced Paramedicine program at the Campbelltown three new scholarships in partnership campus. In 2015, opportunities for international with Blackmores Institute, worth a total of engagement expanded. In particular, students $400,000. Finding clinical placements for the School’s were involved in international exchanges and many health programs will become more clinical health placements in China, South The NICM Symposium on Integrative difficult amid an increasingly competitive Africa, New Zealand and Indonesia. Medicine for Neurocognition and Dementia environment, coupled with funding was held in November and attracted more uncertainty for clinical training. This situation Consulting and commercial activity continue than 130 delegates. NICM also supported will require careful monitoring, and it is vital to grow across the School, which worked the Australasian Integrative Medicine that the School continues to strengthen its with industry, and consulted with clients in Association’s National Conference in June with Western Sydney relationships with placement the public and private sectors. The School’s scientific advice and research programming. activities included a husbandry project for providers. an endangered turtle species in the Bellinger Associate Professor Karen Liu was appointed Rising demand for programs in the Science, River, working with the Department of a member of the Australian Health Ethics Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Environment and Heritage Protection. Committee of the NHMRC by the Minister (STEM) disciplines means it will be critical of Health. Several staff members have also to grow the School to ensure contributions been appointed to national and international RESEARCH to the education and training of the future committees and bodies. The School achieved outstanding results in workforce. the 2015 round of Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) evaluations. The School The School will continue reviewing and contributed to eight Fields of Research (FOR) redefining our position, and will respond to that were assessed as ‘well above world heightened competition and the challenges standard’ (compared to two in ERA 2012), presented by regulatory and policy changes.
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SCHOOL OF SOCIAL and Development Studies, which are on offer Master of Clinical Psychology and 1714 Master in 2016. of Professional Psychology) programs. Both SCIENCES AND PSYCHOLOGY EACs praised the quality of the School’s In addition, the School delivered five graduates, the work being done and the The School of Social Sciences and postgraduate courses, including the proposed initiatives. They also provided Psychology continues to offer undergraduate, Master of Social Science, which offered guidance for fine-tuning learning outcomes postgraduate and research programs, which nine specialisations. In 2016, the School is and course progression. They were particularly combine advanced academic knowledge offering three new postgraduate courses: impressed with the School’s efforts to retain with real-life training to suit a range of career Master of Professional Psychology, Master of first-year students and suggested this success needs and interests across both social and Psychotherapy and Counselling and Master of be documented and published. psychological sciences. In 2015, the School Social Work (Qualifying). enhanced existing programs and developed Student retention from first to second year new programs, ensuring applied skills were The School’s undergraduate and postgraduate was high for the fourth year in a row, at 80.0 included in these degrees to meet the programs have strengthened and expanded per cent for 2014–15, and overall retention fast-paced changing employment market. its position as a sustainable provider of remained steady at 79.4 per cent. The This reinforces the School’s reputation as diverse specialisations, ensuring that students School further embedded academic literacy a strong leader in the education sector for are given the opportunity to engage in real- initiatives. The School reviewed its Learning social science and psychology disciplines. world problems, drawing on social scientific Guides, creating a vUWS site dedicated to Targeted strategies for improving the student and psychological scholarship. The curriculum academic literacy support, and held academic experience have led to outstanding student design is innovative, giving students optimal literacy workshops at our three campuses. feedback and student retention. study choices that include blended learning In addition, the School ran an embedded strategies for teaching and learning. The literacy pilot program for four first-year In addition to program development, the School aims to enhance students’ ability to units, trialling customised innovations, and School continues to focus on business balance work, family and study demands. ran casual tutor professional development development, ensuring a more engaged and sessions and custom-designed workshops for outward-looking approach, and on sourcing The School again received resoundingly units and programs. For example, the School grants and industry-based scholarships. positive student feedback through the ran a program for international students in the University’s Student Feedback on Unit (SFU) Master of Social Sciences. The School has an active research culture, process for the autumn 2015 semester, with pushing the theoretical frontiers of our average performance on the ‘overall Dr Michel Edenborough, Ms Alison Hine and knowledge. It also conducts applied research satisfaction’ rating 4.14/5 (WSU average Ms Leigh Bambury were nominated for a with real-world impacts. The School’s strong 4.04). In the vast majority of our units, year Western Sydney University 2015 Citation for results in the 2015 Excellence in Research after year, the School consistently achieves Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning for Australia (ERA) evaluations reflect this very high SFU scores, demonstrating the for their roles in the multi-disciplinary Student research effort. quality of teaching and the commitment Transition, Retention and Success (STaRS) of staff. The student response rate for this team. The awards panel recognised the TEACHING AND LEARNING survey also continues to increase, highlighting success of the STaRS project and commended that the School’s strategies to engage the team on supporting first-year students to In 2015, the School delivered 15 robust students more actively within the University succeed and stay at university. undergraduate programs: Bachelor of environment are working. Psychology, Bachelor of Social Science Higher-degree research and the pathway to (Psychology), Bachelor of Arts (Honours) The Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) research are at the centre of curriculum design Psychology, Bachelor of Science Criminology accredited the School in November 2015 for and the student experience. The School’s and Psychological Studies (Online), Bachelor the Master of Planning program. The PIA postgraduate courses all emphasise research of Social Work, Bachelor of Community review team recognised the committed, training and ensure candidates are highly Welfare, Bachelor of Community and Social enthusiastic and research-focused teaching competitive for global careers. The School has Development, Bachelor of Policing, Bachelor team, noting the strengths of the social a large cohort of PhD students (about 100) of Policing (Leadership Program), Bachelor of science setting and the way the Greater and aims to increase the number of research Criminal and Community Justice, Bachelor of Western Sydney environment infuses our candidates. The School wants research Criminology, Bachelor of Planning, Bachelor urban planning program. results that have an effect locally, nationally of Tourism Management, Bachelor of Social and internationally, that challenge traditional Science and Bachelor of Social Science Two External Advisory Committees (EACs) frontiers and that are felt within the industry. (Advanced). The School also developed two sat this year. They were the Undergraduate more market-leading degrees, Bachelor of Psychology (1500 Bachelor of Psychology) The School is also maintaining its focus on Anthropology and Bachelor of Humanitarian and the Postgraduate Psychology (1812 alternative entry pathways for students and
30 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
the 2015 expansion of the HSC Geography SHORT COURSES International Placement Unit. Some students Enrichment day to include Society and also travelled on international field trips In 2015, the School trialled a professional Culture reflected this goal. About 170 NSW through the New Colombo Plan programs, development course targeting psychologists high school students attended, and 66 were with 19 students visiting India, 15 visiting and other health professionals in the region. offered places for 2016 after successful results Vietnam and 10 going to Indonesia. The The course, Schema Therapy for Eating in an exam taken on the day. The School is School has built a framework to facilitate Disorders, had high attendance and the considering further subject areas for 2016. student mobility and international placements revenue from this course will be used for with universities in Indonesia and India. research on eating disorders. A five-day INTERNATIONAL AND ENGAGEMENT humanitarian short course targeted at NGOs Existing School programs continue to make a is planned for 2016. In addition, the School LOCAL, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL unique contribution to the skills set of Greater is developing a strategy for delivering short SYMPOSIUMS Western Sydney and NSW, especially in the courses for the community and professionals. The School held a number of symposiums helping professions. These include the Master and events in 2015, including the Religion and The School made a significant contribution of Art Therapy, the Graduate Diploma in Society Research cluster’s one-day national to the development of an international short Counselling, the Master of Clinical Psychology symposium, Theorising Belief Through course for a delegation from Fujian Province and the Master of Urban Management and Monsters and the Supernatural. The cluster, in China. The School also developed a model Planning. These programs have strong regional with the School of Law, also hosted a two- and content for a one-month training program engagement through initiatives such as day international symposium, Shari’a, Culture delivered to a delegation of Indonesian student placements and make a commendable and legal Pluralism. The School also hosted a university academics. The model will be the contribution to the public good. The School two-day symposium, Policing Vulnerability: basis for future international training programs. continued participating in the offsite Psychology Challenges and Solutions. The University Clinic in partnership with Lifeline Narellan in collaborated with RichmondPRA on an art 2015, and expanded clinic operations to the ALUMNI exhibition from the Recovering Creativity Penrith campus as a sole operator, building links The School hosted two graduation events in Research Project, and also sponsored the with the local medical practitioners. 2015 to launch graduands as alumni. Linked APS Forensic Psychology Conference, the to these events, the School also held its Australasian Conference on Islam, the Cronulla PLACEMENTS first alumni event ‘SSAPChat Alumni’. On Ten Years On symposium, and the Australian the night, seven people spoke on the theme Conference on Personality and Individual The School continued to expand placement ‘Building Respectful Relationships in Diverse Differences (ACPID). opportunities for students, building on key Communities’, relating this to their area of relationships across Greater Western Sydney expertise. There were 60 attendees and future and with leading industry organisations. In SOCIAL MEDIA alumni events are now being planned. The 2015, three Social Work students received a The School has expanded its social media School continues to work with Advancement FACS (Community Services) Rural Placement presence, particularly with Facebook and and Alumni to build the scholarship and donor scholarship. In Social Work alone, the number Twitter. The School’s Facebook page now award portfolio across its disciplines and to of student placements increased by 32 per has more than 6500 followers, and posts are increase engagement with its alumni network. cent from 2014 to 2015 and is expected to rise made four times a week. One post reached by another 77 per cent in 2016. more than 49,000 people. The School also GRADUATE DESTINATIONS created a Twitter account called @SSAPChat STUDENT ENGAGEMENT The School held two events in 2015 for students to expand research visibility for academics from its Psychology and Social Work cohorts, and to promote the School’s research In 2015, the School enhanced its engagement focusing on education and career options activities and success stories. Most tweets with the four Student Associations (Social after third year and improving graduates’ have links back to the School’s webpage. Work; Urban Planning; Psychology; and job placements. Industry representatives The School’s account has grown from 18 Policing) through regular meetings between attended, generating opportunities to pursue followers to 261, and had sent 1,800 tweets by representatives of the School Executive research collaborations and identify placement November 2015. and Association office-bearers. They have opportunities. participated in the School’s events, an Alumni event and presented at the graduation GLOBAL RANKINGS events. The Student Association leaders have INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT In 2015, the School’s Sociology and generated prompt and helpful feedback on In 2015, staff members visited Indonesia, Psychology disciplines were in the Top 200 behalf of the student cohort on teaching and India, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Nigeria and Vietnam globally in the QS World University Rankings student issues and have become integral to seeking PhD opportunities and partnerships by Subject. In the QS World Rankings by some of the decision-making of the School. for student placements as part of the new Faculty, the Social Sciences and Management
westernsydney.edu.au 31 ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Review of Activities
disciplines rose 75 places in the rankings, Psychology produced 13.9 per cent of the of Family and Community Services – Housing from 350th to 275th. The School has also books brought out by the Western Sydney NSW (Drake), Benevolent Society (Horsfall developed a comprehensive submission University, 15 per cent of the chapters, 7.88 and Carrington), Australian Museum for the 2016 Social Work and Sociology per cent of refereed journal articles and 17.45 (Ravulo), Blacktown and Marrickville councils U-Multirank survey. per cent of the research reports and creative (McAuliffe) and Safe Schools Coalition works. In all, the School contributed 9.69 per Australia (Robinson and Ullman). These grants RESEARCH cent of the University’s weighted publications. illustrate the research excellence of the School and the engaging nature of its scholarship. The School of Social Sciences and Psychology Several members of staff published books in fosters an environment that supports the 2015. In 2015, the School generated a number research activity of academic staff and higher- of reports including: Pacific Communities degree research candidates. The School had ≥≥ Contemporary Islamic Law in Indonesia: in Australia (Ravulo), End of Life at Home: the highest rate of cross-unit collaboration Sharia and Legal Pluralism by Dr Arskal Co-Creating an Ecology of Care (Horsfall, at the University, largely driven by the Salim (Edinburgh University Press) D., Yardley, A., Leonard, R., Noonan, K., & cooperative relationships with University ≥≥ Why Current Affairs Needs Social Theory Rosenberg, J. P), and The resilience and research institutes in related areas. by Professor Rob Stones (Bloomsbury ordinariness of Australian Muslims: Attitudes Academic) and experiences of Muslims Report (Dunn, The School continues to build its reputation Atie, Mapedzahama, Ozalp, Aydogan). through conducting cutting-edge research ≥≥ Why Men Buy Sex by Mr Philip Birch (Routledge) that contributes internationally to generating Other research included: knowledge. This research addresses many of ≥≥ Dialogues of Sustainable Urbanisation: the challenges facing contemporary society Social Science Research and Transitions ≥≥ The School, in partnership with the and the School uses it to inform its teaching. to Urban Contexts edited by Dr Jenna University’s MARCS Institute, hosted the Condie and Dr Anna Cooper (University of official launch of the Kingswood ‘Baby Lab’ The School Research Plan focuses on five key Western Sydney) for infant testing. themes: Digital social science for an online ≥≥ Sex, Ethics and Young People by Professor ≥≥ The School took a leading role in work world; future urban living; cities of difference, Moira Carmody (Palgrave Macmillan, New leading to the signing of a Memorandum of diversity and inequality; psychology of health York) Understanding with FACS Western Sydney. aging and learning; and mental health and Since the signing of the MoU, the School wellbeing in the new millennium. ≥≥ Restorative Justice in Transition by Dr Kerry Clamp (Routledge). has set up two new research partnerships with FACS, one on Squalor and Hoarding The results of the third round of Excellence and another in development on the in Research Australia (ERA) were released in The School of Social Sciences and Psychology ‘Parental Care Responsibility Programme. December 2015. The School performed well, won numerous prestigious and competitive maintaining its World Standard rating of 3 in grants in 2015. The School’s staff participated ≥≥ Dr Gabrielle Drake was awarded the the broad area of Studies in Human Society in three successful Australian Research Council Norma Parker Award for her article ‘The (16) and moved up to World Standard for (ARC) Discovery applications for work that will transinstitutionalisation of people living Psychology and Cognitive Sciences (17). The start in 2016 (Professor Phillip O’Neill, Professor in licensed boarding houses in Sydney.’ World Standard rating in 17 was driven by an Craig McGarty, Dr Andrew Gorman-Murray), Professor Andre Renzaho awarded a improvement of Cognitive Sciences (1702) from one National Health and Medical Research prize in the NSW 2015 Multicultural Health below World Standard (2) to World Standard Council (NHMRC) application (Professor Andre Communication Awards for Blood From (3), and Psychology moved from below World Renzaho), two Endeavour Scholarships (Dr Everyone, For Everyone: Information Standard (2) to Above World Standard (4). Dallas Rogers and Miss Rhonda Itaoui), the for the African Community about blood Within discipline 16, Human Geography move Ramaciotti Health Investment Grant (Smith) donation in Australia. This work was a to Above World Standard (4), and Criminology and a German Academic Exchange Service result of an ARC Linkage Grant with the moved from not being listed to a World Fellowship Grant (Watson). Australian Red Cross Blood Service. Standard ranking (3). Sociology and Other ≥ The School’s Challenging Racism Project Several staff also won research grants from ≥ Studies in Human Society (which includes released four videos through YouTube the following government and industry gender research) maintained World Standard. that encourage bystander action against sources: Western Sydney Community Forum In Religion and Religious Studies (2204), the racism. These were funded through an ARC (Leonard, Horsfall, Reedy and Laing), Catholic School maintained its World Standard ranking. Linkage Project grant, and on Facebook, Community Services (Narchal, Moustafa, the first video was viewed 1.8 million times and Mukuria), Grant Henry Halloran Trust, The Higher Education Research Data within two weeks of its release. Collection 2015 return shows that academic University of Sydney (Rogers, Schatz, staff in the School of Social Sciences and McManus, Piracha and McAuliffe), Department
32 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Learning and Teaching
PRIORITY AREAS Blended Learning Designers and Advisors teaching space at the Kingswood campus. moved into the Schools in late 2015 to New professional development resources were continue providing practical, discipline-based produced to support staff members in these The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) portfolio advice on curriculum and assessment design new spaces. To complement the prototype was responsible for key academic functions in using technology-enhanced approaches teaching space, a technology incubator space 2015, including overseeing the Offices of the to engage and support students. Schools and two self-service video laboratories for Associate Pro Vice-Chancellors (Education); continued working with the Curriculum academic staff members were also developed the Learning and Teaching Unit; the Office and Course Quality Officers to ensure all and will be available in early 2016. of Sustainability; the Student Transition, of our courses comply with the Australian Retention and Success (STaRS) project; and Qualifications Framework (AQF). Dedicated Tertiary Education Pathways and Partnerships POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND Curriculum Advisors also helped Schools (TEPP). It has strong links with the Badanami IMPLEMENTATION develop new curriculum and renew existing Centre for Indigenous Education and the courses and assessments. The Senate Assessment Committee continued Library. Together, these areas support the overseeing assessments to ensure they meet academic program of the University, including the Higher Education Standards Framework. contributing to policy development and TECHNOLOGY-ENHANCED LEARNING Assessment practices and outcomes were supporting quality learning, teaching, and The University continued using digital monitored across Schools using regular curriculum design and assessment. technology to engage students in learning reports, and quality assurance practices, that can be accessed any time, anywhere including peer review, moderation and CURRICULUM DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT and on any device. Since 2013, the University benchmarking, were enhanced. The Academic has given iPads to all incoming first-year Policy Advisory Group completed the first In 2015, the Office continued working to undergraduates and continuing academic phase of a review of the Assessment Policy ensure that the University offers innovative, staff. Over the last three years, more than – Criteria and Standards-based Assessment, future-focused courses that are attractive 45,000 iPads have become part of the focusing on developing University-wide to students and employers. Multidisciplinary learning and teaching landscape. In 2016, understanding and consistency in applying and flexible courses, such as the Bachelor the University will move to a multi-device grades. A further review of assessment of Applied Leadership and Critical Thinking strategy to further support students’ digital practices and procedures, as well as processes and Bachelor of Sustainable Agriculture requirements. for recording grades, will form phase 2 of and Food Security, continued to be in high the review, commencing in January 2016. A demand. The University also developed Western Sydney Online was a key initiative University-wide Academic Integrity Working new multidisciplinary courses including launched in autumn 2015, providing a blend Party combined the University’s Academic the Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of of ‘homegrown’ and Open University–derived Misconduct and Non-Academic Misconduct Humanitarian and Development Studies, courses. Three undergraduate and 30 Policies to produce a Student Misconduct Bachelor of Anthropology, Bachelor of Data postgraduate courses formed the foundation Rule, reflecting our robust approach to Science and Master of Data Science. In all, the of Western Sydney Online, attracting more academic integrity. In 2015, the University University approved 13 new postgraduate and than 170 students in its first year. The Master completed a full review of the Award Courses 13 undergraduate courses for teaching in 2016. of Nursing, Master of Mental Health Nursing, and Units Approval Policy, amended the and Bachelor of Business Administration A key initiative in 2015 was the development associate documents for Course and Unit attracted the highest number of enrolments. of the Curriculum Mapping Tool (CMT). It Delegations and Standing Committees The Bachelor of Communication, the first is now used across the University to map of Senate, and revised all course and unit homegrown fully online course, grew in curricula to show alignment with intended approvals documentation. After extensive popularity from session 1 to session 2 and set a learning, scaffolding of learning and consultation with Deputy Deans and Deans, high standard for future course development. assessment results. All Schools use the tool to the Academic Senate streamlined the In addition, another 370 undergraduate units help with curriculum design and renewal. It is approval process and amended committee have been converted to digital or blended also used to map professional standards (i.e. structures, approving the changes at a learning mode, mostly Level 3 units. Since requirements of professional accreditation meeting in December 2015. 2013, 1,146 units have been converted to bodies) and to help develop documentation blended or online mode and some Schools required for course accreditation. The tool has QUALITY INDICATORS FOR LEARNING AND are now working on blending a number of received positive feedback from a range of TEACHING postgraduate units and courses. professional bodies. The national Quality Indicators for Learning In 2015, planning to establish innovative and Teaching (QILT) website was launched The Learning and Teaching team continued technology-rich collaborative learning spaces by the Australian Government in August assisting academic staff members with at the One Parramatta Square campus led 2015. The site presents student feedback curriculum design and innovation. The to the design and building of a prototype and performance data for 40 Australian
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higher education institutions, drawn from University degrees for 2016. The ‘Growing The third annual preparation seminar Let’s the University Experience Survey, Course Agriculture’ Exceptional Merit Pathway (EMP) Talk Uni was held in November, targeting Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) and Graduate was launched in 2015 with six local high schools business, nursing and social work/community Destination Survey. Overall, Western Sydney participating in the pilot. This pathway is welfare applicants who base their entry on University performs well compared with our offered to Year 12 students studying agriculture their VET studies. This valuable seminar local competitors in the areas of Learner in their Higher School Certificate and integrates offered students sessions and workshops Engagement; Learning Resources; Student a university learning experience using vUWS designed to help them transition to university. Support and Skills Development. Local modules and on-campus workshops. Students Current Western Sydney students offered and International student feedback is less successfully completing the EMP will receive a first-hand accounts of their journeys, favourable for overall quality of educational conditional offer to the Bachelor of Sustainable transition and university experiences, along experience and teaching quality. A similar Agriculture and Food Security degree for with useful tips and strategies. A highlight of trend is noted in the International Student enrolment in 2017. the seminar was the keynote address by Dean Barometer results. The University’s CEQ rating of the School of Education, Professor Michele for overall satisfaction in 2014 was 84.4 per In July 2015, the University, in conjunction Simons, who delivered a powerful message cent, up from 83.6 per cent in 2013, once again with WSI and SWSi, co-hosted the National about resilience, determination and success. above the sector average, which was 83 per Centre for Vocational Education Research Several key sessions and a series of student cent. A similar positive trend was recorded (NCVER) annual ‘No Frills’ conference with the interviews were professionally recorded for in data from our Student Feedback on Units theme ‘Youth, Pathways, Skills’. More than 300 posting on TEPP webpages. (SFU) with 89.7 per cent of units recording an national and international delegates attended Parramatta South campus for this event, with average score of greater than or equal to 3.5 TRANSITION TO UNIVERSITY LEARNING for overall experience in 2015, up from 88.6 highlights including an on-campus conference per cent in 2014. dinner in the Janice Reid Pavilion. Now The development of a University-wide Minister for Education and Training, Senator approach to improving the first-year student the Hon. Simon Birmingham, delivered a experience and retention rate continued PATHWAYS TO LEARNING keynote address on the first morning of the throughout 2015 under the STaRS project. In 2015, the University offered places to conference, and Chancellor Professor Peter Strategies introduced across all schools 3,482 students for Vocational Education Shergold, AC and Vice-Chancellor Professor include: and Training (VET) studies, with many Barney Glover also addressed delegates. commencing studies via one of the 200 ≥≥ appointing academic and professional formalised articulation pathways offering In September 2015, the first Private Providers STaRS coordinators, Starting @ WS Events guaranteed entry and agreed credit transfer. forum was held at the Bankstown campus and coordinators and First Year School Contact The TEPP team maintained its involvement all current VET partners were represented. Officers on every campus in student events, contributing expertise on This forum was aimed at building relationships ≥≥ ensuring interaction between senior pathway options for University activities and ‘beyond the MOU’ and facilitated the theme students and new students studying the community forums throughout 2015. These of sharing information and improving same course (this occurs for most courses) included Western U days, open days, partner communication. Attendees were also ≥≥ focusing on introducing best-practice forums and local government initiatives such introduced to the University’s rebranding and principles in first-year assessments, with as jobs and training expos held at Technical Securing Success strategy. reporting to and monitoring by the Senate and Further Education (TAFE) colleges Education Committee and community centres across Western Another key feature in 2015 was a second and South-Western Sydney. TEPP was also Learning and Teaching Professional Exchange ≥≥ introducing just-in-time transition involved in a Higher Education Participation forum designed to allow SWSi, WSI and messages for identified ‘transition’ units in Programme-funded project throughout University teaching specialists to share all undergraduate courses. 2015, delivering presentations and individual expertise and experiences, focusing on This coordinated and holistic approach to consultations for non-current school leavers preparing and transitioning VET students first-year student transition resulted in a 0.7 on pathway and career options at The College entering university. This Australian Vocational per cent improvement in student retention on the Lithgow campus. Education and Training Association (AVETRA) forum in October included students sharing in 2014, from 78.7 per cent to 79.4 per cent, The integrated pathway program Diploma Plus their stories and academics and professional following an annual decline of about 1 per cent continued collaborating with TAFE Western staff members sharing their experiences, for the previous four years. In comparison, Sydney Institute (WSI) and TAFE South- as well as interactive exchanges. The day commencing student retention continued to Western Sydney Institute (SWSi) on a second resulted in a new initiative for engaging decline at the national (down 1.34 per cent) pilot program in 2015. Because of this program, TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC) and state (down 0.95 per cent) levels, with 33 students will receive a direct offer and students using integrated learning during their Western Sydney being one of only three credit transfer to one of three Western Sydney VET studies in 2016. universities in NSW to improve its retention
34 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
in 2014. Evaluation of the Holistic, Integrated, ≥≥ ‘Numeracy for Nursing’, run in July for and external factors, such as meeting the Planning for Student Transition, Retention first-year nursing and midwifery students, demands of the Tertiary Education Quality & Success (HIPSTaRS) pilot project has with 200 students attending across three and Standards Agency and professional shown the improvement in student retention, campuses. accreditation bodies. particularly for the Bachelor of Engineering (up 9.1 per cent) following annual declines and In addition to targeted workshops, MESH also Deputy Deans Discussions Forums ran one-on-one Just in time maths student the Bachelor of Construction Management (its The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) support through Library Roving. More than 2 per cent dropout rate has been halted). met the Deputy Deans, Pro Vice-Chancellor 750 individual consultations were provided in (Education) and Associate Pro Vice- five campus libraries in the autumn and spring LITERACY AND NUMERACY SUPPORT Chancellors (Education) monthly to sessions. Students from 50 units sought collaborate on new leadership strategies and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) portfolio staff assistance, including students from about 30 explore topics relevant to their roles. members continued working with Schools to non-mathematics units that require maths deliver curriculum-embedded strategies for skills. Blended Learning Forums and Professional literacy skills development and assessment. In Development 2015, this work included developing diagnostic Online support was provided through three assessments and support strategies, reviewing key initiatives: The Blended Learning forums share learning guides, providing literacy lectures and participants’ expertise and innovations in academic literacy workshops, giving individual ≥≥ ‘I Don’t Get It’, a facility on the MESH digital learning design in higher education. consultations to students at risk, and providing website, which was used by more than 40 Presenters included academics, professional advice and support to staff members about students seeking help on topics such as staff members and guest speakers. In addition academic literacy in their curriculum. A statistics, calculus, algebra, induction and to the Design for Learning forums, more particular focus has been collaborative work fractions than 40 professional development activities with the Schools to embed academic literacy ≥≥ provision of online guidance materials, for were offered in 2015. These included new support in all first-year core units. which Don Shearman received the Western workshops developed and delivered for Sydney Content Wizard Award for the Basic Standards, Learning Analytics, Open Library Roving, managed by the Library, MESH site Education Resources, planning to teach provided one-on-one Just in time Academic and assess online using Adobe Premier Pro, ≥≥ the vUWS site ‘Improve Your Maths’, which Literacy student support during the year. on-camera presenter performance, using provided students with online learning More than 1,300 individual consultations were Zoom videoconferencing and global writing/ resources across many topics. provided in five campus libraries across all plagiarism. In 2015, these professional learning sessions. Students from all Schools used the activities received a Net Promotion Score service, but the most frequent users were BUILDING STAFF CAPACITY TO ENGAGE IN of 73.3 per cent, indicating a very high level from the School of Nursing and Midwifery, AND LEAD QUALITY TEACHING of participant satisfaction, with participants School of Social Science and Psychology, and The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) portfolio recommending the activities to their School of Science and Health. Sixty-one per continued to offer professional learning colleagues. cent sought support with assessment tasks, opportunities for teachers seeking to innovate most frequently for essay writing. Writing and develop new curricula, and support the Designing for Learning Showcase support was given to postgraduate research University’s teaching and curriculum leaders. More than 255 staff members attended students through writing circles and other the third annual Designing for Learning programs. Director of Academic Program Forums Showcase held in December on Parramatta campus. The showcase recognised innovation Once again, the Mathematics Education Director of Academic Program (DAP) forums, in learning and teaching through blended Support Hub (MESH) offered programs and sponsored by the Pro Vice-Chancellor learning strategies and initiatives. The support to build students’ mathematical (Education), were held quarterly in 2015. theme ‘Engagement Unlimited’ focused confidence and skills. These included face-to- The forums focused on supporting the on engagement across the University – face and online workshops, Library Roving, professional development of DAPs in their between students, staff members and the a student helpline and an improved suite of challenging role and on University-wide broader university community – to foster the online resources. More than 2,500 students learning and teaching initiatives and best development of creative, student-centred attended workshops in 2015, including: practice. The role of DAPs is pivotal to providing academic leadership and strategic learning and teaching strategies. Mr Mark Pesce, futurist, broadcaster, author and ≥≥ ‘Maths Start’, which ran for two weeks in direction for the courses that make up each educator, delivered the keynote speech, and February academic discipline or program. DAPS are responsible for overseeing a quality the very successful event showcased more ≥≥ unit-specific sessions, run in autumn for agenda that is driven by both the University than 42 presentations and workshops. eight units and in spring for 10 units
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The Foundations of University Learning and Eight University citations for Outstanding Mr Con Athanasiou, Blended Learning Teaching Program Contribution to Students’ Learning were Designer in the Office of the Associate Pro awarded to five individuals and three teams: Vice-Chancellor (Education – Health and The Foundations of University Learning and Science), who also works in the School of Teaching (FULT) program is a compulsory ≥≥ Dr Hayley Green, School of Science and Nursing and Midwifery, won a LearnX Impact professional development program for all Health Award for Best Instructional Designer. new full-time Senior Lecturers, Associate Lecturers and Lecturers who are appointed ≥≥ Dr Margaret Hanlon, School of Humanities Combined, these achievements attest the for 12 months or longer. Thirty-two staff and Communication Arts quality and standard of curriculum, teaching members completed the first module in 2015. ≥≥ Dr Vincent Ho, School of Medicine and learning practices and staff innovation, Seventeen staff members completed the full ≥≥ Dr Son Truong, School of Education and scholarship at Western Sydney University. three-module program and were awarded ≥≥ Dr Jacqueline Ullman, School of Education Certificates of Completion in July 2015. Two Office of Sustainability FULT programs were offered for sessional ≥≥ the Agriculture Strategy Team, School of staff, and 40 staff members attended courses Science and Health: Ms Therese McGillion, The international field of Education for in July and November. Mr Christopher Vella and Ms April Browne Sustainability (EfS) has emerged in response to the urgent need for critical global ≥≥ the STaRS project team: Associate citizenship. EfS emphasises the necessary Promoting Teaching Excellence Professor Betty Gill and her team interrelationships between theory and In 2015, the calibre of our teaching staff (representing all Schools) practice; local and global scales; the present was again recognised and celebrated. The ≥≥ the Western Sydney University Library and the future; and it has a global citizenship University named the recipients of the Outreach Programme team: Ms Judy component that requires a critical evaluation Western Sydney Teaching Awards and the Reading and Ms Cheryl Harris. of environment and social justice issues. Since Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Awards in April 2015, the Office of Sustainability has November. Nationally, staff members received In 2015, Dr Bronwen Dalziel and Mr Glenn been relocated to the Pro Vice-Chancellor various awards throughout the year, including Mason from the School of Medicine were (Education) portfolio, where this EfS agenda the Office for Learning and Teaching (OLT) awarded a national OLT citation for their can be systemically supported across the Teaching Awards. outstanding and “continued excellence in University’s learning and teaching programs. developing and maintaining an online series Western Sydney Teaching Awards recognise of modules which teach medical students the Highlights of the year included developing individuals and teams that have shown importance of basic sciences in medicine”. and delivering the first institutional excellence in teaching and learning and Sustainability Report, Driving Sustainability: in making outstanding contributions to In other awards, Dr Kell Tremayne from the A 2015 Roadmap to Success. The report students’ learning. In 2015, the four Western School of Social Sciences and Psychology noted 32 programs, majors and sub-majors Sydney Teaching Excellence Awards were received the Australian Psychological with an EfS focus across five schools. Work presented to: Society’s Outstanding Psychology Lecturer of also began on a pilot study the School of the Year Award 2015, based on his engaging Education is conducting using CMT to develop ≥≥ Dr Tania Ferfolja, School of Education and innovative teaching methods and as voted an institutional protocol for the Sustainability by University psychology students. ≥≥ Dr Bronwen Dalziel, School of Medicine Graduate Attribute. The EfS Forum – a ≥ Dr Tinashe Dune, School of Science and multidisciplinary community of practice ≥ Dr Anton Bogdanovych from the School of Health network to promote EfS discourse and Computing, Engineering and Mathematics was practice at a teaching level – was established ≥≥ Professor Kaye Shumack and the team for awarded the ICT Higher Education Educator of to support academic engagement. the Bachelor of Communication Hybrid the Year for 2015 by the Australian Computer Online Course, School of Humanities and Society. Dr Bogdanovych was recognised In September 2015, the inaugural HOPE Communication Arts. for his innovative teaching programming Students for Sustainability Conference ‘Clara World’ that scaffolds students’ skills was held at the Hawkesbury campus. The The Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence in Teaching in thinking, problem solving and conducting conference for undergraduate students aimed Award for 2015 was given to Dr Ferfolja from research. the School of Education for her sustained to build professional soft skills. Attendance was strong, with 110 undergraduates and innovations and research-based practice. In The Central Blended Learning Team received 36 students from 17 Australian universities. particular, the award recognised two teaching three industry Learn X Impact Awards in 2015: The keynote speaker was the former Greens programs that promote social equality in Best Learning Program – Compliance for the Senator, the Hon. Christine Milne. More than education, and their influence within and Basic Standards for Blended and Fully Online half of the presentations, which covered beyond the University. Learning Environment; Best Talent – Learning sustainability topics including volunteering Team; and Best Talent – Learning Manager.
