ANNUAL REPORT 2008 VOLUME ONE contents

02 Message from the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor

The Honourable Verity Firth MP 03 2008 Achievements at a Glance Minister for Education and Training New South Wales Parliament House Macquarie Street 04 Institutional Profile Sydney NSW 2001 05 Five Year Key Statistics 30 April 2009 06 Reviewing our Strategic Priorities Dear Minister Building Distinction: Strategic Plan 2007 – 2011 On behalf of the Council of the University of Newcastle, we have the honour of presenting to Performance against the Strategic Plan you the Annual Report on the work and activities of the University of Newcastle for the year ended 31 December 2008. 10 Reviewing our Operational Performance The Annual Report and the accompanying audited Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the Annual Reports (Statutory Bodies) Act 1984 and the Public Teaching and Learning Finance and Audit Act 1983. Research and Research Training People and Engagement Services and Resources Financial Performance and Outcomes

Conjoint Professor Trevor Waring AM 44 Our Organisation Chancellor Governance Controlled entities Management

Professor Nicholas Saunders 48 Appendices Vice-Chancellor and President

Compliance Index can be found on the inside back cover. Audited Financial Statements for the University of Newcastle and its controlled entities are presented in Volume Two of the Annual Report 2008.

Communication Objectives Whilst this Annual Report has been written to comply with statutory reporting requirements, it also aims to demonstrate the University of Newcastle’s commitment to its strategic objectives as described in the Strategic Plan 2007 – 2011, Building Distinction. The report describes the University’s operational framework, reviews activities for 2008 and offers a view of plans for ongoing improvement.

Feedback We would like to hear your suggestions for the Annual Report 2009. Please send any comments to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Services), the University of Newcastle.

Cover image Graduation Ceremony in the Great Hall, October 2008 Image by Murray McKean MESSAGE FROM THE CHANCELLOR AND VICE-CHANCELLOR 2008 ACHIEVEMENTS AT A GLANCE

The Australian higher education sector is in a period of transition that presents exciting Teaching and Learning opportunities and challenges. The most significant feature of this transition is the Bradley • A positive audit by the Australian Universities Quality Agency that recognised the University as a vibrant Review of Higher Education. Released last year, the Review is the most comprehensive analysis and well-managed institution with enthusiastic students and staff of tertiary education in Australia in two decades and it foreshadows significant and positive • External recognition of outstanding teaching and learning staff – seven Australian Learning and Teaching Council change for all universities in coming years. Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning; three NSW Quality Teacher Awards; six Australian A key element of the Review is a greater focus on students. The University of Newcastle is Learning and Teaching Council grants as lead or partner institution aligned with this focus and in 2008 our efforts, once again, centred on providing a great learning • Continued emphasis on program quality assurance though 14 external program reviews covering 47 individual programs environment and experience for our students. and program accreditation for 21 programs The growing success of the University is reflected in our record enrolment in 2008 of 30,000 • Promotion of the student experience through exciting opportunities for work-integrated learning – 40 Bachelor students. Our reputation as a higher education institution of distinction is built on the strategic, of Communication students were supported to attend the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Paralympics as part of the operational and personal achievements of many members of the University’s community. international media contingent Highlights from 2008 include: • Continued strategic investment to improve student learning outcomes though initiatives such as teaching fellowships, • a positive audit by the Australian Universities Quality Agency that recognised the University project grants, further development of English language support programs, major upgrades to teaching facilities, and as a vibrant and well-managed institution with enthusiastic students and staff; external benchmarking/networking • recognition for our academic staff with seven Citations for Outstanding Contributions to • Student success internationally – sprinter Heath Francis won three gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Student Learning from the Australian Learning and Teaching Council, three NSW State Games, setting new world records in the 200 metre and 400 metre events and a personal best time in the 100 metre Government Quality Teaching Awards, eight externally-funded research fellowships and event; NUManoids became the first world champions of the new Standard Platform League at the 2008 RoboCup the appointment of a sixth Laureate Professor; competition held in China • continued research funding success with almost $25 million in new project funding from the Australian Research Council and National Health and Medical Research Council; Research and Research Training • expanded work-based learning opportunities for our students, including 40 Bachelor of • Continued success in attracting external research funding with total research income increasing by 28 per cent Communication students undertaking work experience at the 2008 Beijing Olympics on the previous year and over $25 million in new project funding for 2009 and Paralympics; • Excellent examples of research impact and collaboration across the University including increased research publications • national success for our Chamber Choir as winners of Channel 7’s Battle of the Choirs; in high quality journals and exchange events with industry • greater collaboration and engagement with our communities through a wide range of public • Sector leaders in the development of the Responsible Conduct of Research Policy and supporting documents to comply lectures, conferences and community-based projects particularly relating to Indigenous and with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research environmental issues; • Enhanced support for Research Higher Degree students through additional scholarships, a laptop computer scheme, • establishment of the University Committee on Environmental Sustainability and confirmation the RHD seminar series, the supervisor workshop training program and incentives for Honours students to further their of the goal to reduce the University’s carbon emissions by 20 per cent by 2015; research careers • reinvigoration of our organisational commitment to the values of honesty, fairness, trust, accountability and respect through the launch of a new Code of Conduct; and People and Engagement • completion of the Strategic Master Plans for the Callaghan and Ourimbah campuses creating • Indigenous collaboration through a range of teaching and learning, research and community-based activities such a framework for coordinated future development and renewal. as the National Indigenous Family and Community Strengths Conference and Forum on the Impact of Drought on Indigenous Communities The Council and Executive Committee continued to provide strong leadership throughout 2008 to position the University to achieve its strategic objectives. Through their commitment and the • The University of Newcastle Chamber Choir won Channel 7’s Battle of the Choirs with conductor, Dr Philip Matthias, efforts of our staff and students, the University is poised for further growth and success in 2009. also receiving Convocation’s Newton-John Award • Promotion of regional collaboration and engagement though a variety of public lectures, conferences and events such as the Bill of Rights Symposium and the Newcastle 2020 Summit • New International Alumni Chapter activities launched in Botswana, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand and the Philippines with events being held in Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Beijing

Services and Resources Conjoint Professor Trevor Waring AM Professor Nicholas Saunders • Establishment of the University Committee on Environmental Sustainability, re-invigorating the organisation’s Chancellor Vice-Chancellor and President commitment to this area • University’s new brand recognised with a merit award in Education Category of the ReBrand 100 awards • New initiatives to support students and the teaching and learning experience through establishment of the ESOS Compliance Unit and the Transition and Retention Unit as well as peer networking conferences such as Focus@Newcastle • Continued emphasis in planning and risk management through the development of the IT Strategic Plan 2009 – 2014, implementation of an enterprise risk management system and development of Strategic Master Plans for the Callaghan and Ourimbah campuses 04 | ANNUAL REPORT 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | 05

INSTITUTIONAL PROFILE FIVE YEAR KEY STATISTICS

Locations Our Students % change CATEGORY 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 The University of Newcastle is a multi-campus institution The University of Newcastle is a medium-sized, comprehensive 2007-2008 with programs offered at four locations: Newcastle, Central and research-intensive institution and a member of the NUMBER OF Total 26001 26385 26872 28500 30336 6.4 Coast and Port Macquarie in Australia, and Singapore. Innovative Research Universities Australia (IRU Australia). STUDENTS Female 54.0% 54.9% 55.4% 56.2% 56.0% - Located on a 140-hectare site of natural bushland 12 kilometres In 2008 there was a total of 30,336 students (20,581 Commencing 11892 11977 12577 13899 14564 4.8 west of the city of Newcastle, the Callaghan campus has a EFTSL) – an increase of 6.4 per cent on 2007 load figures. reputation for being one of the most naturally beautiful campuses Commencing student load increased by 4.8 per cent on 2007. Female 55.7% 56.7% 56.4% 57.9% 56.2% - in Australia. Callaghan is the original campus and the place where The University attracts a high proportion of students from postcodes STUDENT LOAD Total 17558 17845 17962 19037 20581 8.1 the majority (around 21,000) of students are based. The City within its catchment area and access to the University is provided Undergraduate 14866 14877 15043 16142 17419 7.9 Precinct in Newcastle comprises University House – home of through a diverse range of flexible admission pathways such as: the University of Newcastle Legal Centre and the postgraduate Postgraduate 2692 2969 2920 2895 3162 9.2 • Enabling and ELICOS programs (the largest cohort in the Australian coursework programs offered by the Newcastle Business sector); FUNDING SOURCE DEST Funded 13612 13384 13523 14416 15178 5.3 School – and the highly regarded Conservatorium of Music. • TAFE articulation, credit transfer and guaranteed entry; Fee-Paying Overseas Students 2870 3094 3094 3319 3989 20.2 The Ourimbah campus is a multi-sector campus situated on the • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Admission Scheme; Central Coast of NSW that offers University, TAFE and Community Fee-Paying Domestic Students 1076 1368 1345 1302 1414 8.6 College programs and courses. The Ourimbah campus is a partnership • Regional and Rural Preference Scheme; AWARD Total 5112 5438 5477 5419 - - of the University of Newcastle and TAFE NSW – Hunter Institute. • Science and Engineering HSC Mathematics Bonus Scheme; COMPLETIONS Undergraduate 3542 3505 3466 3475 - - The Port Macquarie campus of TAFE NSW – North Coast Institute is • Educational Access Scheme; and Postgraduate 1570 1933 2 011 1944 - - a multi-sector campus, offering both University and TAFE programs • Special Tertiary Admissions Test. FULL-TIME STAFF Total 2205 2186 1955 2052 2190 6.7 to students in the mid-north coast region of New South Wales. In 2007, the access and participation rates by students from The University of Newcastle teaches students in Singapore low socioeconomic status were significantly higher than the Academic 837 854 788 831 886 6.6 in association with its partner, PSB Academy. Australian averages (shown in brackets) at 27.5 per cent [15.9 Faculty per cent] and 26.1 per cent [15.0 per cent] respectively. Similarly, Teaching and Research 684 685 611 632 646 2.2 the Indigenous student access and participation rates were much stronger than the sector averages at 2.05 per cent [1.51 Research only 90 107 134 144 171 18.8 Table 1: UON Student Load by Location per cent] and 2.03 per cent [1.29 per cent] respectively. Teaching only 18 7 4 11 18 63.6 Location EFTSL At all levels of study, more than 50 per cent of our students are Other 33 41 18 19 19 0.0 female and the largest programs are nursing, teaching, business Newcastle 15,379 and arts. Commonwealth supported students comprise 73.7 per General Central Coast 2,601 cent of the student load at the University in 2008, with international Teaching and Research - - - 8 12 50.0 students (onshore and offshore) at 19.4 per cent and domestic Research only 6 7 6 8 10 25.0 Port Macquarie 197 fee-paying students (across all levels of study) at 6.9 per cent. Other 6 7 14 9 10 11.1 Singapore 1,226 Looking at the student cohort, 76.2 per cent are undergraduate students, 12.0 per cent are postgraduate coursework students, Non-Academic 1369 1332 116 7 1221 1304 6.8 Other* 1,178 6.9 per cent are enabling/ELICOS students, 3.4 per cent are Faculty Total 20,581 research higher degree students and the remaining 1.5 per cent Research only 100 91 102 94 106 12.8 are non-award students (including study abroad and exchange). Source: MIS January 2009 * Includes GraduateSchool.com Pty Ltd load Other 527 526 368 367 397 8.2 General Research only 19 13 11 12 16 33.3 Other 723 703 686 748 784 4.8 CASUAL STAFF Total 277 268 270 331 - - Academic 187 183 178 210 - - Non-Academic 90 85 93 121 - -

NOTES • Student data source: MIS January 2009 • Number of students represents the number of student enrolments in Programs, Full Year. • Student load represents the sum of the load for each semester expressed in Equivalent Full-time Student Load (EFTSL), Full Year. • Funding Program Load expressed in Equivalent Full-time Student Load (EFTSL). • Award completions represents the number of completed program enrolments. • Staff full-time equivalent positions occupied by full-time and part-time staff members as at 31 March (excluding controlled entities). • Casual staff full-time equivalent positions occupied during year (excluding controlled entities). (Casual figures are calculated one year behind Full-Time.) 06 | ANNUAL REPORT 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | 07

REVIEWING OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES BUILDING DISTINCTION: STRATEGIC PLAN 2007 – 2011 PERFORMANCE AGAINST THE STRATEGIC PLAN

The following vision, core values, purpose, strategic priorities and critical success factors are In 2008 the University focused on embedding Other Performance Benchmarks extracted from the University’s Strategic Plan 2007 – 2011. strategic planning and reporting processes in Innovative Research Universities Australia the ongoing management of the University. In support of this, the development of a strategy The University of Newcastle is a member of IRU Australia along with Flinders University, Griffith map was initiated by the Strategic Planning University, James Cook University, La Trobe University and Murdoch University. Key characteristics Our Vision Our Strategic Priorities and Quality Unit and the Management of the IRU Australia group include their research performance and innovation. All six were Information System project continued established as research-based, comprehensive institutions during the period of higher education Priority 1 This vision describes how the University of to further refine and improve reporting expansion in the 1960s to 70s. The universities are committed to a student-focused environment Newcastle will look as we fulfill our purpose. We will make the high quality education of professionals a defining feature of the University. capabilities. that emphasises access through flexible pathways and multiple modes of delivery. As a member We are recognised and respected Priority 2 of the IRU Australia, the University is also a partner in the Innovative Universities European Union The next page provides a summary of the as a University of distinction. Centre, National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility and the Environmental Sciences We will further enhance our international research profile and impact. key outcomes and measures in terms of Student Mobility Project. Our teaching leads in the education Priority 3 performance against the priorities in the of professionals and our research We will extend our reputation as a national and international leader in Indigenous collaboration. Strategic Plan and also references strategies Australian Universities Community Engagement Alliance is internationally acclaimed. Priority 4 being employed to improve performance in other areas. Further detail about these key The Australian Universities Community Engagement Alliance (AUCEA) is an alliance Our organisation is responsive, We will foster partnerships that enrich and develop our communities in mutually beneficial ways. of 34 Australian universities committed to university-community engagement in order dynamic and strong. outcomes is provided throughout this volume Priority 5 of the Annual Report 2008. to promote the social, environmental and economic and cultural development of communities. We will ensure a financially strong university with sound academic and organisational governance As the University of Newcastle was developing its engagement position, it became one of the Our Core Values and high quality performance. As part of its annual cycle of business, the University Council will review the University’s founding AUCEA members of a national study and benchmarking exercise, which was piloted These core values guide the activities and In meeting each of these strategic priorities, the University will ensure that the enhancement of performance against its strategic priorities at in 2008 to establish engagement definitions and best practice measures. behaviours of the University’s staff and the quality of the student experience remains at the forefront of university planning and action. the first meeting in 2009. The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Corporate Development and Community Partnerships), in his role as students. They are critical to fulfilling our Furthermore, it is intended that the reporting the current National President of the alliance, has indicated that AUCEA will release a first set purpose and realising our vision. Critical Success Factors framework will continue to be refined in of indicators to Australian universities during 2009. The pilot program is intended to develop We value distinction – excellence into a national annual survey of university-community engagement for use by universities in Recent pressures of the institutional and external environments have developed the University’s 2009 and the University Council will be and achievement combined with asked to review the outcome measures and benchmarking and planning as there have been no consistent measures across the sector to date. a clear sense of identity. resilience and its appreciation of the critical factors for success in the higher education sector. Our strength and understanding has informed the development of the Strategic Plan such that key targets contained in the Strategic Plan Snapshot of Position We uphold and are models for the the University of Newcastle recognises the importance of: 2007 – 2011 to ensure that there are clear highest standards of academic, personal and and realistic targets, sensible measures and The table below presents a snapshot of the University’s rankings for 2005 to 2008. In 2008, • displaying confidence in the abilities of our staff and students to excel and investing in their business integrity and in doing so, practise the external references/benchmarks. Linkages the University of Newcastle maintained its position in the Shanghai Jiao Tong University World development; values of honesty, trust, fairness, respect and between the Strategic Plan, supporting plans Rankings and the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Asia-Pacific Ranking. responsibility. • striving to improve the quality of our scholarship and research activities; and resource allocation processes will also be • building a firm and robust platform for organisational and personal performance and growth; enhanced in 2009. We take opportunities to build and promote collaboration within and outside the University • engaging with our communities to provide opportunities for high quality education so that we achieve more than is individually and opportunities for knowledge creation and transfer; possible. • creating a framework in which to be dynamic, responsive, flexible and risk-taking; and Table 2: University of Newcastle Rankings 2005 – 2008 • promoting an identity that is clearly defined, differentiated and reflects the University Index Year World Asia-Pacific Australia IRU Australia of Newcastle experience. Our Purpose Shanghai Jiao Tong University World Ranking 2008 303-401 42-68 10-14 NA The University of Newcastle exists to make a 2007 305-402 43-64 10 2 distinctive difference in people and in society. Implementing our Strategic Plan 2006 301-400 41-63 11 3 It does this by: Eight Implementation Plans underpin and support the Strategic Plan in the following areas: • preparing graduates who are lifelong • teaching and learning; 2005 301-400 37-65 10 2 learners and sought after by employers, • research and research training; The Times Higher Education Supplement QS World Ranking 2008 286 NA NA 3 and who contribute to society by being • equity and diversity; 2007 215 NA 14 3 adaptable, critical and global citizens; • internationalisation; 2006 NA NA NA NA • pursuing outstanding scholarly teaching and research; and • resources and infrastructure; 2005 127 - 15 3 • contributing to the intellectual, social, • community partnerships; Melbourne Institute Index of International Standing 2008 NA NA NA NA economic, cultural, sporting and • Indigenous collaboration; and 2007 NA NA 13 3 environmental enrichment of our • marketing. 2006 NA NA 13 4 communities. In addition, faculties and divisions have detailed Operational Plans that complete the 2005 NA NA 13 4 University’s comprehensive and integrated set of organisational planning documents. Source: www.arwu.org, www.topuniversities.com NA – no current data available

8 | ANNUAL REPORT 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | 09

Strategic Priority 2008 Key Outcomes Strategies/Actions for Improvement

High quality • Continued steady growth in enrolments and student load, • Building enrolments in the Faculty of education of particularly in the Faculties of Education and Arts, Health, Engineering and Built Environment through professionals and Science and Information Technology UON Singapore Pte Ltd and domestic activities • Strong growth in international student load in postgraduate such as the Science and Engineering Challenge coursework and ELICOS (English language) programs • Building international enrolments through • Maintenance of University position in external rankings specific articulation agreements and articulation from ELICOS to degree programs • Improvements in student satisfaction demonstrated in Student Strategic Planning and Quality Evaluation of Teaching (SET), Student Evaluation of Courses • Analysing SET, SEC and CSQ data to better (SEC) and Composite Student Questionnaire (CSQ) understand factors contributing to overall Overview Activities in 2008 • Ongoing quality assurance, external review and accreditation student experience and satisfaction The Strategic Planning and Quality Unit was The main activity during 2008 was the coordination and response to the audit of the University of degree programs • Recommendations from the Work Integrated formed in September 2008 and is responsible by the Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA). The University submitted a Performance • Establishment of a Work Integrated Learning Project Learning Project will guide implementation for delivering integrated planning and quality Portfolio to AUQA in January 2008, summarising the findings of a critical self-review of across more undergraduate degree programs enhancement services across the University. performance. AUQA’s audit focused on the themes of admission, progression and retention, • Strong employment outcomes for graduates as measured The Unit extends the work of the Quality internationalisation, and follow-up of selected recommendations from the 2002 audit of the by Australian Graduate Destination Survey 2008 Assurance and Improvement Unit that was University. • Increasing student satisfaction for services delivered through established in April 2007. The Unit reports to Student Hubs as measured by CSQ The Audit Panel assessed the evidence in the Performance Portfolio and then conducted a the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) four-day visit to the Callaghan and Ourimbah campuses in April 2008, as well as offshore visits • Increase in students who would recommend the University and its key roles are to: to Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia. The Panel interviewed 329 people across faculties as measured by CSQ • provide leadership and direction in quality and divisions, onshore and offshore campuses, partner organisations, students and community • Progression and attrition rates better than sector averages enhancement and develop and implement representatives. for commencing Bachelor students an integrated university-wide approach to The University received an outstanding audit report and was described as a vibrant and quality assurance and improvement; well-managed institution with enthusiastic staff and students. The Audit Report contained 11 • develop an integrated planning and reporting Research excellence • Continued outcomes and successes through Priority • Performance benchmarking through Excellence commendations – highlighting progress in financial health, strong benchmarking results with cycle in consultation with faculties and Research Centres in Research for Australia (ERA) initiative other universities, new processes for onshore and offshore teaching, the establishment of divisions as part of the Quality Enhancement student hubs, continued growth in providing multiple pathways to enter higher education, strong • Initial success of international research agreements • A range of ongoing support initiatives for Framework; and partnerships RHD students and development of Academic support for Indigenous students, and robust academic integrity measures. The University was • coordinate regular reviews of the University’s Pathways program to introduce RHD students invited to add four of these commendations to the AUQA Good Practice Database. • Continued growth in external research funding – ranked in Top Strategic, Implementation and Operational to effective teaching practices The Audit Report also made seven affirmations and five recommendations including: further 10 Australian universities and top performer in IRU Australia Plans to promote cooperation, collaboration improvement to teaching and course delivery; more comprehensive policies for conducting • Successful implementation of strategies to support and and integration; encourage Research Higher Degree (RHD) students reviews; the implementation of better systems to report back to students on their feedback; • assist colleagues to use and interpret reviewing the role and functions of Academic Senate; and the continued development of the qualitative and quantitative information and Ourimbah campus community. The report reinforced the direction of the University and added Indigenous • Increasing Indigenous enrolments and better than sector • Development of links with local Indigenous performance reports to analyse, interpret value to its continued growth and improvement. collaboration/ outcomes in terms of progression and access community groups for research and specific and improve the University’s performance; Following wide consultation across the institution, an Action Plan has been developed and Diversity enrichment projects • provide advice to support planning and • Recognition by AUQA as a national leader in Indigenous is being implemented in response to the Audit Report. In addition to the external review of decision-making within the University; and education and collaboration including a commendation • Attention to enhancing Indigenous content Academic Senate that is being coordinated by University Council, other main topic areas of for student support provided by Wollotuka in courses and programs • manage activities associated with the activity are: Australian Universities Quality Agency five- • Research success through external grants • Ongoing support through dedicated programs • policy and procedures for reviews; for Indigenous research such as Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme yearly institutional audit cycle, including the implementation and evaluation of all agreed • multi-campus issues; • AUQA commendation for access and participation (ITAS) actions. • content, coordination and response to surveys of students (and staff); by students from a low SES background demonstrating • Continued efforts to expand awareness of, and success of enabling programs accessibility to, university admission pathways • teaching and learning standards and quality; • online teaching and learning • Indigenisation of curricula; Community • Leading development of national benchmarks through • Follow-up on performance indicators on release • student support; and engagement Australia Universities Community Engagement Alliance of national benchmarking report in 2009 (AUCEA) • internationalisation. A Progress Report and a follow-up visit by AUQA are scheduled for June 2009. Organisational • Continued financial recovery • Reporting and close monitoring of institutional excellence • Strategic Master Plan development for Callaghan performance by Council, especially through and Ourimbah campuses Finance and Capital Development Committee • Implementation of an enterprise risk management system • Ongoing priorities as per operational • Ongoing activity against Your Voice Action Plan plans for Faculties and Divisions • Policy Review Project continued in 2008 • Refinement of the planning, quality and reporting cycle • Review of Administrative Changes commenced Top image The Ourimbah campus library 10 | ANNUAL REPORT 2008 Photo: Justine Perl, Justine Perl Photography Perl Justine Perl, Justine Photo:

REVIEWING OUR OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE Teaching and Learning

