JUNE 2009 Newsworthy @ Bond U


+ + BOND NEWS BOND NEWS BOND NEWS + +

BOND SECURES MILLION DOLLAR DONATION ON BACK OF ANNIVERSARY
Hong Kong-based Dr Hari and Padma Harilela have been announced as Bond University’s latest benefactors on the back of the Gold Coast institution’s 20th anniversary celebrations last month.

The couple has donated $1 million which will go into Bond University’s endowment pool for a scholarship to be called the Dr Hari and Padma Harilela Scholarship. Dr Harilela is the Chairman of the Harilela Group, which has established a hospitality portfolio including the Holiday Inn Golden Mile in Hong Kong, Holiday Inn Park View Singapore and Sheraton Belgravia London.

“The University is delighted to announce the contribution from Dr Harilela and his wife Padma to Bond,’’ said Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Stable. “Dr Harilela’s philanthropy extends to numerous teaching institutions around the world, and we are very proud he and his wife have recognised the boutique learning environment advocated at the Gold Coast campus which distinguishes Bond University within the Australian tertiary education system.

“It’s fitting the $1 million donation is announced the same year as Bond University’s 20-year milestone: just as the University recognises its past achievements, the primary focus is still on improvement and evolution.’’

Outside of the hospitality industry, the Harilela Group also has ties with the healthcare and food sectors in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the United Kingdom and Australia. “As a private not-for-profit learning institution, support from the community is vital to our continued sustainability,’’ said Professor Stable.

“Without the support of our benefactors, it would have been near impossible to position Bond University as the exemplary template of a private not-for-profit institution in Australia.’’


VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN A HOT TOPIC AT THE HAGUE
Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr Aileen Pidgeon was invited to present at the International Conference on Violence Against the Girl Child on March 9 and 10 at The Hague.

Dr Pidgeon joined such speakers as the UN Secretary-General of the National Council of Childhood and Motherhood, the Director of the ILO Program on Elimination of Child Labour and the Director of UNICEF's Innocenti Research Centre. While at the conference, Dr Pidgeon also conducted workshops for the other 125 delegates attending the conference including Government representatives, NGOs, experts in the field and academics.

Dr Pidgeon was invited to attend the conference by the Dutch Government Ministries for Foreign Affairs and Youth and Children, which are currently implementing Dr Pidgeon’s Pathways Triple P program across The Netherlands in an effort to prevent violence against children.

Pathways Triple P is a program Dr Pidgeon developed for parents at risk of maltreating their children. Since its launch in 2005, seven other countries have rolled out Dr Pidgeon’s intervention program with great success, including Queensland Health which offers the program to parents at risk of child maltreatment.

A total of 2358 practitioners around the world have been trained in Pathways Triple P in the last five years, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, England, Netherlands, Scotland and the United States.

Dr Pidgeon created Pathways Triple P in 2004, based around the Triple P program developed by Prof. Matt Saunders of the University of Queensland, and since then has seen the program grow in popularity as continued research shows its effectiveness in reducing the incidences of child maltreatment in families at risk once they have undertaken the program.


2010 MEDICAL APPLICATIONS OPEN JULY 1
The timetable for applications for the Bond medical program, Bachelors of Medicine and the Bachelors of Surgery MBBS has been issued. Students application will be accepted from July 1 until Friday January 22, 2010. Round 1 of interviews will be held in mid February. Offers will be made March 1 for the May semester start. Offers will lapse on March 26. Interested students can contact Rob Field for more detailed information about the program and the application timetable.


CONSUL GENERAL JUDITH FERGIN VISIT TO CAMPUS
The Consulate General of the United States discussed The U.S.-Australia Relationship: Confronting Global Challenges Together”

Australia-U.S. relations are strong because of our enduring values and ideals, which transcend partisan politics and align our national interests.  The Alliance and the Free Trade Agreement are among the most prominent features of the relationship, but government-to-government cooperation, private sector collaboration, and personal exchanges extend into virtually every aspect of transnational activity. In the opening months of the Obama Administration, U.S. Consul General Judith Fergin discussed how the dynamic ties between Australia and the United States allow our two countries to work together to meet the challenges of the 21st century, from classic security threats to contemporary terrorism, bush fires to climate change.