36 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
abroad, climate change and corporate social the barrier between staff member and client, In support of Summer School, the Library responsibility, were made by Western Sydney have proven effective and will now be used as expanded opening hours to enable access to University students. a standard model for customer service across resources and services. Behind the scenes, all Libraries. Library staff collaborated with the academic community to ensure that essential materials LIBRARY Our digital infrastructure and online and services were available on key campuses professional librarian support were upgraded and online – leveraging the Library’s In 2015, a number of significant University to integrate with the Library’s knowledge innovative services such as digital learning Library initiatives were completed, and the base. The new infrastructure strengthens the objects and electronic reading lists. Library was able to support the University’s Library’s sector-leading out-of-hours support Securing Success 2015–2020 strategic plan. offerings through direct links to information Student demand led to an expansion of the and scholarly resources. We also increased our Library’s academic roving program to include Achievements and innovations show the number of online guides, self-help resources additional support inside and outside core Library’s role in supporting the scholarly and instructional videos, and actively engaged hours. This was met by increased service endeavours and aspirations of the University. with clients via social media. The Library has offerings by other literacy units, including The Library’s strategy focuses on technology, more than 1,300 Twitter followers. student support services and the Mathematics engagement, and the people and culture Education Support Hub (MESH). More than within the unit. We are committed to The Library used funding from Student 5,000 students engaged with the Library’s continuous improvement and retained our AS/ Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) to academic writing assistance program. NZS ISO 9001:2008 – Quality Management put in place a number of student-centred Because of its success, it will be expanded Systems – Requirements standard certification initiatives in 2015. Extra funding allowed for in 2016 to form part of a new integrated for the sixth consecutive year. the continuation of 24-hour access to several literacies support service for basic numeracy campus libraries under study hall conditions. and digital literacies. STUDENT EXPERIENCE The service is popular with students and, following engagement with student designers RESEARCH More than 1.5 million clients entered the in the Rabbit Hole project, is being casually combined campus libraries in 2015. Over referred to as the ‘Library Night Club’. We continued to manage the University’s 160,000 requests were made for assistance Recognising that students may have extensive research repository (ResearchDirect), which is (including 30,000 online requests) and external commitments in addition to their used to produce data required for the Higher 25,000 students participated in face-to-face studies, SSAF funding was used to install Education Research Data Collection (HERDC) information literacy sessions. energy/sleeping pods across five campuses. and Excellence in Research for Australia The pods give students the opportunity (ERA). Data collection for ERA 2015 was A key achievement in 2015 was the opening to mentally and physically recharge using collected, properly managed and reported of the new John Phillips Library at Kingswood scientifically proven methods of relaxation, accurately for submission. In 2015, the scope for the autumn session. Set over five levels, enhancing their ability to concentrate, study of ResearchDirect was expanded to include a student spaces provide unprecedented access and succeed at university. research data catalogue that aims to increase to configurable, technology-enabled, quiet the visibility of the University’s research and silent study areas, as well as a robust internationally. collection – all supported by professional staff TEACHING AND LEARNING services. The new library also showcases the SSAF funding was used to raise awareness The Library collaborated with eResearch to successes of students and staff members, of the importance of academic integrity at participate in an Australian National Data routinely exhibiting work produced by final the University, with the Library providing an Service (ANDS) Major Open Data Collection year Art and Design students and evolving ‘avoiding plagiarism’ vUWS module across a (MODC) project. The project delivered technological work from the School of number of core first-year units. The module essential infrastructure required for making Computing, Engineering and Mathematics. is central to the Library’s support for the end-to-end data capture services available University’s educative approach in dealing to the research community and includes The Hawkesbury campus Library had a refresh with plagiarism, and complements other upgrades to HIEV infrastructure and the and refurbishment in 2015, with changes Library services including Turnitin, Grademark development of a small-scale research reflecting our commitment to providing and referencing support. Physical services are repository service using the Omeka platform. unique study spaces. The renovated Library complemented by digital initiatives, with a key The project highlighted the need to develop provides students with additional study result being the launch of the i:Cite tool that stronger governance for research data rooms and group-work areas, and promotes assists with referencing. Available from the management and, working with stakeholders, side-by-side interaction with Library staff Library site, i:Cite helps students to identify developed open access to research and via the introduction of ‘in-the-round service the correct format for referencing and directs research data management policies. points’. The service points, which minimise them to support material. ResearchDirect was recognised as the
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central record of research activity at both the INNOVATION activities highlights the breadth of knowledge publication and data level. and skills found within the Library and the Working with the Whitlam Institute and willingness of our staff to develop new skills to the Digital Humanities Research Group, the As an extension of research data management support the University’s strategic agenda. Library developed a virtual tour of the Female work, we launched a new service that focuses Orphan School. The tour uses Bluetooth on sourcing research datasets. Amalgamating The Library’s People and Culture Team technology to dynamically update as visitors a number of dispersed data services from (PaCT) promoted a positive and productive move through the building. The project was across the University and providing central culture within the Library by focusing on designed to help represent the many histories management and distribution assists the development of key leadership and of the Female Orphan School building and is researchers in identifying readily available team attributes. All staff members attended continually recognised within the sector as a information, which can expedite or extend workshops that promoted reflection and leading model for designing user experiences their research. Whether open, licensed or developed mindfulness skills in staff, within spaces with multiple histories. purchased, the Library is the starting point supporting the values-based workforce that for providing data collections to support the Library aspires to. To further the Library’s In collaboration with eResearch, we also sustainable research. positive culture, the PaCT team organised developed virtual tours of all the Libraries. our inaugural end-of-year concert with staff Using Google technology, the tours highlight members from all campuses attending to ENGAGEMENT key areas and provide insights into University celebrate the Library’s success in 2015, and to facilities. The tours also featured as part of The Library made the raw data of the Farms to view a showcase of creativity, knowledge and the ‘Wonderama’ 3D installation hosted at the Freeways research project digitally available. professional achievements. This project documents the experiences of Penrith Library. The installation gave students women living in the Blacktown and Penrith an idea of Library offerings beyond their areas since the early 1950s. The collection campus. OFFICE OF ABORIGINAL includes images and transcripts that Library staff received an honourable mention AND TORRES STRAIT document the social changes brought about in the 2015 Turnitin Global Innovation Awards by rapid suburbanisation in the Western ISLANDER EMPLOYMENT AND for demonstrating excellence in promoting Sydney region in the post-war period. The ENGAGEMENT academic integrity. The award recognises collection received international attention the innovative approach we take to student for its content and use of the open source The Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait support, focusing on the online support platform. Islander Employment and Engagement materials and digital infrastructure that ensure (OATSIEE) is a representative voice for ubiquitous help and information for students. As a means of promoting lifelong learning, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander The University further acknowledged the we expanded our alumni offerings to sector- employees including trainees, cadets, Library’s commitment to student support with leading levels. Registered alumni are now able academics, professional staff and alumni. a Western Sydney Citation for Outstanding to access thousands of scholarly resources OATSIEE seeks to maximise employment Commitment to Student Learning for our both on campus and from home. The revised opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait outreach program for struggling students. offerings also support the University’s Islander peoples at the University, and build engagement activities and help provide collaborative networks and commercial meaningful connections with the University PEOPLE AND CULTURE partnerships within Western Sydney. Library beyond graduation. Demonstrating our commitment to developing a dynamic, skilled and innovative culture, The Australian Government’s national Review As part of its strategic engagement agenda, 80 per cent of Library staff participated in a of Higher Education Access and Outcomes for the Library hosted about 1,200 students from developmental event or training activity in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People local schools through University outreach 2015. In addition to multiskilling opportunities 2012 highlighted Western Sydney University programs such as STEPS@UWS, First Foot across and within areas, Library staff explored as an exemplar in several areas, for other Forward and Fast Forward. The Library new technologies and approaches to existing Universities to follow. These areas are: engaged with the community as part of the tasks, contributed to Design for Learning widening participation program, contributing ≥≥ building professional pathways and showcases and the Professional Staff Forum, to Open Day, Course Decision Day, Western responding to community need (section and completed qualifications in a variety U Day, the Pasifika Achievement To Higher 11.3.3 – Western Sydney University of areas. Six staff members undertook Education (PATHE) project, Let’s Talk Uni, the Indigenous Graduate Attribute) international online courses in professional Learning and Teaching Professional Exchange library services, enhancing both their skills ≥≥ research, research training and university Forum, Diploma Plus, Pathways to Dreaming and their understanding of different methods workforce (13.6.3 – Western Sydney and Walking Tall Together. of providing online education. The range of University Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Strategy)
38 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
≥≥ university culture and governance (14.1.3 ≥≥ Objective 2: Ensure the University has the ELDERS ON CAMPUS – Western Sydney University Office of ability to meet the needs of Aboriginal The Western Sydney University Elders on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Torres Strait Islander people as an Campus workplace program aims to preserve Employment and Engagement). ‘employer of choice’. cultural knowledge for future generations. ≥≥ Objective 3: Develop leading strategies and Our Elders on Campus are an invaluable This extensive and significant report makes help shape the national agenda in relation human and social resource for all of us. They many positive mentions of the University to the employment and engagement serve as advisors on matters of protocol and the practices it is implementing. The of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and governance, and facilitate engagement recommendations of the report are available people. with their communities. They support, guide at docs.education.gov.au/system/files/doc/ and mentor Western Sydney University in other/heaccessandoutcomesforaboriginal ≥≥ Objective 4: Redress, through affirmative successfully engaging with Aboriginal and andtorresstraitislanderfinalreport.pdf action in employment, the past disadvantages experienced by Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander communities. They and Torres Strait Islander people. provide us with practical insight into and WORKING ON EMPLOYMENT understanding of their cultural protocols and ≥≥ Objective 5: Create a work environment sensitivities. They share their knowledge, The number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait that is free from discrimination, promotes they tell us their stories, they educate us Islander staff members (full-time equivalent an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres on their histories and they teach us their and casual) employed at UWS increased Strait Islander culture and is culturally languages so that we can grow closer through from 57 as at 15 December 2014 to 66 as at 15 respectful and inclusive. December 2015. Ten per cent of those staff understanding and mutual respect. ≥ Objective 6: Build and develop a positive occupy management and senior executive ≥ working relationship with the community roles. Thirty-three per cent are on limited-term Congratulations to our Elders on Campus and relevant stakeholders to ensure the employment contracts and 17 per cent are on for receiving the Aboriginal and Torres Strait improvement of employment outcomes for casual employment contracts. Twenty-three Islander Advisory Council Elders National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. per cent are employed as academics. OATSIEE Group Award for contributions in higher has started a campaign to target higher education. Congratulations to Aunty Jean See uws.edu.au/oatsiee/action_plan for degree research students for early-career South, Elder in Residence, for receiving the more information. academic pathways. Currently there are 11 PhD council’s Elders National Individual Award for contributions in higher education. The awards students, 31 masters students (slightly over OATSIEE vigorously pursues a community were presented in Melbourne on 24 June 2015. 50 per cent of whom are completing a Master engagement agenda by: of Teaching) and two graduate certificate students enrolled. Professional and academic ≥≥ founding the Aboriginal and Torres Strait ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES staff continue to use professional coaching Islander Employment and Engagement OATSIEE manages and coordinates: and mentoring services. Advisory Board, which includes a majority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ≥≥ the quarterly meetings of the Aboriginal ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT Elders, leaders and cultural advisors from and Torres Strait Islander Employment and ISLANDER EMPLOYMENT AND Western Sydney who volunteer their Engagement Advisory Board expertise and time to provide advice and ENGAGEMENT ACTION PLAN ≥≥ University-sponsored ‘Welcome to assistance to the office The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Country’ addresses, and celebratory and Employment and Engagement Action ≥≥ being one of the principal contact ceremonial events points for and nexus between multiple Plan 2014–2017 sets in place six objectives ≥≥ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Western Sydney and to implement practical initiatives and workplace relations performance indicators that ensure Western beyond to arrange University sponsored ≥≥ the NAIDOC Week Annual Online Quiz, Sydney University can meet the needs of ‘Welcome to Country’ addresses, and aimed at engaging members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as celebratory and ceremonial events within University community an ‘employer of choice’. These objectives are the workplace outlined below: ≥≥ collaborating as part of and supporting ≥≥ the annual Yarramundi Lecture, which local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander provides the University community with ≥≥ Objective 1: Increase the participation rate community-driven initiatives in the context an opportunity to honour contributions to and employment outcomes of Aboriginal of employment and training. contemporary culture by Aboriginal and and Torres Strait Islander people across all Torres Strait Islander peoples. levels of Western Sydney University.
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ENGAGEMENT PROJECTS the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove, AK COMMUNITY DINNERS MC, and prominent speakers included As part of the University’s 25th Anniversary The popular Community Dinner Program Western Sydney University Chancellor celebrations, OATSIEE led the Generations of continued in 2015 with four community Professor Peter Shergold, AC; Senator the Knowledge project, which traced many of the dinners held on campus to recognise and Honourable Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, then lives and clanal journeys that have inscribed celebrate the multicultural communities who Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for ‘dream tracks’ across Western Sydney, and contribute to the success of the University. Social Services; the Honourable Michael Kirby, how these illustrate major turning points in These included Chinese, Indian and AC CMG; His Excellency Doctor Hassan El- the University’s history and development. This Vietnamese community dinners, as well as the Laithy, then Ambassador of the Arab Republic knowledge was recorded and authored with Ramadan Iftar. of Egypt; Dr Tim Soutphommasane, Australia’s the Elders’ guidance. Race Discrimination Commissioner; and COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS Key project outcomes included: Tim Wilson, then Australian Human Rights Commissioner. The University continues to work with ≥≥ Generations of Knowledge exhibitions, Western Sydney communities. In 2015, it including the ‘Virtual World Pre-Contact CHALLENGING RACISM sponsored Parramasala, the Australian 1770’ cultural exhibition. See Festival of South Asian Arts, at Parramatta, The University’s ‘Challenging Racism Project’ theage.com.au/national/virtual- for the fourth year in a row. Team has been conducting important dreaming--indigenous-australia- research on racism in Australia since 1998 restored-in-the-digital-world-20151211- that has helped to develop anti-racism tools INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ SOCIAL gllw5g and strategies which are readily available ENGAGEMENTS AND LEADERSHIP ≥≥ OATSIEE website for public use. An example is the Interactive PROGRAM ≥≥ a limited-edition Generations of National Map, which is based on the findings UWS International’s annual Social Knowledge commemorative book and of more than 12 years of in-depth study and Engagement and Leadership Program ebook. See issuu.com/uwspublications/ comprehensive surveys of more than 12,500 promotes engagement between docs/ext5218_yarramundi_lecture_gok_ Australians. The map provides a clear picture international students and the Australian book?e=3800682/10388401 of everyday Australians’ perspectives on community. Participants include an equal issues of racism, ethnic-relations and cultural mix of international and domestic students. diversity. State comparisons are also available, Throughout the program, students explore MULTICULTURAL POLICY AND showing how attitudes and experiences vary cross-cultural understanding, globalisation SERVICES across Australia. and social responsibility concepts. All students are provided with guidance and The strength of Western Sydney University is In 2014, the University conducted a Bystander advice from academics and program leaders its diverse student population. The University Anti-Racism Survey in conjunction with its on how to effectively engage and collaborate continues to build on this strength by Anti-Racism Campaign. Following evaluation with each other while drawing on their cultural expanding opportunities for all students and and analysis of the survey and extensive diversity. supporting a flourishing inclusive culture. testing, the Team produced four Bystander anti-racism campaign videos in 2015 to educate people about the sort of actions they EQUITY AND DIVERSITY SOCIAL COHESION AND can take as witnesses of racism. MULTICULTURALISM STAFF CONFIDENCE IN EQUITY AND In July 2015, the University hosted a highly In 2015, the Challenging Racism Project DIVERSITY IS HIGH successful Advancing Community Cohesion Team also released a report entitled ‘The Conference, bringing together Australian and resilience and ordinariness of Australian Equity and diversity are key values of the international experts on social cohesion and Muslims’. This study was commissioned University, so it was very pleasing that the multicultural issues to discuss best practice by Western Sydney University, the Islamic 2016 MyVoice survey confirmed strong for promoting and developing social cohesion Sciences and Research Academy of Australia staff confidence in the University’s capacity in Australia. and Charles Sturt University to investigate to provide an environment where equal the experiences and perceptions of ordinary employment opportunity is encouraged and More than 350 participants attended, Muslims in Sydney. The findings of this report discrimination actively prevented. This result including government ministers and officials, suggest that Australia’s values of diversity was up to 15 per cent higher than that of other researchers and community representatives and multiculturalism give hope to Australian benchmarked universities and was noted as from multicultural organisations and Muslim Muslims and make them more resilient in one of the top 10 differences between Western groups. The conference was opened by the dealing with the pressures of Islamophobia Sydney University and other similar universities. Governor-General, His Excellency General and racism.
40 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
ALLY NETWORK by 2020. The University also launched new INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS grants and awards to support researchers During 2015, the Equity and Diversity team EDUCATION CONFERENCE SERIES focusing on early career development, gender continued to run one of the longest existing Dr Sev Ozdowski, Director of Equity equity and career interruption. Grants include Ally Networks in Australia, which was and Diversity, continued his Foundation a Conference Support Scheme, a Career established eight years ago. The Network Convenor and Series Coordinator role for Interruption Support Scheme and a Women’s supports our LGBTI-identifying students the International Human Rights Education Research Fellowship. and staff members, and is co-convened by Conference series throughout 2015. The recognised academic leaders in gender and University plays a pivotal role in planning and sexuality diversity, Dr Tinashe Dune and Dr Vice-Chancellor Named Pay Equity holding this international conference series. Luce De Buitleir Andrews. Ambassador The sixth conference took place in December In 2015, Vice-Chancellor Professor Barney 2015 in the Netherlands, and the seventh is Inaugural Mardi Gras Participation Glover expanded his leadership role as a being arranged for 2016 in Chile. champion of gender equality by joining other In 2015, the University participated officially chief executives to become a Pay Equity in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras NATIONAL DISABILITY COORDINATION Ambassador as part of the Workplace Gender parade for the first time. Staff and students OFFICER PROGRAM Equality Agency’s campaign to raise awareness paraded to demonstrate the University’s and understanding of the importance of pay The National Disability Coordination Officer support for inclusion and diversity. Following equity. As a Pay Equity Ambassador, Professor (NDCO) program is funded by the federal the parade, the University float received an Glover is urging employers to undertake Department of Education and Training. The avalanche of positive feedback on Facebook, gender pay equity analyses to identify the University hosts two regions (South Western Twitter, YouTube and Yammer. Many students underlying factors contributing to gender pay Sydney and Western Sydney), and the funding expressed their pride in the University float on gaps in their organisations. period for the current contract is from July Facebook. For instance, one student posted 2013 until 30 June 2016. this comment: “I was in the crowd and so Athena SWAN Pilot Program pleased to see my University, where I study and In 2015, the program featured activities work, represented in the parade. It was a very In 2015, the University was selected to and events held in partnership with major proud moment and so good to feel accepted.” participate in the Australian pilot of the stakeholders, including expos, forums and Athena SWAN Program. We are joining 31 networking events. In addition, the program GENDER EQUALITY other science organisations and universities in gained specific funding from the Department this pilot program to improve the promotion of Education and Training for a strategic and retention of women and gender project to update and expand a student minorities in the fields of science, technology, workbook, developing an electronic version engineering and mathematics (STEM). and a workbook specifically for Aboriginal and Increasing the representation of women in the Torres Strait Islander students. STEM disciplines will provide role models for University Recognised as an Employer of young women. It is hoped it will encourage OPEN FORA SERIES Choice for Gender Equality young women in Western Sydney schools to Western Sydney University was once again pursue a career in STEM, which will help build In 2015, the University’s Open Fora series recognised for its longstanding efforts in a larger, more skilled workforce equipped for attracted more than 800 participants to hear improving gender equality in the workplace. the jobs of the future. speakers from international platforms speak The University met the stringent criteria to join on global issues. Fora topics included The a list of 90 organisations nationwide to receive Unconscious Bias Arab Spring, with speaker Dr Hassan El-Laithy, the Egyptian Ambassador to Australia; The the Employer of Choice for Gender Equality The 2015 Staff International Women’s Day North Korea Commission of Inquiry, with The (EOCGE) citation, awarded by the Australian Breakfast featured guest speaker Dr Jennifer Hon. Michael Kirby, AC, CMG; The Eastern Government’s Workplace Gender Equality Whelan, Director of Psynapse Psychometrics. Ukraine, with Ukrainian scholar Dr Dmytro Agency (WGEA). This is the 11th consecutive A full house listened to Dr Whelan’s Khutkyy; Countering the Radicalisation of year that the University has received the award. excellent presentation, ‘The Myth of Merit Muslim Youth, with Muslim community leader and Unconscious Bias’, which looked at the Mr Keysar Trad; and Positive Peace, with To maintain momentum and continue impact of unconscious biases and stereotypes Mr Steve Killelea, AM, founder of the Global to improve gender equality, in 2015 the on gender equality and diversity in the Peace Index. The Fora are televised by TVS University set new targets of 40 per cent workplace. Following the success of this and are available online at the University’s representation of women in management presentation, Dr Whelan was invited back to YouTube channel. and 40 per cent representation of women on deliver workshops on unconscious bias to the internal and external recruitment shortlists Executive and senior managers.
westernsydney.edu.au 41 ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Learning and Teaching
WORKPLACE ADJUSTMENTS FOR STAFF MEMBERS WITH DISABILITY The University continues to be a sector leader in staff inclusivity with our Staff Workplace Adjustment Scheme, an exemplar of inclusive practice within the higher education sector and large corporates generally. A centralised Staff Workplace Adjustment Fund provides assistive equipment, software, training and additional occupational assessments and advice, where necessary, for staff members managing a broad range of physical and mental conditions. Currently, 353 staff members have reasonable adjustments administered by Equity and Diversity to help ensure they can function as effectively in their role as staff without disability. This represents an increase of more than 14 per cent during 2015, accommodating 51 additional staff members with disability.
42 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Research
RESEARCH STRATEGY AND COMPETITIVE FUNDING – MAJOR GRANTS ≥≥ Professor Phillip O’Neill ($236,172) for ‘Australia’s role in global financial and Australian Research Council grants PERFORMANCE production networks’ In November 2015, Western Sydney University ≥≥ Professor Yang Xiang ($180,000) for In 2015, the Research and Development was awarded 12 Australian Research Council ‘Modelling surface stresses in crystalline Division began implementing the Research (ARC) Discovery Projects grants and three plates’. and Development 2015–2017 plan, which ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher has seen the Office of the Deputy Vice- Awards (DECRAs), with a funding total of Western Sydney University’s success rate for Chancellor (Research and Development) $5,119,561. ARC Discovery Projects grants is 17.6 per cent, focus on research-driven impact. Each which is on par with the national success rate Research Institute and School has prepared a ARC Discovery Projects grants of 17.7 per cent. research plan that aligns with the goals of the Discovery Projects grants are awarded University’s plan. to support excellent basic and applied ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher research by researchers and teams to expand Awards The Division has been working with Australia’s knowledge base and research researchers to develop research impact case DECRAs are awarded to promising early- capability. These awards aim to encourage studies and has produced 19 one-minute career researchers who have been awarded a research and training in high-quality research research snapshot videos highlighting PhD within the previous five years, or longer environments and improve international research impact. These videos and the first if combined with periods of significant career collaboration to maintain the international issue of the Division’s bi-annual flagship interruption. The award gives early-career competitiveness of Australian research. research magazine, Gamechangers, were researchers an opportunity for diverse career pathways in both teaching and research, and launched as part of the Research Week In 2015, Discovery Projects grants were research-only positions in high-quality and Program of Events, held 26–30 October awarded to: 2015, and this material is now available on the supportive environments, with a broader aim to expand Australia’s knowledge base and Research website. ≥≥ Professor Margaret Somerville ($278,038) research capability. for ‘Naming the world: enhancing early In line with the objective of developing years literacy and sustainability learning’ administrative structures that facilitate In 2015, DECRAs were awarded to: and support research and engagement ≥≥ Dr Roozbeh Hazrat ($377,600) for ‘Graded collaboration, the Division undertook a review K-theory as invariants for path algebras’ ≥≥ Dr Jessica Whyte ($346,434) for ‘The of the Office of Research Services, with the ≥≥ Professor Katherine Gibson ($344,885) invention of collateral damage and the aim of better integrating the range of services for ‘Reconfiguring the enterprise: shifting changing moral economy of war’ provided by the Division, to streamline manufacturing culture in Australia’ ≥≥ Dr Sylvie Nozaradan ($373,536) for ‘How services and align research support with the ≥≥ Professor David Ellsworth ($355,800) for musical rhythms entrain the human brain’ University’s vision. ‘Will trees get enough nitrogen to sustain ≥≥ Dr Kristine Crous ($379,500) for ‘How will productivity in elevated CO2?’ Australian rainforest species cope with The Researcher Development Initiative (RDI) climate warming?’ is focused on early career, gender equity, ≥≥ Professor Ian Anderson ($371,100) for ‘Characterising controls of carbon flow career interruption and research leadership. Western Sydney University’s success rate for from trees into mycorrhizal fungi’ Funding for the RDI was obtained in June ARC DECRAs is 13.6 per cent. through a Strategic Initiative bid submitted ≥≥ Dr Xinqun Zhu ($225,000) for by the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor ‘Development of a novel mobile sensory National Health and Medical Research (Research and Development). This bid initially system for bridge health monitoring’ Council grants secured $1 million in funding (increased to $1.8 ≥≥ Professor Kenny Kwok ($330,000) for In 2015, Western Sydney University was million) to support the RDI’s suite of funding ‘Bushfire-enhanced wind and its effects on awarded four National Health and Medical schemes, internal and external training buildings’ Research Council (NHMRC) Project Grants, packages, and workshop events. ≥≥ Professor Brett Neilson ($433,790) for one NHMRC Career Development Fellowship The Strategic Development Initiatives pilot ‘Data centres and the governance of labour and two NHMRC-ARC Dementia Research scheme resulted in 96 successful grant and territory’ Development Fellowships, with a funding total recipients, from a total of 134 applications. ≥≥ Professor Belinda Medlyn ($428,100) for of over $5.3 million. ‘To grow or to store: Do plants hedge their bets?’ NHMRC Project Grants ≥≥ Professor Simon Burrows ($459,606) for The NHMRC provides support to recipients to ‘Mapping print, charting enlightenment’ enable them to conduct research in areas of
westernsydney.edu.au 43 ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Research
national importance. Funding is awarded to NHMRC-ARC Dementia Research Sydney Local Health District and Western the best investigator-initiated research project Development Fellowships Scheme Sydney University. Professor Parker is also plans of five years or less, in any area relevant the Director of the New South Wales Centre The joint NHMRC-ARC Dementia Research to human health. for Evidence Based Health Care, a Joanna Development Fellowships Scheme provides Briggs Collaborating Centre. Professor Parker opportunities for postdoctoral researchers In 2015, NHMRC Project Grants were awarded was formerly the Director of the University of to undertake advanced training in the health, to: Queensland/Blue Care Research & Practice medical, fundamental sciences, social, Development Centre. Professor Parker has economic and cultural fields relevant to ≥≥ Professor Vaughan Macefield ($850,627) three main areas of research: palliative care dementia, either in Australia or overseas, over for ‘Investigating proprioception and for older people, dementia and health service four years. sensorimotor control in humans devoid of evaluation. She has received over $24 million functional muscle spindles’ and ‘Functional In 2015, NHMRC-ARC Dementia Research in research funding. identification of cortical and subcortical Development Fellowships were awarded to: sites responsible for neurogenic Professor Vijay Jayasena is a professor in hypertension in humans’ ≥≥ Dr Sandra Maxine Garrido ($601,540) nutrition and food science who came to the ≥≥ Professor David Simmons ($2,197,279.95) for ‘Mood regulation using music: A University from Curtin University. He has an for ‘The Treatment of Booking Gestational community health strategy for improving international reputation as a leading expert on diabetes Mellitus study: The TOBOGM quality of life in people with mild dementia’ the development of novel (healthy) foods to study’ find a dietary solution to major global health ≥≥ Dr Genevieve Steiner ($574,644) for ‘An problems (such as over-nutrition leading to ≥≥ Dr Thomas Astell-Burt ($704,405.20) for investigation into the neural substrates obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and ‘What types of local built environment of cognitive deficits in mild cognitive other conditions; and malnutrition) by value synergise with or antagonise the benefits impairment, and the mechanisms of action adding to agricultural products improving of clinical management for the prevention of a novel treatment’. sustainable food production. of cardiovascular events among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus? Longitudinal Western Sydney University’s success rate Professor Hamid Ronagh joined the Institute analysis of a cohort of 20,765 Australians’. for the NHMRC-ARC Dementia Research of Infrastructure Engineering as Professor and Development Fellowships Scheme is Program Director of Infrastructure Systems. Western Sydney University’s success rate for 66.7 per cent, which places us above the Prior to this, he was at the School of Civil NHMRC Project Grants is 12.1 per cent. The national success rate of 55.1 per cent. Engineering of the University of Queensland national success rate is 13.7 per cent. for 16 years, where he directed the largest APPOINTMENTS NHMRC Career Development Fellowship research group within the discipline of Professor Andre Renzaho is an ARC Future structural engineering on research related The Career Development Fellowship is Fellow and Professor of Humanitarian and to structural retrofit. He has published more awarded to researchers of outstanding ability Development Studies at Western Sydney than 200 scholarly papers, more than 100 of who wish to pursue research and make it a University. He joined the University in which appear in ISI-indexed journals, and has component of their career. The scheme fosters 2015. Prior to this, he was the Director of graduated 11 PhD students, many of whom career development at the postdoctoral level Migration, Social Disadvantage, and Health are working as academics and postdoctoral and provides researchers with an opportunity Programs within the Global Society Unit, researchers in Australian universities. to advance their training in health and medical Department of Epidemiology & Preventive research either in Australia or overseas. Medicine at Monash University. With a STAFF AWARDS AND RECOGNITION background in global health and international In 2015, an NHMRC Career Development Two Western Sydney University staff development, he has over 20 years of Fellowship (R.D. Wright Biomedical) was members, Professor Donald McNeill and professional experience in complex awarded to Dr Siobhan Schabrun ($419,180) Professor Ned Rossiter, were successful in (protracted) humanitarian emergencies and for ‘An integrated, multi-system approach to their nominations to the Australian Research development practice, international public understanding persistent pain’. Council College of Experts commencing in health, and nutrition epidemiology including 2016. In November 2015, Western Sydney the epidemiology of non-chronic diseases University’s success rate for the NHMRC and cardiovascular diseases among migrant In May, Professor Anne Cutler from the Career Development Fellowship was 50 per populations. MARCS Institute was elected a Fellow of cent, which places us above the national the Royal Society, which is made up of Professor Deborah Parker is Director of success rate of 11.0 per cent. the most eminent scientists, engineers the Centre for Applied Nursing Research, a and technologists from the UK and joint collaboration between South Western Commonwealth.