In 2008 the University continued its focus on academic and professional training for students Centre for Teaching and Learning Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC) with the aim of developing skills and knowledge to help prepare work-ready graduates. Under the In 2008, the Centre for Teaching and Learning assumed a leadership The University was successful in gaining recognition for teaching and leadership of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and with targeted strategic investment, the role in strengthening the University’s commitment to improve the learning in 2008 from the Australian Learning and Teaching Council University concentrated on initiatives to increase the effectiveness of educational technologies quality of the student experience. The Centre provided learning (formerly the Carrick Institute for Learning and Teaching in Higher and enhance the learning environment and outcomes for students. support to students to assist them in achieving the most from their Education). Teaching and Learning Implementation Plan 2007 – 2009 academic studies. It also worked with academic and general staff in The University was awarded seven ALTC Citations for Outstanding relation to teaching practice and professional development, as well as Contributions to Student Learning: The Teaching and Learning Implementation Plan 2007 – 2009 underpins the University’s teaching and learning awards and grants. The Centre for Teaching and Strategic Plan and focuses on the priority goals of work-based experiential learning Learning frequently collaborated with other units across the University, • Ms Debbie Booth, Mr Michael Carr, Ms Susan Day, Ms Ann Stokes opportunities; curriculum development with emphasis on professional accreditation; integration particularly Facilities Management, Information Technology and Student and Ms Helen Lloyd of graduate attributes in programs for career readiness; and student focused learning through Support Services to improve the quality of the student experience and For the development of an online resource that assists students to learn improved delivery of student support services. Key achievements against the Teaching and enhance the flexibility of study options for all students. bibliographic referencing and that has been acclaimed nationally and Learning Implementation Plan are highlighted throughout this section of the report. internationally The Director, Centre for Teaching and Learning worked closely with Investment in Teaching and Learning IRU Australia colleagues to benchmark universities’ standards in online • Mr Graham Brewer teaching through the use of the Australasian Council on Open, Distance For an innovative assessment approach that facilitates the development The University continued to significantly invest in activities and initiatives to enhance the student and E-Learning (ACODE) Protocols. Work to date indicates that the of students’ graduate attributes through the use of trans disciplinary experience and learning outcomes. Key examples are listed below. University of Newcastle is performing in the middle of the IRU Australia and reflective practices • Teaching Fellowships to Re-engage Students through the Online Environment – seven group on these Protocols. A significant focus of ACODE activities was • Mrs Katherine Lindsay members of staff received up to $10,000 each in 2008 to undertake intensive work in the review and evaluation of open source online learning and of web 2.0 For championing an integrated and inspirational approach to the teaching and the use of education technology. The Fellows worked on specific educational for enhancing the quality of the learning experience of students. The academic and social development of individual students in first year law technology projects of strategic importance in their faculty. A showcase presented the Director also represented the University on the Council of Australian outcomes of the Fellowships to the wider university community. Directors of Academic Development (CADAD) and participated in the • Dr Huilin Ye • Teaching and Learning project grants for 2008 focused on Engaging the Teaching-Research formulation of a framework and set of key performance indicators for For developing an integrative teaching and learning model of classroom Nexus – approximately $100,000 was provided to fund 10 projects that explored the benefits evaluating the contribution of academic development units to quality and workplace experience that supports and inspires professionalism of making research more visible to students. A showcase in November provided a forum teaching and learning in universities. among software engineering graduates for grant holders to demonstrate the innovative approaches they had developed to link their There are four teams within the Centre for Teaching and Learning: • Dr Kathryn Holmes and Mr Gavin Little research with their teaching practice and induct students into the University’s research culture. • Academic Development and Support – helps staff in taking a For developing a mathematics teacher retraining program that inspires • The University’s integrated approach to English language support was developed further in scholarly approach to teaching and learning characterised by graduate educators to be reflective practitioners who motivate high 2008 to ensure that student needs are being addressed effectively and efficiently, and to reflective practice, learner-focused teaching, and engagement school students to engage in mathematics learning assist the University in meeting its obligations under the Education Services for Overseas in open, critical dialogue about teaching and learning. Students (ESOS) Act. The new model provided three new specialist English language teachers • Dr Philip Matthias who joined with existing Learning Support staff to develop an integrated approach to English • Educational Resources Development and Support – assists staff to For developing a vibrant and creative culture of choral and organ language support in collaboration with faculty colleagues. use learning and teaching technologies and to design and develop music that inspires and motivates students to perform professionally high quality learning materials for students. During 2008 the at international levels • Pharmacy labs and learning spaces – upgrades to teaching and research facilities in the team developed a range of resources that support staff to design School of Biomedical Sciences including audiovisual equipment in the clinical skills units • Dr Tracy Levett-Jones interactive and exciting online learning environments. A range of self- that will enable interactive video conferencing with students at remote locations such as For designing and implementing an innovative clinical competency paced instructional guides were created on topics such as setting the University’s Department of Rural Health in Tamworth, Taree and Port Macquarie. assessment model that promotes critical reflection and ensures nursing up online courses, designing structures for online courses, online students’ readiness for professional practice • Collaborative learning spaces and visual display enhancement in the Great Hall. assessment and marking tools, and how to engage students in online • In 2008 the University welcomed the announcement of 50 new Commonwealth-supported discussion activities. The University of Newcastle received funding of $439,000 for two specialist mental health nursing places commencing in 2009. Two new programs – a Master • Student Learning Support – helps new and continuing students grants as the lead institution: of Mental Health Nursing and a Master of Mental Health Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) – by offering support in the development of the skills needed to get • Dr Tracy Levett-Jones will be introduced in 2009 as a result of the announcement. the most out of university study. Learning Support provides online Examining the impact of simulated patients and information and • Students at the University of Newcastle will benefit from the Federal Government’s $15 million learning materials and access to collaborative learning spaces for communication technology on nursing students’ clinical reasoning funding boost for the expansion and refurbishment of teaching and learning spaces. The study in small groups. funding was announced in December 2008 as part of the Nation Building Package. • Teaching Spaces Support – provides planning and design • Professor Gail Huon The University is also working collaboratively with other universities, as well as independently, enhancements of technical support for teaching and learning The University of Newcastle Promoting Excellence Initiative to develop best-practice approaches to creating work integrated learning opportunities for environments. Almost 50 teaching space and associated service Staff from the University are also involved as a partner institution in four students. In 2008 the University of Newcastle became a partner in the federally-funded Diversity enhancement projects were undertaken by this team in 2008. grants with further funding of over $800,000. and Structural Adjustment Fund project to develop a National Work Integrated Learning Portal and in the Australian Learning and Teaching Council funded project to develop a national Top image ALTC citation recipients (absent from photo: Susan Day) framework. 12 | ANNUAL REPORT 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | 13

The University of Newcastle and the University of New England (UNE) collaborated with Hunter New England Health to establish Australia’s first Joint Medical Program that was offered to students for the first time in 2008. One hundred students commenced their studies at the University of Newcastle and 60 students started at the University of New England. The five year program will prepare students to practice in urban, regional, rural and remote Australia and is accredited by the Australian Medical Council until the end of 2014.

Program Development, Review and Accreditation Accreditation Policy Development and Review Developing our Academic Staff During 2008 the Academic Senate and its committees reviewed the In 2008 the following programs were accredited by professional In 2008 the University conducted a review of its Academic Integrity The University continued to provide professional development academic content of several new programs and recommended their bodies: Policy and Procedure and developed revised processes for opportunities in areas including Blackboard, Turnitin, assessment and establishment to Council. In line with the Academic Senate’s principles • Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting major) implementation in 2009. The revisions will enable the University to e-Technologies as well as a sessional teaching program for casual/ of course and program rationalisation, the approval of some new Master of Professional Accounting provide more comprehensive reports on integrity related activity and sessional academics. programs required the disestablishment of existing programs. Accrediting body: CPA Australia and Institute of Chartered to target potential problem areas more effectively. The new processes Fourteen centrally-funded workshops were conducted at the Callaghan A total of 48 programs were disestablished in 2008. Accountants in Australia are complemented by additional training and support opportunities for and Ourimbah campuses during 2008 for sessional academics Student Academic Conduct Officers and a commitment to developing • Bachelor of Business (HRM major) from all faculties. The workshops focused on teaching and learning New Programs Approved additional academic literacy modules for students. The University Accrediting body: Australian Human Resources Institute responsibilities, effective assessment practices, academic integrity, Master of Teaching was recognised with an award for being an institutional member of student feedback and small group teaching strategies – all with the aim • Bachelor of Information Technology the Centre for Academic Integrity for over five years and staff also The NSW Institute of Teachers had indicated that it will no longer of improving the quality of teaching and learning at the University. Accrediting body: Australian Computer Society (provisional) participated in the Clemson University 2008 Annual International accept one year teacher preparation programs. The two year full- The University of Newcastle Scholarly Teaching Series (UNSTS) and • Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science Academic Integrity Conference. time Master of Teaching was developed in response. It required the Brown Bag Lunch gatherings were also conducted in 2008 and utilised Accrediting body: Australian Association for Exercise and Sports discontinuation and disestablishment of the Diploma in Education In terms of ongoing policy development and review, the Academic existing teaching and learning expertise within the institution. Workshops Science from 2010. Senate and its committees continued work to ensure consistency on embedding graduate attributes, assessment, and improving learning • Bachelor of Podiatry and transparency in processes across the University. Consequently, in large classes were held throughout the year. The collaborative model Master of Public Health Accrediting body: NSW Podiatrists Registration Board (provisional) amendments to a range of existing policies were approved to align of the Brown Bag Lunch series was found to be very successful. Overall Approval of this new program resulted in the discontinuation of the • Bachelor of Speech Pathology the University’s policies with procedure or ensure compliance with there were approximately 620 attendees at workshops offered by the Master of Health Science (Honours) program and removal of the Accrediting body: Speech Pathology Australia certain codes and/or legislation. Some specific examples include: the Centre for Teaching and Learning. development of the Code of Conduct and amendment to the Code Health Science specialisation in two programs. • Bachelor of Social Work The Graduate Certificate in the Practice of Tertiary Teaching was of Ethical Academic Conduct; the development of the International Accrediting body: Australian Association of Social Workers revised in 2008 to incorporate best practice approaches and to bring the Master of Professional Accounting (Advanced) Admission and Enrolment Policy; and revision to the Quality Assurance • Bachelor of Design (Architecture) University’s offerings into line with those of the IRU Australia institutions. The professional accounting component of the degree is accredited and Improvement System for Teaching and Learning Policy. Master of Architecture One of the key aspects of the revised program is a focus on the cycle that by the Australian Professional Accounting bodies – CPA Australia Accrediting body: Accreditation Council of Australia, the Royal Institute links teaching practice, feedback and innovation. and The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia. Teaching Spaces and Infrastructure of Architects and the Royal Institute of British Architects University-wide symposia and showcases were held on key teaching and Two new student learning spaces were established for students at learning issues to build on expertise and disseminate knowledge within Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting • Bachelor of Computer Science the Ourimbah and Callaghan campuses with Learning Support staff the institution. The Online Teaching and Learning Showcase provided An exit program for the Master of Professional Accounting Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) available to facilitate activities and guide students in subject-specific opportunities for staff to demonstrate and discuss innovative ways of and the Master of Professional Accounting (Advanced). Accrediting body: Australian Computing Society sessions. The rooms are designed to encourage collaboration between engaging students in online learning. Thinking Mathematically provided • Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) students for self-directed learning and relaxed and friendly teaching. an opportunity to discuss successful strategies for supporting the Graduate Certificate in Business Research Bachelor of Engineering (Computer) The Centre for Teaching and Learning collaborated with other areas development of maths and numeracy skills for students whose programs An entry program for students wishing to undertake a postgraduate Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) within the University to develop two Biomedical Sciences Clinical include maths as a core subject. The Engaging the Research-Teaching a postgraduate research degree to ensure they have the necessary Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronics) Skills Units and a Demonstration Pharmacy on the Callaghan campus. Nexus symposium emphasised the benefits of making the research research skills to qualify for enrolment in the PhD or research Masters Bachelor of Engineering (Telecommunications) The Centre was involved in the design, development and installation culture of higher education a more intrinsic part of student learning. degree. Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental) of all audio-visual and room control features (including lighting and A series of grants and fellowships were also available in 2008 to support Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) colour schemes). The focus of the design was to create a teaching Academic Senate, through the Program and Course Approval staff in developing innovative approaches to teaching that maximise the Bachelor of Engineering (Software) environment that will support major aspects of the Pharmacy program Committee, also approved revisions to more than 20 programs use of educational technologies and to showcase the achievements Accrediting body: Engineers Australia by using innovative technologies to foster active, appealing and throughout the year with the aim of making the University’s programs of colleagues across the University. Approximately 25 academic and • Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) interactive learning. up-to-date and professionally relevant. Furthermore, as part of the general staff colleagues were provided with support to attend ALTC Accrediting body: Engineers Australia and ICHEME (UK) quality assurance and improvement processes for teaching and An Online Learning Workshop Room was created in the Language and IRU Australia events throughout the year on issues that included learning, a total of 14 external program reviews were conducted Centre and has been used consistently during Semester 2, 2008. the enhancement of the research-teaching nexus, leading change and covering 47 individual programs. In accordance with the Academic The equipment in the room facilitates active learning and high levels leadership in teaching and learning. Senate’s approved schedule for external program reviews, faculties are of participant engagement. Workshop participants are offered practical The Academic Women in Leadership Program (AWiL) was offered in in various stages of preparing responses and action plans to the review pedagogical guidelines for enhancing high quality student learning, 2008 and 17 women participated in the eight-day program. Feedback reports and when finalised, these plans will be closely monitored to using appropriate technologies. from participants and other indicators such as promotion data, highlight ensure recommendations are implemented over the next 12 months. Details of other major capital projects related to teaching spaces and the personal and institutional benefits of the program. An extremely infrastructure undertaken by the University in 2008 are detailed in the positive outcome was the development of a strong network of senior Services and Resources section of this Annual Report. women across the University’s campuses. The AWiL program will be offered again in 2009 as the University works towards achieving a citation as an Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) Employer of Choice for Women. 14 | ANNUAL REPORT 2008 The Enhancing Student Success Conference – Working Collaboratively with Students in a Diverse University Environment was held at the Ourimbah campus in December 2008 with the objective of bringing together academics, administrators and student support staff to discuss practical strategies and share research and innovations in this field. Keynote addresses were given by eminent researchers from The Centre for Study of Higher Education and The Australian Council of Educational Research. The conference program included papers on issues related to supporting students, encouraging student participation and persistence within the university setting, student employment programs, issues relevant to residential accommodation and also supporting students with a disability. Over 150 delegates attended from institutions around Australia and New Zealand, with the evaluation forms showing extremely positive feedback.

Library Services Our Students Student Experience and Support Library Services continued its commitment to delivering high quality teaching, learning and Staff from the Cultural Collections unit within In 2008 the University’s student body reached The University drew on the results of the Student Forum 2007 to guide its activities in 2008, research support to both staff and students across five libraries. The library’s investment in online Library Services researched, produced and 30,336 students (20,581 EFTSL) across its particularly in relation to initiatives that enhance the overall student experience. Strategies to scholarly resources and virtual information services reaches out to students located in over 100 published Found Treasures – a high quality onshore and offshore locations, an increase support international students and students from a non-English speaking background were countries. In 2008 the value of this investment exceeded $6 million, providing access to 60,000 book that profiles significant items from the of 6.4 per cent on 2007 figures. enhanced with the development of the Diagnostic Academic English Language Test. This rare book and manuscript collections, many online subscriptions and electronic books as well as traditional print resources. Twenty-four The University again exceeded its instrument was designed to specifically target the learning needs of non-English speaking of which have been donated by members of hour physical access is also available through the Information Commons which are located at Commonwealth Supported Load (CSL) background international students. It helps in identifying ‘at risk’ students and informs academic the Hunter community. Another significant the Callaghan, City Precinct and Ourimbah campuses with an average of 400 students making targets in 2008. This was due to the flow-on teaching staff about the English language needs of their students. donation from 2008 was the Barney-Snowball use of these facilities between 10pm and 8am each evening. The library’s professional staff and of increased load in 2007, a small increase A new resource was introduced to support commencing students, Learning in the Online collection of negatives of images taken student rover service are available to help students with enquiries, assignments and IT support in Semester 1 offers in 2008 and a strong Environment. This web-based resource supports commencing students in their preparation around the Newcastle district between 1880 either in person or by phone, email and SMS. mid-year intake. Commencing student load to become effective learners in the online environment. An additional new diagnostic tool and 1920 including Norm Barney’s personal In August 2008 the national Insync Library Client Satisfaction Survey was conducted with increased by 4.8 per cent in 2008 which was was developed to address the need for students to gain insight into their maths skills before archive of images when he worked as a the results benchmarked across the Australian university sector. Library Services improved its pleasing given the significant increase of or on entry to maths related courses. The Maths Diagnostic Quiz helps students gauge their photographer with the Newcastle Herald. overall performance and was ranked in the top quartile (25 per cent) for the sector. The quality of 10.7 per cent in 2007. Overall load at the understanding of basic mathematical concepts and processes. Students are provided with a Digitisation of this and other collections service provided by staff rated highly as well as the ability to request books from other campuses Ourimbah campus and Port Macquarie grew realistic assessment of their strengths and weaknesses and are empowered to make better commenced with over 7,000 photographs and university libraries using the BONUS+ program. The areas identified for attention included strongly. The Bachelor of Exercise and Sport choices about their studies. now available via Flickr. Science was introduced at Ourimbah and access to computers, study desks, group study and laptop facilities. Another initiative was implementation of the student exit survey, funded by Higher Education The quality of support delivered by comfortably met its load target. In response to these concerns, student facilities across all libraries were upgraded: Equity Support Program. The survey, Dropping Out or Moving On?: An exploration of the Library Services was recognised with a The University’s international load increased factors associated with the decision to withdraw from the University of Newcastle, interviewed • commencement of a major refurbishment of the Flowers Reading Room in the Auchmuty commendation in the AUQA Audit Report for by 14 per cent from 2007 to 2008. The those students who commenced undergraduate studies in 2008 at an onshore campus of Library to provide state of the art collaborative learning facilities as well as a dedicated study the Auchmuty Information Common service strong enrolments through UON Singapore the University and withdrew sometime in the same year. This project aimed to gain a better area for postgraduate students. The project is scheduled for completion in June 2009; and other staff awards as noted throughout Pte Ltd (up 47 per cent) and a rise in onshore understanding of the reasons that students decide to withdraw and to determine whether a • an upgrade to the Huxley Library foyer and entrance with automatic doors, casual seating the 2008 Annual Report. load (9 per cent) were the major contributors. and 57 additional computers for student use; low SES background and first-in-family status are significantly correlated with attrition or poor Postgraduate coursework enrolments at academic success. The findings will enable more effective targeting of support services. • a small extension to the City Precinct Library to provide additional shelving, study carrels, the Newcastle City Precinct and ELICOS at Student Support Services collaborated with colleagues across the University to significantly group study rooms and eight additional computers; Callaghan also showed strong growth. On the enhance the Orientation Week experience for students. In 2008 a number of new sessions were • re-configuration of the upper level of the Ourimbah Library to provide a casual study whole, postgraduate coursework load rose by planned and implemented including: Be Uni Ready sessions on student administration, student and discussion area, additional shelves and computer facilities; and 13 per cent. life on-campus, international students and online help; the UNI-Start – Transition to Study • a significant extension to the Port Macquarie Library that was opened at the beginning of A total of 3,720 students attended 22 program; Back to Study programs; and sessions for rural and out of area students. The new Semester 1, including over 50 additional computers and laptop facilities in an Information graduation ceremonies in Australia (including program was evaluated through staff surveys and the University’s Commencing Student Survey Common layout. two attainment ceremonies) and two overseas as well as a survey specifically for the SOS Mentor program. The results of these surveys formed The University was also successful in obtaining funds through the Better Universities Renewal ceremonies in Hong Kong and Singapore. the basis for recommendations and changes to the mid-year orientation program and will also be Fund for a major extension to the Ourimbah Library and a Information Common for the Huxley Across the ceremonies a total of 24 University incorporated into planning for Orientation 2009. Library. These projects are scheduled for completion in 2010. Medals were presented to graduates achieving 2008 also saw the expansion of the SOS Mentor Program across all faculties and onshore academic excellence. Another graduation The BONUS+ borrowing consortium, a University of Newcastle initiative, continues to grow with campuses. The mentors provided peer support to commencing students and also assisted with highlight was the first cohort of Oral Health the addition of Murdoch University Library and confirmation that the first international partner, a range of orientation activities. There was a significant increase in the number of mentors at the graduates at Ourimbah. Massey University in New Zealand, will join in 2009. The BONUS+ system provides access to Callaghan campus (86 in 2007 to 148 in 2008), steady numbers at the Ourimbah campus (42) over three million books located in seven libraries. Students can place requests via the NEWCAT Further statistics about our students and for the first time, seven mentors at Port Macquarie. Feedback from the 2008 Commencing system with the item arriving within three to four days free of charge. Overall, use of the Library are provided in Appendix F. Students’ Survey indicated that 90 per cent of all respondents rated the mentors as one of the increased in 2008 with a two per cent increase in loans and six per cent increase in building most helpful and enjoyable aspects of orientation (at all three campuses). entries compared to 2007. Use of the Ourimbah Library increased significantly with a seven per Further details about other student support activities are provided in the Services and Resources cent increase in loans and 14.5 per cent increase in door entries. A 13 per cent increase in door section of this Annual Report. entries was recorded for the Auchmuty Library. In 2008 Library Services supported Open Access initiatives via the ASHER (Australian Scheme for Higher Education Repositories) program with the addition of 2,900 citations for research publications into the NOVA online repository. The purpose of the repository is world-wide exposure of academic staff publications via Internet discovery services such as Google Scholar. The publications will also support the ERA (Excellence in Research for Australia) initiative. In addition, Library Services assumed greater responsibility for the collection of research publication data across the University. University of Newcastle communication students Sarah Anderson (right) and Lester Kok (far right)

Forty communication students were Scholarships Operations in Singapore International invited by the Beijing Organising The University of Newcastle exceeded previous records for the allocation and funding of In 2008 Mr Robert Cochrane, a leader in the Internationalisation is a key part of the University of Newcastle’s activities and in 2008, was an Committee of the Olympic Games to work scholarships in 2008 with a total of more than $9 million allocated to approximately 3,000 development of international higher education area of focus in the AUQA audit. The Audit Report affirmed the need to review and improve the with the international media contingent as students (commencing and continuing). This included both equity and academic scholarships. in Australia and the Asia-Pacific, was levels of learning, pastoral and social support for students, especially international students; ‘flash quote’ reporters during the Beijing There were more than 2,200 new scholarship offers made in 2008. appointed as the new Pro Vice-Chancellor and as well as the University’s intention to continue to internationalise the curriculum by improving Olympics and Paralympics. Only selected Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the University understanding and wide dissemination of the concept of internationalisation amongst academic universities across the world, including Commonwealth Scholarships (CS) are distributed by the Federal Government to universities on an annual basis. The initiative assists students from low SES backgrounds (particularly those of Newcastle’s Singapore operation – UON staff and promoting strategies for its implementation. the esteemed Columbia University in New from rural and regional areas, and indigenous students) with costs associated with higher Singapore Pte Ltd. The International Division of the University of Newcastle is committed to making Newcastle York, were invited to participate. On their education. 2008 saw the introduction of new categories of Commonwealth Scholarships UON Singapore Pte Ltd continued to grow a truly internationalised university by: return, students gave a presentation to specifically for Indigenous students. These included Indigenous Access Scholarships (IAS), strongly in 2008 across the key performance • building the global skills and inter-cultural competencies of staff and students; the University Council, describing their Indigenous Enabling Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarships (CAS) and Indigenous indicators of revenue, net profit, student load experiences as an invaluable learning • internationalising learning, teaching and research through strategic international partnerships Enabling Commonwealth Education Costs (CECS). and programs delivered. Additionally, academic and global alliances; opportunity. In appreciation of the staff of UON Singapore are contributing to support provided by the University, the Scholarships are high on the agenda for the UON Foundation Ltd and it continues to receive • national and international accreditation of professional programs; generous support for this purpose from a variety of donors. In 2008 significant new scholarships the University’s research effort and extending students presented framed volunteer the University’s reputation and strategic • development of innovative and relevant academic programs which address the global uniforms from the Beijing Olympics were made possible, notably in engineering, through donor funds from the 1968 Singapore challenges of our times; Colombo Plan students, Xstrata Coal, Coal & Allied and Waratah Engineering. The full list of capabilities within Singapore and beyond. The and Paralympics to the Chancellor and • development of integrated work placement opportunities for students both nationally donors to the University is included in Appendix E. most substantive change in UON Singapore’s Vice-Chancellor, along with a letter of operations during 2008 was the increase in and internationally; congratulations from Deputy Director UNISS academic and administrative staff, necessary • enhancing the experience of international students; and of Media Operations of BOCOG. to cope with increased demand across existing The University of Newcastle Industry Scholarship Scheme (UNISS) continued to diversify in • enhancing the international experience of the local student body. programs – nine undergraduate programs and 2008 with 29 commencing student scholarships offered, including an inaugural scholarship one postgraduate program. Highlights from 2008 included: established by Bradken Resources for the Bachelor of Commerce. UON Singapore supported PSB Academy’s • growth of 20 per cent in international onshore load from 2007 to 2008 and 37 per cent growth Students in the scheme are offered exciting and unique opportunities for work-based learning marketing efforts in a number of ways off-shore Singapore in the same period; through industry placements. In 2008 Nathan Harvey designed a set of four high pressure gas including representation at marketing • growth in ELICOS numbers; to gas heat exchangers with his sponsor, RCR Stelform, as part of his full-year placement. events in Singapore and also conducted He then moved into the Projects Department where he successfully managed the material • finalisation of more than 20 articulation agreements with universities in China, Malaysia, Hong regular information sessions on campus purchasing and services for multiple important projects in the oil, power and gas industries. In Kong, Thailand and Korea with another 11 agreements currently in progress; for prospective students. Additionally, the 2008 Rob Avery won the UNISS Insignis Award for his significant contribution to his sponsor • completion of the internationalisation implementation plans including internationalisation of University of Newcastle’s academic staff company WE Smith Engineering. Rob is now a Project Engineer with Jord International working curriculum, student mobility and international leadership program (iLEAD), and campus and conducted presentations at some of the both in Australia and Malaysia. community integration plan; Polytechnic Colleges and hosted visits from local high schools for special events such • signing of agreements to accept government-funded students with the Ministries of Education as the annual Science and Engineering in Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand; Challenge. Administrative staff engaged • approval by Chinese Government for a Confucius Institute at the University of Newcastle; in responding to web, email and telephone • development and implementation of the India Engagement Strategy including the appointment enquiries from prospective students as well of an India Country Director, a senior delegation visit, and signing of new institutional as developing brand awareness. agreements with Jawaharlal Nehru University, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade and Indian To assist the company at this stage of Institute of Management Indore; and significant growth, a number of senior • completion of an international self-assessment admissions tool. management positions were established in 2008 including the roles of Deputy CEO and Deputy Academic Registrar. The University appointed a Student Academic Conduct Officer (SACO) in Singapore to liaise with the University’s school-based SACOs in Australia and to help with supporting and maintaining academic standards across the University. 18 | ANNUAL REPORT 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | 19

Achievements: Teaching and Learning

The success of our students and staff is critical to the University’s reputation as an institution of distinction. The following achievements, awards and honours enhanced our profile in 2008.