BOND MUSICAL
You may or may not be aware that BUSA is organising the first ever Musical Theatre production at Bond called 'I Love You Because' - a modern day love story where Pride and Prejudice meets Sex and the City.
Rehearsals are well under way with performances scheduled for week 9, 092. The musical committee would now like to call for expressions of interest from any staff to be involved in any capacity. We have scope for acting, singing, backstage, wardrobe, hair, makeup, props, front of house, ushers...you name it! So if you'd love to get involved, email Creative Director Mel Storey at mstorey@student.bond.edu.au with a brief idea of what you would be interested in or what experience you have. And I'm sure we will see the rest of you opening night!
Regards, BUSA Musical Committee 2009


HUMANTIES STUDENTS MEET INDUSTRY LEADERS AT GRADUATE PANEL
The Humanities Students' Association and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Graduate Panel event was a great success as HSS students were given the opportunity to network with major industry players.

The night began with a seminar in the University Centre where students were presented with a panel of six industry representatives, three of whom were Bond alumni. Students were able to ask questions and hear the experiences of panel members, including the Assistant Manager of Cultural Services at the French Embassy, Nickolas Cherrier. Later that night in the University Club, students were able to mingle with the different industry representatives.

Of particular interest was Sky News Chief Executive Officer Angelos Frangopoulos, who started his career as a journalist at the age of 13 at a community radio station. He provided journalism students with much insight into the industry and was continually questioned as the night progressed.

Detective Senior Sergeant of the Queensland Police Gold Coast Criminal Investigation Branch Dr Terry Goldsworthy also received a great response from the students. Having started work for the Police Force at only 16, Dr Goldsworthy went on to be an integral part of the Police Service, later completing two Bachelor degrees, a Masters in Criminology and a PhD.

Director of Communication, Reserve and Employer Support Division of the Department of Defence Deanna Nott said the advantage of attending Bond University instead of other universities is that you are treated as an individual, not a number.

Director of Psychology for the Gold Coast Health Services Dr Simon Langston said that he found the night to be very entertaining and informative: "It was a good all-round networking opportunity for everyone involved. I thought it answered questions potential graduates needed to know," he said. Journalism student Mark Pangello said that he too felt the event was a great networking tool and that similar events should be offered throughout the year.


“Systems Thinking: An Introduction to System Dynamics”

The Faculty of BTSD has approved a new course to commence in 092. I would like to invite students who are interested in a course unlike anything else at Bond, who want to challenge the way they solve problems, and who want to understand the world in a new way, to sign up for “Systems Thinking: An Introduction to System Dynamics”. Although the subject is offered by the School of IT, it *is not* a technology class. It a *systems* class; business systems, environmental systems, personal systems, decision making systems, policy systems, health systems. This list goes on and on because systems exist everywhere. We cannot avoid being part of, and interacting with, a wide variety of organizational, societal, technical, inter-personal, and natural systems. The objective of the course is to understand the dynamics of systems thereby enabling you to discover your own mental models, clarify goals, identify leverage points, plan, and make intelligent judgments and choices. This class will examine the limitations and fallacies in human thinking and we will develop ways to overcome these limitations. You will learn to model complex systems in the language and mind-set of system thinking, use problem–analysis methods to see hidden interactions, and better understand the repeating system behaviors and the process of goal setting, information gathering, and decision making. This understanding will help you recognize the complexities of real-world systems and see why some problem "solving" can actually create bigger problems. By becoming a "systems thinker" you will learn to see and think about the world, your other Uni subjects, your relationships, your career, and everything around you in a new and useful way.