44 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
RESEARCH DATA
RESEARCH FUNDING ($’000) 2011 2012 2013 2014
Australian competitive grant income (Category 1) Includes Australian Research Council (ARC), National Health and 10,017 12,542 12,041 14,997 Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and other
Collaborative income (Category 2, 3 and 4) 7,694 8,733 10,584 11,238
Total Higher Education Research Data Collection (HERDC) income 17,711 21,275 22,299 26,230
Total operating revenue 558,856 662,820 684,198 $729,665
Total net assets 1,234,397 1,321,023 1,366,870 $1,454,991
In September, Professor Wei Xing Zheng was National Science and Research Priorities. In As part of establishing the GRS, the structure selected as a 2015 Thomson Reuters Highly this respect, outcomes delivered from projects and administration of higher degree research Cited Researcher. According to Thomson facilitated by REDI achieve genuine regional (HDR) was reorganised and centralised Reuters: and national impact. under the new School. The GRS is now the single point of contact for all HDR matters Following on from the introduction of Easy and training, increasing the quality and “Highly Cited Researchers 2015 Access IP in 2014, REDI has facilitated a consistency of support for research students represents some of world’s most number of new research partnerships to across Western Sydney University and influential scientific minds. About further develop and commercialise Western strengthening the University’s support for its Sydney University’s intellectual property (IP). growing international research student cohort. three thousand researchers earned A key focus of these partnerships has been this distinction by writing the promoting meaningful, ongoing research In alignment with the University’s Securing greatest number of reports officially and development partnerships, as opposed Success 2015–20 Strategic Plan, the GRS designated by Essential Science to traditional licensing deals. For example, concentrated on five key priorities in 2015: Indicators as Highly Cited Papers in 2015, REDI supported the establishment of a continuing research and development 1. Building a whole-of-student-journey – ranking amongst the top 1% most relationship to commercialise a novel medical approach by ensuring a smooth and cited for their subject field and year device licensed to a local business. fruitful journey for the student from their of publication, earning them the first interaction with the University to their mark of exceptional impact.” In addition to facilitating partnerships, REDI graduation continues to support the development of 2. Working with the Red Tape Task Force and commercialisation capability at Western Solutions and Project Services to improve RESEARCH, ENGAGEMENT, Sydney University. REDI delivered a targeted service delivery on this journey series of ‘working with industry’ sessions to DEVELOPMENT AND Building a cohort identity for HDR students a number of academic units in 2015, and will 3. INNOVATION continue to deliver these in 2016. REDI has 4. Reviewing and implementing a voluntary also supported the University’s provision of and credentialed training program for HDR Now in its second year of operation, the a lead researcher to complete an incubation candidates and supervisors Research Engagement, Development and program run by Innovyz, with the next 5. Supervisor development. Innovation (REDI) team is well established stage of commercialisation of the extremely and continues to provide high-quality support promising technology to commence in 2016. GRS LEADERSHIP AND GROWTH for industry partnerships through contract Further, REDI has entered into a partnership research, consultancy, tender submissions, arrangement with Sydney-based patent and The GRS is led by the Dean of Graduate Studies. analytical services and expert advice. trade mark firm FB Rice. This partnership This position was initially held by Professor consolidates Western Sydney University’s IP Deborah Stevenson, until 31 May 2015. REDI’s flexible collaboration models align portfolio and gives the research community a strongly with the National Innovation and pathway to innovation support. Professor James Arvanitakis accepted a Science Agenda announced in late 2015 and dual appointment as Dean of Graduate position the University to take advantage of In late 2015, REDI’s scope was expanded Studies from 1 June to 31 December 2015, new opportunities expected to emerge from it. to include support for competitive grant while maintaining his substantive position funding. This resulted in the closer alignment as Head of The Academy. The Dean of In 2015, REDI successfully supported the of research development and business Graduate Studies has been instrumental to establishment of 122 new projects worth development support for the research improving the School’s culture and services. a total value of $2,638,106 (to the end of community – ensuring seamless support His introduction of a Wall of Fame program to December 2015). This income represents across a wide range of external research and celebrate every thesis submission made at the projects across the consulting and research commercial opportunities in the future. GRS has been well received by HDR students. spectrum, including short-term research projects, fee-for-service testing, defined As the GRS was initially formed with staff contract research, longer-term collaborative GRADUATE RESEARCH members from several areas of the University, research projects won at tender, and SCHOOL the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research industry-funded PhD scholarships. The and Development) instigated a change projects established are diverse and exciting – management plan in July 2015 to finalise and addressing both traditional and commercially OVERVIEW cement the School’s staffing requirements. oriented research questions, and spanning the The Graduate Research School (GRS) Despite staff experiencing these changes University’s four key research themes and the commenced operations on 1 February 2015. in the School’s first year of operation, the
westernsydney.edu.au 45 ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Research
GRS continued to thrive and strengthen its ENGAGEMENT candidature of 1,085 PhD and Master of commitment to providing excellence in all Philosophy students. This was an increase The GRS is committed to developing strong dealings with HDR students. of 12.4 per cent from 2014. communication channels between all HDR staff and students to keep abreast of issues ≥≥ Twelve per cent (138) of PhD students MASTER OF RESEARCH affecting students. The School has introduced graduated in 2015. The Master of Research is a new two-year two newsletters to enable this communication The GRS supported and collaborated with degree launched in 2015. The degree was flow: Resonate: Graduate Research Newsletter, students as well as Western Sydney University developed as a pathway to PhD study, for students, and Supervisors Digest, a Schools and Institutes to provide a connected providing an innovative research training monthly information digest for all HDR and smooth experience for scholarship framework to equip students with analytical, directors and supervisors. These newsletters students, from advertising to admission, research and communication skills. As well as are also useful when the School is seeking overseeing allowances and candidature PhD study, the degree sets up students for feedback from HDR staff members and variances, ensuring equitable and complete various careers in community and not-for- students on various issues. Additionally, the scholarship applications, and facilitating PhD profit-organisations, industry and business, Dean of Graduate Studies sends fortnightly scholarship rankings. and government. The new degree closely aligns emails to all HDR directors to update them as information becomes available. with Asian, European and North American In 2015, the School: qualifications, ensuring candidates who The Dean of Graduate Studies promoted the complete this course will have an internationally ≥≥ Received 159 project-based scholarship University by providing several significant recognised degree. This allows them to be application for 29 projects keynote addresses in 2015. The Dean was globally mobile in advancing their research, invited to speak to more than 1,000 year 10 ≥≥ Provided 166 students with a scholarship education and employment opportunities. students at the Bridges to Higher Education and extended the scholarships of 33 students The first intake of 72 students commenced Conference in August 2015. The Bridges in July 2015. The first year of the degree project is led by Western Sydney University ≥≥ Developed a number of dual-award focuses on building research literacy through and focuses on engaging with communities scholarships with partner universities of low socio-economic status to promote the interdisciplinary coursework, as well as ≥≥ Prioritised expanding scholarship benefits of higher education. methodological development. The degree opportunities by establishing co-funded is open to students who have completed an scholarship awards, in keeping with the undergraduate or masters degree. THE HDR STUDENT ADMINISTRATION vision of engaged research across the SUPPORT JOURNEY key dimensions of futures, impact and SUPERVISOR TRAINING The GRS is focused on providing accessible capacity. In essence, these are three- way funded partnerships between the To support the highest standards of and personalised administration support School and/or Institute, the GRS and an practice in the academic supervision of HDR services for all HDR students. This support external industry-based sponsor. Some of candidates, the GRS established a suite of covers the university life of an HDR student, the co-funding partnerships established resources. These include a program of expert from their initial enquiry through to in 2015 were with the Greater Western and peer forums to support supervisors, graduation. In 2015, the GRS commenced a Sydney Giants, Westfields Sports High access to online development modules and cultural shift from a transactional approach School, Mark Grundy Oesophageal Cancer literature, and a registration process for to a personalised, student-centred approach, Awareness Group Inc. (OCAGI) and principal supervisors. reinforcing the University’s beliefs about the primacy of student experience. This will BioCeuticals Pty Limited. In December 2015, the GRS began a review continue to be a focus for 2016. of the supervisor development program and sought feedback from key stakeholders across The GRS increased its level of HDR student the University as well as external experts in administrative support provided, which can be supervisor development. attributed to several factors:
The aim of the review is to develop an ≥≥ The GRS received 880 PhD applications, innovative, sector-led supervisor development an increase of 30 per cent from 2014. program. This initiative, along with the This increase can be attributed to the revised research training workshops for introduction of a mid-year scholarship HDR candidates, will see the University round, so this level of growth is expected recognised as a leader in research training and to be a one-off occurrence. development in Australia and abroad. ≥≥ The GRS enrolled and supported the
46 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Student Recruitment
WIDENING PARTICIPATION supplemented by STEPS (Strive Towards and teachers. More than 1,300 students Educational Participation and Success), attended the intensive events and work is involving 1,500 students. The primary school ongoing to enhance and develop the Make Widening participation (WP) is defined program, First Foot Forward, engaged Your Mark website, hosted by the Universities as “…increasing access to learning and 2,000 students and parents, and Future Admissions Centre (UAC). providing opportunities for success and for All, which operates in partnership with progression to a much wider cross-section Western Sydney Wanderers football club, OWP staff disseminated material on good WP of the population.” Widening access and engaged about 500 students. These, together practice at high-profile national education improving participation in higher education with several mentoring programs and the conferences on four occasions, contributing enhances life chances and opportunities Learning for Life scholarship program, which to the personal development of education for all under-represented groups, and are is delivered in partnership with The Smith professionals including staff members from crucial to the University’s mission. The Office Family, are all new. The Pathways to Dreaming other universities. OWP staff members’ of Widening Participation (OWP) delivers and Heartbeat programs are for Aboriginal articles and case studies were published projects and coordinates funding to other and Torres Strait Islander students and in highly regarded academic journals. All areas within the University to engage people Pasifika Achievement to Higher Education the OWP’s work aligns with the long-term from disadvantaged backgrounds such as (PATHE) is for Pacific Islander students. objectives of achieving social justice and low socio-economic status groups, Aboriginal equality of opportunity; this approach is part and Torres Strait Islander peoples, students The OWP also added programs for children of the University’s Securing Success strategy, from out-of-home care, those with Pacific from out-of-home care, care leavers and creating a student-centred culture. Islander heritage, students from rural and young carers, and young people with regional locations, those returning to study, disabilities. Online homework support students with disabilities, women studying programs were provided for disadvantaged CAMPUS SAFETY & SECURITY in non-traditional areas and students from young people through schools and local non-English-speaking backgrounds (NESB). libraries, and campus-based sessions were Campus Safety & Security continues to All efforts target the equity groups and are held to prepare students for the Higher School provide a safe and secure environment founded on evidence-based approaches. Certificate (HSC). Many retention programs for students, staff and visitors. In 2015, Early intervention occurs across years 5 to 12 were delivered to undergraduate students the University’s Campus Safety & Security in Western Sydney schools. to guide, support and assist them. These directorate led the NSW tertiary sector included the inclusive Transition Success, Peer special interest group in safety and security By 2015, about 70,000 students, more than Assisted Study Sessions (PASS), Mentoring (TERSEC). Campus Safety & Security held 12,000 parents and community members, and and Transition Equals Success (MATES), simulation testing for University-wide 3,000 teachers and higher education student Jobs on Campus (JOC) and Student Support crisis planning, pandemic planning and the volunteers had used WP programs. The OWP Services (SSS) initiatives. These programs Nirimba Education Precinct. The simulations collaborated and partnered with University are carefully and sensitively targeted at provided the University with the opportunity Schools and Divisions, sporting organisations, disadvantaged students to ensure they to practise, review and refine its approach to charities, non-government organisations and succeed in their chosen field and gain the skills crisis planning and confirmed current good public sector organisations. for their ultimate goal: obtaining employment. practice in this area. In 2015, The University received $10.7 million The 2015 Building on Bridges program was Campus Safety & Security was also involved in from the Higher Education Participation a collaboration between four universities: a post-incident review of University resilience Program (HEPP). This was based on the Western Sydney University, Macquarie strategies following the crash of an LPG percentage of enrolled students from low University, Australian Catholic University gas tanker on the Great Western Highway, socio-economic backgrounds, which was and the University of Sydney, but several Werrington, in July. This review focused on about 25 per cent. Funds are directed to intensive events were opened to participation continuity planning, crisis communication and projects targeting access and retention from all universities in New South Wales research protection initiatives. categories. Access projects are mainly and the Australian Capital Territory. In outreach projects conducted in partnership August, 12 universities were represented at The Director of Campus Safety & Security with schools and other organisations to raise a year 10 learning conference at Penrith. In presented conference papers showcasing the awareness and aspirations of young people September, eight universities participated in University’s approach to student and staff to progress towards tertiary education. the Northern Rivers rural intensive, featuring risk issues to a sector-specific audience at Retention projects are mainly delivered once a teacher development workshop and student the Campus Security & Safety conference in students are enrolled in higher education. workshops. In October, two intensives were Sydney. The Director also presented to the held at Dubbo, involving six universities, and much broader Australian Security Industry During 2015, Fast Forward (years 9 to 12) Association conference in Melbourne. engaged more than 3,000 students and was Merimbula, involving nine universities – along with many events and workshops for students
westernsydney.edu.au 47 ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Student Recruitment
CAREERS we’ve had have been stellar and the reviewed and changes will be implemented recruitment process blissful – truly! in 2016. In 2015, Careers & Cooperative Education The JOC team arranges everything – The international internship program became known simply as ‘Careers’. The service they advertise, shortlist and arrange grew strongly in 2015, with more than 50 continued to build its reputation as a key international internships offered to our resource for students seeking to improve their the interviews – in consultation with the hiring manager of course. students. Sixteen were completed in July career readiness and prepare for graduate 2015, with the remainder taking place during employment. The year 2015 saw an increase Congratulations to the ever- the December 2015 to February 2016 summer in services offered to students, with the help energetic team!” holiday. The Careers service was also heavily of extra funding from HEPP and the Student involved in recruiting for a study tour to The JOC regular internship program also Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) sources. Hong Kong, for which 16 Business students had strong numbers, assisting more than 150 Careers also collaborated with other Schools, were selected. Funding for these internships students into paid work placements in 2015. Divisions and industry partners to source came from the Schools or from government Industry partners provided very positive opportunities for students to undertake a funding such as the AsiaBound project and feedback, including: range of internships both locally and overseas. the New Colombo program. Careers received positive responses from students and industry The Careers service offers all students AISHA POOLE – RESOURCE RECOVERY partners regarding the international internship the opportunity to register their details COORDINATOR, PENRITH CITY COUNCIL program. to access resources and opportunities through the CareerHub database. In 2015, “We have benefited greatly from the internship program with highly The new HEPP-funded Women in Science and more than 14,000 domestic students and Engineering (WiSE) program provided career 2,074 international students registered on energetic and enthusiastic university preparation for women studying Science, CareerHub. This represents 31 per cent and 55 students coming in to work in our Technology, Engineering and/or Mathematics per cent of total current University enrolments team. All had initiative and drive to (STEM) degrees. In 2015, it provided respectively. The jobs board was viewed workshops, workplace visits and mentoring 250,000 times and online documents, news work and used their time with us to improve their experience and skills partnerships with industry professionals. and links attracted more than 18,000 views. More than 50 students participated in the while getting our tasks and activities mentoring strand of the program, which The HEPP-funded JOC program saw a done to a high standard. Penrith matched them to an industry professional. 25 per cent increase in the number of job Mentoring gave students the opportunity opportunities available, and a 39 per cent Council is a leader in domestic waste to visit workplaces, attend industry events, increase in the number of applications management, and interns have establish professional networks and arrange submitted by students and recent graduates. fitted into the team and contributed work experience. Some students were offered The JOC team also increased the amount and to maintaining that position of jobs at their mentor’s workplace. More than quality of information available to increase leadership.” 160 students registered for the program. awareness of the many careers learning By engaging in a range of activities, 80 resources. And: participants qualified for a certificate. The success of the JOC program is highlighted GLEN BURNS – DIRECTOR, LIVERPOOL- Another HEPP-funded initiative, the Work by the excellent feedback the hiring managers FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY RADIO Ready (WR) program, was implemented received, such as: “We have expanded our content to improve employability skills for students identified as financially disadvantaged. JANE HOBSON, MANAGER, RESEARCH offering, increased our audience QUALITY, POLICY & PLANNING The program consisted of online modules, and social media following (doubled workshops, employer visits, mentoring and “Great to see Jobs on Campus and in less than a year). The internship team-building events. A total of 180 students internships being celebrated on the program has allowed us to access registered, with more than 70 qualifying for a UWS homepage. Recently discovered high-quality, capable resources that certificate that recognised their achievements in the program. Another 51 students just how fantastic they are – we’ve require little supervision.” completed at least two phases. More than had two interns and they’re now on Overall, the Careers service processed nearly 1,513 students have used the program, and 14 the search for a casual. Can’t believe 4,000 student job applications in 2015, with found degree-related employment as a result. I’ve not used this service before to more than 900 students being offered an The SSAF-funded e-Careers program interview. The internship program is being fill casual HEW roles. The interns continued to grow and strengthen the reach of
48 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
the Careers service to students via online and ACADEMIC REGISTRAR’S providing teaching data and feedback to mobile technology. In 2015, there were more assist with planning room capacities, layouts than 380 active users on the Careers Toolkit OFFICE and room assignments in order to facilitate site, over 240 students who do not speak improved learning environments for students. English as their first language used the Star The business units of the Academic Registrar’s The increased demand for non-teaching Pronunciation program, and more than 300 Office (ARO) continued to provide excellent events – often related to engagement – students were invited to undertake an online student administration support and services remains a priority across all campuses, with careers assessment with the Harrison Career by expanding and integrating services for casual room bookings increasing by 34 per Navigator. About 100 new students registered students, including international students. cent since 2014. with the InterviewStream online mock interview product. Continued improvement In 2015, the University had significant activity Student Central, a first point of contact for to the Careers webpage facilitated nearly in course development, with 63 new courses, students, managed 150,302 phone calls, 160,000 views to the home page alone. This 326 variations and three retirements. In 174,857 face-to-face transactions and 52,228 represents an increase of more than 30 per addition, there were 248 new units and email queries. It produced 25,047 ID cards cent on 2014. In 2015, e-Careers employed a 492 variations to units. The course data (as at the end of November 2015). The unit specialist online media developer to produce management area continued to focus on also processed 25,000 special consideration quality video promotional and educational maintaining the online handbook to ensure e-forms and an additional 25,000 forms. resources, which have been used to timely and accurate information is available Student Central extended hours on weekdays complement other programs and increase the for applicants and students. from 8am–8pm, and on weekends from reach to students. 9am–5pm to ensure services are available In 2015, the ARO processed more than for the WesternOnline student cohort and The Careers service continued to offer a 254,192 applicant preferences and made part-time students. The Student Enquiry high-quality program of expert face-to-face 19,070 offers for domestic applicants through and Information Services area was heavily education and tailored support to students UAC. The domestic admissions team also involved with the introduction of the student through the Events and Careers Education processed 576 direct applications and Opal card for travel concessions, working with Consultant teams. In 2015, the Careers Events made 342 direct offers to applicants. The Student Systems and the University legal staff team delivered 18 events, connecting 1,856 International Admissions team processed to ensure compliance with the Transport for students to 156 organisations and more than more than 11,900 international applications NSW requirements. A refurbished Student 400 industry representatives for employment and generated over 8,700 offers. International Central was opened at the Kingswood or volunteering opportunities. There were Admissions staff collaborated on reducing campus, reflecting the style and facilities 11 niche Graduate Career Series events and the University’s Streamlined Visa Processing available at other campuses. five major careers events for students in (SVP) index for international applicants from education, law, property and construction 2.4 in June to 1.87 in October, putting the The Assessment unit was responsible for management, psychology and social work. University in a much better position in terms 128,965 main and deferred examination General careers information was provided to of its risk of losing SVP status. The Enrolments sittings across the summer, autumn and spring over 8,600 students at University-wide events team facilitated the enrolment of 27,749 teaching sessions. The unit also conducted such as Open Day, O-week and Student commencing students and oversaw 306,976 exams at external locations and provided Services fairs. More than 900 individual unit enrolments. facilities for students from other institutions. consultations were delivered, in addition to The ARO continued to support Schools correspondence with over 600 students via The University graduated 4,486 students with the Early Offer program. In 2015, the online questions and email. Workshops and in April, 2,863 in September and 923 in University expanded the use of the Schools guest lectures were delivered to more than December. Another 763 students graduated Recommendation Scheme (SRS), whereby 2,000 students. from the College, Western Sydney, across students receive non-ATAR-based offers to three ceremony rounds in February, July The Careers service continued to contribute a wide range of Western Sydney University and November. In addition, 98 students strongly to the University’s strategic goal programs in early December. Western Sydney graduated at the Hong Kong Baptist of being a distinctively student-centred University made just over 700 offers to SRS University, ceremony in early December. university through innovation, international recipients in the December 2015 round. The September ceremonies saw the introduction reach, championing the local region and ARO supported the introduction of the multiple of the graduation memento, with graduates helping to secure success for students and device strategy for students, implementing a able to keep the trencher (cap) worn at their graduates. process to manage the successful distribution ceremony, and feedback on this initiative was of devices to eligible students. very positive. The September and December ceremonies also benefited from a new The Timetabling unit continued to work system for identifying potential graduates, closely with Capital Works and Facilities, with students no longer needing to apply to
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Student Recruitment
graduate. As well as providing administrative SCHOOLS ENGAGEMENT senior administrators and school principals support for graduations, the unit generated from the public, Catholic and independent 19,225 hard copy and electronic documents, school sectors, continued to provide valuable The University’s whole-of-institution Schools including course completion letters, academic advice, advocacy and assistance with Engagement program has been operating since transcripts, replacement testamurs, Australian implementing the University’s three-year 2007–08. It provides for mutually beneficial Higher Education Graduation Statements and Schools Engagement Strategic Plan, which is collaborations between the University, the embassy result letters. due for review in 2016. school sector and other relevant stakeholders In 2015, advances in technology were once to increase engagement with public, private PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS again a focus, benefitting students and staff. and independent schools and increase the An online applicant portal was introduced for educational aspirations and attainment Pathways to Success is a two-year project international applicants and agents, as well of school students. It enhances students’ aiming to seek new admission pathways to as a direct interface between major agent university preparedness and prospects, and bachelor degrees within a range of entry IDP and the student management system creates ongoing connections between the criteria for admission that may include the known as Callista. This allowed for the direct University, prospective students and their ATAR. Pathways should align with the TEQSA transfer of applications from IDP’s system to parents. University students who assist with Higher Education Threshold Standards for the University, removing the need for manual the program gain valuable and professionally Admission and the Securing Success goals. applications. Because of these initiatives, 40 relevant knowledge and skills. The number of These goals include: per cent of international applications were school students benefiting from the program electronic, improving the service to students has increased exponentially since the outset, Goal 1: To be a distinctively student-centred 1 and the efficiency of processing. and in 2015 it involved over 50,000 students university from more than 2,500 schools. 1.1: Offer a range of pathways that emphasise MyStudentRecords (MySR), the main online excellence and opportunity. These will support tool for student self-administration, was All of the University’s faculties, most seamless movement between Western significantly revamped in late 2015, improving research hubs and many non-academic Sydney University The College, the Academy the look and feel for student users. areas participated in Schools Engagement. and a growing number of local, national and Initiatives embedded across the University international providers All units were impacted by the rebrand, are diverse and range from large-scale, multi- with the Student Systems unit heavily year aspiration-building programs such as Goal 3: To deliver a unique learning involved in the rebranding of systems, Fast Forward, through advanced-learning experience that is innovative, flexible and including the Applicant and Agent Portals, opportunities for gifted and talented students responsive MyStudentRecords, Transcripts, Testamurs, such as Young Writers’ Day and the Brain Bee 3.1: Continue to expand entry pathways, Australian Higher Education Graduate Challenge, to one-off expert presentations enhance English proficiency support, and Statement (AHEGS) and all emails generated in schools by renowned academic speakers. develop learning capabilities through flexible by Callista. In addition, the unit needed to All relevant initiatives were positively modes of delivery, consistent with Objective 1.1 undertake a double upgrade of the Callista evaluated in 2015 and most extended their student management system, which was reach. Proven longer-term HEPP-funded In the first year of the project, a methodology successfully achieved with a great cross- programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait was developed to review and align admission unit collaborative effort with Information Islander students, Pathways to Dreaming criteria (entry threshold skills and knowledge Technology and Digital Services (ITDS). and Heartbeat, continued to grow and were requirements) required to succeed in complemented by newer programs in the first-year units of study (Academic and All areas of ARO were involved in the student same space, all of which were very successful. Non-academic Thresholds for Admission – management system review project, which Through Australian Government Bridges to ANTA). The process included considering began with a detailed sector-benchmarking Higher Education funding, a new website new ways to assess potential applicants’ project, and continued through business was developed for Heartbeat, featuring ability and alignment with the discipline, process mapping and specification an interactive game linked to traditional and to promote the School/discipline to new development prior to tender design, which is Aboriginal knowledge. cohorts of potential students. This process of due in 2016. admission criteria review is being considered The University also runs professionally for inclusion in the Course Development and Structural changes will take place from 2016 accredited courses for school teachers and Approval Process Review. onwards, so 2015 was the last year that the staff, and undertakes research projects portfolio will report in the current format. relevant to the school sector. The Schools Using the established HSC Geography Engagement Reference Group, comprising Enrichment Day as the base model, and in