Students Staff The University of Newcastle’s NUManoids continued their international success in becoming Associate Professor Clare Collins was The following academics were recognised through the NSW Quality Teacher the first world champions of the new Standard Platform League at the 2008 RoboCup recognised for her outstanding work in the Awards in 2008: competition held in China. field of nutrition through the award of the Dr John Anderson, Faculty of Business and Law prestigious status of Fellow of the Dieticians Paralympian Gold medalist sprinter Heath Francis was awarded the University Blue for his Associate Professor Marj Kibby, Faculty of Education and Arts Association of Australia. outstanding sporting achievements. He won three gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Dr David Palmer, Faculty of Education and Arts Games, setting new world records in the 200 metre and 400 metre events and a personal Dr Phillip Dwyer was shortlisted for the best time in the 100 metre event. Other students and graduates of the University representing 2008 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards for The following staff were recognised in 2008 as part of the Vice-Chancellor’s Australia at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Paralympics included: Katie Gill (soccer), Prue his critically acclaimed biography of French Awards for Teaching Excellence. Watt (swimming), Katherine Proudfoot (track and field), Christie Dawes (track and field), military and political leader Napoleon Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence and Learning Support 2007 Bonaparte. Leisl Tesch (wheelchair basketball), Belinda Wright (softball) and Benn Harridine (track Dr Marita Lynagh and Dr Sue Outram, Faculty of Health and field). Conjoint Associate Professor Colin Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence in the Faculties 2007 Andy Devine, a fine art honours student, received the highest award in the 2008 William Keay was honoured by the science Dr David Palmer, Faculty of Education and Arts Fletcher Foundation prizes – a grant of $3,000 to support his studies in printmaking and community for his life long contribution to Professor Steffen Lehmann, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment painting. Fellow students Gail Brown and Trudy Fennell each received grants of $1,000. science communication and service to physics, receiving the Australian Institute of Physics Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence by an Early Career Academic 2007 Law students Karlo Tyson and Barbara Townsend were awarded the prestigious Kirby Cup Award for Outstanding Service to Physics in Dr Sharon Cooper, Faculty of Education and Arts at the 2008 Law Students’ Association conference. The students successfully presented their Australia. case for reform for the Commonwealth Freedom of Information laws. Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence and Learning Support 2008 The Family Action Centre received Creative arts student Hugh Doyle took out the National Tertiary Art Prize in the Photography/ Dr William McBride and Dr Philip Clausen, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment the prestigious international Herb Lingren Photomedia/ Electronic Media category. Strengthening Families Award. Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence in the Faculties 2008 First Year Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws student Reah Thrift won the RBA Dr Debbie Plath, Faculty of Education and Arts Professor Victor Emeljanow won the City Economic Competition award for the Best First Year Student Essay titled Housing Costs Dr William McBride and Dr Philip Clausen, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment of Newcastle Drama Award (CONDA) for Best and Affordability in Australia. Dr Tracy Levett-Jones, Faculty of Health Professional Director. Bachelor of Arts (Honours) student Emily Connors won best presentation at the Australasian Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence by an Early Career Academic 2008 Mrs Katherine Lindsay was a finalist in Society for Psychophysiology Annual Meeting for her talk titled Effect of neurofeedback training Dr Wendy Amosa and Dr Rachel Burke, Faculty of Education and Arts the inaugural LexisNexis – Australasian Law of mu and beta rhythms and behavioral measures using brain computer interface technology. Teachers’ Association Award for Excellence Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence in Indigenous Education 2008 Students from the University of Newcastle Legal Centre again offered beachgoers free and Innovation in the Teaching of Law 2008. Ms Kathleen Butler, Faculty of Education and Arts legal advice as a part of the innovative Law on the Beach program. The drop-in clinic, held in mid- Vice-Chancellor’s Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning 2008 – summer at the Newcastle Beach Surf Life Saving Club, particularly aims to target young people Team Awards by taking the law to them. Mr Thayaparan Gajendran and Associate Professor Anthony Williams, John Rossington and Shaun Johnston were awarded University Colours for their Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment and Ms Debbie Booth, outstanding contribution to the administration and organisation of University sport. John was Academic Division awarded a Colour for his contributions to College Sport while Shaun’s involvement with the Ms Jeanette Walsh, Services Division and Mrs Ruth Gresham, University of Newcastle Rugby Club was recognised. Newcastle International Footballer (soccer) Lauren Colthorpe was named as the University of Newcastle Sports Vice-Chancellor’s Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning 2008 – Person of the Year, an award that recognises outstanding sporting achievement by a University Individual Awards student. Mr Marcus Rodrigs, Faculty of Business and Law Students of the University returned from their East Coast Challenge campaign with four medals: Ms Leanne Brown, Faculty of Health silver in each of Women’s soccer, Men’s Touch Football and Men’s Hockey; and bronze in Mr Shane Dempsey, Faculty of Health Women’s Basketball. Dr Sharyn Hunter, Faculty of Health The University of Newcastle picked up three medals at the 2008 Australian University Ms Yolanda Surjan, Faculty of Health Snowsport Championships. Top image Katie Gill Middle image University of Newcastle Numanoid Bottom image Law on the Beach program 20 | ANNUAL REPORT 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | 21

Research and Research Training

The University of Newcastle remained in the top 10 research universities in Australia in 2008 Some examples of the external funding PRC for Brain and Mental Health Other examples of significant research funding for 2009 included: based on success through competitive grant funding and major research collaborations attracted by researchers from the University’s The PRC received $1 million to continue the research of Dr Alan • an ARC Linkage Grant of $530,000 to fund research into more nationally and internationally. The Priority Research Centres continued to lead the way, Priority Research Centres (PRCs) in 2008 Brichta into dizziness. This research is being carried out in collaboration energy-efficient and cost-effective ways of transporting bulk confirming the effectiveness of the University’s research investment strategies. In 2008, included: with the Hunter Medical Research Institute’s Brain and Mental materials throughout Australia. This research will be undertaken the University strengthened its commitment to developing international research partnerships PRC for Asthma and Health Program and with the support of a Senior/Principal Research in conjunction with Conveyor Dynamics Inc., Veyance (formerly with China, Japan and India. Respiratory Diseases Fellowship from The Garnett Passe and Rodney Williams Memorial Goodyear) Belting and Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction over Foundation. the next four years; Research Funding Dr Kelly Asquith received a NHMRC Training Postgraduate Fellowship to focus on new This PRC also received $2.4 million funding from the NSW Government • an ARC grant of $330,000 for Professors Daichao Sheng and John Attracting increased external support for research through national and international funding treatment strategies for asthma sufferers and to establish the Neurobehavioural Genetics Unit in the Hunter and Carter from the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment to is an important goal for the University and the Strategic Plan 2007 – 2011 sets ambitious other related allergic disorders such as allergic uncover genetic risk factors that make some people more susceptible develop a new model to manage potential contaminants in former targets to further enhance our research profile and impact. rhinitis. to mental illness. open cut mines; In recent years the University has consistently ranked first among the IRU Australia group, based • an ARC grant of $1.1 million over five years for Professor Rob Dr Katie Baines, the Hunter Medical Professor Amanda Baker received over $770,000 for a study into on total research income. The 2007 figures (note that this is the latest available data Melchers to extend his research into the causes of corrosion of Research Institute (HMRI) Xstrata Coal healthy lifestyle interventions for cardiovascular disease risk reduction for the sector) show that the University’s total research income from external sources was $70.6 infrastructure – the next phase will investigate the potential influence Asthma Research Fellow and member of among people with psychotic disorders. million, an increase of 28 per cent on the previous year ($55.1 million). of bacterial activity in inland infrastructure corrosion in industrial, this PRC, attracted external funding from Associate Professor Ulrich Schall received over $1.5 million to agricultural, rural and alpine environments; In 2008 the University continued its outstanding success in attracting new grants from the these organisations for a three year study to undertake research that will identify early brain changes in those at Australian Research Council (ARC) and National Health and Medical Research Council investigate a newly recognised type of asthma. • more than $800,000 in funding – announced by the NSW Minister risk of developing schizophrenia, thus allowing for more effective early (NHMRC). In terms of ARC funding, the University received $9 million for 24 new projects Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer), Minister for the Hunter, Professor Peter Gibson received $2.9 million intervention. investigating areas such as improvements in the performance of the mobile telecommunications and Minister for Science and Medical Research Jodi McKay – for in NHMRC funding for the Asthma and network, unexplained chronic pain, the culture of excessive alcohol consumption in sporting Associate Professor Chris Levi was awarded a NHMRC grant of over research into childhood obesity, smoking, melanoma and cancer Macrolides: Azithromycin Efficacy and Safety clubs and steel corrosion. The University also received very substantial ARC support to improve $1.1 million to study the role of genetic and environmental factors in radiotherapy. The researchers involved are: Dr Luke Wolfenden (AMAZES) study that will explore a new way research infrastructure and equipment. stroke with the aim being to develop a stroke assessment tool. (Cancer Institute NSW Early Career Development Fellowship), Ms of treating inflammations in asthma patients Jamie Bryant (Cancer Institute NSW Research Scholar Award), Mr A record $14.6 million in NHMRC funding was awarded to the University across 18 research Dr Brett Graham received a NHMRC Training Postgraduate Fellowship by studying the role of macrolide antibiotics Christopher Lavis (Cancer Institute NSW Research Scholar Award) projects. Key areas include research into asthma, breast cancer, strokes, mental illness, to investigate what occurs when our sense of balance is disrupted, a in persistent asthma. and Mr Ben Britton (Cancer Institute NSW Psycho-oncology Fellow); pregnancy, the effect of chronic stress and depression on the heart, prostate cancer, melanoma problem of particular importance to the elderly. and treatment and male fertility. PRC for Gender, Health and Ageing PRC for Reproductive Science • a NHMRC grant of $1.635 million for Professor John Forbes The table below compares the new grant funding by scheme for the last three years and The PRC received a NHMRC grant of Several NHMRC grants were awarded to researchers with funding to continue research into breast cancer prevention trials for demonstrates particular achievements in attracting funding for equipment and industry linkages. almost $800,000 for a project aimed at totalling more than $3.5 million. Highlights included $830,000 in postmenopausal women at high risk. It is pleasing to note that of the 18 ARC Discovery Projects funded for commencement in improving general practitioners’ diagnosis funding to Professor Roger Smith to investigate the causes of kidney 2009, four were in the Faculty of Education and Arts and one was in the Faculty of Business and management of patients with dementia. failure in Aboriginal people potentially resulting from stresses in and Law, and that the Faculty of Education and Arts secured an ARC Linkage grant to advance Professor Dimity Pond will lead a team of pregnancy as well as $270,000 to Dr Mark Baker to identify the national initiatives in improving teacher quality. The University of Newcastle also secured the only researchers from the University of Newcastle, pathways responsible for the defective sperm function in infertile Indigenous Researchers Development grant to investigate the success of workplace programs the University of New South Wales, the patients. for Indigenous people and development of a benchmark for improving these programs across University of Adelaide, the Royal College of the labour market. General Practitioners and the University of Melbourne.

Table 3: UON New Research Grant Funding Awarded in Selected National Schemes PRC for Geotechnical Table 4: UON Total Research Income by Faculty 2003 – 2007 2006 – 2008 and Materials Modelling Faculty 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Grant Scheme 2006 2007 2008* This PRC received funding through an ARC Business and Law $686,670 $833,779 $564,531 $389,590 $192,754 Linkage Grant to develop new cost-effective ARC Discovery Grants $7,846,546 $10,353,165 $6,632,564 Education and Arts $1,224,233 $1,763,647 $2,118 , 417 $1,742,627 $1,664,529 methods for designing against rock fall events ARC Linkage Grants $913,942 $2,072,371 $2,526,964** using a combination of advanced testing and Engineering and Built Environment $10,469,398 $11,918,828 $13,383,261 $13,391,128 $13,790,196 ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment $155,000 $750,000 $1,420,000 computer modelling. Health $15,000,737 $21,849,605 $25,289,425 $31,551,595 $33,629,736 and Facilities (LIEF) Science and Information Technology $5,957,360 $6,433,425 $9,198,623 $7,851,891 $9,708,188 ARC Indigenous Research Development $76,000 NA $55,000 PRC for Energy Scheme This PRC received a grant from the Asia- Other (Divisions) $179,771 NA $722,198 $201,063 $11, 6 3 5 , 018 NHMRC Projects $9,109,075 $12,666,478 $14,628,576 Pacific Partnership on Clean Development Total $33,518,169 $42,799,284 $51,276,455 $55,127,894 $70,620,421 and Climate (APP) for Professor Terry Wall Total $18,102,569 $25,842,014 $25,263,104 to lead the Oxyfuel Working Group and to * For projects starting in 2009 ** Round 1 only – Round 2 results not available at time of publication identify opportunities for global collaboration as new clean coal technologies (oxyfuel combustion) to be demonstrated. 22 | ANNUAL REPORT 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | 23

Research Facilities and Infrastructure Building Research Capacity Another new initiative focused on the Examples of Research Impact promotion and identification research The Australian Research Council Linkage In 2008 the University further developed a range of research initiatives to build further research The following examples of research projects and outcomes from 2008 are provided to collaboration opportunities was the Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (ARC capacity as detailed below. demonstrate the calibre of the University of Newcastle’s research initiatives. introduction of Exchange Events in partnership LIEF) scheme provides funding for large-scale with Newcastle Innovation Ltd. Three very Dr Michael Stockenhuber from the University of Newcastle collaborated with colleagues at cooperative initiatives to enable the purchase Career Enhancement Fellowships successful events were held in 2008 relating the University of Cardiff in Wales to discover how complex molecules and imprinted polymers of expensive infrastructure, equipment and A number of initiatives aiming to enhance the career profile of women and prepare women for to Energy, Minerals Processing and Food (synthetic plastic materials) bind together. The research will optimise the design of polymers facilities costing at least $100,000. The executive and senior leadership roles were implemented. For example, the Career Enhancement Technology. The purpose of the events so that they can detect and separate enzymes, proteins and drugs in complex mixtures such University’s excellent outcomes from the Fellowships aim to support senior women to enhance their profile and reputation, increase their was to provide a forum for researchers to as blood. The research has been published in the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Journal ARC LIEF round in 2008 will provide major likelihood of promotion to Level D or E and help to remove barriers to women wishing to move showcase their research activities and foster of December 2008 and its application will significantly boost the accuracy and speed of drug research infrastructure for use by researchers into leadership positions. The Career Enhancement Fellowships were sponsored by the Deputy relationships with industry partners. Based on testing. across several faculties. A new Tunnelling Vice-Chancellor (Research) and delivered through the Women@UON program. their success, there are plans to expand the Electron Microscope, a Confocal Microscopy The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) revealed that the most range of events in 2009. system and Mass Spectrometry facility have Appointment of Laureate Professor commonly prescribed medication for Australian women is antidepressants. The study is the latest research from the ALSWH. Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and Medicare data were linked been funded for acquisition in 2009. In 2008 the Council bestowed the University’s highest academic honour on Professor Scott Excellence in Research for Australia to survey data to examine claims and costs of medications and other health care resources. The David Maddison Building (DMB) Level 1 Sloan by conferring on him the title of Laureate Professor as testimony to his international (ERA) reputation for high impact, high quality research. Professor Sloan is the sixth Laureate Professor The ALSWH is a 20 year project involving three cohorts spanning three generations. More than Animal Facility was refurbished in 2008 to Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) is the to be named by the University. An ARC Federation Fellow, Laureate Professor Sloan is Director 40,000 women participate in the study. Researchers based in Newcastle work in collaboration improve significantly and enlarge the animal research quality and evaluation system which of the University’s Priority Research Centre for Geotechnical and Materials Modelling. He is with the Hunter Medical Research Institute and the University of Queensland. The research holding facilities which serve the Priority is being developed by the current Federal also a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and a Fellow of the Australian Academy provides an evidence-base to Government to assist health policy and programs to keep pace Research Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Government to replace the Research Quality of Technological Sciences and Engineering. He is one of only 70 people to be elected to a with the evolving needs of Australian women. Diseases and other research groups at the Framework. It will assess research quality Fellowship of both of these academies. A unique online survey tracking critical data on influenza infection that alerts medical officials DMB. within Australia’s higher education institutions to large outbreaks of the virus was launched nationally. Flutracking.net, an initiative of using a combination of indicators including The Institute for Transdisciplinary eResearch The University of Newcastle Research Fellowship Scheme researchers from Hunter New England Health and the University of Newcastle, aims to recruit bibliometric measures and expert review Services and Technology (INTERSECT) The University of Newcastle Research Fellowship Scheme was introduced in 2007 to support at least 2,000 people across Australia to complete a 15 second weekly survey on flu-like across eight discipline clusters. The University was established by a consortium of NSW outstanding early career researchers seeking to commence an academic/research career. The symptoms. has established an ERA team to prepare for universities and the NSW State Government University awarded a further three Fellowships during 2008 to: to drive and coordinate the development, the first round of evaluation which will take Associate Professor Philip Morgan from the Faculty of Education and Arts is leading a Dr Lynne Parkinson, Priority Research Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing; delivery and uptake of eResearch services place in 2009 to 2010. world-first study which builds on initial unpublished research that children are most likely to be guided by a father’s eating and exercise habits. The Healthy Dads Healthy Kids study is designed and solutions in NSW. In developing a much Dr Romaine Moreton, Wollotuka School of Aboriginal Studies, Faculty of Education and Arts; and As part of ERA, the Australian Research to help fathers promote and demonstrate to their children positive behaviours related to physical needed concentration of eResearch expertise Dr Renata Thienel, Priority Research Centre for Brain and Mental Health. Council is working on ranking academic activity and healthy eating. in the state, INTERSECT will coordinate the journals by quality, dividing them into four tiers resources of existing islands of technical Research Appointments (A*, A, B and C) on the basis of the overall Latest research into dual-purpose contraceptives and non-hormonal contraception was capability among its members and partners Through national and international recruitment activities the following Professors were appointed quality that each journal has for a particular presented at the annual scientific conference of the Society for Reproductive Biology (SRB) to identify, develop and deliver world-class in 2008 to further strengthen the University’s research performance and profile. discipline. While the final listing has not yet in Melbourne by Laureate Professor John Aitken from the Priority Research Centre for Information and Communication Technologies Professor Isabel Higgins, Professor of Nursing (Older Person Care) been released, the University undertook Reproductive Science. Professor Aitken discussed the need to develop novel, safe, effective, (ICT) enabled platforms to drive the next an analysis of its publications based on the dual-purpose contraceptive agents that combine the prevention of pregnancy with protection Professor John McDowell, Foundation Morpeth Chair of Theology generation of research and innovation. The draft rankings and it is notable that a high against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). University is one of the founding members Professor Natashia Boland, Professor in Mathematics proportion (41 per cent) of the University’s In 2008, the University of Newcastle, the University of Melbourne and Symbion Pathology of the consortium. The first Innovation Professor Keith Jones, Professor of Human Physiology total journal publications appear in journals in combined expertise in medical research, engineering and pathology to develop a computer Project to be undertaken by Intersect is the the top tiers (A* and A). program to predict women at risk of a premature birth. Researchers hope to have the computer development of a web portal for the Australian Research Collaboration The tables over the page provide further program fully developed in three years. Schizophrenia Research Bank (ASRB) which During 2008 the University continued to develop its collaborative relationship with a number evidence of the University’s research impact is based at the University of Newcastle. of Chinese partner institutions, particularly Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin Medical Scientists from the University of Newcastle in Australia, and Newcastle University and Imperial and output through publications. Overall the College in the United Kingdom, collaborated on understanding the spread of deadly diseases University, Beijing Institute of Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, total number of publications in 2007 increased Guizhou University and Huazhong Normal University. such as listeriosis, after observing for the first time how bacteria respond to stress. The research by 11.7 per cent on the previous year’s was published in the October 2008 issue of the prestigious international journal Science. Researchers from Harbin engaged in a collaborative project on treatment for stroke and the figures. The Faculty of Engineering and Built University established a joint research centre in crop improvement with Zhejiang Academy of Environment continued its strong research Policy Development Agricultural Science. Three academics from Huazhong Normal University and Harbin Institute track record by having the highest number The major focus in 2008 was the development of the Responsible Conduct of Research Policy of Technology travelled to Newcastle on Visiting Research Fellowships which allowed them to of publications and the greatest growth with associated supporting documents to comply with the Australian Code for the Responsible spend up to three months working on research projects with local academic hosts. (14.6 per cent). Conduct of Research, prepared by the National Health and Medical Research Council and the The University of Newcastle also strengthened its long-standing relationship with Kumamoto Australian Research Council. The University has been one of the sector leaders in developing University in southern Japan, entering a new agreement for research collaboration. The two a suite of policies based on the National Code. institutions have a strong history of cooperation in student exchange programs over the past 20 years, with more than 140 students from both universities participating. Kumamoto University is ranked in Japan’s top 10 universities. The President of Kumamoto University, Dr Tatsuro Sakimoto, visited the University of Newcastle to sign the Memorandum of Understanding. 24 | ANNUAL REPORT 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | 25