Former students have written the following about the subject:
From David L. (Junior – Finance Major):
“I am writing this letter to inform you of the great experience I had in the Systems Thinking class taught by Dirk Hovorka. Dirk's class was fun, interesting, exciting, energetic, and challenging just to name a few of the characteristics… this was one of the few classes in my life that I was disappointed knowing the end of the semester was near. This class was one of the best, if not the best, class I have ever taken in my collegiate career, and definitely here at the University of Colorado. To me, it was a life changing experience! It really made me think about and look at the whole picture when dealing with systems or with life in general. This class wasn't easy; in fact, it was quite challenging at times during my final group project. The bar was set high on what an A was and we as group all knew what it was going to take to get it. Dirk was able to motivate me to put in that extra effort for this class and I believe I got one of the best experiences out of it in my life.”

From Eric C. (Junior – IS Major):
“The first day of class Dirk made a very bold statement that by the end of the semester he was going to quite literally change the way we think. I was pretty skeptical, but couldn't help looking forward to the challenge. It was really the sort of thing that you might read about in a book or see in a movie. The important part was that Dirk made good on his word and delivered. His class was not easy, but was most certainly thought provoking and rewarding. Dirk's style gives the students the ways, means and guidance to teach themselves. By the end of the semester we were all "systems thinkers" looking at the world from a new perspective that we'll, or at least I, will carry for the rest of my life.”

From Leah S. (Senior- Accounting Major):
“The following semester I enrolled in Systems Thinking for no other reason that the fact that he was teaching it. This class was, by far, one of the most thought-provoking classes I took at the University of Colorado. He warned from the outset that the material sought to somewhat reinvent the way in which we thought, and in a lot of respects, this proved true. The readings and activities that we did in this class actually were conducive to an innovative way of thinking; and not just about systems, but about everything. Once again, his enthusiasm and passion for new ideas and teaching was not lost. I also found him, once again, to be very well-versed in the subject matter that he was presenting. Much of what I was able to take from this class is, and will continue to be, hugely advantageous to me in my career.”

“I have yet to see any problem, however complicated, which, when looked at in the right way, did not become still more complicated” (Poul Anderson 1968)


CRIMINOLOGISTS GATHER IN CANADA'S COLD
Despite the chilly minus 20 degree temperatures and the metre of snow that covered the ground, five Masters of Criminology graduates ventured into downtown Toronto to reminisce about their studies at Bond.

Robyn Lincoln, Assistant Professor in Criminology, was in Canada to attend university fairs in Toronto, London and Guelph in the province of Ontario, as well as Edmonton, Alberta and Vancouver in British Columbia.

"It was great to see such recognition of Bond as a prime Australian study destination," she said. "Many students at those fairs came over when they saw the Bond banner on display, and talked about friends who studied with us, or about their own desires to attend."

Robyn also met with other prospective students for the Master of Criminology degree and was able to put them in touch with the recent graduates so that they can share their insights about the degree and studying at Bond.


  1. Academic writing seminar - This is a general introduction to what is expected from academic writing at university. It focuses on organising an essay, approaching the question and style.
  2. Enhance your listening - This workshop looks at ways of developing your listening and note taking skills in lectures.
  3. Ready4writing - This workshop looks at the process of writing and the vital pieces that make up an essay. Students will write an introduction and paragraph and receive feedback.
  4. Read Smarter - This workshop looks at ways of reading more effectively and efficiently through raising awareness of reading techniques.
  5. Quoting and Paraphrasing - This workshop looks at ways of avoiding plagiarism by quoting and paraphrasing correctly.
  6. Referencing Right - This double workshop looks at how to reference correctly in assignments. The first half focuses on in-text citations and the second on creating a reference list at the end of your work. APA and Harvard are the main referencing styles referred to.
  7. Study and Exam techniques - This workshop will look at practical strategies for effective studying and beating procrastination, as well as revision and exam techniques.
  8. Thinking Critically & Logically - This workshop raises awareness of the way you think and the need to analyse what you are told. It focuses on some of the common pitfalls and bad arguments that are often made in assignments.
  9. Powerful presentations - This workshop looks at ways to improve your presentations in terms of delivery, organisation and design.
  10. Colour by numbers – using Excel to solve equations without algebra
    Many algebraic equations cannot be solved by algebra. One way to find an approximate solution to algebraic equations of the form g(x) = h(x) is to accurately graph y = g(x) and y = h(x) as separate functions of x. Any points of intersection will then be solutions. A better method, now that we have computers to do all the tedious calculations, is to first express the equation in the standard form f(x) = 0, and then to determine points where the graph intersects the x-axis.
  11. How to write a Literature Review - This workshop is targeted at Postgraduate students carrying out research and writing longer papers. It covers which literature to include and how references to it should be incorporated into a thesis.
  12. What makes an abstract good - This workshop will work on useful techniques for preparing and organising an abstract, and what not to do.
  13. Editing your writing - This workshop is helpful for all students from undergrad right through to PhD students as everyone has to edit their work after writing. It will focus on common errors, computer tips to fix them and ways to improve what you’ve written.
  14. Pronunciation 1 - This workshop looks at helping non native speakers with pronunciation. The session focuses on developing word and sentence stress in English and raising awareness of how these contribute to rhythm and ultimately to the overall understanding of spoken English.
  15. Pronunciation 2 - This workshop is also for non native English speakers and focuses on raising awareness of weak forms and linking. It also shows how knowledge of these features can help with understanding spoken language and developing a more natural rhythm in English.