1 This is not a unique count as it is not always possible to tell when a student attends more than one activity.
50 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
SCHOOL 2014 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT 2015 EXCEPTIONAL MERIT 2016 PLANNED PATHWAYS PROGRAMS PATHWAYS PROGRAMS EXCEPTIONAL MERIT PATHWAYS PROGRAMS Humanities and Communication Arts 2 4 2 Law 0 2 Social Sciences and Psychology 2 2 2 Science and Health 0 1 2 Computing, Engineering and Mathematics 0 0 3 137 applicants tba Outcomes 122 offers 111 offers (to date) 12 enrolments tba
consultation with the Schools, the Guidelines of drop-in appointments, and continued to 2,265 students attending spring sessions. for the Development of Exceptional Merit offer Skype and phone appointments and the The total contact hours for summer 2014–15, Pathways were introduced and successfully online e-counselling service. autumn and spring programs was 21,917. applied in 2014 and 2015. A number of Exceptional Merit Pathways were successfully The Counselling Service continued to provide The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PASS implemented in four Schools in 2015 and are debriefing, support and counselling to both Facilitator Network was established in 2015. planned in an additional School for 2016. students and staff members affected by The network aims to increase the participation Although enrolments in 2015 were low, traumatic incidents in 2015. of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Schools are now clearer about the process to students to become both PASS facilitators follow up on early offers. As at 16 November 2015, the number of and session attendees. Five Aboriginal and/or Academic Integration Plans (AIPs) for Torres Strait Islander students were appointed The project provided a focused setting and students with disability increased by 12.01 per as PASS facilitators, and a core unit in the several opportunities for staff members cent over a similar period in 2014, while the Indigenous major degree was added to the involved in pathways and university number of new AIPs opened in 2015 increased PASS-supported units. engagement programs to share information by 3.49 per cent. Physical mobility and mental health issues represented 24.16 per cent and and resources. The Pathways Network Forum ACHIEVEMENTS AND KEY ACTIVITIES was established and will meet three times 44.19 per cent (respectively) of all new AIPs a year to ensure coordinated planning and created in 2015, compared to 25.41 per cent International Focus (Including Cultural synchronising of programs and resources and 40.88 per cent in 2014. Competency Development) across pre-entry engagement and pathways Following the introduction of dedicated During 2015, the Student Welfare Service programs. As the Our Futures Funding for the International Student Welfare support in saw an increase in complexity of presenting Pathways to Success project ends this year, 2014, English conversation groups were cases; the number of unique clients for the the management of this forum will move to introduced in spring 2015. Thirty English Welfare Service in 2015 (to 16 November 2015) the Director of Participation and Success. conversation group sessions were offered was 2,274 and the number of occasions of across multiple campuses (including the service was 4,363. In addition, another 2,323 College) each week for five weeks, giving 129 occasions of service delivered the textbook STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES students from international and culturally and voucher scheme. linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds a Throughout 2015, Student Support chance to practise speaking English. The peer- Following the exponential growth in both Services (SSS) continued contributing to led program involves 29 Masters of TESOL student attendees and total contact hours and encouraging student engagement. It students who are engaged as volunteer in 2014, PASS refined and consolidated developed strategic partnerships to enhance facilitators, and the hours were recognised as offerings for 2015 to focus on developing the student learning and retention, and evolved part of their course learning requirements. targeted student-centred programs and PASSOnline and PASSWrite initiatives. This strategic approach increased accessibility services to give students opportunities to Student cultural awareness workshops for all students. The PASSOnline program build their skills and resources to maximise were delivered in 2015 in a joint initiative grew rapidly in 2015, with 32 per cent of their potential. Involvement with key between the Student Welfare Service and autumn units and 47 per cent of spring units University and campus initiatives continued, the Counselling Service. These workshops having an online delivery option. PASSOnline as did direct service provision to individual were offered to about 160 student volunteers, attendance in spring grew 76 per cent from students. leaders or employees to improve cultural 2014 and now accounts for 15.6 per cent of all awareness and sensitivity. In October 2015, PASS attendees. DEMAND FOR SERVICES seven focus groups were facilitated to offer international students the opportunity to The Counselling Service continued to develop PASSWrite is a discipline-based academic provide feedback to the University about more flexible counselling approaches to reading and writing development program, their experience throughout the student life support students undertaking study via delivered in PASS’s signature collaborative cycle. Data is being compiled, with a report various modes. As at 16 November 2015, and peer-led style. PASSWrite expanded expected to be ready in early 2016. 2,460 individual students had accessed the to support four disciplines (Humanities and Communication Arts, Business, Education, counselling service and 5,792 occasions of Two staff ‘cultural intelligence’ training and Social Sciences and Psychology) in spring service had taken place, with the average sessions were conducted in April and 2015. Seventy-one students attended this number of occasions of service per client September 2015, and the majority of SSS staff intensive support program. slightly decreasing from 2.47 in 2014 to 2.35 participated. Cultural competence champions in 2015. Throughout 2015, the Counselling have been driving the recommendations The face-to-face PASS program had 3,520 Service adopted single-session approaches from the 2014 SSS audit to promote culturally attendees during autumn 2015, with another for some issues, increased the availability responsive service delivery. Champions have
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also been looking at how SSS spaces can for students with disabilities to become partnering with academic staff. better reflect the diversity of the student engaged in the online environment, the population. Student Disability Service worked extensively Mental Health and Wellbeing (MHWB) throughout 2015 on developing a suite of During October, a mental health month Key cultural competency indicators are self-help resources and training materials program was held on all major campuses, included in all position descriptions and for learning facilitators. The next stage including Werrington South and North sites, evaluation surveys. Stronger collaborations in development is finalising the updated Parramatta CBD and Nirimba, to focus on are being developed with the Badanami Disability Service webpage. promoting positive staff and student mental Centre for Indigenous Education for seamless health and wellbeing. The events received service delivery to students and for enhanced Student Representation & Participation overwhelmingly positive feedback. Resource cultural understandings. A language services (SR&P) worked alongside uwsconnect in packs were also sent to six medical clinical policy was also developed for SSS. the rollout and incorporation of OrgSync, schools. Students from Health Sciences which is a cloud-based administration and were involved in the organisation and Research into the help-seeking behaviour of communication system for student groups. implementation of the program events, students from a cross-cultural perspective During 2015, student representatives were including RUOK day, as MHWB ambassadors. was finalised in 2015. This information will be given online training in OrgSync, covering Students and staff members wrote and triangulated with other available information event and budget requests and the public posted to family and friends 881 gratitude to inform service planning and targeted communication of meeting agendas and postcards. A total of 130 postcards were interventions of at-risk groups of students. minutes. sent to 31 countries, 1,329 staff members and students engaged in the program and online Resources and Online Developments Research and Evaluation promotions, and 484 people joined the Mental The Study, Money & Life Skills vUWS site is The results of the November 2014 Student Health and Wellbeing Facebook group. being updated and a new ‘Perfectionism’ Support Services Evaluation Outcomes module is being developed to complement Based Survey became available in the first Both mental health month events and a recently developed face-to-face workshop half of 2015. The results were analysed and RUOK day activities were coordinated by an program on this topic. triangulated with International Student SSAF-funded initiative, which facilitated the Barometer results and individual SSS employment of a Mental Health Promotions Mature age students will have their own evaluation outcomes, as well as the 2015 Coordinator and administrative support. The Returning to Learning vUWS site in 2016, with Insync Benchmarking Survey. A draft report people in these positions not only coordinated interactive modules and resources designed is due to be finalised in early 2016, and results the above programs but also supported the specifically for their needs. This complements will inform 2016 and 2017 SSS strategic Mental Health & Wellbeing Strategy and the successful face-to-face Returning to planning. mental health and wellbeing promotions Learning (RTL) and Introduction to e-Learning across the University and the College. (ITEL) programs that have been running for Evaluation indicates that students several years for commencing mature age overwhelmingly value the services provided The Get Healthy Information & Coaching students. and that the services have a positive impact Service promotional campaign continued on students’ learning and their lives. There and a nutrition project was developed out Since the beginning of 2015, all direct services are, however, a number of areas that students of the Mental Health & Wellbeing Strategy have offered Skype sessions for those have identified for additional development in partnership with NSW Population Health, students who study online or may be unable and improvement. These areas are being and Western Sydney and Blue Mountains to get to campus, making services more further investigated to inform service Local Health Districts. There was extensive flexible and accessible. Work is progressing improvements into the future. development of partnerships with professional on a Placement Integration Plan (PIP), which staff, academic staff and research teams. will set out workplace adjustments for The PASS team has begun work on a students who have a placement requirement longitudinal study on the contribution of Counselling staff facilitated 11 mental health as part of their course. This will complement PASS to students’ learning outcomes. As first aid training sessions. These included the Academic Integration Plan (AIP), which part of the study, 13 student focus groups four student groups (two from the School focuses on providing reasonable adjustments were conducted. The PASS team presented a of Education and two from the School for lectures, tutorials and examinations. workshop on their impact-based evaluation of Nursing and Midwifery), involving 120 The Student Disability Service continues to at the Australasian PASS and Peer Learning students. Five staff training sessions were collaborate with each of the relevant Schools Conference in September 2015. conducted, with 130 staff members trained. and host organisations to develop PIPs. An external program for 15 participants A number of staff members published was offered through the Cerebral Palsy In response to the introduction of online journal articles on good practice initiatives Association, as well as a program for Campus courses and recognising the opportunity and outcomes of collaborative research,
52 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Living Villages (CLV) residential assistants, 2015 census date, and achieved an 80 per all units (p<.01), with an average difference of with 22 participants. Agreements to provide cent successful contact rate. This was close to 14 marks (Garlin, F and Wilkes, L, 2014). the program to the Academy and College a 10 per cent increase in successful contacts academic staff, and to provide ongoing from 2014. The contact rate for the spring In autumn 2015, 930 commencing students support for CLV were established. session was 75 per cent, with 933 students and 120 student mentors participated in the contacted. Given the industry standard for Mentoring and Transition Equals Success A new Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy cold calling is between 23 and 40 per cent, (MATES) program, which was a 39.25 per was approved for the University after this is a remarkable achievement. Of the cent increase from autumn 2014 in overall extensive consultation with internal and students successfully contacted in 2015, 79.8 participation numbers and a 41 per cent external stakeholders. The Mental Health & per cent have successfully progressed, which increase in new student participation Wellbeing Strategy was evaluated and data is 4.2 per cent higher than the commencing numbers. is being collated from student and staff focus cohort who could not be contacted and 1.5 groups and surveys. The Strategy will be per cent higher than the wider University In all, 340 commencing students joined a reviewed in 2016, based on this evaluation. commencing undergraduate population. This mentor group in vUWS and became mentees. The current Memorandum of Understanding trend was also reflected in the autumn 2015 This is a 21 per cent increase in students with NSW Population Health, Western Sydney indicative provisional progress rate of 85.5 per who were connected with a mentor in 2015 and Blue Mountains Local Health Districts will cent for students successfully contacted (Data compared to autumn 2014. In spring 2015, also be reviewed in 2016. source: Office of Strategy and Engagement, 21 MATES supported 264 new students as they September 2015.) transitioned to the University, which is slightly Financial Assistance lower than the 300 assisted in spring 2014. Statistical analysis showed that the difference There was a 37 per cent increase in the Of those contacted, 1,558 students were between commencing student participant number of textbook vouchers provided to selected at random to participate in a survey pre- and post-intervention confidence levels students in 2015 (2,323 in 2015 compared to to gauge the interaction and efficacy of the was statistically significant. 1,693 in 2014). While 94 students benefited TS@UWS contact in the first few weeks of from student grants in 2015 ($35,000 in session. Thirty-nine per cent of students Student Volunteering and Employment funding was distributed), another 29 students participated in the survey. Of those contacted, received multiple textbook vouchers in lieu of 94.2 per cent thought it was important that All students involved as either volunteers a grant. More than 2,300 textbook vouchers the University made contact with first-year or employees with SSS programs and (totalling $464,000) were provided to students to offer assistance in the first few activities are offered the opportunity for students in 2015. Overall, almost $500,000 of weeks of session. In addition, 86 per cent professional development. In 2015, the LEAD was provided to assist students with their of the students who responded thought it (Lead, Engage, Aspire, Develop) cross- study-related costs, which is an 18 per cent was important that a fellow student made service program was piloted to develop and increase on the assistance provided in 2014. this contact. Of the respondents, 65 per cent empower student volunteers and employees agreed that their interaction with the TS@ across the University. The project comprised Orientation and Transition UWS team made a positive difference to them two professional student conferences, a and their studies. two-day retreat and the scoping of online The Getting Started @ Western Sydney learning modules. Seventy student leaders University website was launched in January In the autumn session, the TS team conducted attended the first conference: Leadership 2015. This website provides information and various at-risk student intervention campaigns and Communication. The retreat was themed resources on all ‘the firsts’ at University – for in partnership with six of the nine Schools Teamwork and Collaboration and 18 students students, parents, carers and partners, as well at the University. Customised scripts were attended. Fifty-one students attended the as staff. The site received positive feedback developed to cater for individual Schools final conference: Employability Skills. This from students and staff, with more than 10,000 and, with the assistance of the survey team, conference involved close collaboration with hits recorded in the first two weeks after going the TS team tailored each campaign to the alumni to offer students a unique perspective live. In the spring session, the site incorporated School’s business needs. The results have on post-study pathways. a newly developed self-assessment tool for been very positive. Analysis of data from the students, which gauges their preparedness School of Business at-risk campaign, which In 2015, SSS engaged with more than 350 for university study. The tool covers academic has been underway for three years, shows students in either a volunteer or employment study, technology skills and tools, time that students who were contacted were capacity. Students were involved in various management and personal readiness. significantly more likely than expected to pass roles, such as ‘Ask Us’ assistants through (p<.05), with students’ performance across all orientation (71 students), Transition Success The Transition Success (TS) program units similarly showing a significant difference. contact assistants (64 students) and PASS continued to support commencing students Independent sample t-tests show differences facilitators and mentors (154 students). A throughout 2015. About 21,500 outbound TS in average marks between the contact and total of 116 educational support service staff phone calls were made prior to the 31 March no-contact group of students are significant in
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members were employed, of which 46 were reporting of SSAF new and enhanced initiative the University’s commitment to offering students. Students are also employed as funds. The proposal process for 2015 SSAF prospective students flexible learning options. student representation and participation funds was conducted in October 2014 to casual assistants, all of whom were offered ensure early distribution of 2015 funds. The SRU develops the strategic positioning, the opportunity of taking part in the LEAD Consultation with students (including SSAF marketing plan (including advertising), program. LEAD will be supported again in 2016 roadshows, which were held on all campuses ongoing competitor review and marketing (through SSAF funding) and the opportunity including Nirimba and Lithgow), development operational aspects (website and call centre) to attend will be opened up to students of communication strategies and refinement for Western Online. volunteering and employed outside SSS. of processes were all coordinated through SSS. Information on initiatives funded via Western Online, previously known as In 2015, the Student Welfare Service once SSAF can be found at the Have your say on UWSOnline, was launched mid-2014. About 30 again used students from the School of SSAF funding priorities webpage. online courses are on offer, including bachelor Business to act as tax help volunteers to degrees, graduate certificates, graduate complete tax returns for students. Four Chaplaincy diplomas and masters programs, across a student volunteers gained valuable skills and range of disciplines. In September 2015, interviews were held to experience in their field of study, assisting appoint two limited-term chaplain coordinator 57 students to complete their tax returns in The SRU is steadily increasing the visibility positions. These positions have been created 2015, which is a slight increase from those of Western Online with follow-up calls and to more fully explore and implement identified assisted in 2014. emails to prospective students who have opportunities to develop a truly interfaith registered their interest in online courses. The chaplaincy service. The results of the work Student Representation & Participation dedicated sales agent in the Contact Service undertaken by the chaplain coordinators will Centre (CSC) focuses on moving prospects Staff within Student Representation & be evaluated and reviewed towards the end of through application to enrolment. Participation (SR&P) supported the student 2016. newspaper CrUWSible throughout 2015, Western Online offers the potential for which continued to grow in both student an exciting year for online learning at the contributions and in readership. CrUWSible is STUDENT RECRUITMENT University in 2016. available in print and online, and is a student- YEAR IN REVIEW driven initiative. Elected student editors PROJECT CUBE provide editorial control and assist staff members with facilitation and day-to-day INITIATIVES As part of the University rebrand, the student tasks. The Student Recruitment Unit (SRU) played a portal MyC3 became Western Central, which major role in rebranding the University in 2015. was the first component rolled out as part of SR&P staff provided support to the student This included delivering one of the University’s the CUBE project. campus councils in coordinating campus most successful Open Days, which was a events and activities. They also coordinated vehicle to launch the University’s new brand. Central is available in Apple’s ‘App Store’ Diversity Fest events across all campuses, for iPads and via HTML5 at involving external organisations as well as The SRU worked with the Office of Marketing westernsydney.edu.au/central. It has a students and professional and academic staff. and Communication and a team of external number of bespoke features, including a task design partners to create, rebrand and manager, workbooks and targeted news, as SR&P supported about 50 elected student publish all marketing collateral for Open Day well as University notifications and access representatives across all University campuses in August, bringing the new brand to life for to relevant student portals and systems (for in 2015. Support included providing induction more than 6,500 visitors. example, the academic portal, vUWS). and ongoing training, governance support, peer mentoring and providing resources on This included rebranding 55 printed Western Pathways (formerly Pango) was each campus for representatives to fulfil their publications from across the University and rolled out in January 2016 and is the second roles, as well as attending and supporting the former UWSCollege. It also involved component of the CUBE project. Pathways meetings. Two rounds of student elections developing event signage, rebranding content is a portal (HTML5) with resources across were held in 2015 (a by-election in April and on the ‘Future Students’ pages on the website the academic curriculum, including articles, the election of 2016 student representatives and being involved in the wider marketing blogs, videos and infographics, and is aimed in October). plan for the launch. at high school students who are considering the University. It offers online tutoring, timely Student Services and Amenities Fee blogs and ‘lifehacks’. It is on the same platform WESTERN ONLINE As in previous years, SSS continued to as Western Central. The online course program, Western Online, manage the allocation, distribution and (at westernsydney.edu.au/online) shows Career/Course Mapping aims to enrich
54 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Western Central and future Pathways content. businesses across different sectors, including students from more than 145 high schools It gives prospective and current students banking, airlines, telecommunications and across Western Sydney. career and University course data to build a utilities. A ‘mystery shopping’ method is detailed pathway from aspiration to personal used to contact up to 33 tertiary education More than 200 prospective students attended interests, study goals and finally their ideal organisations each quarter. the Mid-Year Entry Information Day in May. profession. Career/Course Mapping is also The event targeted mature age students being developed on the Western Central In 2015, the CSC consistently received results seeking information about undergraduate platform and is due to be available in mid-2016. above the sector average. In three quarters, all courses available for mid-year admission. communication and enquiry resolution skills were rated at 96 per cent and above. The CSC School-based postgraduate information SCHOLARSHIPS AND STUDENT consistently ranks as the number one tertiary sessions held in May to June and October ADVANCEMENT call centre in NSW, as well as being in the top to November gave prospective students In 2015, the University offered more than 350 four in the country. the opportunity to meet academics and University-funded scholarships to current course advisors to find out about admission students, school leavers and mature age These extremely satisfying results are requirements and recognition of prior students from the Western Sydney region. testament to the hard work and dedication of learning, as well as flexible course delivery. The scholarship program recognises a number the team, which is staffed by Western Sydney More than 200 prospective postgraduate of categories including academic, leadership, University students and graduates. students attended the events. community involvement and disadvantage. These events give prospective students the EVENTS The scholarships reward students in areas chance to visit the facilities, while gathering of excellence, giving opportunities to those In 2015, the Student Events team coordinated course information and advice to help them who may not otherwise be able to study at a number of activities targeting high school choose our University. university. Generous community donors also and mature age students. These events engaged more than 11,500 prospective continue to enrich the scholarship program. INDIGENOUS MARKETING students, showcasing undergraduate and The Scholarships and Student Advancement postgraduate courses, services and facilities. As part of the rebrand, Indigenous marketing team continues to build strong relationships was expanded. Throughout the year, the with a number of high schools in the region, The highlight was Open Day in August, Indigenous Marketing team delivered in- offering master classes for students, providing when 6,500 prospective students and school presentations, attended careers information about available scholarships and guests explored the rebranded Parramatta markets, arranged and delivered information the University application process. campus. They engaged in presentations, evenings, and visited schools and Aboriginal one-on-one course advice sessions and and Torres Strait Islander communities This year, eight students received the interactive activities for all areas of study. throughout the state. Vice-Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship, Entertainment was also on offer during the the highest number awarded since the event that showcased the 2016 undergraduate STAFFING scholarship’s inception. These students course offerings and helped prospective all showed strong academic achievement students examine their study options prior to Mr Rob Palin, the long-serving Associate and a commitment to leadership and their applications closing in September. Director for the Student Recruitment Unit, community. retired in 2015. Course Decision Day in January 2015 attracted more than 1,000 prospective students and Ms Tracy Richardson acted as SRU Director CONTACT SERVICES guests to the Parramatta campus, where during the rebrand project, ensuring targets In 2015, the University’s Contact Service they were able to discuss course options, and deliverables were met. Centre (CSC) answered more than 172,000 attend presentations and finalise their UAC phone calls, responded to over 84,000 preferences. emails, processed 21,500 web enquiries and ART COLLECTION posted more than 13,000 course information Four Western U Days were held in June and packages. October across the Parramatta, Kingswood, The Western Sydney University Art Collection Bankstown and Campbelltown campuses. comprises 1,377 artworks from the holdings of Performance monitoring company Customer More than 4,000 prospective year 11 high its former network members of Hawkesbury, Service Benchmarking Australia (CSBA) school students experienced a ‘day in the life Macarthur and Nepean. Two sculptural assesses the University every quarter, of a student’, attending course presentations installations were acquired in 2015: Memory comparing it with other tertiary institutions and workshops, and meeting current students Flows by Jason Wing for Werrington Park and call centres in up to 180 large Australian from all areas of study. These events attracted Corporate Centre and Stratum by John Petrie, which was commissioned for the Vernon Lawn
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Student Recruitment
at Parramatta campus. The mixed media It was noted, however, that the art collection Western Sydney University Sculpture Award installation Apa Kausal by Brian Robinson was unit’s database system (TRIM) and processes In September 2015, the finalists for the also acquired. need to be updated to complete existing seventh Western Sydney University Sculpture records, as well as tracking and reporting Award and Exhibition were selected. The Tianli Zu was commissioned to paint a portrait asset movements. exhibition will be held on the Campbelltown of the Vice-Chancellor Professor Barney Glover, campus from 6 May to 5 June 2016. The and Mr Marcus Callum was commissioned to No additional funding was provided in 2015 judging panel selected 19 finalists: Robert paint a portrait of the Chancellor Professor to update the current database. However, Barnstone (NSW), Joseph Bartelo (NSW), Peter Shergold, AC. Both of these portraits will other collection management measures were Senden Blackwood (ACT), Louisa Dawson be completed in early 2016. undertaken to improve the identification of art (NSW), Clara Hali (NSW), Wataru Hamaska assets throughout the University’s campuses, (Japan), Akira Kamada (NSW), Jan King especially in light of the University rebranding CAPITAL WORKS AND FACILITIES – NEW (NSW), Daniel Lafferty (NSW), Neil Laredo in August 2015. BUILDINGS/REFURBISHMENT PROJECTS (NSW), Ingrid Morley (NSW), John Petrie Since 2011, an acquisitions program has In November and December 2015, all (NSW), Sallie Portnoy (NSW), Louis Pratt identified public artworks via various artworks and objects on the Campbelltown, (NSW), Michael Purdy (NSW), Adam Stone capital works programs. In 2015, these Werrington North and Kingswood campuses (Vic), Greer Taylor (NSW), Lisa Tolcher (NSW) projects included developing and installing were relabelled, tagged and identified and Peter Zappa (WA). artworks in the new John Phillips Library physically as Western Sydney University Art The curatorial/judging panel for the 2016 on the Kingswood campus, at Werrington Collection assets. The new tags and labels sculpture award consists of: Michael Snape Park Corporate Centre at Werrington South identify artworks and objects via the item’s (sculptor), Matt Poll (Curator, University of campus, at Vernon Lawn on the Parramatta TRIM number, asset number and traditional Sydney), Lee-Anne Hall (Director of Penrith campus and at the new Chancellery on the accession number, which are assigned to all Regional Gallery) and Monica McMahon (Art Parramatta campus. artworks. These were physically attached Curator at Western Sydney University). The to the artworks and objects where possible. 2016 Western Sydney University Sculpture Numerous refurbishment programs across All artworks on these campuses currently Award will present three prizes. These are the all campuses also affected the art collection. on display in public areas also have new University’s Acquisitive Prize ($30,000), the These included the CBD executive offices in wall labels. All works on these campuses Janice Reid Emerging Artist Award ($5,000) Sydney; buildings P, I and V at Kingswood were photographed, documenting their and the Urban Growth People’s Choice Award campus; buildings EM, ET and EB at physical condition, and a written report on ($5,000). Quest Apartments Campbelltown Parramatta campus; buildings AE, AF and AD the condition of each work was completed, continued their sponsorship for the 2016 at Werrington North campus; and building noting any damage to the works and possible exhibition, providing accommodation for BA at Werrington South campus. About repairs required. Any discrepancies about interstate and international artists while 230 artworks were relocated across the an artwork’s location or description were installing and de-installing their sculptures for University’s campuses. rectified in each item’s TRIM record. This the sculpture award. project will continue in 2016. In 2015, the maintenance program continued for all outdoor sculptures, identifying and In December 2015, wi-fi was installed in the Margot Hardy Gallery repairing damaged works. Works that were art collection storage spaces, enabling a more The Margot Hardy Gallery is dedicated to repaired include Antipodean Vision by Chris efficient and effective process for updating showcasing artworks by students in local Levers at Bankstown campus and reprieve by records of artworks when they are moved into primary and secondary schools, as well as Greer Taylor at Campbelltown campus. Works or out of storage. This will assist and improve projects by community groups. In 2015, the that need to be repaired in 2016 include Inara general management of the collection. gallery hosted exhibitions by a local community by Michael Le Grand and Resilience by Janik group, six high schools and one primary school. Bouchette at Campbelltown campus. WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY GALLERIES The 2015 exhibition program included: AND EXHIBITIONS PROGRAM COLLECTION MANAGEMENT ≥≥ ‘creative minds, creative actions’, featuring The University has a strong history of 46 works by 10 customers of the Australian From March to June 2015, the Office of Audit engaging with its communities through the Foundation for Disabilities, Condell Park and Risk Assessment conducted a compliance Western Sydney University Sculpture Award Community Participation program, which review of the art collection to confirm that and Exhibition (held at its Campbelltown was opened by the Mayor of Bankstown effective measures were in place to manage campus) and via its galleries at Bankstown, ≥≥ ‘Instant Art’, an exhibition that explored and safeguard assets. It found that security Parramatta and Penrith, organising exhibitions the interdisciplinary mixed media works of measures are sound and appropriate for the by professional artists, and school and 70 Bossley Park High School students from University’s art collection. community-based art projects. year 7 to year 11
56 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
≥≥ ‘Eaglevale High School 2015 Student Visual Coleman, Melanie Duff, Zeina Iaali, Leon Karla in association with the University and The Arts Showcase’, which featured the works and Danielle Leonello, who are all visual arts Academy. Educational programs worked of 80 students from year 7 to year 11 teachers at Bossley Park High School. in tandem with the exhibition, which ≥≥ ‘Our Journey through Asia’, featuring 84 included teachers’ workshops and high All exhibitions had a public education program works by Greenway Park Public School school student forum days, where visiting for presenting art talks to the public. students from kindergarten to year 6 students talked to University students about surviving the HSC art project. ≥≥ ‘Traversing Territories’, an interdisciplinary Margaret Whitlam Galleries exhibition by 86 Menai High School ≥≥ ‘Victoriana Sydney 1837–1901: A Journey The Margaret Whitlam Galleries within the students from year 7 to year 11 in Photography’, curated by Stephen Female Orphan School at the Parramatta Thompson and fabricated, edited and ≥≥ ‘The Road Less Travelled’, featuring the campus are mostly dedicated to hosting produced by staff working for the works of 80 Lucas Heights Community national touring exhibitions from major University’s collection and Whitlam School students from year 7 to year 11 cultural institutions. The 2015 exhibition Institute. This exhibition captured Sydney ≥≥ ‘FIFTYFIFTY!’, which featured works of 50 program hosted five exhibitions. in the Victorian era through photography. Lurnea High School students from year 7 to year 11. The show coincided with the ≥≥ ‘Faith and Responsibility’, a cultural All these projects are part of the University’s school’s 50th anniversary exchange between Australian and Chinese strategic goal of being a champion for the photographers documenting the humanity ≥≥ ‘Chifley College Visual Arts Showcase’, Western Sydney region and its people by and realities of daily life of citizens living which featured 60 works by students from expanding higher education participation and in the rapidly changing metropolitan year 7 to year 12, including final major attainment through programs with schools, precinct of Futian, a district of Shenzhen, works by HSC students. TAFE and the community. China. This exhibition featured Australian The Margot Hardy Gallery’s exhibition program photographers Dr David Cubby, Peter encourages community groups and schools to Steele and Phillip Spasich in collaboration THE ACADEMY promote their own creativity, and at times their with Chinese photographers David Lai, histories, as well as providing a focal point for Yanrong Quan, Yilin Li, Dongsheng Xiao In 2015, the Academy delivered its first issues of concern. In 2015, the Margot Hardy and Jianwei Xie. complete year of programs and services. exhibition program engaged and promoted the ≥≥ ‘Other Chinese Landscapes’, another During 2015, the student membership art of 10 artists with disabilities, 426 students touring exhibition from China curated grew from 602 to 2,008, with all members from six local high schools, 84 children from by David Lai, which featured landscape maintaining a grade point average (GPA) of primary schools and one local public school. photography by 23 contemporary Chinese 5 or higher, and students who were new to In all, 520 artists were exhibited in this space photographers. This exhibition featured university achieving an average ATAR of 92.8. in 2015, and their works were also available for photographs by Chen Jian, Chen Pengzhi, Membership now extends across all Schools virtual viewing via the art collection website. Chen Zhihua, Chen Tigen, David Lai, Hong and discipline areas. Membership of The Canhua, Huang Qi, Huang Wei, Liu Ang, Academy is also now aspirational, with many Western Sydney University Art Gallery Liu Lingli, Lui Tongguo, Shen Xiangqun, students reporting they were working harder to raise their GPA so they would be eligible to The Western Sydney University Art Gallery Sui Li, Tan Shenyuan, Tan Wendong, Wang join the program. based at Werrington North (Penrith) produces Wenjing, Wu Shuwen, Xiao Dongshen, Xie Qingwen, Yang Zhixiong, Zhao Dongbao, exhibitions that support and profile University The Academy offered 19 specialist advanced Zhao Zhifang and Zhou Pengfei. staff and higher degree students and their degree programs for high-achieving students research. The 2015 exhibition program ≥≥ ‘A Place to Call Home? Migrant Hostel in the year. These programs aim to extend featured four exhibitions. Memories’, which is a National Archives of students’ learning in their chosen discipline Australia touring exhibition documenting while also exposing them to approaches used ≥≥ ‘Offside – Women in Sport’, featuring post World War II Australian migration by other disciplines within The Academy. photographic works by Belinda Mason history through photographs and personal The programs are designed to build real ≥≥ ‘appnotic’, featuring paintings by local Blue stories. connections to students’ future industries, Mountains artist Paula Garrard ≥≥ ‘ARTEXPRESS’, an exhibition of while also creating a positive campus ≥≥ ‘Explore: West’, featuring posters designed outstanding works by 2014 Higher School culture. The program continued to focus on by 30 Western Sydney University design Certificate Visual Arts students from collaborating with its membership to build students from the School of Humanities schools in NSW. This is a joint initiative a community of ‘citizen scholars’. Increasing and Communication Arts of the NSW Department of Education membership numbers is core to the program’s and the Board of Studies, Teaching and approach to holistic education. ≥≥ ‘After Hours’, featuring local artists Ann- Educational Standards (BOSTES) NSW, Maree Ager, Melissa Chapman, Louise
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Student Recruitment
Diligent and focused marketing resulted ≥≥ Research lunches and seminars: The The first cohort of 26 students entered The in the suite of advanced degree programs Academy organised a number of informal Academy’s Global Leaders Program. This is achieving an 80.2 per cent (n=346) increase research lunches and seminars during an early entry program for school leavers in first preferences over the previous year. The the teaching periods. These events entering advanced degrees and examines Academy’s degree, the Bachelor of Applied helped reduce the cognitive distance global citizenship, critical international issues Leadership and Critical Thinking (BALCT), was for undergraduates who are considering and social innovation. The second intake of 47 launched with an initial cohort of 58 students, future research and academic careers but students took place in October 2015 for the 15 on a full-time basis. This program uses are unable to determine the best pathway 2016 program. These new students attended a innovative teaching methods to encourage to reach that career. program welcome day in November. students to push past pre-existing intellectual ≥≥ Best-practice masterclasses: The The Academy deliberately and positively boundaries. Western Sydney University is the Academy delivered a selection of developed relationships with overseas only university taking this innovative approach masterclasses for staff members, students universities and organisations in order to to education within the high-achievers market. and community partners in 2015. These deliver life-changing educational experiences masterclasses covered subjects ranging The Academy maintained its focus on for student members. These institutions from setting up community-engaged offering practical professional development, were located in Bhutan, Chile, China, India, research partnerships; collaborating on volunteering, internship and community- Japan, South Africa, the UK and the US. projects across the public, private and based initiatives that enable students to As a result of these efforts, more than 90 tertiary sectors; developing and delivering directly engage with their community and members were supported to undertake community-engaged service learning industry. The supportive environment ensured unique service learning and leadership projects and internships; and the effect of intellectual growth was accompanied by programs in Brazil, Cambodia, China, Costa families and prime influencers on students’ personal growth. The Community Engaged Rica, India, Japan, Poland, South Africa, the education choices and performance. Service Learning (CESL) program has US and Vanuatu. Teams of student members developed significant partnerships with more ≥≥ The Blank Slate: As a member of the attended the global University Scholars than 50 Western Sydney community services Innovation Ecosystem, the Academy Leadership Symposium in Hong Kong; the and government agencies, and members of collaborated on delivering this innovation Harvard Project for Asian and International The Academy took on volunteer roles and lab on Parramatta South campus. The Relations conference in Manila; language internships to earn academic credit. Blank Slate encourages students to further extension programs in eastern Europe; and develop and research their ideas by leadership development programs conducted The Academy currently services the experimenting and innovating with virtual by VOICE Australia and Australian Volunteers undergraduate community and delivers and physical production technologies. This International in several locations. several programs that support an space is being used from the start of the undergraduate research and investigation 2016 academic year. The Academy also developed and delivered culture, including: a unique educational collaboration with The Academy delivered a new Fellows Stellenbosch University in South Africa. ≥≥ Academic Unit 301069.1 – Research program. The Academy selected 15 noted Students can receive credit for completing Stories: This transdisciplinary unit provides academics with a strong commitment to the full academic program, which explores practical information about different innovation in teaching and learning as the race, democracy and citizenship in the South research methodologies and research initial cohort. The Fellows undertook guest African and Australian contexts. This program drivers to novel learners. and team teaching in workshops, developed and the related research program and a and coordinated units, and interacted with ≥≥ The A Lab: Non-government organisations student leaders exchange are now part of students at a range of events. and non-commercial community partners the new long-term collaboration agreement can lodge investigation questions between The Academy and the Stellenbosch The Academy delivered more than 230 social relating to their service. These issues are University Institute for Student Leadership and educational events in 2015, including developed into appropriate undergraduate Development. cross-discipline study groups, leaders lunches, investigation questions or student special-topic speaker presentations and placements, and students then investigate The Academy has explored similar social functions led by senior students. These the matter and provide a final report to the relationships with universities in India and events provided many members with their organisation. Scotland. Members of The Academy’s senior first real sense of collegiality and being part staff team taught masterclasses, presented ≥≥ Transactions undergraduate research of a community of adult learners. Positively lectures and delivered keynote speeches at In collaboration with the Graduate journal: changing the existing student culture universities and conferences in Bhutan, China, Research School, The Academy launched was a particularly exhilarating part of The India, South Africa and various locations an undergraduate research journal in Academy’s work during 2015. around Australia, sharing The Academy’s October 2015, with the first edition innovations. delivered in 2016.