Table 5: UON Research Publications 2003 – 2007 Publication 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Five PhD students from Botswana benefited from a new scholarship scheme E1 – Conference Publication 262 268 283 274 385 launched in 2008 by the University of Newcastle and the Government of Botswana. A1 – Book 10 13 10 10 11 The scholarship scheme is part of a major development initiative designed to build capacity in countries in southern Africa. C1 – Journal Article 491 694 593 657 648 The initiative, valued at up to $2.64 million, allows for the fees of up to 30 B1 – Book Chapter 54 69 58 60 74 government-sponsored research higher degree students from southern Africa to Total 817 1044 944 1001 1118 be waived for study at the University of Newcastle over the next three years. The % National Research Publications 2.4 2.7 2.2 2.3 2.5 equitable merit-based scheme will support talented students to study in the fields of education, international affairs, public health, engineering and public sector reform. The first students of the new scholarship scheme are expected to start their Table 6: UON Research Publications by Faculty 2003 – 2007 studies in Australia in July 2009. Faculty 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Business and Law 49 152 154 161 112 Education and Arts 225 348 285 223 240 Research Higher Degree Students Engineering and Built Environment 309 354 340 390 447 Support for Research Higher Degree (RHD) students is a critical priority for the University Health 170 247 209 244 259 of Newcastle and a number of significant initiatives introduced in 2007 were consolidated Science and Information Technology 195 222 198 230 245 in 2008 including: • implementation of the RHD Laptop Scheme with a laptop computer provided to all commencing RHD students and over 250 continuing students; Table 7: UON RHD Load by EFTSL 2003 – 2007 • delivery of a successful Seminar Series for RHD students across a range of topics to assist 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 them in gaining an understanding of all aspects of the research experience. In 2008 the Commencing 209 199 209 172 191 Office of Graduate Studies liaised with the Centre for Teaching and Learning to offer seminars Continuing 623 636 594 567 530 in Writing a Literature Review and Giving a Seminar Presentation. Due to high demand the seminars were repeated three times in Semester 2; and Domestic Funded 549 571 570 510 491 • the supervisor training workshop program which provides guidance to supervisors on topics Domestic Unfunded 145 116 99 95 88 such as preparing students for confirmation, co-supervision and the revised Australian Code International – Fee Paying 138 148 135 135 142 for the Responsible Conduct of Research. Total 832 835 803 739 721 Scholarships remain a key tool in the strategies required to attract research students. % of National RHD Load 2.39 2.52 2.39 2.18 2.10 Scholarship processes are under constant review and opportunities for growth are investigated to ensure that the University is able to attract top quality students. 2008 saw an increase of approximately 50 per cent in the number of Australian Postgraduate Awards (APAs) provided Table 8: UON RHD Load by Faculty 2003 – 2007 by the Federal Government to the University of Newcastle for offer in 2009. Faculty 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 In order to encourage Honours students to continue their research careers, 31 scholarships Business and Law 68 60 60 62 54 were awarded to students for academic excellence in the completion of their Honours program in 2008. Each student was awarded $1,000, a laptop and a provisional University of Newcastle Education and Arts 268 256 243 217 202 Research Scholarship for 2009. Engineering and Built Environment 150 147 139 125 122 The Jointly Awarded RHD Program initiative progressed in 2008 with the signing of Memoranda Health 137 151 151 140 147 of Understanding with a number of key universities in China. These programs will benefit the Science and Information Technology 210 222 210 195 196 University through building research student intakes, adding to the critical mass of key research Total 832 835 803 739 721 areas and building relationships for future research collaboration. Trends in RHD load for the period 2003 – 2007 (refer to tables on previous page) indicate that while numbers have decreased from the peak of 2004, the University is now in a steady state Table 9: UON RHD Completions 2003 – 2007 of enrolments. Completion rates are also steady following a targeted campaign in 2006 to RHD Completions 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 encourage long-term students to complete. Masters 50 33 47 60 33 During 2008 the Research Training Sub-Committee gave significant attention to promoting PhD 123 111 107 139 108 the Voluntary Register of Supervisors, addressing resourcing issues for RHD students and Total 173 144 154 199 141 developing policies on collaborative research and joint publications, higher doctoral degrees and posthumous awards. % of National RHD Completions 2.73 2.23 2.18 2.8 1.97 The Office of Graduate Studies continues to have a proactive relationship with the Newcastle University Postgraduate Students Association (NUPSA), meeting regularly to address issues Table 10: UON Research Completions by Faculty 2003 – 2007 and discuss initiatives to assist research students. Faculty 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Business and Law 10 9 5 15 8 Education and Arts 61 46 45 65 47 Engineering and Built Environment 33 27 28 32 22 Health 28 25 24 36 23 Science and Information Technology 41 37 52 51 41 Total 173 144 154 199 141 26 | ANNUAL REPORT 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | 27

Achievements: RESEARCH AND RESEARCH TRAINING People and Engagement

Laureate Professor Graham Goodwin was recognised for his contribution to the field of The following staff were recognised in 2008 Our Staff Academic Promotions control engineering as winner of the prestigious Quazza Medal, the highest technical award as part of the Vice-Chancellor’s Awards: In 2008 there was a total of 2,190 full-time equivalent staff at the The University’s Academic Promotion Policy and Procedure provides given by the International Federation of Automatic Control (IFAC) once every three years. Faculty Awards for Researcher of the Year University, an increase of 6.7 per cent from 2007, comprising 886 for the academic promotion process to be completed twice per year Dr Jan Ostergaard from the School of Engineering won the Danish Council for Independent Dr Gian Casimir academic and 1,304 non-academic staff. – Professors and Associate Professors in the first half of the year and Research’s Young Elite Researcher Award for his research into the complex operating systems Faculty of Business and Law During the year recruitment processes were undertaken for 241 Lecturers and Senior Lecturers in the second half of the year. As part of used in the industrial, manufacturing and scientific sectors. Professor John Maynard positions of which 39 were restricted to internal applicants only the process applicants and selection committee members are provided The HMRI Award for Research Excellence, supported by the Sparke Helmore/NBN Television Faculty of Education and Arts and 202 positions were open to both internal and external applicants. with comprehensive training on merit and equity considerations including performance relative to opportunity. An interview by the Triathlon, was awarded to Professor Rodney Scott, a Co-Director of the Priority Research Dr Kaushik Mahata Of the total positions recruited, 69 were academic (16 at Level D and Faculty Promotions Committee also provides an excellent opportunity Centre for Bioinformatics, Biomarker Discovery and Information Based Medicine and a Co- Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment above) and 172 were for non-academic positions including teachers Director of the HMRI Information Based Medicine Research Program. for applicants to reinforce aspects of their application. Dr Simon Phipps (109 at HEW Levels 2 to 6). The HMRI Award for Early Career Research, sponsored by PULSE, was awarded to a promising Faculty of Health In 2008 training sessions were again conducted for new promotions researcher in the early stage of their career. The 2008 winner was asthma researcher Dr Jodie Code of Conduct committee members and applicants were afforded mentoring support Dr Scott Brown Simpson, a Post Doctoral Fellow of the Priority Research Centre for Asthma and Respiratory In November 2008 the University Council approved a new Code of during the promotion process with a number of workshops offered Faculty of Science and Information Diseases and a researcher in the HMRI Viruses, Infection/Immunity, Vaccine and Asthma (VIVA) Conduct which clearly enunciates the University’s values of honesty, to specifically encourage and guide women applying for promotion. Technology Research Program. fairness, trust, accountability and respect. During its development, The table below shows that the percentage of successful applicants increased from 75 per cent in 2007 to 85 per cent in 2008. Women Gladys M. Brawn Memorial Post Doctoral Research Fellow, Dr Nikola Bowden was awarded Overall Winner of the Vice-Chancellor’s consultation on the Code of Conduct was extensive and feedback was constituted 33 per cent of the applicants in 2008. Of these, 85 per cent a PULSE Education Prize to attend two international cancer research meetings in San Diego, Award for Researcher of the Year provided by many areas of the University and external agencies. of applicants were promoted. United States. Dr Bowden presented the results of her early research into a rare childhood skin Professor John Maynard The Code applies to students, staff, conjoint appointments, volunteers, cancer disorder, Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP), at the world’s largest cancer meeting – the Faculty of Education and Arts Council members and external members of the University committees, Special Studies Program annual meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research. who are to uphold the values and comply with the code in their studies, The Special Studies Program Policy supports the commitment of the The Macquarie Group Foundation, together with the HMRI announced a three year Macquarie Faculty Awards for Research Supervision the performance of their duties and in their endeavours. Partners, Excellence contractors and visitors are to acknowledge the code in their University University’s Strategic Plan to provide opportunities for academic staff Group Foundation PhD Scholarship to enable a young Hunter researcher to explore the role that to participate in development activities consistent with their role and genes play in the development of MS. The HMRI Macquarie Group Foundation PhD Student in Professor John Burgess dealings. responsibilities including to: progress research, improve teaching and Information Based Medicine was awarded to Mathew Cox who is a member of the Multiple Faculty of Business and Law The Code of Conduct was officially launched to the University learning; progress or complete a higher degree; and/or undertake Sclerosis research group at John Hunter Hospital. Dr Kim Cheng Boey community on 2 December 2008 and was well received with more leadership development activities. Professor Derek Smith was recognised as a distinguished public health academic, receiving Faculty of Education and Arts than 600 staff and students attending the events at Ourimbah and The introduction of a new policy and procedure in 2008 has resulted the 2008 Sidney Sax Oration Medal. Professor Smith was also awarded the World Safety Callaghan campuses. The launch was also video-streamed to the Professor Darren Rivett in greater access, flexibility and financial support for eligible staff. Organisation Award for Achievement in Scientific Research and Development. Faculty of Health University’s Orange and Tamworth locations. The University’s award- winning Chamber Choir performed three songs at the Callaghan event, Seventy-two applications were received with 65 staff members Professor Steffen Lehmann was appointed to the UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Urban Professor Pauline McGuirk including a piece written specifically about the University’s values. In participating in the program in 2008 (40 males and 25 females). Development for Asia and the Pacific. Faculty of Science and Information 2009 attention will be given to incorporating the Code across aspects Fifty-five academics undertook research activities, two pursued Technology Professor Andrew Heathcote was appointed Associate Editor for the Journal of of University’s activities including student orientation, course outlines improvements in teaching and learning, and eight progressed study Experimental Psychology: Learning Memory and Cognition. towards a higher degree. Overall Winner of the Vice-Chancellor’s and staff induction programs. PhD student Fiona Greenhill took out the third annual Sydney, City of Villages Art Prize for the Award for Research Supervision Table 11: UON Academic Promotions Outcomes 2008 work Distant Lights, Balmain, Darling Street. Excellence Professor John Burgess Level A to B Level B to C Level C to D Level D to E The following staff were awarded externally-funded fellowships in 2008: Faculty of Business and Law Applied Successful % Applied Successful % Applied Successful % Applied Successful % Australian Professorial Fellowship Professor Robert Melchers Women 0 0 NA 10 10 100 7 4 57 3 3 100 Professor George Willis Men 0 0 NA 24 21 88 12 10 83 4 3 75 Australian Research Fellowship Total 0 0 NA 34 31 91 19 14 74 7 6 86 Dr Andrew Fleming Dr Daniel Quevedo ARC Australian Postdoctoral Fellowship Total Mr Colin McHenry Applied Successful % NHRMC Practitioner Fellowship Women 20 17 85 Professor Peter Gibson Men 40 34 85 NHMRC Training Postgraduate Fellowship Dr Kelly L Asquith Total 60 51 85 Dr Brett A Graham Top image Professor John Maynard 28 | ANNUAL REPORT 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | 29

Training and Development Indigenous Staff and Students Attracting and Supporting Indigenous Students The University continued to offer a broad range of development opportunities throughout 2008 The University’s leadership and supervision The University of Newcastle has a strong reputation for Indigenous collaboration. The Strategic building on the foundations of previous years. These opportunities were designed to support framework expanded with the rollout of Plan reinforces our commitment to actively support the aspirations of Indigenous people by In 2008 an External Program Review was staff as well as to build organisational capability. In 2008 at least 5,483 participants attended two HEW 7-9 leadership programs, the providing study and employment opportunities. A key provider of these opportunities is the conducted on the Bachelor of Aboriginal scheduled programs and workshops which represented an overall registration increase of development of a pilot program for HEW 5-6 Wollotuka: School of Aboriginal Studies which supports a comprehensive range of courses in Studies and on Yapug, the University’s 17.6 per cent from 2007, and 24.4 per cent from 2006. This increase reflects the University’s and the expansion of the Heads of School Indigenous studies. The Wollotuka Indigenous Support Unit, including Gibalee Aboriginal Studies enabling studies program for Indigenous commitment to continued investment in staff training and development as a means to support leadership program to Deputy Heads of Centre at the Ourimbah campus, offers a range of services to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait students. The report and recommendations its strategic direction. Schools. Islander students studying in all programs across the University. will form the basis for action in 2009. University-wide implementation plans (the Strategic Plan, the Your Voice Action Plan and the Whilst program content is designed to suit The Wollotuka Indigenous Support Unit was reviewed in 2008 with a view to ensuring that The Faculty of Engineering and Built AUQA Action Plan) provided the context for training and development in 2008. The broader the development needs of participant groups, the programs and services offered to students continue to be responsive and appropriate. Environment and Wollotuka offered calendar of training and development activities (workplace skills) included an increased emphasis all programs included a focus on workplace Changes will provide students with a more flexible and better coordinated range of services for the Indigenous Australian Engineering on effective workplace communication, writing and related courses, service excellence and relationships and leadership communication. implementation in 2009. The Umulliko Indigenous Higher Education Research Centre continued Summer School in 2008. The event was project management. In addition there were a number of development opportunities relating to In relation to University-sponsored accredited to promote a holistic and culturally appropriate approach to Indigenous research, with successful held in conjunction with Engineering Aid, wellbeing and life/work balance. programs, a total of 30 staff members were research grant outcomes placing the unit in a strong position for 2009 and beyond. a philanthropic organisation that provides awarded either the Diploma of Business Although the number of attendees at Information Technology and Corporate Systems training The strong collaborative focus of Wollotuka and Umulliko guarantees Indigenous community engineers and related services to assist (Frontline Management) or the Diploma of was slightly less than the previous year, technical skills development continued to be a focus participation in the setting of key directions and priorities. Coordination of Indigenous Support disadvantaged communities in Australia and Management. to ensure staff were equipped to maximise the benefits and efficiencies of new systems and Programs across all faculties is ensured through a direct reporting line to the Deputy Vice- overseas. The five-day summer school involved technology. Occupational Health and Safety training increased by 15.3 per cent from 2007 As well as scheduled programs and Chancellor (Academic). This also provides a close link between Indigenous support strategies 20 Indigenous students in Years 11 and 12 and 61.1 per cent from 2006. workshops, a Leadership Development and University executive. Activities are governed by a Board of Aboriginal and Torres Strait from all around Australia and gave them a Program for members of the Executive Islander Education and Training (BATSIET) which has all Indigenous membership, including taste of engineering as a university course Group, Heads of Schools and Directors community representatives with skills and experience in Indigenous educational and and career. Activities included site visits to was held in early 2008. Major themes community matters. In 2008 Dr Bob Morgan was appointed Chair of BATSIET, replacing Williamtown RAAF Base, Eraring Power Station and a mine. The week concluded with Table 12: UON Special Studies Program Activities by Faculty 2008 included an in-depth look at the University’s Dr Williams Jonas AM. Performance Portfolio for the AUQA audit and a dinner and presentation of certificates by the Number of Academics Professor John Maynard, Head of School Wollotuka Aboriginal Studies was successful Patron, The Honourable Bob Hawke. in particular, discussion of internationalisation in obtaining two grants in 2008: Faculty Male Female (performance, planning and policy). A Review Access and participation rates for Indigenous • National and State Libraries Australasian Honorary Fellowship Individual Research Grant 2009 Workshop later in the year provided an students at the University of Newcastle Business and Law 7 5 for The Black Battlefield – The WWI experiences of NSW Aborigines Home and Abroad; and opportunity for a report and discussion on a are well above sector averages. In 2008 Education and Arts 10 8 number of University outcomes for the first • ARC QEII Fellowship Near Miss Grant Individual Research Grant 2009 for Land, Children Indigenous enrolments increased by almost Engineering and Built Environment 11 2 half of the year, as well as progress made and Politics – Native America and Aboriginal Australia 1900-1930. 5 per cent on 2007 figures with most growth Health 0 3 against strategic priorities. Indigenous scholar, Dr Romaine Moreton, was successful in obtaining the National Film and in postgraduate and research higher degree Sound Archive Indigenous Research Fellowship – Scholars and Artists in Residence Program. programs. Concerns about completion rates Science and Information Technology 12 7 for Indigenous students were addressed The contributions of Indigenous staff to excellence in teaching and learning and research were TOTAL 40 25 through the implementation of the Intensive recognised through awards from the Faculty and Vice-Chancellor as detailed in other sections Student Support Program in collaboration with of the 2008 Annual Report. Table 13: UON Training and Development Attendances 2008 faculties across the University. 2006 2007 2008 Supporting Plans Wollotuka raised an additional $74,000 for Course Category Indigenous scholarships in 2008 through a % Attendees % Attendees % Attendees In 2008 activities at Wollotuka were guided by a range of plans that support the institutional priority of Indigenous collaboration including the Indigenous Collaboration Implementation Plan combination of external fundraising and the Information Technology and Corporate Systems 25.9 1074 25.1 113 5 20.5 1121 2007 – 2009. The Indigenous Collaboration Plan specifies targets and strategies to: support annual Reconciliation Scholarship Dinner Workplace Skills 27.6 1147 20.3 915 25.8 1417 Indigenous access, participation and achievement in higher education; develop opportunities Dance. The goal is to establish a series of perpetual scholarships that will encourage and Teaching and Learning 12.4 516 10.2 463 11. 3 619 for Indigenous research that is linked to the teaching curricula; and attract and support Indigenous staff. support students through their undergraduate Leadership and Supervision 15.1 625 13.9 629 15.0 820 program and into a higher degree. Attracting and Supporting Indigenous Staff OH&S 7.2 300 14.5 653 14.0 771 The successful pilot of the Indigenous High Research 5.9 244 5.6 251 5.7 312 Significant attention has been given to recruiting Indigenous staff and in 2008 Associate School to University Pathways Project, funded Professor Peter O’Mara was appointed as Head of Discipline of Indigenous Health. Actions Managing for Performance 2.4 98 2.2 101 2.4 132 through a Commonwealth Research Grant, undertaken on the basis of the 2008 review of Wollotuka have placed the unit in a sound continued in 2008 and will run into 2009. Women@UoN 2.6 108 7.4 333 5.3 291 position to develop appropriate strategies to continue supporting Indigenous staff and to develop Academic Series* 0.9 36 0.8 37 0.0 0 a new Indigenous Employment Strategy in 2009. Refer to additional statistics in Appendix G. Top image Birabahn building, Newcastle campus Total 100.0 4148 100.0 4517 100.0 5483

*Academic Series components were held as Information Sessions in 2008 30 | ANNUAL REPORT 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | 31

Other Indigenous Activities in 2008 Equity and Diversity Initiatives and outcomes for people whose first language is not English 2008 Human Rights Inaugural National Indigenous Family and Community The following initiatives were implemented by the University of • Over 100 primary school students celebrated Harmony Day with University staff and students and Social Justice Lecture Strengths Conference Newcastle with the aim of eliminating discrimination in employment and in March 2008. The school students participated in a range of activities including speaking The Human Rights and Social Justice More than 400 people attended the inaugural National Indigenous promoting equal employment opportunity (EEO). Many of the activities with international students about what school was like for them. Lecture series is one of the University’s Family and Community Strengths Conference hosted by the reported also contribute to the University’s Ethic Affairs Priorities • The University of Newcastle has employed two Community Liaison Officers from the flagship events. The series was University of Newcastle’s Family Action Centre and the Secretariat of Statement and Equity and Diversity Implementation Plan 2007–2011. Newcastle Muslim Association to assist Muslim students to settle more quickly and easily inaugurated in 2001, and has since been National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care Incorporated (SNAICC). The into the community. The positions were jointly funded by the University of Newcastle English held annually. The lecture series was Initiatives and outcomes for all equity target groups Prime Minister’s public apology in February 2008 provided an historical Language and Foundation Centre and the International Division. Part of the role of these established to provide an opportunity crossroad to focus discussion on how to build on the strengths of EO Online: Fair Play on Campus is an online Equal Opportunity officers is to provide tailored orientation sessions for students, to assist them to better for members of the University and the Indigenous families and the conference brought to light the success professional development program for Australian universities and in 2008 understand Australian culture and to provide strategies for the students to manage some of wider community to reflect on issues of stories emerging from Indigenous communities in Australia, New was approved as a compulsory component of the induction process for the challenges they are likely to encounter in living and studying in Newcastle. social justice that challenge Australia. Zealand and Canada. The conference attracted a number of high profile new staff. All current staff were also encouraged to complete it as part of • Following workshops conducted for staff in the Faculty of Health to help build a more inclusive The University’s 2008 Human Rights speakers to present on the changing ways in which Indigenous people the Managing for Performance process. As a result completion rates have environment for Muslim medical students in 2007, two additional resources were developed in and Social Justice Lecture was delivered are engaging with their communities. increased by 60 per cent since January 2008, with a number of areas 2008 with input from the Newcastle Muslim Association: by Professor Ron McCallum AO on 10 of the University showing completion rates of over 80 per cent of staff. Lecture by Djon Mundine OAM • Teaching International Muslim Students in Health Areas’ – a brochure with key information November 2008. The School of Humanities and Social Science in the Faculty of Casual administration officer positions were advertised through local to assist staff in communicating and teaching Muslim students; and Professor Ron McCallum is an eminent Education and Arts presented a lecture by Djon Mundine OAM, disability services and Migrant Resource Services. • Challenges for International Muslim Students in Health Areas – a web-based resource with Australian who has reached the pinnacle the Indigenous Curator of Contemporary Art at the Campbelltown Art Initiatives and outcomes for women detailed information to assist staff to develop a culture that would bring about more positive Centre. His lecture, Heimat, focussed on Aboriginal art and history. Djon of success despite being blind since teaching and learning outcomes for Muslim students. Mundine is a member of the Bandjalung people of northern New South • In 2008 the representation of female staff at the most senior levels of birth. He is Deputy Chair of the Vision Wales. He has had an extended career as a curator, activist, writer, HEW 10 and academic level E (Professor) was above the 2010 targets • The School of Medicine and Public Health developed a cross-cultural training session for Australia Board and Don’t DIS my and occasional artist and is renowned as the concept curator for the set by the Universities Australia (AVCC) Action Plan for Women 2006 General Practitioners who supervise Health students on placement. One of the key issues ABILITY ambassador for the International Aboriginal memorial installation permanently exhibited at the National -2010. Women now make up 61 per cent of all staff at HEW 10 level. addressed in this session was managing the cross-cultural interaction when a student arrives Day of People with a Disability. Professor in a practice. Gallery of Australia. • The 2008 Academic Promotion round was the first time in eight years McCallum was awarded a Centenary Medal in 2002 for being the first blind Forum: The Impact of Drought on Indigenous Communities that any women had applied for, and been successful, in promotion to Initiatives and outcomes for people with a disability, including those who person appointed to a full professorship The impact of drought on the mental health of Indigenous Professor. require a workplace adjustment and for service to industrial relations. He Australians was the focus of a forum held at the University of • Women@UoN, the University’s professional development program • In April 2008 the University launched Working Together, a resource manual for staff who are was admitted as an Officer in the Order Newcastle’s Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health (CRRMH) in for women continued to grow in 2008, as did the Academic Women working with students who have a disability. Disability awareness sessions for staff were also 2008. The forum was part of the Drought Mental Health Assistance in Leadership Program and the Career Enhancement Fellowships for of Australia in 2006 for service to the law, piloted as part of this initiative and will be rolled out across the University in 2009. Package – a major NSW government initiative aimed at improving Women. particularly as a tertiary educator and to • Access considerations for people with a disability have been incorporated into the University the community through support for people access to mental health services for people in drought affected • The success of the programs noted above contributed to the University Strategic Master Plan. with visual impairments and in the areas communities. Helping Indigenous communities, women and younger submitting an application to the Equal Opportunity for Women in the children, and older farmers are key priorities of the Package, which Workplace Agency to be considered an Employer of Choice for Women. of social justice and human rights. He is Major activities and outcomes planned for 2009 well known for his passion in lecturing, also aims to help stop the misuse of alcohol and other drugs in • During 2008 the University upgraded on-campus facilities available • A multimedia campaign dealing with harassment and bullying is planned for 2009. The his clarity and thought in writing, and his rural areas. The event was organised in collaboration with many key to staff and students with young children. The University now has campaign will incorporate promotional material such as posters and fliers being distributed sense of social justice. services including Area Health Services, Aboriginal Medical Services, several parenting rooms providing private spaces for breastfeeding, to all staff along with workshops being offered to all staff. government and non-government Indigenous organisations and expressing and storing breast milk and baby change facilities. These community members. facilities were accompanied by the development of a Parenting Guide, • The principles of non-discriminatory recruitment are to be included in workshops for all Public lecture: Aboriginal media – Our culture, our power providing both staff and managers with a comprehensive summary of convenors of selection panels. The Group for Religious and Intellectual Traditions (GRIT) hosted a the suite of policies available to staff who are about to become, or who • The principles of EEO will be incorporated into leadership programs for University Executive, public lecture by award-winning Indigenous journalist, Lola Forester, are already, parents. During 2009, the guide will be complemented by Heads of Schools, Deputy Heads of Schools, along with managers in senior administrative who has been with SBS for more than two decades. a series of workshops for both staff and managers. roles in 2009. • In 2008 the Gender-Inclusive Membership of Committees Policy was • During 2009 staff in the Equity and Diversity Unit and Human Resource Services are reviewed to ensure that all University decision-making committees planning to develop a buddy/mentoring system for staff from equity target groups, including have membership of no less than 33 per cent of each gender. women in non-traditional areas. • The Faculty of Business and Law continued its participation in the • During 2009 the University will review the progress being made on the University of Lucy Mentoring Program, aimed at inspiring, motivating and educating Newcastle Equity Plan 2007–2011, Ethnic Affairs Priority Statement 2007–2011 and women about the opportunities available for employment and Disability Action Plan 2007–2011 to identify the work that needs to be completed in the leadership in the private and public sectors. last two years of the plans. This review will include a comprehensive analysis of employment • The Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment hosted Women in outcomes for people from equity target groups and the development of a range of strategies Architecture and Built Environment seminar and Women in Engineering, to improve participation rates. Surveying and Computer Science seminar in September 2008. • It is proposed in 2009 that the Equity and Diversity Unit and Human Resource Services will work together to develop a comprehensive guide for both staff and managers on how to create a family friendly and flexible workplace. 32 | ANNUAL REPORT 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | 33