SO YOU WANT TO BE A CHEERLEADER?
Sign up at Club Sign on Day this Friday or email Natalie Brunoli at nbrunoli@student.bond.edu.au to secure an audition slot or for more information. Auditions will be held on Monday night week 3. Ready? Okay!

RUGBY THIS FRIDAY NIGHT BOND V GRIFFITH COLLEGES!
This Friday night at 7.30pm Field Number 1 - Griffith Uni Knights Cnr Heeb St & Benowa Rd Ashmore, Gold Coast www.bondrugby.com
TOUCH RUGBY STARTS NEXT TUESDAY Email teams to Tim: tlee@student.bond.edu.au

BOND UNIVERSITY CRICKET CLUB
The cricket club is coming to the end of its indoor season with only a few games left. Thursday will see them play to secure their spot in the final after the incredible final ball win last week. If you would like to join the indoor team (numbers limited) for the next season, which starts in 3 weeks, We are starting training for the outdoor team as well for the summer season. Training will be on Sunday afternoons. Again email if interested. Sign up to the CRICKET CLUB on Friday at CLUB SIGN UP DAY. Don’t forget to join the Bond Cricket Club facebook page.

 


ACHIEVEMENTS AND ACCOLADES

After graduating from Bond, Mae travelled back to China to continue work at her home university, Zhejiang University City College. She also promoted an English journalism major at her school and many other activities to develop further relations between ZUCC and Bond, for which she received a Civil Ambassador distinction.

Mae eventually decided to come back to Australia and start her own business, PECTEC, which promotes premium quality tea produced in Hangzhou, Mae’s home town in China.

Mae’s aim is to raise the profile of tea and restore its tradition in Australia. Her company holds the exclusive distributorship over Australia of the Top 10 China National Tea Museum Collection. Meanwhile, Mae is also planning to organize a Chinese Tea Culture Exhibition sponsored by the China National Tea Museum.

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VISITORS TO CAMPUS

Gemma Sisia, Founder, St Judes School, Tanzania. PROFESSIONAL ADVOCACY: THE POWER OF ONE AUSTRALIAN
The Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine is honoured to invite you to hear from Gemma Sisia, founder of St Judes School.
In 2002 a young lady, Gemma Rice (now Gemma Sisia), from a sheep farm in Australia, opened a small school, St Judes School, in Northern Tanzania with the help of her family, friends and local Rotary Club. What started with only a handful of children and one teacher is now a thriving school of over 1000 children, 130 teachers and 200 staff.

Over 90% of the children at the school receive a totally free education as local and international sponsors individually cover the costs of not only the educational fees but also the uniform, stationery, transport, hot meal, snacks and drinks of each child. What makes this school even more special is the fact that this success comes about due to the group effort of thousands of ordinary people from all over the world coming together to do something quite extraordinary.

Dr Norman Kelk of the University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Research Institute, has just completed a study on Depression in the Legal Profession & Among Law Students