58 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
The Academy is also highly engaged in the Unite Winter Appeal, which raised resources Greater Western Sydney region. Examples of for the homeless community. this include the following: The Academy has continued to refine the ≥≥ Our members worked to develop detailed rapid development process created in 2014. problems and questions — and possible This process has now also been redeveloped solutions — to drive the next two years of into a highly effective, problem-based learning Project GWS2050. masterclass model. In early December, more ≥≥ Jen Armstrong, a member of The than 200 senior high school students took Academy, was awarded the Unsung part while developing solutions for social Hero Award at the 2015 ZEST Awards for and educational issues they identified in their her highly energised work creating and school environments. running non-government organisation, The Academy rounded out the year with ‘The Beauty Bank’, to benefit women The Academy’s Access Awards event. More experiencing domestic violence. than 170 secondary students, along with 420 ≥≥ The Academy organised a Unite Winter teachers and relatives, attended this event at Appeal across the University and the Parramatta South campus. This program The College, which saw volunteers collect connects the University to Greater Western items to create personal hygiene kits for Sydney high schools and allows each member people experiencing homelessness. More school to nominate their most outstanding than 300 kits were created, and several student starting Year 12 in the following school staff members and students volunteered year. This awardee is invited to participate to take part in the associated Western in a year-long pre-tertiary program linked Sydney Homeless Connect event, which with The Academy and receives a conditional provided services to more than 2,500 scholarship offer. The mood at this event people on 12 October. was very positive and energised, with the ≥≥ The Academy’s team and members recipients expressing clear desires to join the supported and delivered the Reading University and The Academy. Ambassadors program within the broader Books in Homes program. These programs help disadvantaged primary school students connect with their own curiosity and ability to become autonomous learners. ≥≥ Academic units such as Innovation Lab and Creativity, Innovation and Design Thinking have used issues in Greater Western Sydney as core materials to develop innovative solutions.
The Academy’s community grants provided seed funding for community-based initiatives that were developed, promoted and delivered by teams of student members. This initiative aims to promote pro-social collaboration and foster a positive sense of community on the University’s campuses. Initiatives have included sustainable food fairs; a skateboarding competition for Parramatta youth with a parallel aim of introducing educational aspiration; several health and mental health awareness-raising activities; and the highly successful University-wide
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International
Comprehensive internationalisation is critical INTERNATIONAL in the research area of bilingualism to the future competitiveness, impact and teaching in schools was updated to enable sustainability of the University. In 2015, the PARTNERSHIPS expansion beyond the Western Sydney international strategy known as Global Futures region across NSW. 2015–2020 was released. It is a strategic In 2015, there was increased emphasis on building partnerships with international framework to create an unrivalled experience INTERNATIONAL DELEGATIONS for international students, forge international institutions that support collaborative partnerships, increase the number of inbound research, joint degrees, articulations In 2015, the University hosted an average of international students and expand outbound and academic pathways. Forty-two new more than one delegation per week to support mobility experiences. agreements were signed, bringing the total the growth of partnerships. Delegations number of agreements to 182 across the included: Americas, Europe (including the UK), Africa, INTERNATIONAL STUDENT East Asia, South-East Asia and the Indian ≥≥ a visit from the Overseas Chinese Affairs subcontinent. Office of the State Council (Qiao Ban). EXPERIENCE In an Australian first, Qiao Ban signed In a major development, the University built a Memorandum of Understanding to The International Student Barometer on the long-term commitment to offshore develop programs to encourage greater (ISB) survey provides a global benchmark collaboration with the University of Economics understanding of different cultures for the international student experience, (UEH) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, by which is at the centre of the University’s ≥≥ Vice-Chancellor Professor Barney Glover contributing funds to a newly refurbished internationalisation strategy. The 2015 survey led delegations to meet university Western Sydney University campus within results found a high percentage of international leaders, government representatives and UEH. Officially launched on 4 December students (overall 88 per cent) are satisfied or alumni in mainland China, Hong Kong, 2015, the campus provides offshore English very satisfied with their living, support and Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Sri for Academic Purposes programs and arrival experience at the University. This is a Lanka, Malaysia and Singapore. Activities undergraduate and postgraduate business 4.6 per cent improvement on 2014 results. included signing agreements with partner programs, as well as enabling future expansion The rating for the ‘propensity to recommend’ institutions, launching new campus opportunities to other discipline areas. the University improved significantly in 2015, facilities at UEH in Vietnam, acting as increasing 9 per cent on 2014. a keynote speaker at the International New agreements, including articulations and Conference on Islamic Studies in Indonesia, pathways to facilitate student recruitment and and hosting alumni dinners to engage with SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP research projects, include: international alumni. PROGRAM ≥≥ Sri Lanka Institute of Information The Social Engagement and Leadership Technology – articulation into the Bachelor Program (SELP) facilitates connections STUDENT MOBILITY of Information Systems between international and domestic students, and between students and community- ≥≥ TMC Academy, Singapore – articulation Awareness of and access to opportunities based organisations. In 2015, 84 domestic into the Bachelor of Communication abroad for University students continues and international students participated in ≥≥ Xiamen University, China – tuition to increase with Australian Government group work and a team project to develop a fee waiver pathway for up to 10 PhD initiatives and financial support, and greater awareness of different cultural views candidates per year University co-contributions to encourage students to travel overseas as part of their and a sense of belonging, as well as improve ≥≥ a research partnership agreement for dual studies. The number of students taking up the English language skills of international PhDs with the University of Padua, Italy. students. Throughout the program, overseas study opportunities grew by 23.5 academics and program leaders provided Existing agreements that were strengthened per cent in 2015. These opportunities include advice and support to participants to help or updated include: short-term study, volunteer placement, clinical them collaborate, communicate and share placement, internship and semester-based their cultures. ≥≥ the offshore licence to deliver the MBA at study. A significant increase (52 per cent) in UEH, which was expanded with an offshore students participating in semester exchange licence for the Bachelor of Business and was recorded in 2015. Commerce ≥≥ the Ningbo Education Bureau, China, and MOBILITY FUNDING the NSW Department of Education and In 2015, the Australian Government paid Communities agreement for scholarships more than $1 million for 248 Western Sydney for Master of Education (Hons) students University students to participate in the
60 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
New Colombo Plan (NCP) and through the NEW COLOMBO PLAN SCHOLARSHIPS Chennai, India have increased and broadened Endeavour Mobility Grants, including the the opportunities available for students. The NCP Scholarship program provides International Student Exchange Program opportunities for Australian undergraduate (ISEP) and the Short-Term Mobility Program students to study, participate in internship/ (STMP). Through the NCP Mobility program, INTERNATIONAL STUDENT mentorship opportunities and receive the University received $902,300 to support language training for one to two semesters RECRUITMENT the participation of 202 students in 14 in an eligible host location in the Indo-Pacific projects in Indonesia, Nepal, China, India, region. The Australian Government awarded The equivalent full-time student load (EFTSL) Vietnam, Singapore and Korea. Under the 60 NCP scholarships, each worth up to for international students increased by 4.1 Endeavour Mobility Grants program, the $67,000, for study commencing in 2015, per cent from 2014 to 2015. This was 138 University received $136,000 to support allowing two of our students to begin their enrolments below the target set in Securing four projects to allow students to undertake overseas study program. These students were: Success 2015–2020. While a number of factors clinical placements for occupational therapy contributed to this, managing Streamlined and paramedicine in Malta, Canada, Ireland, ≥≥ Charlee Law, Bachelor of Natural Science, Visa Processing (SVP) risk constrained the US, Austria, the UK, South Africa and Environment and Health (Singapore, recruitment growth. International student Finland. Three ISEP grants were awarded to National University of Singapore, 2015) recruitment income increased 4.5 per cent in support 30 students to undertake short-term 2015 (from $68 million in 2014 to $71 million ≥≥ Lakshmi Logathassan, Bachelor of study programs and semester exchange with in 2015), primarily due to the enrolment of International Studies/Bachelor of Laws partner universities in Japan, Sweden, the US continuing students. (Singapore, National University of and Korea. Singapore, 2015). In 2015, the top five source countries for Western Sydney University students also used recruitment were India, China, Nepal, Vietnam In 2015, NCP Scholarships were awarded to the Australian Government’s OS-HELP loan and the Philippines. Recruitment strategies to two students to begin overseas study in the to fund their participation in international diversify markets saw growth in commencing Indo-Pacific in 2016. These students were: learning opportunities. Based on year-to-date students (by headcount) from the US (440 applications, 294 OS-HELP loans were issued ≥≥ Caitlin Alderson, Bachelor of Policing per cent), Kuwait (160 per cent), Indonesia (86 to students in 2015, a 28.4 per cent increase Studies (Hong Kong, City University of per cent), Saudi Arabia (62 per cent), Germany on the number of loans issued in 2014. Hong Kong, 2016) (25 per cent) and Hong Kong (22 per cent). Private donors also supported students ≥≥ Justin Whittle, Bachelor of Natural Science to participate in international learning (Thailand, Kasetsart University, 2016). AGENT MANAGEMENT opportunities in 2015. A donation from Ms The University manages agent risk through Josephine Lam allowed the University to As the top-ranked candidate for his host the agent international agreement, which establish the Bridging Cultures Scholarship location, Justin Whittle was also awarded the ensures compliance with the Education program in 2014 and her continued support prestigious title of ‘New Colombo Plan Fellow’ Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) enabled 30 students to participate in this for Thailand. National Code Standard 4, and through the program in December 2015. Financial support International Agent Management Framework. from the late Dr William Chiu helped three ERASMUS+ International education agent agreements students participate in a semester exchange Erasmus+ is an education initiative of expired in June 2015, and following an in China, while other students were able to the European Commission that fosters extensive review that assessed agent take up Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical international collaboration between EU and performance against recruitment and risk Placements in China. non-EU institutions. The University successfully criteria, 140 agreements were renewed. A submitted a joint application with Universidad further 52 agents from the Navitas agent An anonymous donor provided a scholarship Complutense de Madrid (UCM) for scholarship network were appointed because of the new to establish a student exchange with an funding in the 2015 pilot round. Together, the Western Sydney University International existing partner, the Syarif Hidayatullah State universities secured funding that will sponsor College joint venture arrangement. KPIs Islamic University Jakarta (UIN, Jakarta), bilateral staff and student exchanges between in the new agent agreements include visa the leading university in the State Islamic the two over the 2016–17 period. rejection rates to assist management of the University network in Indonesia. This will University’s participation in the Australian provide student exchange scholarships Government’s Streamlined Visa Processing for Indonesian students wanting to study NEW EXCHANGE AGREEMENTS (SVP) arrangement. international relations, Asian studies and New exchange agreements with Nagasaki related discipline areas in Australia. University in Japan, Comillas Pontifical To further enhance the University’s University in Spain and SRM University, in international agent relationship strategy
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International
and grow international onshore student INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS enrolments, the University hosted 42 Sydney- To attract talented international students and based agents at Parramatta campus in raise the international profile, scholarships early December. Agents were briefed about for international students were offered for the new brand, and Schools presented key the first time in 2015. The Vice-Chancellor’s programs and developments at the University. Academic Excellence Scholarships, offering a A training session on genuine student 50 per cent reduction of annual tuition fees for and genuine temporary entrant university either two years (postgraduate study) or three admission guidelines was also held. years (undergraduate study) were awarded to three students from India, Nepal and OFFSHORE REPRESENTATIVES Malaysia. International Academic Excellence In 2015, in-country representatives Postgraduate Scholarships, offering a $5,000 were appointed in China and Indonesia. tuition waiver from the first year of tuition Representatives are responsible for building fees, were awarded to five students from the University brand to increase enrolments India, China, Vietnam and Nepal. for undergraduate, postgraduate and pathway In late 2015, the international student study to the University. Similarly, a South Asia scholarship program was expanded to provide regional representative will commence in an additional 200 scholarships for students January 2016. A regional representative based enrolling in 2016. in Chile was also appointed in 2015 to build relationships in the Latin American region with government ministries and agencies for scholarship opportunities, and to develop and expand linkages to universities.
WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE In October 2015, the University and Navitas announced a new partnership to establish a pathway college for international students in Parramatta. As a result, Western Sydney University International College (International College) commenced teaching international students in October 2015.
Students who successfully complete International College programs will be eligible to continue their studies in degree courses at the University. Four college programs have been selected for teaching at the joint venture – Diploma of Business, Diploma of ICT, Foundation Business, and Foundation Health Science and Nursing, with scope to include further programs in the future.
62 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Community and Regional Engagement
OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT + Tobin to showcase the University’s and acknowledge the University’s generous leadership in environmental research, donors. At this event, the Office launched the AND ALUMNI complementary medicine and social 2014 Impact Report to Donors with inspiring cohesion speeches by the Vice-Chancellor Professor The Office of Advancement and Alumni ≥≥ three corporate breakfasts the University Barney Glover, Dean of the Graduate School introduced strategies in 2015 to cultivate hosted in partnership with Talent2. Guest and Head of The Academy Professor James philanthropic leadership and major gift speakers University Vice-President (People Arvanitakis and University researcher support, and also sought financial and other and Advancement) Mr Angelo Kourtis, Grace Micali. Ms Micali talked about how help from alumni. Under the leadership Dean of Social Sciences and Psychology philanthropic support helped her succeed in of the Foundation Council, the University Professor Kevin Dunn and Vice-Chancellor her research. strengthened its culture of philanthropy and University President Professor and drew on its networks to connect During the year, the Office also worked on Barney Glover spoke to Western Sydney with individuals, businesses, trusts and building a culture of philanthropy across the business executives about the University’s foundations, alumni and the broader University. The Office invited the Council leadership role in the region community. for Advancement & Support of Education’s ≥≥ a boardroom lunch for 18 people hosted (CASE’s) internationally recognised In 2015, the prominent business leaders on the by Marsdens Law Group in February to representative Colin McCallum (University Foundation Council were: focus on philanthropic opportunities at the of Salford, UK) to present CASE on Campus. University This one-day, philanthropy-tailored workshop ≥ Mr Danny Gilbert, AM ≥ ≥≥ a private dinner hosted by the Honourable in June attracted 55 senior University staff ≥≥ Professor Peter Shergold, AC Peter Collins, AM and Mrs Jennine including Executive members, deans and ≥≥ Professor Barney Glover Leonarder-Collins for 23 Western senior leaders. The Office also delivered many Sydney industry and local government presentations about scholarships, alumni ≥≥ Mr John Banks leaders in July at Werrington House, relations and fundraising strategies to staff ≥≥ Professor Richard Bawden, AM with guest speaker Chancellor Professor and executives in Schools and Institutes, ≥≥ Mr Mark Bouris, AM Peter Shergold, AC focusing on building including the School of Business External ≥≥ Mr Cameron Clyne awareness and engaging the community in Advisory Panel, the Institute of Infrastructure the University’s scholarship campaign Engineering, and the School of Humanities ≥≥ Mr Matt Graham ≥≥ the Robert Hayes Memorial dinner which and Communication Arts. ≥ Mr Peeyush Gupta ≥ was organised by the Office with the The University is fortunate to have the support ≥≥ Ms Katie Lahey, AM support of Mrs Elayne Hayes. It was held of many generous donors and it increased ≥ Ms Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz at King & Wood Mallesons law firm and ≥ their number in 2015. The following list 81 people attended, raising $14,000 for a ≥≥ Mr Nick Moraitis, AM highlights philanthropic relationships with new scholarship in the School of Law. ≥≥ Ms Pip Marlow* and continuing donors. ≥≥ Mr Harold Mitchell, AC In 2015, the University held stewardship events for existing donors and engaged with MR XIANGMO HUANG ≥≥ Ms Katie Page Western Sydney business and industry. This Businessman and philanthropist Mr Xiangmo ≥≥ Ms Gabrielle Trainor included providing invitations to University Huang pledged $3.5 million to support ≥ Mr Kim Williams, AM events, for example School prize ceremonies, ≥ the establishment of the Australia-China the Whitlam Oration, graduation and * January to October Institute for Arts and Culture at the University. scholarship ceremonies, exhibition openings, The donation will fund a professorial chair Open Fora events, a Sisters of Charity The Office worked with the Foundation supported by two four-year research morning tea with the NSW Governor, and the Council to engage with the corporate and fellowships and a five-year post-doctoral opening of the new Penrith campus library philanthropic sectors, and build relationships fellowship. It will also be used to develop and the Werrington Park Corporate Centre, with alumni and other University associates. It a masters program in Chinese arts and as well as individual donor guest speaking participated in holding functions for industry, literature, with the first students starting in opportunities, meetings, Board meeting community and political leaders to increase 2017. The gift included $500,000 for student presentations, scholarship interviews and awareness of the philanthropic and business scholarships, which will be matched by the fundraising campaign consultations. opportunities at the University. These University. included: The main stewardship event of the year was ≥≥ corporate lunches hosted by Foundation the Donor Thank You function held in April Council Chair Danny Gilbert, AM of Gilbert at the Female Orphan School to recognise
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Community and Regional Engagement
JACKA FOUNDATION OF NATURAL will receive a scholarship and internship that to encourage female participation in the THERAPIES will lead to full-time employment. industry. The Jacka Foundation of Natural Therapies committed to extending its support for the URBANGROWTH AND MASTER OF SIDNEY MYER CREATIVE FELLOWSHIP National Institute of Complementary Medicine PHILOSOPHY Alexis Wright, Research Fellow at the with a $2 million donation in addition to the $2 The University and UrbanGrowth NSW share University’s Writing and Society Research million donated in 2013. The University will use an interest in urban transformation. This year, Centre, was awarded a prestigious $160,000 the donation to appoint a Professorial Chair in UrbanGrowth funded Master of Philosophy two-year Sidney Myer Creative Fellowship Integrative Medicine in 2016. scholarships to research ‘Valuing Diversity in following the University’s nomination and Urban Renewal’ and ‘Rescaling Community support from the Office. HARVEY NORMAN SCHOLARSHIP Engagement for Major Urban Transformation CAMPAIGN Projects’. CENTENARY OF ANZAC GRANT In 2014, Foundation Council member and The Department of Veterans Affairs gave Harvey Norman CEO, Katie Page, offered MARK GRUNDY OESOPHAGEAL CANCER a $90,000 grant from their Saluting Their to support a campaign for University AWARENESS GROUP INC Service Commemorative Grants Programme scholarships with a commitment to fund The Mark Grundy Oesophageal Cancer (Major Commemorative Grants) for an ANZAC at least 10 full degree undergraduate Awareness Group Inc, a not-for-profit group centenary project developed jointly by the scholarships. The scholarships are valued based in Western Sydney, pledged $39,000 Office and the University’s Office of Aboriginal at $7,500 per annum for the duration of the to co-fund a three-year PhD in the School and Torres Strait Islander Employment and degree and are for students from diverse of Medicine to explore mechanisms in the Engagement (OATSIEE). OATSIEE will run the and/or disadvantaged backgrounds who gut that lead to oesophageal cancer, in the project, ‘Sharing the Spirit of the ANZACS demonstrate academic potential. hope of developing early diagnostic tools, – Celebrating Australia’s Aboriginal Military prevention strategies and more effective History’, and produce a documentary and In 2015, the Harvey Norman Scholarship treatments. website about the involvement of Indigenous Campaign raised $300,000 pledged from Australians in Australia’s wartime history. 34 new donors drawn from Harvey Norman’s suppliers, realising 13 new scholarships. APPEAL FOR HAWKESBURY CAMPUS In addition, Harvey Norman ran a media SCHOLARSHIPS AND PRIZES VINCENT FAIRFAX FAMILY FOUNDATION campaign to promote the University, including The Hawkesbury Alumni Chapter held a The Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation is a issuing press releases and advertising on radio lunch at NSW Parliament House in July to long-time supporter of the University through and television, and using in-store activation. raise funds for scholarships and prizes for its endowment of the Chair in Sustainable The majority of the campaign, worth more the Hawkesbury campus. John B Fairfax, AO Agriculture at the Hawkesbury campus. This than $150,000, ran during 20–21 February and and George Bennett, a long-time friend of year, the foundation also donated $50,000 for featured the 13 recipients of a Harvey Norman the Hawkesbury campus, donated $7,500. student internships and a project to establish Scholarship. This support and other donations by the the first Australian university chapter of the Hawkesbury Alumni Chapter have funded Youth Food Movement. To celebrate the 1PSQ SUPPORTING SCHOLARSHIPS AT scholarships for nursing and agriculture at the launch of this chapter, University agriculture WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY Hawkesbury campus, which will be awarded in students conceived and delivered a ‘One 2016. The appeal also funded a postgraduate Mile’ dinner for 40 community guests at the The new Parramatta CBD campus is being prize for the Hawkesbury Institute for the Hawkesbury campus. ABC celebrity gardener built in the Parramatta Square development Environment, which was awarded to Danielle Costa Georgiadis delivered a motivational and is a focus for supplier and supporter Creek for her project ‘Living with Drought: speech promoting sustainable food activity. Leighton Properties pledged Adaptive Responses of Eucalyptus Species to production. $325,000 for scholarships and this year Water Deficit’. awarded the first five scholarships – three for students studying a Bachelor of Business ORDER OF AUSTRALIA ASSOCIATION (Property) and two for students studying a MACQUARIE TELECOM AND CYBER FOUNDATION Bachelor of Construction Management. SECURITY For the first time, the Order of Australia Macquarie Telecom has funded two Association Foundation funded a prestigious Charter Hall, which is financing the building scholarships in cyber security to improve skills $40,000 scholarship for a top Bachelor of and is already a prize donor to the School in the industry and to support the Australian Business student. Scholarship interviews were of Business, launched the Charter Hall Government’s Cyber Security Strategy. The conducted in late 2015 and the foundation’s Scholarship Program at the University in 2015. scholarships, which will begin in 2016, aim National Selection Committee made the One male and one female property student
64 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
final selection. The scholarship, which will ≥≥ Blackmores Ltd pledged $320,000 over BEQUESTS begin in 2016, will be officially presented at a three years for research at the National A bequest is a gift of an asset, money or prestigious awards function in March 2016. Institute of Complementary Medicine. other right arising under a will, intestacy or ≥≥ An anonymous donor gave $75,000 to settlement, which can have a great impact COMMUNITY CRICKET DAY WITH BRIAN support gastrointestinal motility research over time. During 2015, the bequest program LARA by the School of Medicine. engaged with alumni, current and former In April, The Office held a University ≥≥ The Honourable Helen Sham-Ho, OAM staff members, existing donors, the broader Community Cricket Day featuring cricketing donated $10,000 for an endowed student community, parents of students, solicitors, great, Brian Lara, who batted for both the prize in policing. accountants and public trustees, and private trusts and foundations with a view student and staff teams, signed University ≥≥ An anonymous donor gave $50,000 to increasing the number of bequestors to merchandise, and mixed with the participants over five years for an accommodation the University. The University made several and spectators. More than 1,000 people, scholarship for an Aboriginal or Torres presentations to Western Sydney law firms including alumni, University students and Strait Islander student studying medicine. staff, Western Sydney primary school and societies, and to community groups ≥≥ The Australian Turf Club pledged $30,000 students, donors, friends, University charity such as Rotary Clubs and the Zonta Club. In for a scholarship for a student studying partners, and local police, ambulance and addition, the Office and the School of Law at business or tourism. Lions Club members attended. the Parramatta campus conducted an Asset ≥≥ The GPT Group gave $32,000 for Protection and Estate Management seminar scholarships and internships for two third- in October to promote bequests, which REFUGEE SCHOLARSHIP CAMPAIGN year Bachelor of Business (Property) University alumni and staff attended – and it The University launched the Refugee students, and scholarships and internships encouraged positive discussions. Scholarship Campaign in 2015, establishing for two Aboriginal and Torres Strait the fund with a $500,000 contribution, which Islander students. FORMER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT community and staff then topped up. The first ≥≥ The Sisters of Charity Foundation pledged PLEDGED TO LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY scholarships will be awarded in 2016. another $30,000 for a second scholarship, A stipend scholarship helped Professor in addition to an existing scholarship. Margaret Vickers complete her PhD at the OTHER MAJOR GIFTS: ≥≥ The Hawker Foundation increased its University in 1998. She began her university ≥≥ Rotary Clubs across Western Sydney support of the Professor Ross Hawker studies, aged 21, when she realised her typist’s continued to support students and Scholarship for a student studying medicine. pay was not enough to live on. She was one of research, with the Rotary Club of Narellan ≥≥ The Medich Foundation gave $10,000 for a only 11 students graduating in 1987 from the confirming another three years of funding Bachelor of Medical Research scholarship. fledgling Bachelor of Business (Computing for molecular medicine research ($40,000 and Information Systems) at the then Nepean ≥≥ The Australian Rotary Health Research p.a.) and medical student scholarships College of Advanced Education, now part of Foundation pledged $10,000 for a rural ($30,000 p.a.). ADCO Constructions, Western Sydney University. clinical placement scholarship. Narellan Town Centre, Mainbrace Constructions, TRN Group and Gunlake ≥≥ The L&M Cowan Foundation made a new Her life changed when she crossed paths Concrete all made contributions. The gift of $6,000 for the continuation of PhD with a former lecturer who told her about Rotary Club of Padstow pledged $6,000 to candidate Ms Grace Micali’s research into a tutoring role at the University. That job support two student prizes for academic eradicating golden staph. turned into a role as a lecturer and led her to excellence over three years in social work, ≥≥ The Bennelong Foundation continued its complete a PhD in Commerce, and she is now and the Rotary Club of Carlingford pledged funding with another $10,000 donation for an accomplished academic. Her intention for $4,000 over two years for new prizes in a scholarship for a second-year student in her bequest is to provide two ongoing stipend nursing, midwifery, civil engineering and the School of Business. scholarships for research students with a disability or chronic illness. accounting. ≥≥ The Hawkesbury Foundation donated ≥≥ Mr Bob Ingham donated $170,000 for the $50,000 for the School of Science and Prostate Cancer Research Team’s research Health’s Vincent Fairfax Eco Systems GIFTS IN HONOUR OR IN MEMORY and for Bachelor of Medical Research Project and $10,000 to the EA Southee Associate Professor Beth Southwell was an scholarships. Memorial Scholarship. inspiring educator, who was committed to ≥≥ Existing donors Dr Darleen Bungey and ≥≥ Ongoing support for scholarships was opportunity and excellence. She worked for Ms Geraldine Brooks and new donor Ms received from Blacktown City Council the University from 1972 until her death in Gloria Brooks endowed a $35,000 prize for ($30,000), Campbelltown City Council 2007. Through gifts from alumni, staff and literature. ($25,000), Hawkesbury City Council friends, the newly created Beth Southwell ($15,000) and Penrith City Council ($15,000). Memorial Prize will support education
westernsydney.edu.au 65 ANNUAL REPORT 2015
SUMMARY 2015
Donation and sponsorship income $4,656,134 Number of contributors 764 Donations from new donors $1,641,471 Number of new donors 413 Donor-supported scholarships awarded 110 Donor-supported prizes awarded 170 Number of staff givers 410 Contribution by staff givers $243,565 Number of alumni 162,817 Number of new graduates in 2015 8,177
students. In memory of Professor Southwell’s ALUMNI-STUDENT ENGAGEMENT event surveys confirmed that alumni want the passion and dedication, the prize recognises University to facilitate networking. The Office The Office worked hard in 2015 to engage final year education students with outstanding supported alumni group and School-based with students before they became alumni. performance in Secondary Mathematics. alumni events, including the Hawkesbury It participated in international student Alumni Chapter lunch and the School of Social orientations and farewells, on-campus Sciences and Psychology alumni events. For STAFF GIVING Student Services fairs, Campus Living social the first time, a small gathering was held events and the University Open Day to To support the University’s mission to make for Melbourne-based alumni, which helped reinforce the benefits of staying connected sure students succeed, the Office works to prominent graduates connect with each other. increase the number of scholarships available with the University after graduation. for deserving students. In 2015, the Office International events included two alumni Alumni volunteers have also been interacting appealed to University staff to join the Staff dinners in China in the first half of the year and with students through the Social Engagement Giving program. The program, which supports a cocktail party in Singapore. Alumni events and Leadership Program for international and Western Sydney University Community were also held in Vietnam and Hong Kong domestic students and through the LEAD Scholarships, was extended to include in partnership with the University’s offshore Conference run by the SSS team. In addition, new postgraduate research scholarships providers. The Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor prominent alumni have addressed a number of and scholarships for refugee students. The and other Executive staff attended many of graduation ceremonies throughout the year. University matches staff donations, doubling the overseas alumni events over the year. the benefit to students. The Dean of Medicine hosted two alumni ALUMNI COMMUNICATIONS AND EVENTS dinners in North America – in Toronto, Canada Staff Giving enables academic and professional Contact with alumni has continued to grow and in New York, US – which provided great staff to contribute to scholarships through over the last 12 months. The Office attends opportunities to reconnect with alumni who fortnightly payroll donations. At the beginning all graduation days to welcome new alumni have not been on campus in some time. of the appeal in October, about 180 staff to the community and to ensure that the members participated in the Staff Giving University is able to stay in touch. This year, program. At the end of the appeal on 1 ALUMNI EXCELLENCE AND ACHIEVEMENT for the first time, the University achieved 100 December, more than 400 staff members were The Western Sydney University Alumni Awards per cent new graduate sign-up to the alumni giving regularly, placing the University among were launched in late 2015 to allow the University program during the September graduations, the top performing universities in the country to recognise the achievements of some of its and gathered email addresses for 26.5 per in the area of workplace giving in support most inspiring alumni. Nominations were open cent of alumni overall. of students. The number of staff-supported to all University alumni across eight categories. scholarships available for students has The GradLife magazine, which was distributed A judging panel, chaired by the Chancellor, will significantly increased – staff donations and the to contactable alumni and staff twice in 2015, convene in February to consider nominations associated matched funding will support up to profiled the stories of high-achieving alumni and select winners. An event to recognise award 10 new community scholarships in 2016. and key University activities. The University winners will be held in March 2016. increased engagement with young alumni Alumni excellence has also been recognised in ALUMNI GIVING by developing and promoting the GradLife nominations for international alumni awards, App, and through social media channels. Alumni continued to donate gifts without such as those hosted by the Australia China The Office also began distributing to alumni direct appeal activity. In 2015, more than Alumni Association (ACAA) and similar the quarterly GradBytes e-newsletter, which $30,000 was donated, with the majority international associations. In 2015, graduate includes stories and information on University going towards scholarships and prizes. Mr Jin Kong, Deputy Director of Group events. Communications in the second International Engineering at CPA Australia, half of the year focused on the University’s was a finalist for the ACAA Banking and DONOR-FUNDED PRIZES new brand identity, with a lot of positive Finance Award, and Mr Vikas Punjabi, founder Prizes for academic excellence allow the feedback, particularly regarding the television of The Chocolate Room, received the Victorian University to recognise its most talented commercials about successful alumni. State Government Award for Outstanding students. In 2015, the prizes program grew Achievement in Food, Travel and Leisure. A to deliver 170 prizes worth $128,000. More Social and professional networking events number of alumni were also recognised in the than 200 donors contributed, including have been held for alumni both domestically Australia Day and Queen’s Birthday honours individual supporters, community groups and and internationally. The new GradLife Series lists in 2015 and the Office arranged for the businesses. events were launched in 2015 with one event held in Rydalmere and one in the Sydney CBD. Vice-Chancellor to congratulate them on their Both events were well received and post- achievements.