Corporate Development and Community Partnerships Convocation Awards Donations and Philanthropy Other Community Activities in 2008 In 2008 the Office of Corporate Development and Community Partnerships worked with other Internationally renowned conductor In 2008 the University completed the formal requirements for the Steve Toltz, a Bachelor of Communication graduate, was shortlisted for Faculties and Divisions of the University to focus on developing sustainable and strong alumni, Dr Philip Matthias received the establishment of UON Foundation Ltd as a controlled entity for the the 2008 Man Booker Prize for Fiction. The prize is one of the world’s developing partnerships and collaborations with the social, business and other communities Newton-John Award for developing a purposes of encouraging philanthropic support to the University and most prestigious awards, worth more than $100,000. of the University and raising funds through provision of infrastructure and support for the vibrant culture of choral and organ music appropriately recognising the generosity of donors. The Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment partnered with Hunter UON Foundation. Significant growth was experienced in alumni, business and community and inspiring and motivating students to Highlights from 2008 included: Councils to deliver a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Project in philanthropic activities. perform professionally at international • renewal of the Chair in Power Engineering with Ampcontrol; 2008. This initiative aimed to identify the regional and sub-regional scale levels. Under his direction, the choir Highlights from 2008 included: • an agreement with the Anglican community to support a impacts of climate change in the Hunter, Central and Lower North Coast has performed at world-renowned • the inaugural Service-Learning Symposium which brought together representatives from the Chair in Theology; area of NSW. This information will assist industry, government and the venues, including St Paul’s Cathedral, community to better understand and prepare for climate change through Department of Education and Training, Catholic Education Office, Independent Schools, the • establishment of the 1968 Singapore Colombo Plan Scholarship – Westminster Abbey and Notre Dame the development and implementation of adaptation strategies. University of Newcastle, TAFE NSW Hunter Institute as well as government and community the first scholarship to be donated by members of international alumni Cathedral. Dr Matthias also led the organisations; – with former Colombo Plan graduates of the Faculty of Engineering The Family Action Centre hosted a major international conference • the introduction of the Barton Lecture, an annual event which explores Federalism in the University of Newcastle Chamber Choir to and Built Environment donating $82,000; looking at creative ways to help struggling communities help themselves. its victory in the Channel 7’s Battle of the Australian context. The inaugural lecture was presented by The Hon Joel Fitzgibbon, Member • establishment of an Indigenous Scholarship Fund; The inaugural Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) Asia Pacific Choirs competition. Conference challenged traditional problem-solving philosophies by for Hunter and Minister for Defence; • engineering scholarships donated by Xstrata Coal; focusing on the strengths of a community rather than its weaknesses. • other public lectures presented by the University such as the Sir Ninian Stephen Lecture, Professor Sue McNeil, originally from • ongoing negotiations concerning the Chair in Women’s Health the John Irvine Hunter Memorial Lecture and the Human Rights and Social Justice Lecture; Maitland and now living in the United and the Chair in Surveying; and The School of Education hosted a social educators conference in • promotion of regional collaboration through the organisation of the Newcastle 2020 Summit, States, received the Convocation Medal • a generous bequest to the Endowment Fund. January 2008 – the biennial Social Educators Association of Australia a joint event between the University and the Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Grierson for Professional Excellence in recognition (SEAA) conference, Making a Difference: Multidimensional Citizenship MP. The Summit facilitated debate and development of long-term options for the nation across of her outstanding contribution to the Alumni Activities Education… in a changing world. The conference addressed current 10 critical areas and provided the Hunter region with the opportunity to feed comment, issues national curriculum debates around citizenship, the role of social field of engineering as a researcher, Key achievements in 2008 included: and ideas back to Canberra in time for the National 2020 Summit; education in citizenship and values education, and common classroom academic and teacher. Her research • election of the first Indigenous representative, David Newham, • an open debate on the issue of a Bill of Rights for Australia, with panellists including the NSW practice. and teaching interests focus on onto the Executive Committee of Alumni (Convocation); Attorney General, The Hon John Hatzistergos MLC, and the Anglican Bishop of Newcastle, The Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency Professor Marie transportation infrastructure management, • initiation of an Indigenous Alumni Strategy aimed at increasing the the Right Rev Dr Brian Farran; Bashir AC CVO, participated in the presentation of a recently discovered with emphasis on the application of connections between the University and its Indigenous graduates; • expansion of the Leadership Award (for business and community leadership demonstrated by advanced technologies, economic historical plan of the Hunter region’s landscape and river course at the • the launch of international alumni chapter activities in Botswana, those under 35 years of age) to the mid-north coast, introduction of a Leadership Networking time of colonisation, the Barrallier plan. The missing piece of the plan was analysis, analytical tools and computer China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand and the Philippines with Function and Leadership Lunch with business and industry leaders; and the development of a discovered in the United Kingdom by the University of Newcastle’s Coal applications. Professor McNeil is currently events being held in Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Beijing; Leadership Award Alumni Chapter; the Professor of Civil and Environmental River Working Party. • the Inaugural Medical Alumni dinner, held to launch the University of • improved communications strategies to assist the community to engage with the University, Engineering, Urban Planning and Public Newcastle Medical Alumni and to celebrate the 30th anniversary of An impressive artwork measuring over six metres long found a new home notably the publication of an information booklet Your Business Our Partnership The Future Affairs at the University of Delaware, in the the establishment of the University’s renowned medical program; and in the University of Newcastle’s Conservatorium Concert Hall during and the development of an online portal that supports internal business and entrepreneurial United States. 2008. Skyspace by Australian artist Ms Virginia Cuppaidge was donated • successful hosting of the Inaugural University of Newcastle Alumni development initiatives and assists external communities to more quickly access potential to the University by award-winning children’s author, Ms Libby Hathorn. Summit in Singapore for leaders of the University’s current alumni University partners; The Convocation Award for Exceptional The large acrylic canvas painting was painted in New York in 1981. Service recognises the work of an networks. The summit followed the Australian Universities International • in conjunction with the Hunter Business Chamber and Chartered Institute of Logistics and Alumni Convention 2008, a global forum for Australian university The Faculty of Business and Law hosted the 2008 Asia Pacific outstanding individual who has made a Transport, hosted the Hunter Transport and Logistics Forum on environmental issues related alumni and global partners to exchange opinions and share knowledge. Symposium on Emotions in Worklife in November 2008. to global warming and carbon emissions; significant contribution to the community The Parliamentary Secretary for Early Childhood Education and Child • design of the Student Community and Leadership Program (to be launched in 2009) of the University of Newcastle or the Graduation Honours Care, the Hon Maxine McKew, addressed the Investing in our future: and development of the Community Volunteer Scheme to provide opportunities for our Hunter community. Former Mayor of In 2008 the University conferred a number of honorary degrees. Connections in childhood forum in July 2008. The forum, hosted by the communities to benefit from student and staff volunteering; and Newcastle Greg Heys posthumously Professor Osamu Mizutani was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters, University’s Centre for Education, Research and Children (CERC), brought • new community engagement activities such as a Community Engagement Grant Scheme, the received the award. Mr Heys served the community as a University educator, in honour of his distinguished academic career and his work to foster the together early childhood educators, service providers and academics Student Leadership Program, establishment of the Central Coast Campus Friends and the special relationship that exists between Nagoya University of Foreign to consider current initiatives for young children, their families and the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Community Engagement (to be awarded in 2009). environmental campaigner, community development practitioner and committed Studies and the University of Newcastle. community. The theme of the forum reflected the vital importance of the activist. Through his work he remained The Honourable Mahla Pearlman AO was awarded an Honorary Doctor early years for children, their families and the community. committed to consensus, collaboration, of Law, for her very distinguished career in law and contributions to the Three graduates of the University of Newcastle, Jamie Walker, Heidi consultation and the dignity of what he community. Baxter and Nicole Passfield were chosen to help teach a new Advanced termed ‘ordinary people living heroic lives’. Certificate in Social Work in the Maldives under a program sponsored by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Having completed the Bachelor of Social Work, the graduates supervised the field placements of students enrolled at the Maldives College of Higher Education. The Certificate was developed in conjunction with the University’s discipline of Social Work in response to the growing need for trained social service workers in the Maldives. 34 | ANNUAL REPORT 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | 35

ACHIEVEMENTS: People and Engagement SERVICES AND RESOURCES

Australia Day Honours Services’ Project Office Academic Registrar’s Office Dr Joe Herbertson, Conjoint Professor in the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment The focus of the Services’ Project Office (SPO) in 2008 was on providing a consistent The Academic Registrar’s portfolio spans was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his service to the environment through framework for the selection, prioritisation, reporting and program management of the IT Program the three main areas of Governance the development and promotion of sustainable resource processing. of Works (IT POW). The SPO also focused on the implementation and application of the and Academic Administration, Student Dr Robert Sillar from the Faculty of Health was awarded a Medal in the Order of Australia Enterprise Project Management Methodology (EPMM). This methodology, developed specifically Administration and Student Support Services. for his service to medicine. for the University, is the cornerstone of the framework for the delivery of projects across the University. The SPO delivered training and workshops in the application of this methodology Governance and Policy Mrs Sharlene Dyer was recognised with an Australia Day award from the National Council within the Services Division and across the University. A major activity in 2008 was an external of Women NSW. The award supports her Australian-first research into Indigenous employment review of the performance of the Governance strategies in the private sector. The SPO is responsible for managing the delivery of projects in the IT POW in conjunction with business areas and relevant stakeholders. Key projects coordinated by the SPO as part of the and Policy Unit in relation to its roles and Vice-Chancellor’s Award for General Staff Excellence 2008 IT POW included: responsibilities, including its secretariat support to University Council, Academic Enterprise Syllabus Plus – a web-based application for scheduling of activities associated The Vice-Chancellor’s Award for General Staff Excellence formally acknowledges, and rewards, Senate and relevant standing committees. with all academic course work with data stored centrally to enhance efficiencies in the outstanding performance by general staff across the University. The Award seeks to encourage Recommendations from that review timetabling process; outstanding and exceptional work performance and recognises performance that exceeds what suggested restructuring the group to form would be expected of staff in the normal performance of their duties. Enhancements to CATS (Credit Application Tracking) – a web-based interface to Council and Academic Senate teams with In 2008 the following individual and team awards were presented to celebrate the contributions support the processing of credit application requests through online student applications, a view to improving efficiency, as well as of staff from across the University. enhanced reporting, recording of precedents and menu driven workflow processes; transferring some functions such as program reviews to other business units. The final Individual Award Recipients International Self Assessment Applications (IASA) – development of an online facility for prospective international students to assess eligibility and generate conditional letters of offer; recommendations are being implemented Ms Susan O’Connor, Research Division progressively. Research Management System Phase 2 (InfoEd) – an online and integrated business Ms Kay Dean, Services Division solution, Newcastle Online Research Administration (NORA), to assist researchers and support Policy reform and review continued to be an Ms Jenny Marriott, Academic Division staff to effectively manage and administer grants as well as to meet administration requirements area of focus in 2008 with the preparation of the Perfecting Policy – Policy Review Report. Ms Lina Bozinovska, Faculty of Science and Information Technology for human and animal ethics and safety; The report provides the University with a Ms Ros Mills, Faculty of Science and Information Technology HR Process Support Improvements – several initiatives to streamline business processes plan for supporting and improving business and improve the customer experience particularly in relation to external job applications, delivery performance by enhancing the management Team Award Recipients of online OH&S induction training and creation of dynamic organisational charts; of policy. The recommendations included ESOS Compliance Unit, Services Division Online Incident Reporting – an online system for OH&S and Security staff to record and improvements to the current suite of policies Kim Broadley, Sharon Tuck, Stephanie Castle actively manage incidents and safety risks both on- and off-campus; and the Policy Library as well as strategies for building effective frameworks, systems and FEBE 2008 Indigenous Summer School Support Team, Travel Management System – a new travel system which caters for all University business structures to develop better policy Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment travel needs including domestic and international online booking tools and tracking of at the University. Top image Sharlene Dyer Jenny Taylor, Angela Henderson, Leonie Berrigan, Pauline Brown, Rebecca Pung, Lee Panek international travellers through International SOS; Bottom image The University Chamber Choir Student Laptop Clinic Pilot Project, Academic Division/Services Division Enterprise Risk Management System – rollout of the system including training and Academic Administration Ann Walters, Alison Rigby, Richard Olde, Carla Pilarksi, Luke Shaw, Simone Cox, confirmation of business processes to support the maintenance and management of the In terms of Academic Administration, the Mark Smith, James Crockett University’s risk profile and audit information; Student Hubs continued to provide a dynamic AUQA Audit Project Team, Academic Division Contract Management (Discovery) – an initial investigation of business requirements and engaging environment for students. This Anne Young, Kara Sheehan, Lisa Ogle, Catherine Moffat, Louisa Connors, Dianne Burnett to effectively manage University contracts and compliance requirements; was reflected in positive feedback from a variety of sources such as student surveys and Corporate Information Analysts Team, Services Division Technology 1 Upgrade – major upgrade to the corporate finance system resulting in through engagement with other institutions. Paul Hughes, Cathy Turner, Michael Farrell, Paul Keegan, Margaret Stevenson, enhanced capabilities and functionality as well as a review of key business processes; In 2008 the portfolio continued to provide Margaret Johnson, Petrina Mosely Management Information System (MIS) – ongoing development of the University’s data academic administrative support to the warehouse for detailed analysis and production of management reports; University’s controlled entities – namely to Contact and Relationship Management – an integrated database of donor, alumni, GraduateSchool.com Pty Ltd through the business and community contacts and University interactions; and secondment of an experienced Assistant Evaluation of Administrative Changes Since 2005 – a project established by the Vice- Academic Registrar and also to UON Chancellor in 2008 to evaluate the impact the program of change has had on the delivery of Singapore Pte Ltd through the position of services to the University, staff and staffing levels, systems and processes, and needs for future Deputy Academic Registrar (Singapore). Both modifications. A final report will be presented in 2009. entities have realised significant improvements in the efficiency and delivery of student and academic administration processes through these positions. 36 | ANNUAL REPORT 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | 37

Student Administration Student Support Marketing and Public Relations In Student Administration emphasis was again placed on continuous In 2008 Student Support Services actively engaged with students as Marketing and Public Relations aims to deliver professional The Marketing and Public Relations team also coordinated the following business improvements and key statistics include: well as other areas in the University and wider community through a communication services to enhance the University of Newcastle’s information and outreach activities in 2008: • more than 25,000 emails and 215,000 calls responded to by the range of initiatives and projects including: reputation locally and globally, to increase demand for University • media releases and positive publicity locally, nationally Enquiry Centre during the year representing increases of 56 per cent • health and counselling activities such as a University-wide degree programs as well as inform the University community. and internationally; and 21 per cent respectively on 2007 figures; immunisation campaign, special clinics at the Halls of Residence Highlights for 2008 included: • media training for executive team members; • over 11,600 offers of admission during 2008; and enhancement of online counselling resources; • in partnership with faculties, delivery of a multi-channel campaign • delivery of the University’s schools relationship program including • scheduling of 1,232 examinations across 22 countries with 76,738 • hosting of the 2008 Disability Forum and launch of the Disability focusing on graduate achievers under the University of Newcastle visits to key feeder high schools, Principals breakfasts (Newcastle sittings and more than 1,300 special needs examinations; Awareness Manual for staff in conjunction with the Equity and brand; and Central Coast), Careers Advisors workshops and Careers • organisation of 22 graduation ceremonies (including two overseas Diversity Unit; • delivery of approximately 10 multi-channel undergraduate and Advisors newsletters; ceremonies) over which 3,720 graduates attended; • success with the submission for the University to host the National postgraduate advertising campaigns under the University brand • delivery and distribution of University of Newcastle undergraduate • assisted students with the allocation of over $9 million in scholarships Disability Co-ordination Officer Program (NDCO) from the start of including a recruitment advertising campaign in Singapore; and postgraduate tools for prospective students; as well as almost $350,000 worth of OS-Help loans and hardship 2008 until June 2011; • regular University of Newcastle newspaper columns in The Herald, • participation in 11 TAFE and University information sessions across grants; and • establishment of a Transition and Retention Unit to develop Central Coast Express Advocate, North Shore Times and Port the Hunter and Central Coast regions; • over 33,500 HECS accounts and 37,170 Commonwealth Assistance collaborative links across all areas of the University concerned with Macquarie News to promote University achievements and corporate • Schools’ Visit Day, Mid Year Information sessions, Info Days and Notices. better supporting students in the teaching and learning environment; campaigns; Advisory Days across three campuses (Newcastle, Central Coast, • expansion of the program of careers expos to include work Port Macquarie); and Other key activities included: the relocation of the Enquiry Centre to the • the University’s new brand was recognised via a merit award in experience and vacation work expos, all of which were well attended CT Building to be co-located with IT telephone help staff; the transfer Education Category of the ReBrand 100 awards, an international • participation in 30 New South Wales careers markets as well as by students, employers and academic staff; and of University Timetabling responsibilities from Facilities Management forum for case studies on effective brand transformations; Taster Days for Year 9 and 10 students. to Student Administration; the creation of the ESOS Compliance • collaboration with faculties and the Centre for Teaching and Learning • delivery of a new corporate DVD as well as a DVD for graduation There was an extensive range of marketing and corporate The Enhancing Student Unit to assist international students with their compliance with the through activities such as organisation of ceremonies; communication materials produced in 2008. For a full list refer Success Conference – Working Collaboratively with Students in a National Code and the ESOS Act 2000, provide advice on intervention • delivery of an integrated postgraduate coursework campaign to Appendix H. Diverse University Environment, development of career modules options and be responsible for the ongoing administration of University in partnership with GraduateSchool.com including a successful The Director Marketing and Public Relations has oversight of the programs on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses within core courses, expansion of the student mentor program and Newcastle postgraduate expo; grants under the Higher Education Equity Support Program (refer to University’s community radio station, 2NURFM. Major activities in 2008 for Overseas Students (CRICOS); and establishment of a position • campaign targeting prospective Research Higher Degree students Teaching and Learning section of the 2008 Annual Report for more included: the establishment of a new internship for communication jointly funded by TAFE to investigate and review reciprocal credit via email, posters and an on-campus information seminar; information). students; broadcasting University achievements and concerts; and arrangements through the TAFE-University Coordination Committee. • launch of the University of Newcastle Student Ambassador program promotion of University lectures, events, awards and exhibitions. In Loans and Welfare Services were reviewed in 2008 and have been Networking with peers from other institutions continued to be an in partnership with faculties; 2008 the station also benefited from an upgrade to internet cabling, transferred into the Fees and Scholarships team within Student integral part of the portfolio’s professional development activities and installation of a new IPtel phone system and the launch of the 2NURFM Administration to better integrate with complementary services. • appointment of a Marketing Project Manager and Marketing an extremely successful Student Administration conference, Focus@ Ball as a new fundraising event. An external review of on-campus student accommodation was also Project Officer to deliver data-driven marketing plans and project Newcastle, was held at the University in May. The University showcased initiated in 2008 to explore the future provision of additional residential coordination to faculty clients; the Student Hubs development and improved student systems and accommodation and a report will be presented in 2009. • delivery of new marketing communication templates for faculties processes, such as the new special circumstances process. Also including brochures, event collateral, web information, promotional included in the program were related events such as the Higher materials and campaigns; Education User Group for PeopleSoft/Oracle student systems for • delivery of three University publications for external opinion leaders universities and other organisations, the ACT/NSW ESOS meeting profiling achievements: Research, Teaching and Learning, Indigenous and a meeting of the ACT/NSW Heads of Student Administration. as well as delivery of internal Services Division publication; and • delivery of an internal communication strategy including framework, toolkit, web page, talk-to-the-Vice-Chancellor lunches and all-staff seminars. ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | 39 The University of Newcastle became the first university in New South Wales to partner with Telstra’s internet service provider, Bigpond, and offer unmetered access to its website. Under the agreement, downloads from the University’s website by any Bigpond customer within Australia, will not be counted towards the customer’s monthly usage allowance. This arrangement benefits staff and students as they are able to access their email, lecture notes, podcasts, the library catalogue and all other online material within the newcastle.edu.au domain, without it counting towards their usage.