66 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
NUMBER OF WEB SESSIONS GROWTH IN 2015 IN SOCIAL MEDIA BY COUNTRY FOLLOWER NUMBERS
1. Australia with 93.4 per cent of all sessions AS AT 9 FEBRUARY 2016 INCREASE ON PREVIOUS YEAR (%) Facebook 116,733 168.89 2. India with 0.95 per cent of all sessions Twitter (News) 7,045 13.92 3. US with 0.80 per cent of all sessions Twitter UWS 4,000 104.92 4. UK with 0.45 per cent of all sessions YouTube 2,354 103.63 5. China with 0.30 per cent of all sessions Instagram 5,707 208.65 LinkedIn Uni 69,367 16.95 LinkedIn Company 10,317 40.87 Google+ 245 58.06
OFFICE OF MARKETING AND with many internal and external clients to The Events team manages the many corporate refine the new branding for digital expression. events, official openings, public relations COMMUNICATION Coordinating the content updates, design programs and VIP visits hosted by the changes, domain management and cutover University and the Vice-Chancellor’s office. The Office of Marketing and Communication on Open Day was a big challenge for the team, builds and protects the image, positioning and which delivered an exceptional result. In 2015, the Events team successfully delivered branding of the University. almost 50 corporate events. The Unit achieved this while also running two We integrate communication and branding web forums, rolling out upgraded Google Major functions included the annual Women activities performed by the Internal search appliances and fulfilling all the regular of the West/International Women’s Day Communications, Web Services, iMedia and demands of a major university website. event; a visit by the Foreign Minister, The Design, Media and Public Relations, Print Hon. Julie Bishop and Member for Lindsay, Services and Brand departments. We also In 2015, the University’s website received The Hon. Fiona Scott, to meet students drive activities across media, social media and three million hits per month. The traffic from participating in the New Colombo Plan internal communications. new visitors was down slightly compared with initiative; the GWS Giants season launch previous years, matching a sector-wide trend, hosted at the Parramatta campus; the official The Brand and Identity project to refresh the but overall it was up 9 per cent. opening of the Werrington Park Corporate University brand was launched at Open Day in Centre; the Sydney Business Chamber Airport 2015, the culmination of two years of strategy SOCIAL MEDIA Symposium; the annual Yarramundi Lecture; development and planning. The project, and the ever-popular annual Ramadan Iftar which was co-lead by the Director, Office of The Office is trying to grow the University’s event, attended by more than 300 guests. Marketing and Communications, and the Pro social media channel following by improving Vice-Chancellor (Students), has generated its reach and boosting engagement. In November, the Events team organised a pride among students, alumni and staff. The visit to the University by the Prime Minister, supporting ‘Unlimited’ campaign has laid a Our channel growth continued to improve, The Hon. Malcolm Turnbull, to take part in strong foundation for challenging incorrect with increases of 259 per cent on Facebook, the National Innovation Roundtable at the perceptions of the University, and the film 142 per cent on Twitter and 298 per cent on Werrington Park Corporate Centre. The event about law graduate Deng Adut has been a Instagram compared to the previous year. Our brought together business, government and global hit, with more than 5 million views on Facebook page reach improved by 495 per academic leaders to discuss ways to invest in social media. The campaign, which is being cent and engagement was up 1,248 per cent, research, skills training and business support lauded for a range of awards, is considered largely due to wide interest in our rebrand to supercharge Australia’s economy in the one of the world’s most powerful higher and Bystander Anti-Racism campaigns. The digital age. education marketing messages ever delivered. Deng Adut video, in particular, created a lot of positive engagement across our own and The Media Unit helped generate more than A key focus in 2016 will be the ongoing external social media channels. 34,000 media items in 2015. In terms of delivery of the three-year brand project with a audience and circulation, the University range of strategic and operational activities in In addition, our Facebook page engagement reached more than 310 million people, making paid, earned and owned media. rate is still growing, averaging 7.07 per cent it the third most watched, read or listened in 2015, which is more than 3 percentage to university in NSW, behind University of points higher than in 2014. This is higher than WEB SERVICES Sydney and University of New South Wales. that of other industries with similar page The Web Services Unit manages the follower numbers and is also higher than the Media Unit research stories that generated corporate website, the University’s leading University’s key competitors. significant coverage across print, radio, communications channel. Our team works television and the internet in 2015 included closely with management and stakeholders MEDIA AND EVENTS the launch of Western Sydney University’s from all areas of the University, to produce a WomSAT app; University researchers’ The Media Unit is responsible for media web presence that meets the needs of staff attempts to protect the threatened Bellinger relations and reputation management across and students, enhances the University’s River Turtle from extinction; research into the the University. The Unit drives coverage of the reputation and grows enrolments. links between geography and chronic illness University in local, national and international such as diabetes; research into the impact media, sourcing stories, writing media releases In 2015, our key project was the rebranding a cancer diagnosis has on patients’ sexual and news copy, managing the News Centre of the 146 websites that make up our public relationships; research by the Institute for and liaising with journalists on a daily basis. online presence. The web team managed Culture and Society into Sydney’s Chinatown more than 30 individual projects and worked precinct; and research by the Hawkesbury
westernsydney.edu.au 67 ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Community and Regional Engagement
Institute for the Environment revealing that INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS Yammer communication within the School of open-cut mines can affect groundwater and Science and Health. Internal Communications provides high- the trees that rely on it within a radius of level strategic internal communications several kilometres from the mines. The Student Communication Framework consultation, advice and support to staff was approved by the University Executive across the University, helping them to The University once again participated in in August 2015. This framework aims for a communicate effectively with each other and the Daily Telegraph’s Fair Go for the West more strategic and coordinated approach students. campaign. The campaign ran throughout to student communications across the February and March in the lead-up to the University. Student Communications within The team develops and delivers NSW State election. Along with a number of Internal Communications will coordinate its communications plans and strategies for editorial pieces featuring the University, we introduction in 2016. University operations, projects and initiatives. also hosted the leaders’ debate featuring Mike In 2015, communication plans were used for Baird and Luke Foley at our Penrith campus. Internal Communications also supported a number of major projects including the several staff events, including the live- 2015 MyVoice Staff Engagement Survey and The University’s new identity, which was streamed ‘State of the University’ address by the University’s new brand. The University officially launched on 30 August, also Professor Glover in June, the live-streamed achieved an 86 per cent response rate for generated both significant media coverage Budget Forum in November and the Campus the MyVoice Survey, and feedback from staff and community interest throughout the Planning Forum at Penrith campus in members indicated improvements in senior year, particularly the television commercials November. management communication since 2012. that featured University graduates. The ad During the rebrand, Internal Communications featuring Mr Adut generated an extraordinary established a Staff Brand Ambassador amount of attention globally, and was the THE WHITLAM INSTITUTE program to engage staff and support units subject of immense media coverage and social and Schools in implementing the brand media activity. The Whitlam Institute within the University changes. is a dynamic public policy institute that Other corporate media activities included commemorates – and is inspired by – the life The team also manages a number of internal the University’s ongoing development of the and work of The Hon. Gough Whitlam, AC, communications channels (broadcast email, One Parramatta Square high-rise campus; QC. It pursues the causes he championed and E-update, Yammer, Staff News and digital Vice-Chancellor Professor Barney Glover’s is guided by the principles upon which his screen advertisements) and provides content appointment as chair of Universities Australia parliamentary career and years of service to for several student communications channels and his address to the National Press Club the people of Australia were founded. (Western Central, vUWS and social media). of Australia; the announcement that the During 2015, IT&DS and CW&F installed digital University will establish a Higher Education The ‘three great aims’ that drove the Whitlam screens at the Parramatta and Kingswood Learning Centre in the heart of Liverpool; the Program of 1972 guide the Whitlam Institute. campuses as part of a network that will announcement of the University’s $500,000 They are: provide a valuable student communications Refugee Scholarship Fund; the NSW channel on campus. Internal Communications Government’s appointment of Chancellor ≥≥ to promote equality manages the content, which includes essential Professor Peter Shergold, AC to the role ≥≥ to involve the people of Australia in the student messages and strategic University of NSW Coordinator General of Refugee decision-making processes of our land messages. Resettlement; and the Advancing Community ≥≥ to liberate the talents and uplift the Cohesion conference hosted by the University. Membership of the University’s Yammer horizons of the Australian people. network continued growing during 2015. In addition to generating media coverage, Several live ‘Ask the VC’ and ‘Ask the The Institute was established as an the Media team also continued focusing on Executive’ Yammer chats were held, covering incorporated entity under an agreement expanding its coverage of the University’s topics such as internationalising the University, between the University and Mr Whitlam in ‘owned’ media channels, including the News global rankings, the new brand, and higher 2000. The Institute bridges the historical Centre and social media channels. education and research policy. Internal legacy of Mr Whitlam’s years in public life and the contemporary relevance of his work on The Media team’s ongoing social media Communications introduced Yammer training public discourse and policy. activity increased the number of ‘Western for staff members in April. In July, IT&DS News’ Twitter Feed followers to more than transitioned the University to the Enterprise 7,000. version of Yammer. Internal Communications is now responsible for its administering and reporting functions. In November, Internal Communications developed a plan to support
68 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
MANAGEMENT back of traditional lands to the Gurindji The Institute mounted a full calendar of people, the establishment of the Law Reform public events covering a diverse range of The Whitlam Institute is a separate entity Commission and ‘the Dismissal’. The Institute issues, with prominent speakers including US within the University. A company established was involved in marking these anniversaries Consul General Hugo Llorens speaking on through a Deed of Trust guides the use of and published, in conjunction with the Centre the clean-tech revolution; panels discussing funds collected for the Institute’s work. The for Media History, Gough Whitlam, Double Australia’s security legislation and the Board of Directors, the members of which act J and the Youth Radio Revolution by Dr Liz politics of the death penalty; and Stephen as Trustees, oversees the Trust. Giuffre under the Institute’s ‘Whitlam Legacy’ FitzGerald speaking on his memoir Comrade The Whitlam Institute Board is politically series. Ambassador: Whitlam’s Beijing Envoy. bipartisan and consists of leaders in academia, Dr Kristen Rundle was appointed as a Whitlam business, government and community WHITLAM INSTITUTE PROGRAM Institute Fellow in 2015, following the 2014 organisations. The Board participates in The Whitlam Institute’s public policy research appointment of Professor Hocking as the the strategic development of the Institute. program and related activity has continued inaugural Whitlam Institute Distinguished The current Chair is the Hon. John Faulkner. to grow. Fellow. Indicative of the importance the University attaches to the Whitlam Institute, the Vice- Public policy research activity includes: Chancellor is a member of the Board ex office. EDUCATION AND OUTREACH PROGRAM ≥≥ the ongoing and substantial Human Rights The Institute runs a diverse program of The Whitlam Institute is led by Director Eric and Public Life program led by Professor education and community activities. Sidoti. Its small secretariat is committed to Anna Yeatman, Professorial Research Its Schools Program has a strong civics the highest quality in all its activity, whether Fellow at the Institute orientation across colonial history, heritage policy and research work, outreach activity, ≥≥ policy essays addressing historical aspects and contemporary democratic history, public information programs or events. of the Whitlam program (published under systems and institutions. The community the ‘Whitlam Legacy’ series) and areas of activities include heritage tours, historical WHITLAM PRIME MINISTERIAL COLLECTION contemporary policy relevance (published insights and curatorial lectures. The Whitlam family donated several thousand under the ‘Perspectives’ series) Alongside these more formal activities, the additional items to the Institute’s Prime ≥≥ longer term research projects – most Institute holds regular weekend open days Ministerial Collection following Mr Whitlam’s notably, those on the effect of high-stakes for the public and, for the first time this year, death on 21 October 2014. This saw the testing on school students and on political opened its doors for ‘Christmas at the Female collection expand to more than 35,000 participation by younger Australians Orphan School’ on the evening of Friday 4 items, making it one of the more significant ≥≥ public seminars, forums and talks. December. collections in the country due both to the importance of individual items (such as the In the first major event of 2015, Mr Graham While thousands of people engage with original ‘letter of dismissal’ and Mr Whitlam’s Freudenberg, AM, author and political the Institute’s events on-site at the Female logbooks) and its comprehensiveness. speechwriter for the Australian Labor Party, Orphan School, the program extends more delivered the Commemorative Gough broadly to include public events in central The collection is an important and freely Whitlam Oration to a packed St Kilda Town Sydney, Parramatta and interstate. In available resource for students, researchers, Hall in Melbourne on 4 March. addition, a wealth of materials is available on journalists and the public. The process the Institute’s website and from extensive of indexing, coding and digitising the A central feature of the Institute’s public publications. documentary materials continues. policy work is the Human Rights and Public Life program. In August, the Institute once The annual ‘What Matters?’ school essay In addition to the permanent exhibition, again held an international Whitlam Workshop writing competition set a record in 2015, A Changing Australia: The Time of Gough on ‘Reclaiming the Public’, which attracted receiving more than 3,700 entries from 258 Whitlam, other items from the collection were leading international and Australian scholars. schools. displayed on open days at the Institute; for In addition, a major one-day public forum on VIP visits including international delegations; ‘Gough Whitlam and the Social Democratic in conjunction with the Schools Program; THE FEMALE ORPHAN SCHOOL Imagination’ was held in November with and to supplement relevant exhibitions in the leading public intellectuals including Professor This magnificent 1813 building houses the Margaret Whitlam Galleries. Mick Dodson, the Hon. Barry Jones, Professor Whitlam Prime Ministerial Collection, a reading Jenny Hocking and Mr Freudenberg. The room, a permanent exhibition (A Changing A number of notable 40th anniversaries were Institute also published two volumes of Australia: The Time of Gough Whitlam), a marked in 2015, including the passing of the ‘working papers’ in 2015. dedicated learning space for the Institute’s Racial Discrimination Act 1975, the handing
westernsydney.edu.au 69 ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Community and Regional Engagement
developing Education and Outreach program, During 2015, The College experienced the Margaret Whitlam Galleries, seminar and significant (36 per cent) growth in its function spaces, a visitor information centre Academic Pathways Program, offset by a and the secretariat. small decline in the English program. As a result, overall student numbers now exceed In 2015, as part of the Schools program, 8,742 3,700. Apart from planning and operating a people visited the Female Orphan School to multi-campus environment, other significant see the Institute’s exhibitions, either as part achievements made over the last 12 months of the Schools Program, with community tour include: groups, or while participating in seminars, workshops or public forums. ≥≥ a change of leadership, with Professor Greg Whateley appointed as Dean of The College THE COLLEGE ≥≥ renaming of the UWSCollege Board to the UWS Enterprises Board Western Sydney University, The College is a not-for-profit company wholly owned ≥≥ introducing the four-term diploma by the University. The strategic purpose of ≥≥ opening a new building on the University’s The College is to provide quality academic Kingswood campus pathways to Western Sydney University ≥≥ Hosting more than 1,000 students in for Australian and international students, academic literacy support short courses complemented by various English language ≥≥ seeking Engineers Australia accreditation and other professional and community for the Associate Degree in Engineering programs. ≥≥ developing online courses in all discipline Created in 2006, The College has its areas antecedents in English language and ≥≥ becoming the largest International English foundation studies programs offered by Language Testing System test centre in various University schools and entities since Australia the 1980s. ≥≥ signing memoranda of understanding with Deloitte Australia’s Financial Services team and the NSW Department of Justice.
70 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Management and Resources
OFFICE OF PEOPLE AND HR STRATEGY AND SERVICES HRSS Projects CULTURE HR Strategy and Services (HRSS) is The project to convert paper-based forms to responsible for delivering HR operational online format continued throughout 2015. services and program initiatives at the UNIVERSITY STAFF PROFILE University, including payroll, Human Other key activities during 2015 included: There were 2,579.39 full-time equivalent staff Resources Information Systems, ≥≥ implementing full electronic onboarding members in ongoing and fixed-term positions administration of superannuation, applications for all new ongoing and limited-term staff as at 31 March 2015. for academic promotions, and staff scholarships and awards. The Recruitment members The Office of People and Culture (OPC) is team and was merged with the HR Strategy & ≥≥ scoping and initiating the ‘Casual responsible for developing and implementing Services team early in 2015. Employment Process Improvement online’ strategically aligned and effective human project Key events organised by HRSS included the resource policies, practices and services for ≥≥ achieving a significant reduction in the 4th Annual Professoriate Dinner, attended employees and managers. OPC works in University’s excess annual leave liability partnership with the Schools, Institutes and by over 80 members of the University ≥≥ scoping and initiating the ‘Refresh’ Divisions, and with University management, to professoriate, and the 6th Annual University academic career development pathways achieve the University’s strategic goals. Professional Staff Conference, with 16 staff presentations and over 350 professional project OPC supports the University in the following staff members attending. The University is a ≥≥ merging the UWS College HR unit into the areas: sector leader in supporting these innovative HR S&S partnership teams approaches to bringing together staff ≥≥ scoping and initiating the transition of the ≥≥ HR strategy and services members from the various disciplines and UWS Connect payroll to Alesco (WSU ≥≥ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander portfolio areas. payroll system). employment and engagement Academic Development Program ACADEMIC PROMOTIONS ≥≥ Organisational development During 2015, applications for the Academic ≥≥ Recruitment The 2015 round of academic promotions Development Program (ADP) were called for in attracted 68 applications. The applications ≥≥ Work, health and safety two rounds. The ADP allows our academic staff were considered by the Academic Promotions ≥≥ Workplace relations and organisational to undertake a sustained period of academic Committees established under the provisions design. development (up to 22 weeks) to pursue of the Academic Promotions Policies, with 45 research; to acquire new skills and knowledge applicants gaining promotion. In 2014, OPC continued to implement the Our that can be applied to their teaching; or People staffing plan, including undertaking to develop ongoing partnerships with significant work in the areas of workforce international and national collaborators and/or planning; electronic onboarding, orientation industry that will benefit the University. Eleven and induction; and academic careers and academics were successful in Round 1 and will development. undertake the ADP in the first half of 2016, and 22 were successful in Round 2 and will be undertaking it in the second half of 2016.
STAFF PROFILE
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Academic (levels A–E) 875.74 871.51 881.28 782.40 850.92 946.10 992.22 1,005.35 990.34 990.85 General (levels 1–9) 1,084.48 1,026.67 1,119.02 1,080.16 1,116.98 1,253.90 1,230.82 1,313.77 1,441.18 1,437.94 Senior (above Academic 84.40 117.70 138.60 107.70 104.40 114.60 139.8 111.00 156.00 150.60 Level E or General Level 9)
These figures do not include casuals and are a snapshot of data as at 31 March 2015.
westernsydney.edu.au 71 ANNUAL REPORT 2015
ACADEMIC PROMOTIONS
LEVEL APPLICATIONS SUCCESSFUL Total Male Female Total Male Female B 7 3 4 7 3 4 C 30 15 15 19 9 10 D 22 14 8 13 6 7 E 9 3 6 6 2 4 Total 68 35 33 45 20 25
ORGANISATIONAL The need for career development resources writing and administration; and project and information was also highlighted in the management. In 2015, 68 early- and mid- DEVELOPMENT MyVoice Staff Engagement Survey results. career academics participated in the The project has introduced a suite of career blended learning program. The Office of Organisational Development development resources, workshops and (OD) provides strategic advice and support activities to support academic staff members There are also a number of programs that for University-wide initiatives. It oversees a and their supervisors. enhance leadership and staff capabilities: suite of professional and career development programs and activities that support There are several key programs that support ≥≥ The Inspire Leadership Program is organisational growth, strengthen leadership academic career development: designed to develop and enhance the and professional capabilities, enhance career leadership skills and capabilities of development and foster a collaborative ≥≥ The Foundations of University Learning academic and professional managers. learning culture. and Teaching Program (FULT) is a Since 2010, more than 300 managers have professional development program for participated in the program, including 36 From January to mid-November 2015, the new teaching staff, aimed at encouraging supervisors and managers who completed Office coordinated and/or delivered more student-focused teaching, helping staff leadership projects in the workplace in than 369 courses and 286 online modules. A engage students in learning, and aligning 2015. total of 3,606 enrolments from staff members teaching and reflective practice with the ≥≥ Since 2007, 28 Certificate IV in Frontline were received for the following program scholarship of learning and teaching. Four Management, Certificate IV in Training and streams: FULT programs were held in 2015, with 72 Assessment, and Diploma of Management academic staff participating. programs have been held, with 443 ≥≥ Career Development: 1,098 (31 per cent of ≥≥ A number of academic mentoring participants. In 2015, 10 staff members enrolments) programs are offered for early- to mid- gained qualifications in Certificate IV. ≥≥ Leadership and Management: 932 (26 per career academic staff, and provide a Participants are required to complete cent) unique opportunity for staff members work-based projects and activities. ≥≥ Computer Software and Systems Training: to broaden their knowledge, skills and ≥≥ The Compass Program is about supporting 520 (14 per cent) experience. Since 2010, over 200 academic and guiding staff members to navigate ≥≥ Organisational Knowledge and Policies: staff members have participated as various career pathways and development 589 (16 per cent) mentors and mentees. In 2015, 38 staff opportunities, and to plan their work (19 mentoring pairs) participated in the ≥≥ Diversity and Wellbeing: 295 (8 per cent) in alignment with the Securing Success nine-month Academic Mentoring Program. strategy and goals. The University uses an ≥≥ Internal Consultancies: 172 (5 per cent). Twelve early-career female researchers online system for monitoring and reporting participated in Speed Mentoring with on performance. In 2014–15, performance In addition, the take-up of online learning the Executive, and 69 early-career reviews were completed for 87 per cent of has increased, with 12,941 online modules academics participated in Campus-based the staff. completed. Speed Mentoring with members of the ≥≥ The Creating a Positive Culture Program professoriate. These short, intensive OD also provides an internal consultancy introduces the core concepts of positive ‘speed’ mentoring sessions enable service to Schools and Divisions to coordinate psychology to promote flourishing mentees to gain valuable career guidance. and/or facilitate planning days, team-building and wellbeing, resilience and optimal The Executive and professoriate also activities, customised training, coaching and functioning in the workplace. The program learn about the specific challenges and career advice. aligns with Securing Success Goal 6 experiences of early-career academics at (developing a culture of adaptability the University. KEY PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS and flexibility), the Our People Staffing ≥≥ Early Career Academics (ECA) Campus- Plan (recognising and valuing staff) The Academic Careers and Development based Network Forums enable peer and the MyVoice Staff Engagement Project focuses on the development and networking across disciplines and Schools, results (to increase staff engagement, implementation of the Academic Capabilities and provide vital support for early-career promote a positive workplace culture and Performance Expectations Frameworks, academics in developing their careers. In and improve cross-unit collaboration and to build an innovative, flexible, responsive 2015, 95 academics participated in the communication). The initiative started with and high-performing academic workforce. network forums. a pilot program in late 2013, and so far 210 The project recognises the different career ≥≥ The Future Research Leaders Program academic and professional staff members profiles, pathways and development and (FRLP) supports early-career researchers and senior managers from the Schools and progression needs of academic staff, to develop their capabilities in relation to Divisional Units have participated. beginning with early-career academics. financial management and reporting; grant
72 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
DATA AT A GLANCE
Between January and December 2015, there were 1,732 requests for recruitment under the following categories:
WORKFORCE SEGMENT REQUISITIONS: JANUARY–DECEMBER Academic full time 199 Academic part time 38 Professional full time 550 Professional part time 45 Nominations – academic full time 272 Nominations – academic part time 42 Nominations – professional full time 185 Nominations – professional part time 40 Honorary appointments 361 Total transactions finalised in 2014 1,732
COMPARATIVE INCIDENTS/ACCIDENTS AND CLAIMS AT WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Incidents/accidents 479.00 478.00 525.00 475.00 585.00 Claims 58.00 54.00 50.00 26.00 35.00 Frequency rate 6.79 5.45 5.07 3.59 3.70 Incident rate 0.51 0.43 0.36 0.26 0.27 Average lost time (days) 23.54 9.13 18.89 14.09 7.24
Note: 2015 figures are year-to-date as at 31 December 2015.
Each year, the Vice-Chancellor convenes two and satisfaction with the University’s progress WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY major conferences at the University: increased 10 points to 65 per cent. As a result, the University was awarded second place in The focus for Work Health and Safety (WHS) ≥≥ The Senior Management Conference the Voice Project Change Challenge Awards, during 2015 was to further enhance the level was held in June 2015, with the theme of for the second-highest positive change from of engagement in building WHS into the ‘Securing Success through Leadership and one survey to the next. Innovation.’ It was attended by more than University’s core business. The approach 63 senior staff members, who engaged in As a result of the survey, a number of of integrating WHS into the business fabric strategic conversations around the future recommendations were made for areas of of the organisation has proven successful, of the teaching and learning program, improvement and discussions were held with with greater levels of accountability and developing the new brand strategy, and deans, directors and staff in the Schools, responsibility being demonstrated. The WHS innovation in research and engagement. Institutes and Divisions to identify areas for Unit ensures the University complies with development and create action plans at the local WHS legislation, helping to make it a safe ≥≥ The University’s Quality Forum was held in place to work and study. November 2015, with the theme ‘Quality in level for implementation over the next year. a Distinctively Student-Centred University’. In response to reported lower levels of The Unit continued to help management and The forum provided an opportunity for engagement by academic staff at levels B staff establish a culture that encourages every over 130 academic and professional staff and C, the Vice-Chancellor hosted campus- person to work and study in a safe manner members to engage in discussions about based discussion forums from late July to and to care for the health and safety of other quality in relation to students, learning and early August with over 80 academic staff from people and the environment. teaching, and research, with a focus on data, levels A to E, to understand and address the service and outputs. There was a significant increase in the issues experienced by staff. The next MyVoice completion rates of mandatory training and Staff Engagement Survey will be held in 2017. MYVOICE: STAFF ENGAGEMENT WHS modules during 2015. This suggests there is greater awareness of the modules, as well as The 2015, the MyVoice Staff Engagement greater willingness to increase WHS compliance. Survey elicited a very strong response, RECRUITMENT with 86 per cent of the staff taking the There has been continued effective Recruitment manages all aspects of the opportunity to have their say. The University management of high-risk areas such as recruiting process for business units at the achieved the second-highest response laboratories and areas with biological and University. The recruitment team merged rate of the universities that participated. radiation safety risks. At the organisational level, all survey items with the HR Partnership teams in early showed an increase in satisfaction since 2012, 2015. The Relocations Officer assists with The injury management portfolio continued to with overall results around 6 percentage immigration, visa and relocation matters for demonstrate significant progress in terms of points above university benchmarks. Staff all staff members recruited from overseas and rehabilitation for injured employees, staff care engagement increased 5 points to 81 per cent, interstate. arrangements and the cost of claims.
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Management and Resources
There were no prosecutions of the University for DIVISION OF FINANCE AND The VPFR interacts with the Board of Trustees breaches under WHS legislation during 2015. and a number of Board sub-committees RESOURCES such as the Audit and Risk Management Committee, Finance and Investment WORKPLACE RELATIONS AND The Division of Finance and Resources came Committee and the University Infrastructure ORGANISATIONAL DESIGN into existence in January 2015 as part of the Committee. University’s management and organisational The Workplace Relations and Organisational restructure. Each year, the Division manages projects from Design (WROD) Unit oversees industrial the planning to the delivery stages in finance, The position of Chief Financial Officer was relations, change management and workforce IT, commercial and estate planning, and expanded and retitled Vice-President, Finance planning. campus development and capital works, and and Resources (VPFR) and reports directly to makes sure all projects align with the strategic the Vice-Chancellor. direction and objectives of the University. WORKFORCE PLANNING The WROD Unit coordinated and assisted the The Division is responsible for the University’s The Division completed many key projects in Schools and Institutes in completing an initial overall planning, strategy, policy and 2015, including: workforce plan for their respective areas. accountability functions relating to Finance, Information Technology and Digital Services, Unmodified financial statements - The Capital Works and Facilities, Commercial and University and its entities received unmodified CHANGE MANAGEMENT Estate Planning, Project Management and audited financial statements for the 2014 year The Unit provided specialist advice to assist Procurement. because of prudent financial management, the Divisional Assessment and Process governance and compliance. (DSPA) Review that resulted in two change The Division works to optimise the financial proposals for the University and additional and operational planning, strategy and Improved key financial systems – The change proposals for two University entities: performance of the University. It provides Division continued working on systems Western Sydney University The College and strategic direction and oversight of the in 2015, migrating financials on Oracle Connect. Additionally, six change proposals University’s financial activities, including to an externally hosted environment; were progressed outside the DSPA review. commercial arrangements and opportunities; integrating student load modelling in TM1; investments and the use of the building and and introducing an online end-to-end travel The Unit also provided specialist advice to land assets; and improving efficiency and and expense management system. These assist in the transfer of business of some The reducing costs across the University. The have all helped strengthen the University’s College professional staff to the University. Division sponsors projects across the portfolio financial capabilities, improving administrative that should help the University achieve efficiencies and user experiences. optimal financial sustainability. ENTERPRISE BARGAINING Centralised functions – A ‘hub and spoke’ The implementation of the approved staff The Division manages the University’s annual model has been implemented, in which Enterprise Agreements has been ongoing, and budget process, including capital funding; Central Office employs staff members to has resulted in a number of academics being developing appropriate financial policies; and provide a client service to other Offices, converted and placed in teaching-focused monitoring, advising and reporting on the Schools or Institutes. This model will be roles. financial health of the University, including its adopted across the University to: controlled and associated entities. FAIR WORK COMMISSION MATTERS ≥≥ improve efficiency and consistency of The Division also delivers the IT systems and service delivery across the University A number of industrial matters were initiated technology infrastructure that enables our ≥ create ‘centres of excellence’ by grouping before the Fair Work Commission, which were ≥ learning, teaching and research programs. staff with similar knowledge and skills, and discontinued or found to be in the University’s supporting best practice approaches to favour. No adverse findings were made Core business units within the Division of service delivery against the University. Finance and Resources include: ≥≥ provide more professional development ≥≥ Information Technology and Digital Services and career enhancement opportunities for ≥≥ Financial Operations staff members ≥≥ Office of Commercial and Estate Planning ≥≥ allow for more effective and efficient governance and risk management, and ≥≥ Capital Works and Facilities provide more flexibility for managing staff ≥≥ Project Management Office. members’ workload and absences.