IT Services Halls of Residence Network Upgrade – a major refresh of network • approval of a Business Continuity Management Policy and supporting Modifications to ATC Building, Callaghan Campus and telephone infrastructure in the Halls of Residence commenced. The frameworks; Modifications to accommodate the Centre for Energy Research in the The focus for IT Services in 2008 has been on continuous process upgrade will bring high-speed and reliable networking to each student ATC Building were completed in the first half of 2008. improvement and service delivery management. In addition, IT Services • establishment of Business Continuity Plans for the University’s critical room as well as a state of the art Voice over IP (VoIP) telephone solution has provided ongoing support and resources for the IT Program of Work functions; Nursing Clinical Laboratories, Ourimbah Campus to replace the aging PABX system; in conjunction with the Services Project Office and business units. • integration of risk into the University’s Business Development Modifications to create two nursing clinical labs and associated tutorial High-availability Server Infrastructure – IT Services commissioned Framework; room completed in 2008, enabling teaching for Nursing to be relocated Development of the IT Strategic Plan 2009 – 2014 has been a major the Oracle RAC (Real Application Cluster) software to improve availability from Gosford Hospital to the campus. endeavour in 2008 in consultation with key stakeholder groups. Whilst • review of the University’s compliance environment and establishment of key corporate systems including Blackboard, Technology One of a Compliance Policy and framework; and the plan is yet to be finalised, the key emphasis is on re-balancing Financials, Alesco, Maximo, Management Information System (MIS) The following capital projects were in progress and planning design • development and implementation of a Fraud and Corruption the IT Program of Work to progress outcomes associated with the and Learning Objects Management System (LOMS). This scalable stages during 2008: Prevention Policy. strategic priorities of Teaching and Learning, Research, Organisational environment will provide a less complex capacity upgrade path to meet Podiatry Public Clinic and Anatomy Facility, Wyong Hospital Excellence and Community Engagement. A final draft of the IT Strategic growing business demands; In consultation with NSW Health, planning for the refurbishment of a Plan will be presented to the IT Governance Committee in early 2009. Insurance Information Systems Strategy – development of an Information ward at the Wyong Hospital progressed through 2008 to create a public The University views insurance as one of a variety of tools available In 2008 IT Services participated in a range of benchmarking activities Systems Strategy as a platform to assist with planning for and identifying Podiatry Clinic and an Anatomy teaching facility. Development Approval to manage risk. The University undertakes an annual review of risks across the Australian Higher Education sector to gain feedback on future information systems requirements. The initial focus was on was granted by Wyong Council but the project has been re-assessed with identified as insurable and then determines whether insurance is the the quality of service delivery. In the Universities’ HR Benchmarking Student Administration and Teaching and Learning systems; Anatomy removed from the scope to focus on Podiatry. appropriate tool to protect against the financial impact of the risk. Program 2008 – HR Performance Indicators for The University of Identity Management (Phase 1) – a full discovery phase has been Exercise Science Facility, Ourimbah Campus Newcastle compared with Australian Universities run by Queensland undertaken to document the diverse needs of identity management The University’s insurance program is reviewed and renewed annually Planning commenced in 2007 for development of a new facility on the University of Technology (QUT), the University of Newcastle was ranked across various business areas. A new Identity Management solution is with the insurance period commencing on 1 November. The University Ourimbah campus to support Exercise Science and general teaching at the 18th percentile in terms of the centralised staffing ratio for planned for implementation in 2009 to improve provisioning of computer engages the services of a broker to assist in the management and needs. The project is funded through the Commonwealth Capital Information Technology. In late 2008, clients of IT Services throughout access and to provide a self-service password reset facility and an annual placement of the insurance program, ensuring optimal coverage Development Pool. Additional scope was introduced in 2008 with the the University were invited to participate in a sector-wide Customer automated approval workflow; is obtained for the most economical market price. The only insurances availability of BURF funding (Better Universities Renewal Fund), enabling Satisfaction Survey. The results of this survey will be published in early managed by other areas of the University are Workers Compensation University software licence audit – an audit of major software the expansion of the gym and amenity facilities. 2009 and will help inform further service improvement initiatives. and Health Insurance for Overseas Students. Further details of the packages was conducted in order to rationalise expenditure and New Industrial Design Teaching Workshops, Callaghan Campus University’s insurance program are provided in Volume 2 of the Annual IT Services’ staff developed a range of new services for staff and utilisation; and Planning commenced for relocation of the existing Industrial Design Report 2008 as part of the Report by Members of Council. students, often working in close collaboration with other units. Specific Upgrades were undertaken for a number of business systems including workshops on the Callaghan campus into a new purpose designed facility. examples include: Special Circumstances, Research Animal Management System (RAMS), Capital Building Works Development Approval was obtained in late 2008 with construction • the introduction of a Major Incident Review (MIR) process to Callista, Staff Appointments Online, Sonia and Blackboard. expected to commence early in 2009. determine the underlying cause of and to make recommendations The University’s annual budget for capital expenditure is approved by Council and monitored throughout the year by the Finance and Capital New Engineering Building, Callaghan Campus to prevent system outages; Risk Management 2 Development Committee. From a management perspective, the Capital Planning commenced for a new 3000m building to support Engineering • over 450 laptops were deployed to eligible Research Higher Degree The University’s Risk Management Unit was formally established in 2007 Development Committee (CDC) has relevant senior staff membership teaching and research with funding sought through the Higher Education students in conjunction with the Office of Graduate Studies; and with responsibility for the coordination and oversight of the University’s and oversees capital development against the approved budget and Endowment Fund (HEEF). • a successful pilot of Student Laptop Clinics was run in Semester 2 in risk, compliance, audit, business continuity, insurance and fraud control project timelines. It also provides advice on the prioritisation of projects The University also welcomed the Australian Government’s commitment collaboration with the University Library to assist students connecting functions. Throughout 2008 the Risk Management Unit has continued identified in the annual capital planning process. to more than $6 million for a new multi-purpose education centre in Taree their personal computing equipment to the network. to raise the level of sophistication and comprehensiveness of the The following major building projects were completed during 2008: for medical and allied health students to complete medical training. Service Level Agreements were established between the faculties and University’s risk management environment to align with best practice IT Services, underpinned by a service catalogue. guidelines and the Australian Standard AS/NZ4360:2004. Medical Sciences Building PC2 Labs, Callaghan Campus Campus Strategic Master Plans The overarching objective of the University’s enterprise risk management Work commenced in late 2007 to refurbish two existing laboratories on Regular performance reports were issued to all faculties and divisions Level 6 to PC2 standard. The project was completed in early 2008. The University completed the development of new Strategic Master Plans to provide a range of performance metrics relating to service delivery. approach continues to be the integration of risk considerations into the for the Ourimbah and Callaghan campuses with the assistance of an University’s day-to-day activities and decision-making processes as well Stage 4a Building, Port Macquarie Campus external consultant. The objectives of the Master Plans are to: Total phone calls through the 17triplezero IT Service Desk rose as better preparation to manage the risks and events that might affect Construction commenced on this project in 2007 with funding through 11.9 per cent between 2007 and 2008. continuity of University’s operations. the Commonwealth Capital Development Pool and NSW Government. • inform and assist the University in the development of its campuses reflecting the institution’s strategic priorities and opportunities; Major projects completed in 2008 included: Major achievements and progress in 2008 included: The project included a major extension and upgrade to the library, refurbishment of nursing practical laboratories and construction of a • inform and identify individual campus development options, Network Refresh Program – Callaghan Stages 2 and 3 of the • implementation of an enterprise risk management system (ERMS) new building to include IT teaching laboratories and general purpose opportunities and risks; ongoing upgrade of the University’s network were completed. These including the migration of the faculties’ and divisions’ risk registers into classrooms. The project was completed in early 2008 and facilities • inform and establish priorities and decision-making principles stages resulted in more than 60 buildings being connected to the the system with training of users; were in use throughout 2008. associated with capital and ongoing expenditure in support of the new network, delivering more than 6000 high-speed wired network • risk management and audit reporting to the Audit and Risk VAMS Building, Callaghan Campus strategic development of the University’s campuses; connections and 180 wireless access points across the Callaghan Management Committee using the new ERMS; Construction for the extension and refurbishment of the Visual Arts • review existing plans and campus developments for consistency with campus. This new network infrastructure provides reliable access • project risk managed through the ERMS with reporting as a standing and Media Studies Building on the Callaghan campus commenced late the University’s strategic priorities and opportunities; and and improved capacity, security and performance benefits which will item on the agenda of the IT Governance Committee; support the University’s anticipated growth in demand for information in 2007. The new facility replaces old photomedia darkrooms and was • develop a new institution-wide Strategic Master Plan consistent with • revision of the University’s strategic and operational risk profiles; and communication technology infrastructure over the next decade. completed late in 2008. sustainable development across all the University’s campuses. • delivery of the 2008 Tactical and 2008 – 2011 Strategic Audit Plan; The next stages of the Network Refresh Program are scheduled for Bachelor of Medicine Tutorial Rooms, Callaghan Campus The Master Plans were presented to the Executive Committee and 2009 and include Stage 4 for the Callaghan campus and Stage 1 for • migration of past and current audit issues (both finalised and Refurbishment of part of the Hunter Building to create 16 tutorial University Council in early 2008 and are now open for public comment. Ourimbah campus; outstanding) into the ERMS and through active management there has rooms to support the Bachelor of Medicine program, including the Joint been significant improvement in the number of outstanding internal and Medical Program with University of New England was completed in external audit issues; early 2008. 40 | ANNUAL REPORT 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | 41

Land Disposal Waste Management Freedom of Information The University Complaints Manager works closely with the Dean and Deputy Dean of Students, the Dean of the Graduate School, staff in The University did not dispose of any property during 2008. The University of Newcastle’s Resource Use and Waste Management Information relating to applications to the University under the Freedom Equity and Diversity, Employee Relations, the Legal Unit, the Freedom Plan aims to integrate the NSW Environment Protection Authority’s of Information Act NSW 1989 in 2008 is presented in Appendix I. of Information Officer and staff in the Counselling Service. The Environmental Sustainability principles of waste management – avoid, reduce, reuse, recycle – with University Complaints Manager is based at Callaghan, spends one day disposal as the last option. In line with this the University has in the past Privacy In 2008 the University Council endorsed the establishment of a per week on the Ourimbah campus and travels to other locations as implemented significant strategies relating to the NSW Government’s University Committee on Environmental Sustainability (UCES). The The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) is the University Privacy required. UCES is chaired by the Vice-Chancellor and provides advice on a Waste Reduction and Purchasing Policy. The University has initiated Officer, consistent with the requirements of the relevant legislation range of environmental and energy management matters, including the a review of its waste management practices with a view to the and Privacy NSW. In 2008, a total of 200 complaints were received by the University establishment of an Environmental Management Plan for the University. implementation of a Total Waste Management System. Complaints Manager, a decrease of 25 per cent on 2007 but a 38 per The University of Newcastle’s Privacy Management Plan sets out the cent increase on 2006 numbers. Of the 2008 matters, 100 (50 per The UECS also provides regular reports to Council. Hazardous waste such as clinical and chemical waste is disposed policies and practices the University has adopted to ensure compliance cent) complaints were formal complaints (those that relate to potentially of through Environment Protection Authority’s licensed contractors. Key activities for the UCES in 2008 included: with the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 and the unlawful behaviour, may result in disciplinary action, or where the facts • initiation of an overall University Environmental Strategy; Major elements in the waste management program include: Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002. The Plan itself is are in dispute and thus require further investigation and reporting). a requirement of the Act and where applicable, the privacy principles • enhancement of the online material relating to environmental • green waste recycling – no green waste is removed from the The remaining 100 complaints were classified as informal complaints embodied in the legislation are incorporated into the policies, guidelines, sustainability on the University’s website; University campuses; (those that are minor and easy to resolve without the need for further procedural documents and practices at the University. In 2008 the • conduct of a university-wide forum on the University’s environmental investigation). • no soil is purchased other than specialist materials for cricket wickets University reviewed and updated the Privacy Management Plan. sustainability agenda at the Callaghan campus with links to staff at or sporting fields – all other requirements are met from composting A review of complaint handling commenced in September 2008 which Ourimbah, the city precinct and Orange. Over 130 staff and students and recycling programs; and A new position of Deputy University Complaints Manager was also focused on: created in 2008 with a major responsibility to increase awareness attended and were engaged in constructive discussion about the • minimal use of chemicals and pesticides. • the needs of the stakeholder; University’s future practices; of the privacy legislation among staff and students. To achieve this, • the policies, procedures and guidelines; • confirmation of the goal to reduce the University’s carbon emissions Energy Management a website, brochure and workshop have been developed to aid in • satisfaction with the complaints process; and by 20 per cent by 2015; increasing awareness. The University adopted an Energy Management Plan in 1997 with the • reporting requirements. • a recommendation to the Executive Committee and University Council objectives being to minimise the University’s consumption and wastage Complaints Management that the University become a signatory to the Talloires Declaration of energy in buildings and operations, particularly electricity and gas, and A report on the findings of this review will be completed by the end of The University Complaints Manager reports to the Deputy Vice- – an international, voluntary ten-point agreement of universities to encourage the selection and purchase of energy efficient equipment. March 2009. Chancellor (Academic) and is responsible for managing all complaints in to promote awareness and understanding of environmental Training and awareness in complaints handling is an important priority. In 2008 the University’s electrical energy consumption for all campuses accordance with the University Complaints Resolution Policy, identifying sustainability issues; and In 2008 training sessions for Complaints Officers were conducted by remained in the lowest quartile of all universities in Australia, as and investigating systematic problems that may give rise to complaints, • discussion of funding strategies for energy efficiency strategies the Anti-Discrimination Board in February and August. In addition, the measured on both a square metre and EFTSL basis. recommending organisational improvements, and providing advice including the initial development of a proposal for Executive University Complaints Manager attended the annual forum for NSW on any action the University needs to take to protect or improve the Committee to consider the purchase of 10 per cent of renewable Occupational Health and Safety Universities Complaint Managers organised by the NSW Ombudsman integrity of policies or procedures. The University Complaints Manager is energy in 2009. as well as the 7th National Investigators Symposium, a joint initiative In 2008 the University’s enhanced OH&S consultation model supported by Complaints Officers who are chosen from among Deputy of the NSW Ombudsman, the Independent Commission Against In addition the University Council approved an increase to the 2009 (which places more emphasis on support from faculty and divisional Heads of Schools in the faculties and from Associate Directors and Corruption and the Institute of Public Administration. entry permit fees for the Callaghan campus with additional revenue to committees) resulted in enhanced communication, increased training Managers within the divisions. support environmentally sustainable initiatives at the University. and greater awareness and resolution of OH&S issues. The employee representatives from the faculty and divisional committees formed the Environmental Management and Practices membership of the University-level committee to significantly enhance Table 14: UON OH&S Performance Indicators 2004 – 2008 The University is committed to environmentally sustainable practices collaboration and clarify lines of communication throughout Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate Claims Incidence Rate Severity Rate and continued to implement a range of initiatives in its energy the organisation. Year Rate % Change Rate % Change management program and environmentally sustainable building design Other significant activities in 2008 included: practices. The University completed implementation of four Community 2004 8.39 41.7 5.18 5.9 17.34 • development, improvement and consultation of teaching, learning Water grant projects funded by the Commonwealth to undertake and research related OH&S issues through improvements to risk 2005 8.53 1.6 4.20 -19.0 7.81 environmentally sustainable works in water management and irrigation assessment processes; of its sports playing fields on the Callaghan campus. 2006 4.82 -43.5 3 .11 -26.0 10.79 • ongoing OH&S related development activities offered to all staff 2007 3.92 -18.7 3.02 -2.9 9.75 Work progressed on the development of a Landscape Management and targeted education and training for key stakeholders; and Plan for the Callaghan campus, commencing with the completion of 2008 5.22 33.2 3.08 2.0 10.61 • launch of the online incident reporting system to all staff. Landscape Maintenance Guidelines and the Bushfire Operations Plan. In terms of performance on key OH&S indicators the University continues The Ourimbah campus further boosted its environmental efforts Table 15: UON 2008 OH&S Performance Indicators 2004 – 2008 to benchmark well against the sector (refer to tables on next page). by installing new water tanks as part of a community partnership. Year Tariff rate ($) % Change Actual Renewal Premium ($) % Change Change in Legislation 2004 1,587,524 -18.0 1,192,590 -38.4 In 2008 the Federal Government amended the Higher Education 2005 1,796,668 13.2 1,617,432 1.9 Support Act 2003 such that it no longer contains provisions that 2006 1,441,028 -19.8 1,215,233 -32.4 enable the imposition of the Higher Education Workplace Relations Requirements and the National Governance Protocols as a specific 2007 1,391,636 -3.4 1,106,910 -23.2 condition of a higher education provider’s Commonwealth Grant 2008 1,336,734 -3.9 1,170,900 6.6 Scheme funding. 42 | ANNUAL REPORT 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | 43

Table 16: UON Abridged Financial Performance Actual 2008 $m Budget 2008 $m Budget 2009 $m Government contributions* 210.5 184.9 215.1 Financial Performance and Outcomes Student contributions° 144.1 131.1 162.3 Research income∞ 56.8 52.8 57.1 Other income 39.8 37.2 39.6 The reported financial result for the University of Newcastle for 2008 was a net deficit of $1.4 million. This result incorporates a one-off impairment charge of $29.2 million reflecting the Total income from operations 451.2 406.0 474.1 significant reduction in the value of the University’s investments caused by the global financial Salary and related 241.6 234.7 266.4 crisis, which accounting standards require to be recognised as an expense. But for the impact of Non-salary 145.8 114 . 9 147.0 this charge, the University would have reported a surplus of $27.8 million for the year compared to a forecast surplus of $18.3 million. This adjusted result was achieved despite the significant Depreciation 36.1 38.1 35.9 pressures on operational costs that arise as the University continues to grow and reflects the Impairment loss 29.1 0.0 0.0 increase in government grants received during the year for various key projects. Total expenses from operations 452.6 387.7 449.3 While the impact of the global financial crisis on the University’s investments has been significant, Surplus (deficit) for the year (1.4) 18.3 24.8 the University and its investment advisors, Mercer Investment Consulting, expect that the * Excluding deferred Commonwealth superannuation contributions, HECS and ARC ° Including HECS ∞ Including ARC investment values will recover within the 5 – 7 year timeframe established by the University’s investment policy. It is noteworthy that as the investment values recover the accounting standards Table 17: UON Controlled Entities and Consolidated Entity Performance prohibit those gains to be reflected in the income statement. That is, the $29.2 million charge the Consolidated Result 2008 Revenue $m Expenses $m Net surplus University has incurred this year will not be reversed through the income statement as investment (deficit) $m values recover in future years but will accumulate in an equity reserve up until the time of their University of Newcastle 583.6 585.0 (1.4) disposal. GraduateSchool.com Pty Ltd 10.0 10.9 (0.9) Financial Result Hunter Uni-Clinics Pty Ltd 0.0 0.0 0.0 The University achieved an adjusted surplus of $27.8 million for 2008. Revenue growth remained Cessnock Uni-Clinics Pty Ltd 1.7 1.6 0.1 strong increasing approximately 14.5 per cent over the 2007 year before an adjustment for the Newcastle Innovation Ltd 13.8 13.3 0.5 notional value of deferred superannuation liabilities. The growth in revenue was primarily due to additional funding from the Commonwealth which included $18.8 million related to capital UON Foundation Trust 0.2 0.0 0.2 expenditure that will be spent in future years. Investment earnings were down $4.4 million on the UON Services Ltd 6.1 5.5 0.6 previous year due to the global financial crisis. UON Singapore Pte Ltd 5.2 4.6 0.6 Total expenditure increased in 2008 driven by growth, additional expenditure associated with Consolidation adjustments (14.1) (14.0) (0.1) new revenue streams and the draw down of research grant balances for funds received in prior years. Cost pressures remain for the University as many operating expenses, including salaries, Consolidated entity 606.5 606.9 (0.4) currently increase at a rate greater than the indexation on Commonwealth grant funding. The sector awaits the government’s response to the Bradley Review of Australian Higher Education Table 18: UON Investment Performance Achieved Compared to NSW Treasury Corporation Benchmarks and any potential funding changes it may bring. UON Investment category 1 Year Performance % NSW TCorp Benchmark 1 Year Performance % Balance Sheet Short-term cash investments 2.5 Hour-Glass Cash Facility Trust 7.2 At the end of 2008 the University had total assets of $1.1 billion, an increase of some $130 Long-term investments (27.5) Hour-Glass Long Term Growth Trust (20.2) million on 2007. This increase is primarily due to the impact that the global financial crisis has had in significantly increasing certain future superannuation liabilities, and, as a consequence, the Table 19: Accounts Payable Payment Performance 2008 amount receivable from the Commonwealth government in respect of its ongoing commitment to fund those superannuation liabilities. Accounts payable at: 31 Mar $m 30 Jun $m 30 Sep $m 31 Dec $m Not overdue 3.6 1.3 0.8 2.7 Net assets total $743 million, an increase of $0.5 million, despite the $29.1 million reduction in investment values referred to above. Net current assets have improved by $31.3 million to $10.8 Less than 30 days overdue 1.0 0.8 0.1 2.2 million representing a current ratio (current assets ÷ current liabilities) of 1.12, an improvement Between 30 and 60 days overdue 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.2 from a ratio of 0.73 in 2007. While this ratio is below the Higher Education sector benchmark Between 60 and 90 days overdue 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 of 1.4, the University’s investment strategy remains focussed on investing cash not required for short-term operational or capital expenditure purposes in medium to long-term investments to More than 90 days overdue 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.2 achieve higher long-term returns. As a result, surplus cash is not retained and recognised as a Total 5.1 2.3 0.9 5.3 current asset but is instead invested and recognised as a non-current asset.