74 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Campbelltown residential development – IT service in the University, which is now the Travel and Expense Management System The Division, in partnership with largest university user of Zoom in Australia. was introduced to reduce red tape. We also UrbanGrowth, is developing a 950-lot The first phase focused on desktop and room- completed a market scan in preparation subdivision over 122 hectares on the south- based video conferencing, with the second for seeking tenders to replace our Student west portion of the Campbelltown campus. phase using this technology for teaching, Management System, which will probably be The project will be delivered in five stages enabling students to interact with their our most significant IT undertaking. through to the end of 2016. teaching sessions from anywhere and on any device. Westmead campus redevelopment – The FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND campus has been identified as a strategic 1PSQ – Planning and construction continues BUDGET OUTCOMES land asset for development due to its location for the new Parramatta City campus at 1PSQ. within the specialised health, education and The vision is to create an iconic vertical The University ended the 2015 financial year research precinct of Westmead. The site has campus in the heart of the Parramatta CBD with a consolidated reported surplus of $41.3 been rezoned to provide up to 120,000 square that connects to business and community. million, compared to $66.2 million in 2014 metres of mixed-use development including The new campus, to be finished in 2017, will and a budget for 2015 of $43.9 million. The residential, education, commercial, retail be a showpiece for collaborative and blended resultant surplus of $2.6 million was under and community spaces – and is intended to learning pedagogy in a focused, diverse and budget predominantly due to increased achieve the optimal value for the University. student-centric environment. The building expenditure on minor infrastructure assets. An Expression of Interest (EOI) and Request will consist of 14 levels of A-grade space over Overall, the surplus reflects control of for Tender (RFT) process was run in the approximately 26,500 square metres, and staff numbers, centralisation of functions second half of 2015 with sale contracts for two the University has committed to lease the (particularly in the divisional areas), strict lots exchanged in December. entire building for 15 years, with options to fiscal discipline on overhead expenditure extend. Architectural firm Architectus won and better than anticipated returns on Westmead campus estate major works – an international competition to design the commercial activities. The outcome is in These works for the Westmead subdivision building, which will be highly integrated with line with the previously discussed plan to development include demolishing buildings inter-floor connectivity within and on-site create a buffer in 2015 and 2016 to counter K, N, M, L and P. The detailed design phase amenities including a vibrant ground-floor any dramatic impacts that may arise from for a new road and loop around parkland to retail area. proposed regulatory changes. The proposed connect with Darcy Road has been finalised changes were not enacted during 2015, and and the civil works contractor has begun work, 1PSQ technology master plan – A dedicated the Australian Government has announced with construction due for completion in early Information Technology and Digital Services that there will be no changes while it consults 2016. This project is critical to maximising the (ITDS) team has been implementing the 1PSQ further on the matter. return on redeveloping the site. Technology Master Plan. The Division’s goal is to promote the University as an innovator Total revenue from continuing operations Werrington Park Corporate Centre – A by using the latest technologies for every increased to $755.6 million in 2015, which new three-storey, five-star, Green Star- area of the building, focusing on the student was $25.9 million (3.5 per cent) higher rated building has been built on the Penrith experience. than in 2014. This increase incorporates (Werrington south) campus, as stage one of the University’s move towards uncapped the Werrington Park Corporate Centre. The Parramatta Integrated Transport Plan – The demand-driven student funding, and includes building is located on the north-eastern corner Office of Commercial and Estate Planning Australian Government financial assistance, of the campus, fronting the Great Western (OCEP) has been leading a project to develop which increased by $13.2 million (2.4 per cent) Highway. It offers commercial and research an integrated transport plan for travelling to $563.4 million. Revenue from international spaces with associated amenities and on- between the University’s Rydalmere, CBD and student fees increased by $1.8 million (2.4 per site parking. The project will strengthen ties Westmead campuses. The aim is to address cent) to $76.3 million, and revenue from other between the University and industry, attract short-term challenges and medium- to longer- course fees decreased by $3.7 million (30.9 new industries to the area and facilitate the term opportunities. This cooperative project is per cent) to $8.3 million. establishment and growth of those industries. being undertaken with the assistance of other A new industry incubator space (Launch Pad) University divisions and student input. Expenses from continuing operations rose by run by Research and Innovation has been $50.9 million (7.8 per cent) to $714.3 million, Core IT system upgrades – From a core operating since March 2015. and employee-related expenses increased by systems perspective, the University $29.8 million (7.2 per cent) to $442.4 million. vF2F and Zoom – The first phase of the implemented the InPlace system to manage Virtual Face to Face (vF2F) project has student placements. A staged rollout has The University’s overall net worth has established the Zoom video collaboration begun, with four Schools already on board. increased by $152.4 million (10.5 per cent) to service. In 2015, this was the fastest growing In the final quarter of 2015, the Concur $1,607.4 million. This includes the University’s
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Management and Resources
operating result of a $41.3 million surplus ≥≥ University Procurement and IT Planning. University one of the first Callista clients to and the subsequent increase in cash and seek a replacement. investments of $111.1 million. At the same time, ITDS continued working on its portfolio of projects and day-to-day Upgrades and improvements – We upgraded During 2015, higher education funding activities, achieving a number of significant Callista, Alesco and the Blackboard Learning continued to be somewhat unpredictable, outcomes including: Management System (vUWS) in 2015. We and all universities needed to ensure they also established Internet Explorer 11 as the were in a position to generate new sources of Parramatta Square – The technology master standard desktop browser, allowing staff and revenue while using their financial resources plan for 1PSQ has been well received and students more seamless access to websites. as efficiently and effectively as possible. formed the basis of our work in 2015. The In addition, we moved our disaster recovery To this end, the University is committed to most significant outcome was integrating the datacentre from an on-campus location to pursuing opportunities to use its assets in technology in the prototype teaching space a commercial provider, consistent with the ways that provide alternative and sustainable at Kingswood. In conjunction with Capital production centre relocation in 2013. income streams. Works and Facilities and the Deputy Vice- Chancellor (DVC) (Academic) portfolio, ITDS Western Central – The default student portal has delivered a capability that is the very best was transitioned to the platform previously INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY that can be found anywhere. known as Cube or MyC3. Students now have AND DIGITAL SERVICES a more contemporary service from which to Student placement system – While a few access their core services, create and maintain Schools await deployment in 2016, the Our students, staff members and community digital workbooks and keep up to date with system is operating well in many areas of the partners use technologies to communicate, notifications, news and events from around University. Both staff members and students collaborate, research, learn, teach and the University. are accessing the platform to manage conduct business. Increasingly, users expect placements, including in the major areas of Rebranding – This campaign affects almost these services to be available at any time and Nursing, Midwifery and Education. every digital asset in the portfolio. Initially it place, creating challenges with balancing focused on public-facing services, followed privacy and security with flexibility and agility. Core network upgrade – Every network by those used by students. The updating In response to this, we published an updated switch across our campuses has been replaced of assets used by staff has begun, but this Information Technology and Digital Services and the overall number of switches has been project will continue into 2016. (ITDS) strategy, Future Now – Securing Digital reduced. This is due to the greater capacity Success, in late 2015. of the new equipment and design that Service and culture – The ongoing focus on gives us a tenfold increase in throughput to improving our services and establishing the The strategy sets out five core objectives, each accommodate the unrelenting growth in traffic. right proactive culture has continued. The guided by seven strategic digital principles fourth year of our sector-wide benchmarking that will guide our IT decision making over the Travel and expense management – A new survey has shown another increase in overall next five years. Our mission is to ensure that system to support these two key activities was student satisfaction with our IT services. Staff Western Sydney University is ‘consistently deployed during the first week of November. satisfaction is also high, however we need to contemporary’. We will achieve this by Ongoing training, practise change and increase our focus in this area. simplifying our approach to core services systems configurations were needed to fine and allowing for more focused innovation to tune the service, but adoption has increased The ITDS project pipeline contains more than differentiate ourselves from other institutions. and a solid foundation has been established 90 initiatives that will either be started in 2016 ITDS will deliver this in conjunction with quality, for 2016. or await further funding and prioritisation. industry-standard processes, combined In conjunction with the day-to-day activities with measured risk taking through iterative Oracle financials managed cloud services – that form such a fundamental part of our experimentation, prototyping and collaboration. The management of the University’s finance operations, ITDS has achieved significant and procurement systems was outsourced outcomes in 2015 and hopes to build on this This year saw the completion of the ITDS following the finalisation of a market tender momentum in the future. restructure, creating six focused teams: and subsequent transition activities. The Division is now confident that the platform will ≥≥ Digital Strategy and Innovation have long-term support. OFFICE OF FINANCE ≥≥ IT Operations ≥≥ Academic and Campus Experience Student management system – After The Office of Finance oversees the assessing systems, we have a clear idea of our ≥≥ Solutions and Project Services University’s financial performance and options and have adopted a budget proposal ongoing financial sustainability. It does this ≥ Digital Security and Risk ≥ to replace Callista, probably making the by aligning the University’s financial systems
76 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
and frameworks to the Securing Success 2014, the plan establishes principles for Commercial agreements – Rationalisation of strategic plan to build a competitive, efficient development, and identifies short to medium- operational efficiencies and renegotiation of and financially sustainable organisation. Key term activities and longer-term opportunities. commercial leases and licence agreements drivers and functions include developing A review of the plan began in 2015 and will be across the portfolio have achieved revenue quarterly forecasts and annual budgets; presented for endorsement in 2016. growth of 32 per cent. Further growth is monitoring finances monthly and reporting expected in 2016 as new agreements are on performance; providing audited annual Werrington estate master plan – Over 2015, negotiated for food and beverage outlets, financial statements; managing Treasury, OCEP further developed the master plan for sporting fields, venues and other commercial taxation, insurance, assets and travel; and future land uses on the Werrington North and opportunities. providing daily financial transactions and Werrington South campuses and activation of advice supporting the Schools, Divisions and the site as a technology-focused business park. entity operations. CAPITAL WORKS AND Development projects – OCEP has provided FACILITIES Key achievements in 2015 included migrating commercial and planning advice and support for the many development projects underway the core financial system (Oracle) to an Capital Works and Facilities (CW&F) is across the University, including the Westmead externally hosted environment; improving responsible for planning and constructing Redevelopment, 1PSQ, Campbelltown performance and reducing operational risk; new buildings, refurbishing and adapting residential development and Werrington Park realigning and consolidating the Office of existing buildings, maintaining almost 2,000 Corporate Centre. Finance into core functional areas as part hectares of landscape and maintaining and of the Divisional Services and Processes cleaning more than 550 buildings across six Assessment (DSPA); performing a successful Nirimba Education Precinct – OCEP is working with the Nirimba Precinct Partners campuses and external sites. It also provides 2014 year-end audit including an unmodified cleaning and presentation services, waste audit opinion; introducing online financial to resolve the longstanding issues around the Nirimba Education Precinct community title. removal, relocations and event set-ups, dashboard reporting; and commissioning a furniture acquisition and installation, space more efficient vehicle booking system. The community title subdivision was finalised in 2015. management, spatial data collation and management, campus signage and logistics OFFICE OF COMMERCIAL AND International college – The University (mail and stores). The Hawkesbury campus reached agreement with Navitas Limited farm and associated resources are also part of ESTATE PLANNING in March 2015 to establish an international the CW&F portfolio. CW&F is also committed college as a joint venture between the two to providing professional and project delivery The Office of Commercial and Estate Planning organisations. An initial intake of a small support to OCEP commercial ventures. (OCEP) supports strategic planning and cohort of students occurred in September development of the University’s network of 2015, before a bigger operation in 2016. The 2015 CAPITAL PROJECTS REVIEW campuses and assets. OCEP identifies and courses are being marketed in India and Learning Commons at Campbelltown assesses development opportunities and, selected South East Asian countries and the campus – A learning commons at if approved, manages the developments to number will grow over time to complement Campbelltown campus was created by create an endowment that will underpin the those at the college, providing another stream adapting a storage area in 2015. A central University’s financial sustainability. of students for admission to the University. student facility shifts the focus on entering the A number of project milestones were achieved campus away from the adjoining residential uwsconnect review – The Commercial development and ensures an active and in 2015. Business Unit undertook an operational review vibrant ‘face’ for the University. Two levels of uwsconnect, and the University Executive of student spaces connect to the existing STRATEGIC AND ESTATE PLANNING Committee endorsed its recommendations food court, enhancing student amenities and in November 2013. During 2014, the Unit OCEP contributed to strategic planning for the ensuring access to flexible and technology- restructured management, aligned a number campus network and the estate through the enabled spaces. Concurrently, the external of activities with the University, streamlined following projects: forecourt has been refurbished to create the management approach to retail and gym extra space for students. The forecourt has Reshaping Western Sydney University – The activities, and began reviewing food and been landscaped to complement the School Division began initial planning to redistribute beverage services. A number of outlets on the of Medicine building and entry to the new activities across the campus network. campuses will be leased to external suppliers UrbanGrowth subdivision. This project is part to create variety in both food offerings funded by the SSAF. 10-Year commercial and estate plan – This and price points. Venues Management has plan enables the University’s strategic plan. also transitioned to OCEP to align with the Endorsed by the Board of Trustees in April University’s commercial leasing arrangements.
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Management and Resources
New anatomy building at Campbelltown teaching facilities and gives students a for the construction of a 50-space teaching (building 24) – To meet future teaching new, central resource centre that provides space in building Z that mirrors 1PSQ’s requirements and additional student load, a a synergy between traditional hardcopy proposed teaching space. Any issues or three-storey anatomy facility has been built resources and contemporary, electronic, improvements to this prototype will be taken for the School of Science and Health and interactive learning. into consideration for the final 1PSQ fit-out. All the School of Medicine at the Campbelltown schools are able to book and use this space. campus. The facility has shared back-of- College corporate offices (building U11) – The College has experienced significant house functions, such as refrigerated cadaver 2015 RELOCATIONS PROGRAM REVIEW storage and embalming and dissection areas growth in student numbers, which is expected for the University’s Body Donor Program, as to continue with population growth in north- The relocation projects budget has been well as teaching laboratories, thus serving the western Sydney. Teaching capacity must grow allocated to internally reconfigure buildings distinct needs of both Schools. to meet this demand. The redevelopment of in response to changes in organisational and the Westmead precinct means that a number functional structures and requirements. Refurbishment of building 10, of administrative and corporate staff have Campbelltown – A major refurbishment relocated to Nirimba, which is the hub of the A number of relocation projects took place to bring building 10 at the Campbelltown College activity and the only location where in 2015, including Campbelltown campus campus up to the collaborative learning all College programs are offered. The new building 1 relocation of the School of Business, standard has been completed. This project corporate office building is located on the and Hawkesbury campus building H3 included upgrading the teaching facilities to site of the former building U9, which was relocation of ITDS and building P16 relocation create collaborative learning spaces. A major demolished. The single-storey building is of Audit & Risk Assessment. upgrade of IT services, collaborative-style 550 square metres and accommodates the furniture and the incorporation of social executive offices. It has a reception area, 2015 INFRASTRUCTURE RENEWAL REVIEW learning spaces in the circulation spaces have accommodation for the Dean and CEO, a large The infrastructure renewal program greatly improved the facilities. meeting room, administrative offices and a comprises about 80 projects with numerous professional unit. sub-projects, all of which are based around Refurbishment of the Graham Swain Library, upkeeping and upgrading the University’s Hawkesbury – The Graham Swain Library Westmead major estate works – CW&F has physical infrastructure. Infrastructure (building G1) at the Hawkesbury campus managed the project, undertaking the estate renewal projects are crucial to achieving and is the latest of the University’s existing major works for the Westmead subdivision maintaining compliance of University assets library facilities to undergo a significant development. The works are due to be with standards and legislation. They included: refurbishment. Increased student numbers completed in early 2016. and demand on campus made this a priority ≥≥ identifying and rectifying occupational project. Dual entries to the library have been Rebrand and signage – CW&F have worked health and safety ‘trips, slips and falls’ on built and linked to the heart of the campus, closely with the Vice-President (People and paving and access ways creating a greater connection between the Advancement) on the rebranding initiative. precincts. The work raised the standard of the Tasks are prioritised and are being rolled out ≥≥ providing equitable access solutions library to that of the surrounding buildings, to meet the University’s cash flow and budget ≥≥ augmenting critical power supply constraints and requirements. and it now provides better amenities and ≥≥ removing asbestos (and other Hazmat) greater flexibility for students. Relocation of the Chancellery – During 2015, ≥≥ replacing fire indicator panels and dealing New College building, Penrith – A new five- the Chancellery was relocated to Parramatta with other fire safety compliance issues star, Green Star-rated, single-storey teaching (south) campus, with level 2 of building EB ≥≥ renewing and installing new energy- building has been built for the College at being refurbished to accommodate the team. efficient air-conditioning systems and the the Penrith (Kingswood) campus to give central plant Maker space/Blank slate pilot on Parramatta University students greater study options. ≥≥ upgrading and resurfacing roads and car (south) campus – These new and innovative The new teaching facility comprises a lecture parks, as well as providing new car parking theatre, four flat-floor teaching spaces, a learning spaces allow suitably trained ≥≥ introducing sustainability initiatives such as computer lab and a dry lab, and social/ students to access technologies to support water reuse, solar energy generation, LED collaborative learning spaces. The facility creativity, foster new approaches such lighting and green building design. opened at the start of the 2015 semester. as rapid prototyping, and underpin the development of design-based thinking in an The infrastructure renewal program also John Phillips Library, Penrith – A new state- inter-disciplinary environment. provided funding for statutory compliance of-the-art library has been built for the Penrith issues including work, health and safety (WHS) (Kingswood) campus. The six-storey purpose- Penrith (Kingswood) campus building Z upgrades, disability access and fire safety. built John Phillips Library consolidates the prototype teaching space – The prototype is
78 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Notable projects in this program during 2015 University gardens. Cleaning services were and NSW Local Land Services. A federally included: extended to major new buildings, including funded Green Army initiative with a local the Werrington Park Corporate Centre and employment agent provides training for local ≥≥ introducing energy savings action plans the Phillips Library on the Kingswood campus, unemployed people in bush regeneration and ≥≥ upgrading fire detection devices on the and waste and recycling services based weed management in the Cumberland Plain Penrith campus on waste compaction technologies were vegetation of the Hawkesbury campus. extended to the Nirimba campus. A number ≥≥ upgrading the façades of buildings U2, U3 of major and minor events were supported, and U4 of the Nirimba Education Precinct including Open Day at the Parramatta PROJECT MANAGEMENT at the Blacktown campus campus and the Centenary remembrance OFFICE ≥≥ upgrading roof gutters and downpipes at of ANZAC Day at the Hawkesbury campus, the Parramatta (south) campus along with the ethical donation of furniture. The Project Management Office (PMO) is a ≥≥ replacing outdoor furniture Environmental operations included ongoing single, central support structure designed ≥≥ upgrading preparation areas for building efforts to conserve energy and recycle to drive and assist change-related projects K16 at the Hawkesbury campus. water, and environmental risk management across the University. The Office supports associated with bushfire mitigation and individual projects and programs across controlling feral animals. The logistics and the organisation, allowing for the successful 2015 BACKLOG CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAM mail team streamlined services and were introduction of projects. The PMO’s main REVIEW consolidated into E&RM. objective is ensuring that the University is A number of noteworthy projects were run as an efficient, agile and cost-effective identified from the backlog priority list Key business transformations continued organisation that is ready to face future during 2015–16, such as the adaptive reuse in 2015, particularly around environmental challenges. of Allen Library (building O) at the Penrith systems and performance, contractor WHS (Kingswood) campus to accommodate new and operations at the Hawkesbury Farm. The Office is currently leading a number social learning and teaching spaces, and Along with upgrading the University’s of projects that form part of the Divisional administration and academic development Environmental Management System, Services and Processes Assessment (DSPA). spaces for the School of Social Sciences and performance and targets associated with These projects focus on improving the Psychology. Given the complexity of the campus operations were developed as part effectiveness and efficiency of the University’s project, it has had a significant budgetary of broader University sustainability reporting. corporate support activities (Capital impact on the backlog capital works program. Waste recycling rates of 80 per cent were Works and Facilities, Finance, HR, ITDS and achieved, 10 per cent higher than in 2014. The Marketing) by implementing a ‘hub and spoke’ CW&F contractor induction program was service delivery model. In applying this model, ENVIRONMENT AND RISK upgraded, along with WHS procedures for the University has been able to aggregate MANAGEMENT the Hawkesbury Farm. Substantive progress staff performing similar corporate activities to was made on increasing the productivity and create centres of excellence, group specialised During 2015, Environment and Risk income of the Hawkesbury Farm, with the skills and achieve economies of scale. This has Management (E&RM) initiatives included engagement of a new Farm Production Co- included University entities such as Western enhancing service provision, aiding key ordinator. Sydney University The College and Connect. business transformations, and developing Cross-unit cooperation has been a continuing ongoing cross-unit collaboration. Across the The Student Experience is another major theme for the 2015 E&RM initiatives. Energy- E&RM portfolio, alignment with the Securing initiative being driven by the PMO. This project efficient solar hot water heating has been Success strategy is sought, with services focuses on student attraction, application installed on the Kingswood and Parramatta supporting quality buildings, social spaces and and admission through to graduation and campuses in collaboration with Minor campuses, and seeking to ‘embrace and embed becoming alumni. A key outcome has been Capital Works. The Hawkesbury Bushfire sustainability within the University’s culture’. the development of the University’s Student Unit and bushfire mitigation strategy builds Lifecycle and using this as an organising Key services included those associated on collaboration between CW&F, Campus framework for business units delivering with campus presentation and external civil Safety and Security, the Hawkesbury Institute administrative services to students. This works, cleaning, waste management and for the Environment and the NSW Rural project in particular aims to achieve the recycling; relocations and event management; Fire Service. Developments and services at University’s goal of being student-centred. environmental operations; and logistics and the Hawkesbury Farm and the associated mail services. The amenity and quality of water-recycling scheme seek to demonstrate Other key achievements for the PMO in 2015 campus landscapes is continuously improved. sustainable peri-urban agriculture and have included initiating improvement projects The in-house nursery grew 50,000 plants for environmental management, in association identified as part of the Red Tape Task Force with the School of Science and Health program launched by the Vice-Chancellor.
westernsydney.edu.au 79 ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Management and Resources
ENTITIES RISK MANAGEMENT ≥≥ attendance of senior staff at Audit & Risk Management Committee meetings in order to report on the management of strategic The University maintains an enterprise-wide UWSCONNECT LTD risk in key areas of University operations strategic risk management program based on The University established uwsconnect Ltd the methodology contained in the Australian/ ≥≥ maintenance of a corruption prevention (uwsconnect) as a not-for-profit, controlled New Zealand Risk Management Standard AS/ training program in accordance with our entity of the University in 2004. It is student- NZS ISO 31000:2009. strategy to reduce corruption risks centric and community focused, providing a ≥≥ introduction of more rigorous reporting wide range of services – including Campus The Strategic Risk Register is updated every processes, together with procedures for Life, food and beverages, functions, book six months. Risks are identified via interviews ensuring risk mitigation strategies are sales, campus retail and gyms – for students, and risk workshops are conducted with senior closely monitored and completed. staff, alumni and the Western Sydney executive, and managerial and key operating community. staff members across the University and its related entities. It has recently undergone a significant management reorganisation to make its The Register is used to consolidate the offering more efficient. uwsconnect employs identified risks and record the ways in which more than 200 people across Western these risks are addressed according to their Sydney. likelihood (probability of occurrence) and consequence (magnitude of impact). The UWS EARLY LEARNING LTD Register also helps to ensure that efforts to address risk are not duplicated and that Incorporated in 2012, UWS Early Learning responses to risk are integrated and focused Ltd is a not-for-profit, controlled entity of where they are most needed. the University, which provides early learning facilities on all campuses for zero to six- This work is based on a structured framework, year-old children of students, staff and the the elements of which are summarised in broader community. The University subsidises the Risk Management Framework diagram childcare places for students and staff, in below. The successful implementation of each addition to SSAF support for students. In component of the framework is ongoing and 2014, it opened its latest 57-place service at involves cultural change and the progressive the Parramatta (south) campus. evolution of University risk management practices. TELEVISION SYDNEY LTD The Audit and Risk Management Committee Television Sydney Ltd (TVS) was the only provides the Board with advice and free-to-air, not-for-profit community television information on high-risk activities or events, licence-holder in Sydney. The company began including new or emerging risks. The risk operating in 2006 and broadcasted on digital management program is also subject to an channel 44. independent peer review at least every five years as part of the Office of Audit and Risk Following the decision in 2014 by the then Assessment quality improvement program. Minister for Communications, Mr Malcolm Turnbull, to terminate community television Key outcomes of the 2015 risk management licences, the Board of Trustees and the Board program include the: of TVS decided to cease operations at the end of 2015. ≥≥ commencement of staged implementation of the University’s enterprise risk management system (Protecht) ≥≥ maintenance of a cyclical risk assessment program and operational risk databases across both administrative and academic operations
80 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
RISK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
MANAGING RISKS AND CONTROLS
N I C M U AT I O M O N C I. CONTEXT MONITORING RISK GOVERNANCE AND EVALUATION
VI. MONITOR II. IDENTIFY AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk Management INTEGRATION AND REVIEW Standard REINFORCEMENT
V. TREAT III. ASSESS
IV. PRIORITISE C O N N S U T I O LTA COMMON INFORMATION LANGUAGE
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF RISK MANAGEMENT
RISK GOVERNANCE INTEGRATION AND REINFORCEMENT INFORMATION Guidance, directions, control and support To embed risk management into A risk management system/database provided by senior management as well as organisational business processes, functions designed to capture, analyse, record and the management style and organisational and operations. To train staff to improve their report risk data/information structure in which risks are being managed understanding, skills and knowledge of risk management
MANAGING RISKS AND CONTROLS COMMON LANGUAGE REVIEW A structured process by which risks are Using the same terminology, evaluation To provide assurance on the risk management identified, assessed, prioritised and treated/ criteria and methodology across programs’ effectiveness, relevance and controlled the organisation for managing and currency via regular reviews by senior communicating risk information management and independent assessors
MONITORING AND EVALUATION Systems/processes in place to track the progress of risk treatment tasks and to assess the effectiveness of the treatment actions
westernsydney.edu.au 81 ANNUAL REPORT 2015
APPENDIX 1
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBERS
THREE OFFICIAL MEMBERS Professor Peter Shergold AC, Chancellor
Professor Barney Glover, Vice-Chancellor
Associate Professor Paul Wormell, Chair of Academic Senate
SIX APPOINTED MEMBERS (MINISTERIAL) Mr John Banks
Ms Elizabeth Dibbs (Pro Chancellor)
Ms Genevieve Gregor
Ms Vivienne James
Mr Paul Newman (resigned 5 June 2015)
Mr Ian Stone
FOUR APPOINTED MEMBERS (BOARD) Mr Christopher Brown, AM
Mr Michael Pratt (Deputy Chancellor)
Ms Gillian Shadwick (Deputy Chancellor)
Ms Gabrielle Trainor
FIVE ELECTED MEMBERS Mr Tim Ferraro, graduate
Mr Elie Hammam, postgraduate student (term concluded 30 June 2015)
Ms Sophie Kobuch, postgraduate student (term commenced 1 July 2015)
Doctor George Morgan, academic staff
Ms Taylor Macdonald, undergraduate student
Ms Jenny Purcell, general staff
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APPENDIX 2
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETINGS
A = Number of meetings attended Committees of the Board of Trustees B = Number of meetings held during Board of Audit & Risk Remuneration Board University Finance & the time the member held office or was Trustees Management & Nominations Standing Infrastructure Investment a member of the committee during the year# A B A B A B A B A B A B Mr John Banks 3 6 Mr Christopher Brown 6 6 Ms Elizabeth Dibbs 6 6 6 6 4 4 5 5 Mr John Fehon 5 6 Mr Tim Ferraro 6 6 Professor Barney Glover 6 6 5 5 6 6 4 5 5 5 Mr Peter Graham 3 5 Mr Michael Gration 2 5 Ms Genevieve Gregor 6 6 5 5 Mr Elie Hammam 4 4 Ms Susan Hartigan 4 6 Mr Damian Horton 3 4 Mr Craig James 6 6 Ms Vivienne James 6 6 Ms Sophie Kobuch 2 2 Ms Georgia Lee 5 5 Ms Taylor Macdonald 5 6 Mr Alastair Metcalf 4 5 Doctor George Morgan 6 6 Mr Paul Newman 3 4 0 2 Mr Lee Pinder 5 5 Mr Michael Pratt 5 6 4 5 6 6 4 5 Ms Jenny Purcell 6 6 Mr Bob Sahota 3 4 Ms Gillian Shadwick 6 6 5 5 6 6 Professor Peter Shergold 6 6 1 1 3 5 4 6 1 1 1 1 Ms Jodi Stanton 2 3 Mr Ian Stone 5 6 3 4 Ms Kerry Stubbs 5 5 Ms Gabrielle Trainor 5 6 Ms Michelle Tredenick 0 1 Associate Professor Paul Wormell 6 6 Mr Alan Zammit 5 6 # In 2015 the Board held five regular meetings and one Strategy Day meeting.
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APPENDIX 3
COMMITTEES AND OTHER BODIES ESTABLISHED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
BOARD OF TRUSTEES COMMITTEES CHAIR Academic Senate Associate Professor Paul Wormell Audit and Risk Management Mr Alan Zammit Board Standing Professor Peter Shergold, AC Finance and Investment Ms Genevieve Gregor Remuneration and Nominations Professor Peter Shergold, AC University Infrastructure Mr Michael Pratt
UNIVERSITY BODIES Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council Professor Denise Kirkpatrick Foundation Council Mr Danny Gilbert, AM
84 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
APPENDIX 4
ACADEMIC SENATE MEMBERSHIP (as at 15 July, 2015)
EX-OFFICIO ≥≥ Doctor Alphia Possamai-Inesedy, ≥≥ Professor Janette Perz, Academic Staff, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) Centre for Health Research (Level D or E) ≥≥ Professor Barney Glover, Vice-Chancellor and President ≥≥ Associate Professor Craig Ellis, Associate ≥≥ Ms Maxine Veale, Academic Staff, School of Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) Nursing and Midwifery (Level A, B or C) ≥≥ Professor Denise Kirkpatrick, Deputy Vice- Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic) ≥≥ Associate Professor Betty Gill, Associate ≥≥ Professor Sheree Smith, Academic Staff, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) School of Nursing and Midwifery (Level D ≥≥ Professor Scott Holmes, Deputy Vice- or E) Chancellor and Vice-President (Research ≥≥ Ms Shaneen McGlinchey, Academic and Development) Registrar ≥≥ Doctor Cindy Kersaitis, Academic Staff, School of Science and Health (Level A, B ≥≥ Vacant, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Strategy and ≥≥ Ms Sue Craig, University Librarian or C) Performance) ≥≥ Professor Janice Aldrich-Wright, Academic ≥≥ Mrs Ellen Brackenreg, Acting Pro Vice- Staff, School of Science and Health (Level Chancellor (Students) ELECTED D or E) ≥≥ Associate Professor Bronwyn Cole, Pro (term to 31 December 2015, unless otherwise ≥≥ Doctor Awais Piracha, Academic Staff, Vice-Chancellor (Education) indicated) School of Social Sciences and Psychology ≥≥ Associate Professor Linda Taylor, Pro Vice- ≥≥ Associate Professor Paul Wormell, Chair, (Level A, B or C) Chancellor (International) Academic Senate (31 January 2016) ≥≥ Associate Professor Jane Mears, Academic ≥≥ Professor Deborah Sweeney, Pro Vice- ≥≥ Doctor Elfriede Sangkuhl, Deputy Chair, Staff, School of Social Sciences and Chancellor (Research & Innovation) Academic Senate (31 January 2016) Psychology (Level D or E) ≥≥ Professor Scott Holmes, Dean, School of ≥≥ Doctor Terri Mylett, Academic Staff, School ≥≥ Vacant, Academic Staff, Badanami Centre Business of Business (Level A, B or C) for Indigenous Education ≥≥ Professor Simeon Simoff, Dean, School of ≥≥ Associate Professor Terry Sloan, Academic ≥≥ Doctor Matthias Boer, Academic Staff, Computing, Engineering and Mathematics Staff, School of Business (Level D or E) Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment ≥≥ Professor Michele Simons, Dean, School of ≥≥ Doctor Qinghua Zeng, Academic Staff, ≥≥ Mr Jarrod Bradley, one of two Education School of Computing, Engineering and undergraduate students (to 31 May, 2017) Mathematics (Level A, B or C) ≥≥ Professor Peter Hutchings, Dean, School of ≥≥ Mr Mitchell Klievens, two of two Humanities and Communication Arts ≥≥ Associate Professor Leanne Rylands, undergraduate students (to 31 May, 2017) Academic Staff, School of Computing, ≥≥ Professor Michael Adams, Dean, School ≥≥ Mr Murray Robertson, one of two Engineering and Mathematics (Level D or E) of Law postgraduate students (to 31 May, 2017) ≥≥ Associate Professor Catherine Attard, ≥≥ Professor Annemarie Hennessy, Dean, ≥≥ Mrs Ushi Ghoorah Hurrychurn, two of two Academic Staff, School of Education (Level School of Medicine postgraduate students (to 31 May, 2017) A, B or C) ≥≥ Professor Rhonda Griffiths, Dean, School of Nursing and Midwifery ≥≥ Associate Professor Anne Power, Academic Staff, School of Education (Level ≥≥ Professor Gregory Kolt, Dean, School of D or E) APPOINTED Science and Health ≥≥ Doctor Christopher Peterson, Academic ≥≥ Professor James Arvanitakis, Head of The ≥≥ Professor Kevin Dunn, Dean, School of Staff, School of Humanities and Academy Social Sciences and Psychology Communication Arts (Level A, B or C) ≥≥ Professor Donald McNeill, ARC Future ≥≥ Professor James Arvanitakis, Dean, ≥≥ Associate Professor Alana Lentin, Fellow, Institute for Culture and Society Graduate Studies Academic Staff, School of Humanities and ≥≥ Professor Zhong Tao, Institute for ≥≥ Professor Greg Whateley, Dean, Communication Arts (Level D or E) Infrastructure Engineering UWSCollege ≥≥ Mr John Juriansz, Academic Staff, School ≥≥ Professor Kate Stevens, Director (Research of Law (Level A, B or C) and Engagement), MARCS Institute, or ≥≥ Professor Donna Craig, Academic Staff, nominee School of Law (Level D or E) ≥≥ Professor Ian Anderson, Director ≥≥ Doctor David Mahns, Academic Staff, (Research), Hawkesbury Institute for the School of Medicine (Level A, B or C) Environment, or nominee westernsydney.edu.au 85 ANNUAL REPORT 2015
APPENDIX 5
BOARD OF TRUSTEES REPORT
MEMBERS MATTERS SUBSEQUENT TO THE END OF INSURANCE OF OFFICERS The members of the Board of Trustees of THE FINANCIAL YEAR Clause 5 of Schedule 1 of the University of the University are detailed in Appendix 1, on Other than the developments described in Western Sydney Act 1997 provides a degree page 82. this report, the Board is of the opinion that no of protection from personal liability for Board other matter or circumstance will significantly members and officers of the University. The MEETINGS OF MEMBERS affect the operations or activities of the University also has Directors and Officers University. Liability insurance with Unimutual. Meetings of Members of the Board of Trustees of the University are detailed in Appendix 2, on page 83. LIKELY DEVELOPMENTS AND EXPECTED LEGAL PROCEEDINGS ON BEHALF OF THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS UNIVERSITY
PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES At the end of 2015, the University had In 2015, the University was served with a claim approved the sale of the residential lots on in relation to a dust-related condition of a The principal activities of the University are the Westmead campus. Work will continue former employee of the former Hawkesbury the provision of university-level education throughout 2016 to finalise this transaction Agricultural College. The claim was settled. and research through a wide range of and to implement the strategic plan for the undergraduate and postgraduate courses and remaining lots on the Westmead campus. This report is made in accordance with research programs, with a particular focus on a resolution of the Board of Trustees on Western Sydney. The University’s functions 6 April 2015. and the authorities of the Board of Trustees COMPLIANCE WITH THE VOLUNTARY CODE OF BEST PRACTICE FOR THE GOVERNANCE are prescribed by the University of Western Professor Peter Shergold, AC Sydney Act 1997. OF AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITIES Chancellor The Board of Trustees adopted the code from The University also has a number of the beginning of 2012 and resolved to review controlled entities that undertake specific the University’s compliance with the code at activities aligned with the mission of the its first meeting each year. In 2015, the Board University. Details of these entities are noted the report evidencing compliance with provided on page 80. the code.
REVIEW OF OPERATIONS ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION The operations and activities of the University The University is subject to various are outlined in detail in this Annual Report Commonwealth, state and local government and, in particular, in the sections Learning statutes and requirements related to and Teaching, Research and Community, and environmental matters. The University has Regional Engagement. not incurred any significant environmental liabilities under any environmental legislation. SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN STATE OF Details of the University’s general activities AFFAIRS related to environmental issues are provided on page 79. There were no significant changes in the state of affairs of the University during the year.
86 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
APPENDIX 6
EXECUTIVE REMUNERATION AND PERFORMANCE DATA
PROFESSOR BARNEY GLOVER SENIOR EXECUTIVES EMPLOYED AND GENDER POSITION Vice-Chancellor & President TOTAL REMUNERATION PACKAGE $830,000 2014 2015 Males: 3 Males: 4 PERIOD IN POSITION Full year Females: 3 Females: 1 RESULTS Met all objectives
PROFESSOR SCOTT HOLMES AVERAGE TOTAL REMUNERATION PACKAGE OF EXECUTIVES POSITION Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Vice-President (Research and Development) 2014: $492,686 2015: $492,922 TOTAL REMUNERATION PACKAGE $493,319 PERIOD IN POSITION Full year PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL EMPLOYEE- RESULTS Met all objectives RELATED EXPENDITURE 2014: < 1 per cent 2015: <1 per cent
PROFESSOR DENISE KIRKPATRICK POSITION Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Vice-President (Academic) TOTAL REMUNERATION PACKAGE $493,319 PERIOD IN POSITION 11 months RESULTS Met all objectives
MR PETER PICKERING POSITION Vice-President (Finance & Resources) TOTAL REMUNERATION PACKAGE $443,987 PERIOD IN POSITION Full year RESULTS Met all objectives
MR ANGELO KOURTIS POSITION Vice-President (People and Advancement) TOTAL REMUNERATION PACKAGE $421,787 PERIOD IN POSITION 10 months RESULTS Met all objectives
westernsydney.edu.au 87 ANNUAL REPORT 2015
APPENDIX 7
PRINCIPAL OFFICERS OF THE UNIVERSITY
CHANCELLOR DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR AND VICE-PRESIDENT VICE-PRESIDENT (ACADEMIC) (FINANCE AND RESOURCES) Professor Peter Shergold AC (FROM 12 JANUARY 2015) BA (Hons) Hull, MA Illinois, PhD LSE, FASSA Mr Peter Pickering Professor Denise Kirkpatrick B.Com (Hons), Dip CM, FCPA, FCIS, FAICD PhD ECU, M.Ed UWA, B.Ed Western Australian VICE-CHANCELLOR College of Advanced Ed, Dip Teaching Western VICE-PRESIDENT Professor Barney Glover Australian College of Advanced Education PhD Melbourne, MSc Melbourne, BSc (PEOPLE AND ADVANCEMENT) (Honours) Melbourne, Dip Ed Melbourne, (FROM 5 MARCH 2015) DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR MAICD Angelo Kourtis (RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT) BA UWS Professor Scott Holmes CHAIR, ACADEMIC SENATE PhD ANU, BCom Uni Newcastle Associate Professor Paul Wormell BSc Syd, PhD Syd, FRACI, CChem
88 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
APPENDIX 8
GOVERNMENT INFORMATION (PUBLIC ACCESS)
GIPA ANNUAL REPORT
Agency Name Western Sydney University Principal Department Secretariat, Office of Governance Services Reporting Period 1 January to 31 December 2015
OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE GIPA ACT The publication of items 1 and 2 provided a In the meeting, the committee noted the plainly worded elaboration on the reporting provision of personal human resources (HR) Review of Proactive Release Program – requirements of the Act to assist compliance. information to applicants as an ongoing Clause 7(a) Item 3, the contract register audit, has been challenge, particularly to applicants who Under Section 7 of the Government a significant event in the university sector. were former staff members. This matter was Information (Public Access) Act 2009, It found a relatively low average level of considered in the context of the HR web agencies must review their programs for the compliance. However, the range of results pages and an ongoing review of HR structure. release of government information to identify was significant and the meeting noted that It was noted that there is capacity to increase the information that can be made publicly the University is examining its individual audit the monitoring of such information requests to available. This review must be performed at report and looking to improve data collection produce data the University can use to assess least annually. and reporting. its ability to provide access to this information. The AIGRC intends to revisit this issue during The University’s program for releasing Significantly for the University, the change of the HR restructure. information is built upon the annual meeting name and associated branding in the second of the GIPA Agency Information Guide Review half of the year meant that the University’s Number of Access Applications Received – Committee (AIGRC). This committee includes website needed refreshing. Almost every Clause 7(b) representatives from across the University and page needed to be reviewed to comply with During the reporting period, our agency meets specifically to discharge the University’s rebranding requirements, which also provided received six formal access applications. responsibilities under section 7(3). an opportunity to review the website more generally. During the reporting period, AIGRC met on Number of Refused Applications for Schedule 1 Information – Clause 7(c) 28 October 2015, welcoming Mr Ian Londish, The analysis of web page views provided by Associate Director, Secretariat, as chair. the Web Services Unit suggested that more During the reporting period, our agency did information searches may be taking place not refuse any formal access applications The meeting noted some activities of the through external search mechanisms than because none of the information requested Information Commissioner since the last within the University’s website. This could was referred to in Schedule 1 of the GIPA Act. reporting period. explain the observed reduction in individual page views on the University’s website, but The Agency guide on GIPA reporting was 1. was inconclusive. published in September 2014. 2. The Authorised proactive release of Much more conclusive were the improvements government information fact sheet was led by the Web Services Unit to populate the published in June 2015. website with a greater amount of information 3. The Information Commissioner performed relevant to common searches. In particular, an inaugural review of University contract recent initiatives have greatly improved registers in April 2015 and reported in crossover between admissions-related course August 2015. pages and the School pages related to the course. As a result, School pages experienced a significant increase in page views.
westernsydney.edu.au 89 ANNUAL REPORT 2015
APPENDIX 8
STATISTICAL INFORMATION ABOUT ACCESS APPLICATIONS – CLAUSE 7(D) AND SCHEDULE 2 Table A: Number of applications by type of applicant and outcome*
Access Access Access Information Information Refuse to Refuse to Application granted in granted in refused in not held already deal with confirm/ withdrawn full part full available application deny whether information is held Media 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 Members of Parliament 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Private sector business 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Not-for-profit organisations or 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 community groups Members of the public (application by legal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 representative) Members of the public 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 (other) *More than one decision can be made in relation to a particular access application. If so, a recording must be made in relation to each such decision. This also applies to Table B.
Table B: Number of applications by type of application and outcome
Access Access Access Information Information Refuse to Refuse to Application granted in granted in refused in not held already deal with confirm/ withdrawn full part full available application deny whether information is held Personal information 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 applications* Access applications (other than personal information 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 applications) Access applications involving both personal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 and other information *A ‘personal information application’ is an access application for personal information (as defined in clause 4 of Schedule 4 to the Act) about the applicant (the applicant being an individual).
The total number of decisions in Table B should be the same as Table A.
90 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Table C: Invalid applications
REASON FOR INVALIDITY NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS Application does not comply with formal requirements (section 41 of the Act) 0 Application is for excluded information of the agency (section 43 of the Act) 1 Application contravenes restraint order (section 110 of the Act) 0 Total number of invalid applications received 1 Invalid applications that subsequently became valid applications 0
Table D: Conclusive presumption of overriding public interest against disclosure – matters listed in Schedule 1 of the Act
NUMBER OF TIMES CONSIDERATION USED* Overriding secrecy laws 0 Cabinet information 0 Executive Council information 0 Contempt 0 Legal professional privilege 0 Excluded information 0 Documents affecting law enforcement and public safety 0 Transport safety 0 Adoption 0 Care and protection of children 0 Ministerial code of conduct 0 Aboriginal and environmental heritage 0
*More than one public interest consideration may apply in relation to a particular access application. If so, each such consideration is to be recorded (but only once per application). This also applies to Table E.
Table E: Other public interest considerations against disclosure – matters listed in table relate to section 14 of the Act
NUMBER OF OCCASIONS WHEN APPLICATION NOT SUCCESSFUL Responsible and effective government 3 Law enforcement and security 0 Individual rights, judicial processes and natural justice 0 Business interests of agencies and other persons 0 Environment, culture, economy and general matters 0 Secrecy provisions 0 Exempt documents under interstate Freedom of Information legislation 0
westernsydney.edu.au 91 ANNUAL REPORT 2015
APPENDIX 8
Table F: Timeliness
NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS Decided within the statutory timeframe (20 days plus any extensions) 4 Decided after 35 days (by agreement with applicant) 0 Not decided within time (deemed refusal) 1 Total 5
Table G: Number of applications reviewed under Part 5 of the Act (by type of review and outcome)
DECISION VARIED DECISION UPHELD TOTAL Internal review 0 0 0 Review by Information Commissioner* 1 0 1 Internal review following recommendation under section 93 of Act 1 0 1 Review by NCAT 0 0 0 Total 2 0 2
*The Information Commissioner does not have the authority to vary decisions, but can make recommendations to the original decision-maker. The data in this case indicates that a recommendation to vary or uphold the original decision has been made.
Table H: Applications for review under Part 5 of the Act (by type of applicant)
NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR REVIEW Applications by access applicants 1 Applications by persons to whom information on the subject of access 1 application relates (see section 54 of the Act)
Table I: Applications transferred to other agencies under Division 2 of Part 4 of the Act (by type of transfer)
NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS TRANSFERRED Agency-initiated transfers 0 Applicant-initiated transfers 0
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APPENDIX 9
CONSULTANCIES
Consultancies commissioned in 2014 amounting to $50,000 or more, included:
CONSULTANT COST $ TITLE/NATURE OF CONSULTANCY Finance and Accounting/Tax Cubewise Pty Ltd 372,981 TM1 Consulting Concur Holdings Netherlands BV 57,953 Travel and Expense Management System Subtotal 430,934 Information Technology Callista Software Services Pty Ltd 258,116 Callista Upgrades and Support Holt Innovations Pty Ltd 165,000 Campus Network Upgrade Project Holt Innovations Pty Ltd 75,000 Wifi and Security Project GD Solutions Holdings Pty Ltd 70,685 SMS Benchmarking Project Fedtec Pty Ltd 60,500 Callista Upgrades and Support Nous Group Pty Ltd 60,500 IT Governance Program Subtotal 689,801 Management Services The Finch Company Pty Ltd 1,177,550 Videography Production Woods Bagot Pty Ltd 726,483 Parramatta CBD Project Uber Biz Pty Ltd 656,960 Digital Project Management and Website Development VCD Pty Ltd 610,321 Creative and Marketing Strategy and Development The Trustee For Citizen Trust 575,045 Visual Identity, Brand Architecture and Guidelines Archerfield Capital Partners Pty Ltd 520,000 Parramatta CBD Project The Red Agency Pty Ltd 501,500 Public Relations and Event Management Consulting WSP Buildings Pty Ltd 488,900 Parramatta CBD Project Open University Worldwide Ltd 282,113 Online Learning Gibber Aust Pty Ltd 276,000 Theatre In Schools Program KPMG 220,454 Chinese Medicine Centre Rider Levett Bucknall NSW Pty Ltd 186,422 Parramatta CBD Project Cultural and Indigenous Research Centre Aust 169,091 Circles of Social Life Questionnaire Western Sydney Football Club Ltd 146,675 NESB Program Tridant Pty Ltd 140,000 Blackboard Analytics Project Fayshell Pty Ltd 131,850 Parramatta CBD Project Western Sydney Football Club Ltd 130,000 Mature Age Program MIP Aust Pty Ltd 124,600 Blackboard Analytics Project Access Programs Aust Ltd 95,190 Employee Assistance Program
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CONSULTANT COST $ TITLE/NATURE OF CONSULTANCY Uber Biz Pty Ltd 93,055 Implementation for Strategic work for Western Online KPMG 92,466 Evaluation Consultancy Project Cubewise Pty Ltd 86,775 Predictive Modelling for Student Enrolment Landcom 85,236 WSU Campbelltown Residential Development Lee Hecht Harrison Pty Ltd 83,527 WSU Lifting Performance Manager Toolkit and Framework Ascender Pay Pty Ltd 74,040 CEPI Project Red Rock Consulting Pty Ltd 73,688 Oracle EBS Host 4th Dialetic Pty Ltd 72,858 Project Advice and Procurement Services Perrett Laver Pty Ltd 72,800 Research Theme Chairs Alba Solutions Pty Ltd 65,255 Nursing and Midwifery 2015 Academic Work Plans Debowski Shelda Jane 62,576 Academic Capabilities Framework Gibber Aust Pty Ltd 62,000 Building on Bridges NSW Rural Tour Term 3, 2015 Vivid Qual Pty Ltd 62,000 Information Gathering Research Youth Off The Streets 60,000 Low SES Voice Project Pty Ltd 59,250 MyVoice Survey Aust Indigenous Mentoring Experience Indigenous Corporation 55,000 Mentoring Services ATSI High School IBM Aust Ltd 54,582 SPSS Data Collection Paxus Aust Pty Ltd 54,462 Blackboard Analytics Project GHO Sydney Pty Ltd 53,128 Digital and Mobile Design Standards Axicom Pty Ltd 50,000 Telco Relocation Project ID Consulting Pty Ltd 50,000 40 Year Journey to Work Scenarios Life Without Barriers 50,000 Reach Program Ted Noffs Foundation Inc 50,000 Streets University Subtotal 8,681,852 Organisational Review Nous Group Pty Ltd 263,543 Divisional Review Subtotal 263,543 Total consultancies equal to or greater than $50,000 $10,066,130 During 2015 other consultancies were engaged in the following areas: Finance and accounting/tax 24,000 Information technology 674,502 Management services 1,307,133 Recruitment services 40,640 Total consultancies less than $50,000 $2,046,275 Total consultancies $12,112,405
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APPENDIX 10
EQUITY AND DIVERSITY STATISTICS
Table A.1 Trends in the Representation of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Groups – Academic staff
EEO GROUPS: BENCHMARK 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 ACADEMIC STAFF OR TARGET Women 50% 49% 50% 48% 49% 49% 49% Aboriginal and Torres Strait 2% 1% 2% 2% 2% 3% 2% Islander people People whose language first spoken as a child was not 19% 26% 26% 26% 28% 27% 30% English People with a disability N/A 8% 7% 8% 6% 7% 7% People with a disability 1.50% 2% 2% 2% 1% 1% 2% requiring adjustment at work
Table A.2 Trends in the Representation of EEO Groups – General staff
EEO GROUPS: BENCHMARK 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 PROFESSIONAL STAFF OR TARGET Women 50% 66% 68% 67% 68% 67% 68% Aboriginal and Torres Strait 2% 2% 3% 3% 4% 4% 3% Islander people People whose language first spoken as a child was not 19% 17% 17% 18% 18% 17% 19% English People with a disability N/A 10% 10% 9% 8% 7% 8% People with a disability 1.50% 3% 3% 3% 3% 2% 3% requiring adjustment at work
Table B.1. Trends in the Distribution of EEO Groups – Academic staff Distribution index
EEO GROUPS: BENCHMARK 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 ACADEMIC STAFF OR TARGET Women 100 85 83 87 85 88 90 Aboriginal and Torres Strait 100 n/a n/a 76 79 83 N/A Islander people People whose language first spoken as a child was not 100 95 97 98 93 90 90 English People with a disability 100 90 87 88 86 86 103 People with a disability 100 n/a n/a 88 n/a N/A 117 requiring adjustment at work
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Table B.1. Trends in the Distribution of EEO Groups – General staff Distribution index
EEO GROUPS: BENCHMARK 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 PROFESSIONAL STAFF OR TARGET Women 100 90 89 89 90 92 90 Aboriginal and Torres Strait 100 103 97 98 95 95 98 Islander people People whose language first spoken as a child was not 100 97 99 98 98 99 99 English People with a disability 100 101 98 100 103 103 101 People with a disability 100 101 104 107 109 111 105 requiring adjustment at work
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APPENDIX 11
STUDENT ENROLMENT DATA
Table 1: Student Headcount by Residency Status, 2011–15 (p)
RESIDENCY STATUS 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 (p) Domestic 34,989 35,986 37,596 39,086 40,328 International – onshore 4,021 3,846 3,896 4,306 4,277 International – offshore 451 425 431 391 325 Total 39,461 40,257 41,923 43,783 44,934 (Source: Enrolment submissions to the Department of Education and Training)
Table 2: Commencing Student Headcount by Residency Status, 2011–15 (p)
RESIDENCY STATUS 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 (p) Domestic 13,339 13,219 14,288 14,801 15,940 International – onshore 1,928 1,792 1,900 2,218 2,013 International – offshore 163 145 161 125 141 Total 15,430 15,156 16,349 17,144 18,098
(Source: Enrolment submissions to the Department of Education and Training)
Table 3: Student Headcount by Gender, 2011–15 (p)
GENDER 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 (p) Females 21,852 22,372 23,109 24,073 24,609 Males 17,609 17,885 18,814 19,710 20,322 Total* 39,461 40,257 41,923 43,783 44,934 * Includes gender not specified (Source: Enrolment submissions to the Department of Education and Training)
Table 4: Student Headcount by Course Level, 2013–15 (p)
COURSE LEVEL 2013 % 2014 % 2015 (p) % Undergraduate 34,207 81.6% 35,243 80.5% 37,041 82.4% Higher degree by coursework 5,792 13.8% 6,144 14.0% 5,628 12.5% Higher degree by research 983 2.3% 955 2.2% 1,080 2.4% Other* 941 2.2% 1,441 3.3% 1,185 2.6% Total 41,923 100.0% 43,783 100.0% 44,934 100.0% *Other includes enabling, non-award and cross-institutional (Source: Enrolment submissions to the Department of Education and Training)
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Table 5: Student Headcount by Broad Field of Education, 2013–15 (p)
BROAD FIELD OF EDUCATION 2013 % 2014 % 2015 (p) % Society and culture 11,082 25.1% 11,503 26.3% 12,415 27.6% Management and commerce 10,006 27.6% 9,886 22.6% 9,354 20.8% Health 7,207 15.8% 7,772 17.8% 7,963 17.7% Natural and physical sciences 3,502 7.1% 3,626 8.3% 3,751 8.3% Education 2,999 6.9% 3,239 7.4% 3,197 7.1% Engineering and related technologies 1,614 5.6% 1,703 3.9% 1,991 4.4% Information technology 1,548 3.7% 1,676 3.8% 1,902 4.2% Creative arts 1,912 3.3% 1,833 4.2% 1,863 4.1% Architecture and building 1,141 2.3% 1,188 2.7% 1,424 3.2% Mixed field programs 567 0.9% 1,098 2.5% 791 1.8% Agriculture, environment and related studies 21 0.6% 4 0.0% 6 0.0% Non-award course 324 1.1% 255 0.6% 277 0.6% Total 41,923 100.0% 43,783 100.0% 44,934 100.0% (Source: Enrolment submissions to the Department of Education and Training)
Table 6: Student Headcount by Campus, 2012–15 (p)
CAMPUS 2013 % 2014 % 2015 (p) % Bankstown 7,107 17.0% 7,677 17.5% 8,183 18.2% Blacktown (Nirimba) 1,498 3.6% 1,865 4.3% 2,244 5.0% Campbelltown 6,816 16.3% 7,129 16.3% 7,210 16.0% Hawkesbury 2,639 6.3% 2,705 6.2% 2,729 6.1% Lithgow 0 0.0% 69 0.2% 59 0.1% Parramatta 14,430 34.4% 15,129 34.6% 14,981 33.3% Penrith 8,703 20.8% 8,484 19.4% 8,660 19.3% Online 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 188 0.4% Other* 730 1.7% 725 1.7% 680 1.5% Total 41,923 100.0% 43,783 100.0% 44,934 100.0% *Other includes external, offshore and other (Source: Enrolment submissions to the Department of Education and Training)
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Table 7: Student Low SES* Participation Rate 2011–15 (p)
YEAR UWS SECTOR** 2011 23.0% 15.9% 2012 23.6% 16.1% 2013 24.4% 16.4% 2014 24.5% 16.5% 2015 (p) 24.9% n.a
(Source: Department of Education and Training statistical publications, and enrolment submissions to the Department of Education and Training) * Low SES is based on the students’ postcode of permanent home residence, with the SES value derived from the ABS 2011 Census SEIFA Index for Education and Occupation for postcodes. ** Table A Providers only
Table 8: Student Load (EFTSL) by Funding Source, 2013–15 (p)
FUNDING SOURCE 2013 % 2014 % 2015 (p) % Commonwealth Grants Scheme 27,039 86.2% 28,217 86.2% 29,158 86.6% Research Training Scheme 526 1.7% 493 1.5% 494 1.5% Sub-total commonwealth funded 27,564 87.9% 28,710 87.7% 29,652 88.1% Domestic fee-paying 685 2.2% 616 1.9% 590 1.8% International onshore 2,836 9.0% 3,162 9.7% 3,196 9.5% International offshore 129 0.4% 124 0.4% 121 0.4% Non-award 137 0.4% 111 0.3% 114 0.3% Sub-total fee-paying load 3,787 12.1% 4,013 12.3% 4,021 11.9% Total 31,351 100.0% 32,723 100.0% 33,673 100.0% EFTSL = equivalent full-time student load (Source: Enrolment submissions to the Department of Education and Training)
Table 9: Explicit Bachelor Graduate Satisfaction, 2012–15
YEAR – PERCENTAGE OF EXPLICIT OVERALL SATISFACTION GOOD TEACHING GENERIC SKILLS SATISFACTION UWS SECTOR UWS SECTOR UWS SECTOR 2012 85.2% 83.3% 72.2% 66.9% 82.4% 77.1% 2013 83.6% 83.1% 70.8% 67.3% 81.3% 77.4% 2014 84.4% 83.0% 71.3% 67.8% 81.5% 77.7% 2015 85.3% 83.5% 71.2% 68.4% 82.0% 78.3% (Source: Graduate course experience data files)
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Table 10: Commencing Bachelor Student Retention, 2010–11 to 2014–15 (p)
YEAR UWS SECTOR 2010–11 80.0% 83.1% 2011–12 79.1% 83.0% 2012–13 78.5% 82.2% 2013–14 79.1% 80.8% 2014–15 (p) 78.6% n.a (Source: Department of Education and Training statistical publications)
Table 11: UWS Market Share of Preferences, UAC Admissions, 2013–15
FIRST PREFERENCES FIRST TO THIRD PREFERENCES UWS MARKET SHARE OF PREFERENCES 2013 2014 2015 2013 2014 2015 Current school leavers 14.5% 13.2% 12.4% 14.0% 13.2% 12.7% Non-current school leavers 15.0% 16.5% 17.1% 15.8% 17.0% 17.8% Total* 14.7% 14.6% 14.3% 14.7% 14.6% 14.5%
FIRST PREFERENCES FIRST TO THIRD PREFERENCES NUMBER OF PREFERENCES TO UWS 2013 2014 2015 2013 2014 2015 Current school leavers 7,226 6,663 6,350 20,229 19,212 18,797 Non-current school leavers 5,390 5,895 5,823 13,343 14,482 14,274 Total* 12,616 12,558 12,176 33,572 33,694 33,077 (Source: UAC main round) * Includes school leaver type unknown
Table 12: UWS Market Share of Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Preferences, UAC Admissions, 2013–15
UWS MARKET SHARE OF PREFERENCES FIRST PREFERENCES FIRST TO THIRD PREFERENCES FROM GWS 2013 2014 2015 2013 2014 2015 Current school leavers 38.4% 35.1% 33.1% 34.7% 32.7% 31.4% Non-current school leavers 40.3% 42.4% 43.8% 37.5% 39.2% 40.6% Total* 39.2% 38.2% 37.4% 35.8% 35.2% 34.8%
NUMBER OF PREFERENCES FROM GWS FIRST PREFERENCES FIRST TO THIRD PREFERENCES TO UWS 2013 2014 2015 2013 2014 2015 Current school leavers 5,433 5,073 4,896 14,486 13,868 13,648 Non-current school leavers 4,144 4,510 4,394 9,522 10,429 10,038 Total* 9,577 9,583 9,292 24,008 24,297 23,688 (Source: UAC main round) * Includes school leaver type unknown
100 Western Sydney University ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Academic Senate Academic Assessment Assessment (Honours) Bachelor and Experience Student Engagement Executive
Senate Executive Education ≥ ≥ ≥ Academic Planning and Courses Approvals Curriculum Quality (2) Research Research Studies ≥ Senate Academic Appeals and Integrity Academic School/Badanami Committees Executive School Research and Higher Degrees
≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ Vice-President (Finance & Resources) Vice-President Advancement) & (People Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research & Development) Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
≥ ≥ ≥ Administrative ≥ UWS Executive UWS Vice-Chancellor BOARD OF TRUSTEES BOARD Research Institutes Schools
≥ ≥ Academic Islander Council Foundation Council Foundation Aboriginal and Torres Strait Strait Aboriginal and Torres Remuneration and Nominations and Remuneration Audit and Risk Management Board Standing Finance and Investment University Infrastructure
Board Committees Board ≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ APPENDIX 12 WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY STRUCTURE GOVERNANCE 30 August 2015
westernsydney.edu.au 101 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 UWSConnect liaison UWS Early Learning liaison (Childcare) Ltd UWS Foundation liaison Vice-President Vice-President
Mr Angelo Kourtis University Secretary & Counsel General Culture & People Marketing & Communication Pro Vice-Chancellor Engagement) (Student Student Recruitment Unit Diversity & Equity ce of Advancement Offi Alumni & The Academy entities: Other ≥ ≥ ≥
(People and Advancement) (People ≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ Vice-President Vice-President Mr Peter Pickering Mr Peter Financial Operations Financial Capital Facilities Works & Technology Information & Digital Services ce of Commercial & Offi Estate Planning Procurement Project Management O ffi c e (Finance and Resources) (Finance
≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ School of Law and Psychology School of Business School of Medicine School of Education Communication Arts Communication School of Computing, School of Computing, School of Social Sciences School of Social Sciences School of Humanities and School of Science and Health School of Science Engineering and Mathematics Professor Barney Glover Barney Professor School of Nursing and Midwifery School of Nursing BOARD OF TRUSTEES BOARD Vice-Chancellor and President Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President and Vice-President Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) Dean of Graduate Studies, Graduate Research School Offi ce of Research Offi Services Research, Engagement, Engagement, Research, Development & (REDI) Innovation eResearch UWS Gateway Research Institutes Professor Scott Holmes Scott Professor Deputy Vice-Chancellor Vice-Chancellor Deputy
≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ (Research and Development) (Research College UWS Whitlam Institute
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) 2015 end Disestablished Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) Pro Vice-Chancellor (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Leadership) Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning Transformations) be appointedTo for 2016 Pro Vice-Chancellor (Digital Innovation and Learning Futures) be appointedTo for 2016 Executive Director Performance) & (Quality Library ce of University Offi Engagement Campus Provosts UWS Online Other Entities: ≥ ≥ Deputy Vice-Chancellor Vice-Chancellor Deputy
Professor Denise Kirkpatrick Professor ≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ ≥ and Vice-President (Academic) (Academic) and Vice-President May 2015 May APPENDIX 13 WESTERN SYDNEY STRUCTURE UNIVERSITY ORGANISATION
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