Cash Flows Total Accounts Paid On Time 31 Mar 30 Jun 30 Sep 31 Dec Actual based on volume % 54.3 72.5 72.5 66.0 The University’s operating activities generated cash of $64.6 million compared to $42.5 million in 2007. Of this, $34 million was investing in property, plant and equipment and $6 million in Actual based on value % 45.7 66.5 53.7 59.1 investments, while a further $3 million was utilised to reduce borrowings. The University’s cash Target % 66.7 66.7 66.7 66.7 balance at the end of the year totalled $51 million, an increase of $29 million or 133 per cent Actual value paid ($m) 14.1 25.3 19.3 27.3 on 2007. Total amount paid ($m) 30.9 38.0 36.0 46.2 Unless stated otherwise, references to the ‘University’ in this section are representative of the ‘Parent entity’ results described During 2008: in the full financial report included in Volume Two. The financial results presented in this section are the unaudited results • there were no instances where penalty interest was paid prepared as at the date of printing and may be subject to change upon finalisation of the audit. The finalised audited results • there were no significant events that affected payment performance for the University and its controlled entities are presented in Volume Two of the Annual Report 2008. 44 | ANNUAL REPORT 2008 UNIVERSITY COUNCIL

Vice-Chancellor Standing Committees of Council Academic Senate Other Bodies Advising Council Executive Committee Audit and Risk Management Academic Integrity Committee Animal Care and Ethics Committee Executive and Directors’ Forum Committee Faculty Boards Boards of Controlled Entities Board of Aboriginal and Torres Finance and Capital Development Program and Course Approval Human Research Ethics Committee Committee Strait Islander Education and Committee Student Disciplinary Appeals OUR ORGANISATION Training Nominations and Legislation Research Committee Committee Committee IT Governance Committee Research Grants and Infrastructure University Tender Committee Sub-Committee Governance Capital Development Committee Planning and Performance Committee (disestablished Nov 2008) Research Training Sub-Committee Occupational Health and Safety TAFE-University Coordination Committee Charter and Functions The University Council Committee Port Macquarie Management Teaching and Learning Committee Committee After initially operating as a College of the The Council is the governing body of the University. It has, by virtue of Section 16 of the Act, the Policy Development Sub-Committee University of New South Wales, the University responsibility for the management of the affairs and concerns of the University and may act in all Promotions Appeals Committee Student Progress Sub-Committee of Newcastle was established by an Act of matters concerning the University. Staff Consultative Committees the New South Wales Parliament in 1964, The Council comprises 19 members including three official members, 11 appointed members – Academic, General and Teachers The University of which was later replaced by (six members appointed by the Minister and five members appointed by the Council) and five Student Discipline Committee Newcastle Act 1989. The Higher Education elected members. Of these 19 members, 12 are external members who bring a diverse range of University Committee on (Amalgamation) Act 1989 provided for the professional experience and skills to the Council. Environmental Sustainability amalgamation of the Hunter Institute of 2NURFM Advisory Board Higher Education and the Newcastle Branch From its membership, the Council elects a Chancellor for a term of up to four years and it is of the State Conservatorium of Music with the role of Chancellor to chair the meetings of the University Council. The Council also elects a Deputy Chancellor for a period of up to two years. The positions of Chancellor and Deputy the University of Newcastle from 1 November Significant issues and matters considered by the Council and its The Academic Senate also has delegated authority from the Council Chancellor are honorary. For a full list of Council members in 2008, refer to Appendix A. 1989. committees in 2008 included: to approve policy and procedures relating to teaching, learning and Under the Act, the University has the authority In 2008 the Council met four times. In accordance with the Council’s meeting procedures • monitoring outcomes of the Australian Universities Quality Agency research and to approve revisions to programs. the agenda is divided into two parts – an open section which members of the University and to adopt a By law. The University’s current (AUQA) audit and the ongoing actions from the institution-wide staff The President of Academic Senate is the senior elected academic in community are welcome to attend, and a closed confidential section which is restricted access to By-law was gazetted on 7 October 2005 survey (Your Voice Climate Survey); the University, with primary responsibility for the Academic Senate. Council members only. and provides a legislative framework for the • development and approval of a new Code of Conduct; The majority of the members of the Academic Senate are elected by appointment of members of Council and The Council is supported and advised by a range of governance committees (and management • ongoing review of strategic performance measures and institutional the academic staff of the University. For a full list of Academic Senate their terms of office, the conduct of elections committees reporting to the Vice-Chancellor) as shown on the following page. The range benchmarking; members in 2008 refer to Appendix C. In 2008 the President of (where appropriate), functions of the Academic of committees is regularly reviewed to determine the appropriateness or otherwise of the • monitoring financial performance and capital expenditure against Academic Senate was Professor Linda Connor. Senate, the establishment and operations of committees and their terms of reference. Except when confidential items are to be considered, budget for the University and its controlled entities; In 2008 the Academic Senate met six times. For a list committees that Convocation, making of rules by the Council members of the University may attend meetings of any University committees as observers. and the Vice-Chancellor, graduates of the • planning for future campus development in the context of the reported to and/or advised the Academic Senate in 2008, refer to the The standing committees of the Council and their roles can be described as follows: University, the term of office of the Chancellor University’s new Strategic Master Plan and the outcomes of the table above. building condition audit; and the use of the University Seal. Audit and Risk Management Committee is responsible for monitoring the University’s In addition to routine academic matters, the following issues and governance framework and administrative operations with particular reference to: internal and • preliminary discussions in relation to an enhanced presence in the Section 6 of The University of Newcastle matters were considered by the Academic Senate and its committees external audit matters; risk management for the University and its controlled entities; fraud and Newcastle city centre; Act 1989 defines the core object of the in 2008: corruption control; compliance with legislative obligations; and monitoring litigated and external • approval for the establishment of a University of Newcastle presence University of Newcastle as “the promotion, • reports on admissions, course and program performance, review of agency matters. In 2008 this Committee was chaired by The Hon John Price AM. in Sydney for the Faculty of Business and Law and English Language within the limits of the University’s resources, progress and results from the Student Evaluation of Courses (SEC) and Foundation Studies; of scholarship, research, free inquiry, the Finance and Capital Development Committee is responsible for advising the Council on and Student Evaluation of Teaching (SET); • implementation of a risk management strategy with particular attention interaction of research and teaching, and the management and organisation of the University’s financial affairs, including: performance • ongoing attention to strategies for recruitment, retention and to the University’s strategic and operational risk profiles; academic excellence”. The Act specifies that against the annual budget and program of capital expenditure; investments; commercial improvements in student experience for students in Honours, the University must have particular regard to borrowings; and oversight of the activities of the University’s controlled entities. In 2008 this • enhanced follow-up of outstanding audit issues and the effective combined degrees (other than Law), postgraduate coursework and the needs of the Hunter region, the Central Committee was chaired by Ms Dianne Allen. implementation of a co-sourced audit model; research higher degrees; Coast and surrounding areas in: Nominations and Legislation Committee provides advice to the Council on matters relating • revisions to the Commercial Activities Guidelines and development • external program reviews as a key quality assurance mechanism for • providing facilities for education to: membership and appointments to boards and committees (including the Council itself); the of a Commercial Activities Register; programs, which in turn prompted a range of program revisions and and research of university standard; conferral of honorary degrees, exceptional service medals and honorary titles; the appointment, • approval of a revised governance framework for the University’s improvements; • disseminating, advancing, developing termination and remuneration of the Vice-Chancellor and senior executive staff; monitoring controlled entities; • monitoring outcomes and actions associated with the Audit Report and applying knowledge; the performance of the Vice-Chancellor; and changes to University legislation and committee • implementation of a University framework and processes for the from the Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA); constitutions which require the Council’s approval. In 2008 this Committee was chaired by the ongoing monitoring of ESOS compliance; • providing courses of study across a range of • planning for implementation of an institution-wide HSC bonus points Chancellor, Conjoint Professor Trevor Waring AM. fields that meet the needs of the community; • review of the nominations processes for honorary degrees scheme to be introduced in 2009 following the pilot of HSC bonus • participating in public discourse; Planning and Performance Committee is responsible for advising Council in relation to: the and Exceptional Service Medals; and points for Maths achievement for Engineering and Science programs University’s mission and strategic direction; reviewing and benchmarking performance; planning • conferring higher education degrees • initiation of an external review of the Academic Senate for the 2008 admissions period; and strategic initiatives; annual reporting; the external context within which the University (to be conducted in 2009). and awards; • approval of specific cut-off scores for admission of International operates; and the regular review of the Council’s own performance. In 2008 this Committee students to the University’s programs following consultation with • providing teaching and learning that engages was chaired by Mr Neil Hatherly and Ms Crystal Condous OAM (as Acting Chair following Mr Academic Senate Faculty Boards and review of the English language proficiency with advanced knowledge and inquiry; and Hatherly’s resignation from the Council). The Academic Senate is the principal academic body of the University requirements for admission of international undergraduate students; • developing a governance and policy The range of Council committees is regularly reviewed to determine the appropriateness or of Newcastle. It is the primary forum for debate on all academic issues and framework, financial arrangements and otherwise of the committees and their terms of reference. At its meeting on 28 November in the University and has a major role in academic quality assurance quality assurance processes to ensure • establishment of a Working Party to coordinate a Self-Review 2008, the Council resolved to disestablish one of its standing committees – the Planning and processes. The Academic Senate has the mission to protect, promote the integrity of the University’s academic of Academic Senate. Performance Committee. This decision was made on the basis that there was duplication and and enhance the excellence of the core academic activities in the programs. overlap between this committee’s responsibilities and those of the other committees, and also University – teaching, learning and research. Specific functions are recognised that many items of business, given their strategic importance, required whole-of- specified in Section 32 of the University of Newcastle By-law 2005. council discussion. The Council determined that this decision will be reviewed in two years. Appendix B provides details of membership of the standing committees of Council and meeting attendance. 46 | ANNUAL REPORT 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | 47

CONTROLLED ENTITIES MANAGEMENT

The University of Newcastle has six controlled and provided advice to the Commonwealth UON Services Ltd Principal Officers entities, the activities of which are monitored Government in relation to the launch of the This controlled entity was established by the The Vice-Chancellor and President of the The Vice-Chancellor is supported by an Executive Committee which in 2008 consisted of: by the University Council through the Audit GP Super Clinics program. At the end of the University Council in 2006, as part of the University is appointed by the Council under • four Deputy Vice-Chancellors – Academic, International, Research and Services; and Risk Management Committee and the year, the company reported a small profit. University’s response to the introduction of Section 12 of the University of Newcastle Act Finance and Capital Development Committee. • five Faculty Pro Vice-Chancellors – Business and Law, Education and Arts, Engineering and Voluntary Student Unionism legislation. From 1989. As the chief executive officer of the The Council approved a new governance Newcastle Innovation Ltd Built Environment, Health and Science and Information Technology; April 2007, activities previously undertaken by University, the Vice-Chancellor has charge framework for controlled entities in 2008. The • three Pro Vice-Chancellors with portfolio responsibilities – Central Coast Campuses, Newcastle Innovation Ltd (formerly TUNRA the University of Newcastle Union Ltd were of the overall direction of corporate planning, framework is consistent with the University’s Corporate Development and Community Partnerships and Singapore; Limited) was incorporated in 1969 as a transferred to the controlled entity to ensure budget activities and external relations of the strategic goals and governance and risk company limited by guarantee by the Council the maintenance of the breadth and quality of University and manages and supervises the • the President of Academic Senate; and management practices, and it will assist of the University of Newcastle, to provide student services for the benefit of students, administrative, financial and other activities of • the Chief Financial Officer. the Council to discharge its responsibilities a broadly-based research and specialist other University members and the wider the University. The Vice-Chancellor consults The Executive Committee undertook a range of professional development activities in 2008. In effectively in relation to controlled entities. education service to industry, commerce community. with and advises the Academic Senate and addition, the Executive and Directors’ Forum met three times with the aim of facilitating effective The audited financial statements for these and the community. The company acts as During 2008 the company carried out a other bodies, supervises the discipline of communication throughout the organisation. controlled entities for the year ended 31 a conduit for the involvement of University the University and puts into effect the rules, significant review of its operations resulting in For a full list of the Principal Officers of the University in 2008 refer to Appendix D. December 2008 are presented in Volume Two staff with business, industry and individuals the outsourcing of its catering operations to an reports or resolutions passed or adopted by of this Annual Report. in the community and assists in identifying the Council. The Vice-Chancellor is ex-officio opportunities for the provision of expert external operator and the transfer of the bulk of its finance processes to the University. The a member of every Faculty Board and of all GraduateSchool.com Pty Ltd consultancy services and the protection of committees within the University and may research outcomes through patenting. company commenced an extensive building GraduateSchool.com Pty Ltd was established maintenance and facilities program that will preside at any meeting of those Boards and in 2000 as a wholly owned subsidiary of the In 2008 Newcastle Innovation Ltd reported continue into 2009 and also developed a Committees. University. It was developed in response to the solid performance with revenue exceeding risk management framework. The company Council Academic Senate changing needs of postgraduate students to budget. Other major achievements included achieved a surplus financial result for 2008. deliver degrees and executive programs in an the appointment of a new Business online learning environment. Development Manager, several new research UON Singapore Pte Ltd Vice-Chancellor contracts, launch of the new brand, very In 2008 the company performed well to Established in 2006, UON Singapore Pte successful industry exchange events, meet the overall student load targets with Ltd was created to manage the University’s enhanced quality of IP commercialisation growth concentrated in domestic student resources associated with the delivery of Vice-Chancellor’s disclosure, and closer working relationships International Division Academic Division Research Division Services Division load. Operationally the company continued to degree programs being offered in Singapore in Division with the University, particularly through the realise efficiencies through the streamlining of partnership with PSB Academy. The activities Priority Research Centres. Central Coast Office of Graduate Services’ Project processes and development of closer working University Library of the company are supported by the Pro Vice- Campuses Studies Office relationships with specific business units in the UON Foundation Chancellor and CEO of UON Singapore Pte Ltd, University and it was recognised as a leader in as well as academic and administrative staff Faculty of Business and Law Corporate Development English Language and Academic Registrar’s This controlled entity was established by the • Newcastle Business School and Community Foundation Studies Research Services the field of online learning through the award located in Singapore and Newcastle, and an Office • Newcastle Law School Partnerships Centre of the 2008 MAP Marketing Fastest Growing University Council in June 2007 as a not-for- external secretarial agent. company in the online business category. The profit trust charged with the responsibility of Centre of Full In 2008 Mr Robert Cochrane was appointed Centre for Teaching company reported a deficit for 2008, primarily encouraging philanthropic support for the Faculty of Education and Arts Financial Services Employment and Corporate Information to the position of Pro Vice-Chancellor and • School of Drama, Fine Art and Music and Learning attributable to the winding up of the Director’s University and working with the University Equity (CofFEE) CEO of UON Singapore Pte Ltd and under (incorporating the Conservatorium) on investing the revenue raised for the best • School of Education Online program and a decrease in investment Parameterized his leadership, the company continued to • School of Humanities and Social Science Marketing and Public earnings. interest of the University, its donors and Equity and Diversity Complexity Research Facilities Management • Wollotuka School of Aboriginal Studies Relations beneficiaries. The Foundation also plays a grow and perform well. Student load reached Unit (PCRU) Hunter Uni-Clinics Pty Ltd critical role in recognising the generosity 1200 EFTSL. Throughout the year attention Human was given to reducing delivery costs as well Indigenous of donors to the University. Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment Resource Cessnock Uni-Clinic commenced operations as restructuring academic and administrative Support Unit • School of Architecture and Built Environment Services in 2004 as a Trust under Hunter Uni-Clinics In 2008 UON Foundation gained functions with the aim of improving • School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Pty Ltd. It provides a range of primary care Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status communication between the company, the Science • School of Engineering Strategic Planning Information services to the immediate community including from the Australian Taxation Office and as University and PSB Academy. At the end of and Quality Technology Services a general practice, multidisciplinary diabetes a consequence, a significant proportion of 2008, UON Singapore Pte Ltd achieved a clinic, women’s health service, drug and the University’s donations were transferred University of Newcastle surplus which recovered the initial company Risk and Commercial Faculty of Health Industry Scholarship alcohol counselling, mental health counselling, to be managed by the Foundation. Additional Services start-up costs as projected in the business plan. • School of Biomedical Sciences Scheme (UNISS) programs for unemployed patients, aged care Board members were appointed in 2008 • School of Health Sciences clinic, cardiac rehabilitation clinic, immunisation and recruitment commenced for the position • School of Medicine and Public Health • School of Nursing and Midwifery University Complaints University General clinic and asthma management clinic. of CEO of UON Foundation. The Board Manager Counsel In 2008 the services offered by the Cessnock developed its risk management framework and began preliminary planning for the Faculty of Science and Information Technology Uni-Clinic continued to grow with over 173,944 • School of Design, Communication and Dean of Students medical services provided in 88,479 patient development of a new company strategic plan Information Technology for fundraising that will be finalised on arrival • School of Environmental and Life Sciences visits. The Cessnock Uni-Clinic developed University Gallery and of the new CEO. • School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences a risk management framework in 2008 • School of Psychology Art Collection

As at December 2008 48 | ANNUAL REPORT 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | 49

Appendix B: Membership of Standing Committees Appendix A: Members of the UNIVERSITY Council in 2008 of university council and Attendance in 2008

The following persons were members of the Council during the whole Elected Members (5) The numbers of meetings of the members of the Council and of each Council committee meeting held during of the year 2008 or as otherwise specified. the year ended 31 December 2008, and the numbers of meetings attended by each member are detailed below. Two persons who are members of the academic staff of the University Details of the qualifications can be found in the 2008 Report by the elected by members of the academic staff of the University: Members of the Council as contained in Volume 2 of the Annual Report. Professor Leonie Ashman The Official Members (3) BSc(Hons)(Flinders), PhD(Adelaide) Members Ordinary Meetings Special Meetings Audit & Risk Nominations & # (Re-elected for a two year term of office commencing 1 September Management Committee Legislation Committee The Chancellor 2008) Conjoint Professor Trevor Waring AM 4/4 1/1 3/4 * 3/4 Conjoint Professor Trevor Waring AM BA, MSc(Newc.), FAPS Mr Egbert Groen Professor Nicholas Saunders 4/4 0/0 4/4 * 4/4 BA(ANU), LLB, MLLR(Syd.) The Vice Chancellor and President (Term of office expired on 31 August 2008) Professor Linda Connor 4/4 1/1 Not a member 4/4 Professor Nicholas Saunders MD(Syd.), HonLLD(Monash), FRACP Professor Val Robertson Ms Sharryn Brownlee 3/4 1/1 Not a member Not a member BAppSc(Physio)(Lincoln Institute), BA(Hons), PhD(La Trobe) The President of the Academic Senate Ms Crystal Condous OAM 3/4 1/1 Not a member 4/4 (Elected for a two year term office commencing 1 September 2008) Professor Linda Connor Ms Catherine Henry 3/4 1/1 1/4 Not a member BA(Hons), PhD(Syd.) One person who is a member of the non-academic staff of the Dr William Jonas AM 1/2 1/1 Not a member Not a member Members appointed by the NSW Minister for Education University elected by members of the non-academic staff of the and Training (6) University: The Hon John Charles Price AM 3/4 1/1 4/4 Not a member Ms Deborah Wright 3/4 0/1 Not a member Not a member Six external persons appointed by the Minister, from as far as Ms Greta Davies BA, DipBus(Frontline Mgt)(Newc.) practicable, the following categories Mr Michael Johns 4/4 1/1 4/4 4/4 (Term of office expired on 31 August 2008) (a) Persons experienced in the field of education or the arts Professor Leonie Ashman 3/4 1/1 Not a member Not a member Ms Leanne Holt (b) Persons experienced in technology, industry, commerce or industrial Dip HR, MME Mr Egbert Groen 2/3 0/1 Not a member Not a member relations (Elected for a two year term office commencing 1 September 2008) Professor Val Robertson 1/1 0/0 Not a member Not a member (c) Persons who are practising, or have practised, a profession. One person who is an undergraduate student of the University but Ms Greta Davies 3/3 0/1 Not a member Not a member Ms Sharryn Brownlee who is not a member of the academic or non-academic staff of the University elected by the undergraduate students of the University: Ms Leanne Holt 1/1 0/0 Not a member Not a member Ms Crystal Condous OAM Ms Yanping Lu 4/4 1/1 Not a member Not a member BCom, MLib(UNSW), GAICD Ms Beth Maloney Ms Beth Maloney 3/4 1/1 Not a member Not a member Ms Catherine Henry One person who is a postgraduate student of the University but who is BA, LLB(UNSW) not a member of the academic or non-academic staff of the University Ms Dianne Allen 4/4 1/1 Not a member Not a member Dr William Jonas AM elected by the postgraduate students of the University: Mr Peter Cockbain 2/4 1/1 Not a member Not a member BA(Hons), DipEd(UNSW), MA, PhD(PNG), DUniv(honoris causa) Ms Yanping Lu Mr Neil Hatherly 1/2 0/1 Not a member Not a member (Resigned May 2008; position remained vacant until 31 December BA(SISU,China), MLMEd(Newc.) 2008) Dr Geoff Leonard 3/4 1/1 4/4 Not a member External persons who are members of Convocation # The remuneration of the Vice-Chancellor and senior executive of the University falls within the Terms of Reference of the Nominations and Legislation Committee of The Hon John Charles Price AM, JP appointed by the Council (4) I.Eng(UK), AMI Mar.E, OFIE Aust Council. * The Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor are not members of the Audit and Risk Management Committee but are invited as ex-officio attendees. Ms Deborah Wright Ms Dianne Allen, JP BCom(Newc.), CAM, AICD MBA(SCU), DipTeach(Newc.), FAMI, CPM Mr Peter Cockbain Member appointed by Council (1) BScEng(Newc.), FIEAust, CPEng, FIPENZ (Appointed from 12 March 2007) Mr Michael Johns LLM(Syd.), FAICD Mr Neil Hatherly BSc(Hons)(Newc.), FAICD, FAIM, FAIMM (Resigned July 2008; position remained vacant until 31 December 2008) Dr Geoff Leonard BCom, FCA, HonDBus(Ncle), FCPA 50 | ANNUAL REPORT 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | 51

Appendix C: Members of the Academic Senate in 2008 Appendix D: Principal Officers of the University in 2008

The following persons were members of the Academic Senate during the whole of the year 2008 or as otherwise specified. Vice-Chancellor and President Name Position Professor Nicholas Saunders Professor Linda Connor President of the Academic Senate (Chair) Elected to 31/3/2010 MD(Syd.), HonLLD(Monash), FRACP Professor Nicholas Saunders Vice-Chancellor and President ex officio Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) A/Professor Brailey Sims Deputy President of the Academic Senate Elected to 31/3/2009 Professor Kevin McConkey BA(Hons), PhD(Qld), FASSA, FAICD Professor Kevin McConkey Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) ex officio Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) Professor Bill Purcell Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) ex officio Professor William Purcell BCom(Hons), PhD(NSW), DipJapStud (Kyoto University of Foreign Studies) Professor Barney Glover Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) ex officio (Position approved by Council on 28 November 2008) Dr Sue Gould Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Services) ex officio Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Stephen Nicholas Pro Vice-Chancellor (Business and Law) ex officio Professor Barney Glover Professor Terry Lovat Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education and Arts) ex officio BSc(Hons), MSc, DipEd, PhD(Melbourne) Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Services) Ex Officio Members Professor John Carter Pro Vice-Chancellor (Engineering and Built Environment) ex officio Dr Sue Gould Professor Michael Calford Pro Vice-Chancellor (Health) ex officio BSc(Hons)(Edin), PhD(Flinders), FAICD Professor Bill Hogarth Pro Vice-Chancellor (Science and Information Technology) ex officio President of Academic Senate Dr Michael Hannaford Dean of Students ex officio Professor Linda Connor BA(Hons), PhD(Syd.) Professor Scott Holmes Dean, Graduate Studies ex officio Faculty Pro Vice-Chancellors Ms Suzanne Ryan School of Business and Management Elected to 31/3/2010 Pro Vice-Chancellor (Business and Law) A/Professor James Jose School of Economics, Politics and Tourism Appointed to 31/3/2009 Professor Stephen Nicholas Professor Ted Wright School of Law Elected to 31/3/2008 BA(Syracuse), MA(Iowa), FASSA Dr John Anderson School of Law Elected from 1/4/2008 to 31/3/2009 Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education and Arts) Professor Terence Lovat Professor John Maynard Wollotuka School of Aboriginal Studies Elected to 31/3/2009 BEd, GradDipREd(SAustCAE), BLitt(Deakin), BTheol, TheolM(MelbDivColl), MA, PhD(Syd.) A/Professor Pamela Sinnott School of Drama, Fine Art and Music Elected to 31/3/2008 Pro Vice-Chancellor (Engineering and Built Environment) Dr Jocelyn McKinnon School of Drama, Fine Art and Music Elected from 1/4/2008 to 31/3/2009 Professor John Carter AM BE, PhD(Syd.), DEng, MASCE, FTSE, FIEAust, CPEng Professor Phil Foreman School of Education Elected to 31/3/2008 Pro Vice-Chancellor (Health) Professor Jennifer Gore School of Education Elected from 1/4/2008 to 31/3/2010 Professor Michael Calford A/Professor John Germov School of Humanities and Social Sciences Elected to 31/3/2010 BSc(Monash), PhD(Monash) A/Professor Stephen Fityus School of Engineering Elected to 31/3/2010 Pro Vice-Chancellor (Science and Information Technology) A/Professor Kerry London School of Architecture and Built Environment Elected to 31/3/2008 Professor Bill Hogarth BSc(Hons)(NSW), PhD(Newc.), FIMA, CMath, FAustMS A/Professor Tony Williams School of Architecture and Built Environment Elected from 1/4/2008 to 31/3/2010 A/Professor Steve Weller School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Elected to 31/3/2008 Pro Vice-Chancellor Portfolios Dr Huilin Ye School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Elected from 1/4/2008 to 31/3/2009 Pro Vice-Chancellor and Director Central Coast Campuses Professor Stephen Crump A/Professor Pauline Chiarelli School of Health Sciences Elected to 31/3/2008 BA, DipEd(Macq.), MEd(Hons), PhD(Syd.) A/Professor Darren Rivett School of Health Sciences Elected to 31/3/2008 Pro Vice-Chancellor (Corporate Development and Community Partnerships) Dr Lauren Williams School of Health Sciences Elected from 1/4/2008 to 31/3/2010 Associate Professor Martin Fitzgerald MSc(Surrey), LLB(Hons)(UCE), PGCE(Higher Education)(Green), Solicitor(England and Wales) Dr Tracy Levett-Jones School of Nursing and Midwifery Elected to 31/3/2009 Elected Members Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) Dr Liz Milward School of Biomedical Sciences Elected to 31/3/2009 Professor Pat Michie Professor Michael Hensley School of Medicine and Public Health Elected from 1/4/2008 to 31/3/2010 BA(Hons)(UNE), PhD(Macq.), MAPS Professor Patricia Gillard School of Design, Communication and Information Technology Elected to 31/3/2008 Pro Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) Dr Peter Summons School of Design, Communication and Information Technology Elected from 1/4/2008 to 31/3/2010 Professor Bill Hogarth BSc(Hons)(NSW), PhD(Newc.), FIMA, CMath, FAustMS Dr Kerry Chalmers School of Psychology Elected to 31/3/2008 A/Professor Jenny Bowman School of Psychology Elected from 1/4/2008 to 31/3/2010 Dr Renate Griffith School of Environmental and Life Sciences Elected to 31/3/2008 Dr Greg Hancock School of Environmental and Life Sciences Elected from 1/4/2008 to 31/3/2009 Dr Caroline Webb Central Coast Campuses Elected to 31/3/2010 A/Professor Seamus Fagan English Language and Foundation Studies Elected to 31/3/2009 Mr Kristofer Gesling Undergraduate Student Elected to 31/12/2008 Mr Benjamin Mills Undergraduate Student Elected from 1/4/2008 to 31/12/2008 Ms Alice Howe Postgraduate Student Elected to 31/3/2008 Ms Yanping Lu Postgraduate Student Elected from 1/4/2008 to 31/12/2008 52 | ANNUAL REPORT 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | 53

Appendix E: Donations to the University in 2008 Appendix F: Student Statistics 2008

The University would like to thank all Hunter Valley Family Law Practitioners Music Lovers Club Note: The following data is provided from the University’s Management Information System (MIS). The reports reflect data individuals, families and organisations who Association Nettleton Tribe (Partnership) Pty Ltd stored in NUSTAR, the University’s corporate student system, at the time of extraction. It may vary slightly to data provided have made donations during 2008. All to the Commonwealth Government which is provided in accordance with their reporting deadlines. Hunter Imaging Group Newcastle City Council donations contribute greatly towards the Hunter IVF Pty Ltd Although not common, changes to a year’s data may be made after the time of the last submission to the Commonwealth achievements of the University’s goals Newcastle & Hunter Valley Pharmacists Hunter Valley Private Hospital Association Government, thus giving rise to some minor discrepancies. and objectives. The following list includes donations and sponsorships of $1,000 and Hunter Water Newcastle Innovation over. Some of our donors do not appear on Hunter Water Australia Pty Ltd Newcastle Law Society Table 1: UON Enrolments and Load by Program Type 2004 – 2008 this list at their own request. Industrial Automation Services Pty Ltd Newcastle Pathology 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Innova Soil Technology North Coast Institute of TAFE Abigroup Contractors Pty Ltd Enrolments 26001 26385 26872 28500 30336 Advitech Pty Ltd Institution of Surveyors NSW Incorp NSW Architects Registration Board Student Load (EFTSL) 17558 17845 17962 19037 20581 Allen Jack and Cottier Architects IZZAT Consulting Engineers NSW Bar Association Ampcontrol Pty Ltd James N Kirby Foundation NSW Department of Commerce Enrolments 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Associate Professor Christina Offler JML Engineered Facades Pty Ltd NSW Paediatric Group Undergraduate 17007 17136 17574 18986 20271 AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Outback Science & Engineering Challenge Committee Australian Dental Association (NSW Branch) Kempsey Shire Council PG Coursework 4496 4920 4934 4922 5279 Ltd La Trobe University Parkes Shire Council RHD 1267 1229 1117 1084 1110 Australian Rotary Health Lake Macquarie City Council Parsons Brinckerhoff Non-Award 747 695 662 733 727 Petroleum Exploration Society of Aust Ltd Bill & Iris Burges Trust Fund Lake Macquarie Private Hospital Enabling 2017 1869 1931 1972 1923 NSW Branch Boronia Homes Pty Ltd Leighton Holdings Limited ELICOS 467 536 654 803 1026 Port Macquarie – Hastings Council CMA Corporation Ltd Lewis Land Group Sovereign Hills Project Port Stephens Council Total 26001 26385 26872 28500 30336 Coal & Allied Industries Ltd Lidbury & Lidbury Financial Services Pty Ltd Port Waratah Coal Services Limited Coffs Harbour Council Lidbury Summers & Whiteman Professor Kevin McConkey Student Load (EFTSL) 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Colgate Lindsay and Dynan Pty Ltd Professor Nicholas Saunders Undergraduate 13474 13540 13693 14694 15707 Corky’s Carbon & Combustion Pty Ltd Local Government Engineering Services Rotary Club of Forbes PG Coursework 1861 2167 2185 2174 2462 Conjoint Professor Daphne Keats LWM Group Pty Ltd Rotary Club of Narrabri Darryl and Valerie Stone Macquarie Generation RHD 831 801 735 721 699 Royal Newcastle Hospital Graduate Nurses Delta Electricity Maitland City Council Non-Award 311 295 277 316 301 Assoc. Inc Department of Education & Training – Hunter Matrikon Pty Ltd Enabling 1008 952 962 979 1002 RPC Technologies Pty Ltd Central Coast Region Mars Food ELICOS 73 90 111 152 409 Sheather and Merrigan Business Equipment Dr Elwin Currow MCM Manufacturing Pty Ltd Total 17558 17845 17962 19037 20581 Sinclair Knight Merz Pty Ltd Dr Foo Say Wei Medical Indemnity Protection Society Southern Cross University Source: MIS January 2009 Dr Geoffrey Leonard Mine Subsidence Technological Society Suters Architects Dr John Boulton Mr Chia Whye Liang Anthony The Architecture Foundation Dr John Peschar Mr David Hanson The A W Tyree Foundation Dr Peter Hendry AO Mr Dharma Rajan Mani Think Brick Australia Dr Rohma Cummins Mr Ho Jin Yong TransGrid Dr Roslyn Avery Mr Lim Chong Hin United Group Rail Services Limited Dr Victor D Bear AM and Mrs Adele Bear Mr & Mrs Chris and Rachelle Maxfield UON Singapore Pte Ltd Dubbo City Council Mr & Mrs Christopher and Shirley Piggott Varley Group Edgeworth Oasis Amcal Pharmacy Mr & Mrs PR and MA Palmer Waratah Engineering Pty Ltd EJE Architecture Pty Ltd Mr Neville Sawyer AM Weston Aluminium Pty Ltd EnergyAustralia Mr Ng Chong Thong W E Smith Engineering Pty Ltd Emeritus Professor Geoffrey Kellerman Mr Poon Boon Ping Bernard Xstrata Coal Emeritus Professor John Patrick Mr Tay Buan Huat Peter Geological Solutions Pty Ltd Mr Warren Mosler Griffith University – Gold Coast Campus Mrs Vera Deacon Harbourside Haven Villages Ms Gail White Health 24-7 Pty Ltd Ms Ho Gien Tou Holding Redlich Ms Marjorie Lambert 54 | ANNUAL REPORT 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | 55

Table 2: UON Enrolments by Student Type and Program Type 2004 – 2008 Table 3: UON Award Completions by Career 2003 – 2007 % change % change Program Career 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2006-2007 2007-2008 Undergraduate 3381 3542 3505 3466 3475 International Onshore Postgraduate Coursework 1380 1439 1769 1875 1821 Undergraduate 1002 1011 982 942 972 -4.1 3.2 Higher Degree Research 134 131 164 136 123 PG Coursework 539 566 884 1053 115 8 19.1 10.0 Total 4895 5112 5438 5477 5419 RHD 158 162 151 161 178 6.6 10.6 Source: MIS January 2009 Non-Award 638 618 575 653 625 13.6 -4.3 Enabling 113 100 63 64 70 1.6 9.4 Table 4: UON Indigenous Student Enrolments and Completions by Program Type 2004 – 2008 ELICOS 464 531 649 801 1016 23.4 26.8 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Total 2914 2988 3304 3674 4019 11.2 9.4 Enrolments 278 274 307 324 334 Undergraduate International Offshore Completions 47 25 52 46 32 Undergraduate 1033 1200 1432 1607 1870 12.2 16.4 Enrolments 27 31 29 35 46 PG Coursework PG Coursework 1202 1283 1020 822 867 -19.4 5.5 Completions 13 11 9 10 12 RHD 4 5 9 8 13 -11.1 62.5 Enrolments 29 23 14 16 24 RHD Non-Award 5 3 - 11 - - - Completions 2 4 0 0 0 ELICOS - 1 1 1 5 - - Enrolments 30 34 43 72 65 Enabling Total 2244 2492 2462 2449 2755 -0.5 12.5 Completions 14 14 15 19 19 Total International Total Enrolments 364 362 393 447 469 Undergraduate 2035 2 211 2414 2549 2842 5.6 11. 5 Total Completions 76 54 76 75 63 PG Coursework 1741 1849 1904 1875 2025 -1.5 8.0 Source: MIS January 2009 RHD 162 167 160 169 191 5.6 13.0 Non-Award 643 621 575 664 625 15.5 -5.9 Table 5: UON Student Enrolments by Career and Gender 2004 – 2008 Enabling 113 100 63 64 70 1.6 9.4 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 ELICOS 464 532 650 802 1021 23.4 27.3 Female Undergraduate 9271 9504 9833 10722 11517 Total 5158 5480 5766 6123 6774 6.2 10.6 PG Coursework 2 211 2556 2616 2650 2851 Domestic RHD 626 621 561 560 566 Undergraduate 14968 14924 15159 16437 17429 8.4 6.0 Non Award 441 402 343 404 428 PG Coursework 2754 3071 3030 3047 3254 0.6 6.8 Enabling 1227 1116 118 0 1227 1141 RHD 110 5 1062 957 915 919 -4.4 0.4 ELICOS 262 280 365 461 480 Non-Award 104 74 87 69 102 -20.7 47.8 Female Total 14038 14479 14898 16024 16983 Enabling 1901 1769 1866 1908 1853 2.3 -2.9 Male Undergraduate 7736 7632 7741 8264 8754 ELICOS 3 4 4 1 5 - - PG Coursework 2285 2364 2318 2272 2428 Total 20835 20904 21103 22377 23562 6.0 5.3 RHD 641 608 556 524 544 Total Enrolments by Program Type Non -Award 306 293 319 329 299 Undergraduate 17007 17136 17574 18986 20271 8.0 6.8 Enabling 790 753 751 745 782 PG Coursework 4496 4920 4934 4922 5279 -0.2 7.3 ELICOS 205 256 289 342 546 RHD 1267 1229 1117 1084 1110 -3.0 2.4 Male Total 11963 11906 11974 12476 13353 Non-Award 747 695 662 733 727 10.7 -0.8 Total 26001 26385 26872 28500 30336 Enabling 2017 1869 1931 1972 1923 2.1 -2.5 Source: MIS January 2009 ELICOS 467 536 654 803 1026 22.8 27.8 Total 26001 26385 26872 28500 30336 6.1 6.4 Note: Total Enrolments by Program Type excludes ‘Unknown’ Student Type ( 2004 - 8; 2005 - 1; 2006 - 3) Source: MIS January 2009 56 | ANNUAL REPORT 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | 57

Table 6: UON Student Load (EFTSL) by Funding Source 2004 – 2008 Table 11: UON Market Share of Eligible* Preferences 2004 % 2005 % 2006 % 2007 % 2008 % First Preferences First to Third Preferences DEEWR Funded 13612 77.5 13384 75.0 13523 75.3 14416 75.7 15178 73.7 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 International 2870 16.3 3094 17.3 3094 17.2 3319 17.4 3989 19.4 Current School Leavers 9.2% 9.4% 8.5% 8.6% 8.7% 9.2% 9.6% 8.8% 8.9% 9.0% Domestic Fee-Paying 1076 6.1 1368 7.7 1345 7.5 1302 6.8 1414 6.9 Non Current School Leavers 14.6% 14.7% 15.0% 15.6% 14.9% 13.5% 13.9% 14.2% 14.9% 13.9% Total 17558 100.0 17845 100.0 17962 100.0 19037 100.0 20581 100.0 Total 11.9% 12.0% 11.7% 12.0% 11.7% 11.2% 11.5% 11.2% 11.5% 11.2% Source: MIS January 2009 * Eligible refers to applicants who had a UAI of greater than or equal to 60. Source: UAC data as at end of admissions process via MIS

Table 7: UON Graduate Destinations 2003 – 2007 (Australian Residents with Bachelor Degrees only) Table 12: Number of Eligible* Preferences to UON 2004 2005 2006 2007 First Preferences First to Third Preferences Newcastle National Newcastle National Newcastle National Newcastle National 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Current School Leavers 2982 3047 2740 2860 2877 8664 9085 8303 8575 8636 Working Full-time 51.1% 52.9% 51.0% 54.5% 55.7% 54.7% 56.8% 56.5% Non Current School Leavers 4795 4594 4653 4938 4677 10732 10495 10415 110 4 0 10277 Working Part-time 21.7% 14.7% 19.9% 14.7% 18.6% 16.4% 18.6% 15.1% Total 7777 7641 7393 7798 7554 19396 19580 18718 19615 18913 Seeking Work 5.8% 5.5% 6.8% 5.2% 4.2% 4.1% 4.6% 3.9% * Eligible refers to applicants who had a UAI of greater than or equal to 60. Source: UAC data as at end of admissions process via MIS Full-time Study 18.6% 23.4% 18.6% 22.5% 17.4% 20.3% 16.6% 20.0% Unavailable/Unknown 2.8% 3.5% 3.7% 3.1% 4.1% 4.5% 3.4% 4.5% Table 13: UON Basis of Admission for Commencing Undergraduate Student Enrolments 2004 – 2008 Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.00% 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Source: Graduate Destination Survey 2003-2007 Secondary Education 2243 2268 2341 3125 3064

Higher Education Course Comp/Incomplete 1652 1465 1678 1876 2697 Table 8: UON Student Staff Ratio (includes Casual staff) TAFE 742 880 110 3 1264 831 Year UON Onshore EFTSL UON Sector Mature Age 681 976 1036 1200 110 0 2002 16433 19 .11 19.29 Professional Qualification 92 116 43 16 6 2003 16664 19.76 19.79 Other^ 495 408 349 216 245 2004 16433 18.88 19.43 Unknown 2 - 11 - - 2005 16477 18.92 19.15 Total 5907 6113 6561 7697 7943 2006 16778 21.38 19.27 Source: MIS January 2009 ^ Other includes Special Entry, Employment Experience, Open Learning, Uni Exam Assessment 2007 17610 20.93 NA Source: DEEWR, Universities Australia. Table 14: UON Commencing and Continuing Enrolments by Faculty/Division 2004 – 2008 Student – Onshore EFTSL; Staff – full-time, fractional full-time and actual casual staff in an AOU with a ‘teaching only’ or ‘teaching and research’ function Commencing/Continuing Faculty/Division 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Commencing English Language and Foundation Studies Centre 2292 2274 2418 2603 2703 UON Market Share of Preferences NSW/ACT 2004 – 2008 Business and Law 1991 1718 1959 2269 2492 Table 9: UON Market Share of Preferences Education and Arts 2635 3062 3097 3242 3166 First Preferences First to Third Preferences Engineering and Built Environment 112 9 114 6 1007 1038 119 9 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Health 1599 1633 1747 2206 2354 Current School Leavers 9.4% 9.5% 8.6% 8.7% 9.4% 9.3% 9.7% 8.9% 8.9% 9.6% Science and Information Technology 1458 1442 1682 1806 1900

Non Current School Leavers 14.1% 14.2% 14.6% 15.3% 14.6% 13.2% 13.5% 13.8% 14.6% 13.8% Student Administration Services* 788 702 667 735 749 Total 11.6% 11.7% 11.3% 11.7% 11.7% 10.9% 11.3% 10.9% 11.2% 11.3% Commencing Total 11892 11977 12577 13899 14563 Source: UAC data as at end of admissions process via MIS Continuing English Language and Foundation Studies Centre 177 116 167 172 245 Table 10: Number of Preferences to UON Business and Law 2812 3018 2831 2773 2937 First Preferences First to Third Preferences Education and Arts 4329 4121 4204 4275 4515 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Engineering and Built Environment 2228 2275 2306 2152 2107 Current School Leavers 3823 3816 3473 3595 3970 110 2 3 1128 8 10380 10648 1182 3 Health 2335 2589 2679 2868 3361 Non Current School Leavers 5038 4798 4858 5209 5004 113 6 3 110 0 5 10906 116 78 11022 Science and Information Technology 2199 2247 2083 2315 2554

Total 8861 8614 8331 8804 8974 22386 22293 21286 22326 22845 Student Administration Services* 29 42 25 46 52 Source: UAC data as at end of admissions process via MIS Continuing Total 14109 14408 14295 14601 15771 Total 26001 26385 26872 28500 30334 Source: MIS January 2009 *Some non-award programs offered by the University, particularly Exchange and Study Abroad, are not specific to any faculty and, for reporting purposes are assigned to Student Administration Services. 58 | ANNUAL REPORT 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | 59

Appendix G: Staff Equity Statistics 2008 Appendix H: Marketing and Corporate Materials 2008

Table A: Trends in the Representation of EEO Target Groups1 Aim High – Community Music Programs booklet % of Total Staff2 Aim High Newsletter for Careers Advisors – three editions EEO Group Benchmark or Target 2005 2006 2007 2008 Alumni Newsletter – four editions Women 50 56.5 56.7 57.8 59.2 Annual Report 2007 Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders 2 2.4 2.3 2.3 2.2 Central Coast Undergraduate Prospectus 2009 People whose first language was not English 19 8.9 8.9 8.5 7.6 Choose – Architecture and Built Environment booklet People with a disability 12 5.2 4.8 3.9 3.4 Code of Conduct Internal Communications booklet People with a disability requiring work-related adjustment 7 1.5 1.3 1.0 0.9 Code of Practice for Research Higher Degrees Candidature booklet Source: Alesco HRS database Find Yourself – Engineering booklet Gifted and Talented brochure Table B: Trends in the Distribution of EEO Target Groups3 Health Achievements 2008 publication Distribution Index EEO Group Indigenous Collaboration 2008 publication Benchmark or target 2005 2006 2007 2008 International Foundation 2008 brochure Women 100 72.14 72.61 73.03 73.03 International Postgraduate Programs 2008 publication Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders 100 83.47 81.59 82.61 90.73 International Prospectus 2008 People whose first language was not English 100 117. 2 3 116 .77 117. 94 118 . 8 8 International Student Companion People with a disability 100 103.09 104.72 104.41 105.50 International Undergraduate Programs 2008 brochure People with a disability requiring work-related adjustment 100 101.83 105.67 102.29 104.94 Source: Alesco HRS database Just the Basics 2008 brochure myGuide – Guide to Online Enrolment 2008

1Staff numbers are as at 30 June 2008 Orientation programs – three campuses 2Excludes casual staff 3A distribution index of 100 indicates that the centre of the distribution of the EEO group across salary levels is equivalent to that of other staff. Values less Postgraduate Coursework 2009 than 100 mean that the EEO group tends to be more concentrated at lower salary levels than is the case for other staff. The more pronounced this tendency Research Higher Degrees Prospectus 2008 is, the lower the index will be. In some cases the index may be more than 100, indicating that the EEO group is less concentrated at lower salary levels. Research 2008 publication Scholarships brochure Teaching and Learning 2008 publication Undergraduate Prospectus 2009 UNISS Scholarship brochure Uninews – emailed weekly Working Together – Disability Awareness for Staff publication 30 Year Joint Medical Program (JMP) Medical School Commemorative booklet 60 | ANNUAL REPORT 2008

Appendix I: FOI Statistics 2008

The University of Newcastle falls within the jurisdiction of the New South Wales (NSW) Freedom of Information Act 1989. Under the Act the University is required to include in its Annual Compliance Index Report the following information for the processing of requests for the calendar year 2008. In accordance with guidelines issued by the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet and the NSW Ombudsman, agencies which receive less than ten (10) FOI Applications during the In order of Treasury compliance checklist Access and Printing Costs: Volume One and Volume Two reporting year may provide the data in narrative form. Letter of submission Inside front cover The University welcomes enquiries from the public Applications Application for extension of time N/A by telephone, postal mail, email or in person. A) New applications: Charter 44 Office hours In the period January 2008 to December 2008, the University of Newcastle received three (3) Aims and objectives 06 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday NSW Freedom of Information Act 1989 Access Inside back cover new applications for access to information under the . Two Postal Address (2) requests were for personal information and one (1) request was for non-personal information. Management and structure 47 University Secretary This compares to previous year in which fourteen (14) new applications were received – four (4) Summary review of operations 03 The University of Newcastle applications for personal information and ten (10) applications for non-personal information. Legal change 40 Callaghan NSW 2308 Economic or other factors 42 Of the new applications received in 2008: T +61 2 4921 5000 (General Enquiries) Management and activities 10-43, 47 • one (1) request for personal information was released in part (completed); T +61 2 4921 5134 (Media Unit) Research and development 20 F +61 2 4921 6922 (Records Management Office) • one (1) request for personal information was withdrawn following advice to the applicant about Human resources 37 E [email protected] how to obtain the information without seeking access under the FOI legislation (discontinued); Equal Employment Opportunity 30-31 W www.newcastle.edu.au • one (1) request for non-personal information was released in full (completed); Land disposal 40 In processing these applications, no formal consultations were required and fees of $45 were Promotion 27 Produced by the University of Newcastle. charged (one application received a discounted application fee for financial hardship). Designed and formatted by Marketing, the University of Newcastle. Consumer response 07 B) Carry forward applications: Payment of accounts 43 This Annual Report is available in electronic form at the following Time for payment of accounts 43 • Nil applications were carried forward from 2008 to 2009 address: www.newcastle.edu.au/services/publications Risk management and insurance activities 38-39 Processing Time Disclosure of controlled entities 43, 46 ABN 15736576735 Of the new applications received in 2008: Ethnic Affairs Priority Statement 30-31 Printed by Print National • one application took over 21 days to complete with 21 – 40 hours processing time; and Occupational Health and Safety 41 Print run 250 copies (Volume One), 150 copies (Volume Two) Waste 40 • one application took under 21 days to complete with 0 – 21 hours processing time. Total external cost $9,038.53 ($9,942.38 inclusive of GST) Budgets 42-43 ISSN 1036-4765 Exemptions Financial statements Volume Two In making a determination in relation to the applications received in 2008, exemptions* were Identification of audited financial statements Volume Two made under the following clauses of Schedule 1 of the FOI Act: Investment performance 42-43 • Clause 6 – Documents affecting personal affairs. Liability management performance Volume Two Performance and numbers of executive officers Volume Two (* Where more than one exemption applies to a request the exemption category first occurring is selected for the purposes of this report.) Freedom of Information Act 42, 60 Implementation of price determination Volume Two Reviews Privacy Management Plan 41 • No applications received in 2008 were subject to internal review. Program evaluation results 08, 12 • There were no Administrative Decision Tribunal reviews finalised in 2008. Energy management policy 40 • There were no Ombudsman reviews finalised in 2008. Electronic service delivery 38 Credit card certification Volume Two Production costs Inside back cover Printing requirements Inside back cover UoN 2009/1110 | CRICOS Provider 00109J