Fall Edition 2010 News on Campus @ Bond University
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BOND UNIVERSITY LAUDED FOR ITS DISTINCTIVE STUDENT EXPERIENCE IN AUQA AUDIT - 05 November 2010
Bond University has welcomed its latest audit report from the Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA), saying it affirms that it is achieving its goal of providing a unique (high quality) educational experience for its students.
Bond University Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Stable said the AUQA report commended the University for providing a relevant, internationally focused and personalised education.
“At 10:1, Bond University boasts Australia’s lowest and best student-staff ratio. This distinguishing feature sets Bond apart from all other Australian universities and is looked on favourably by AUQA in terms of the personalised student experience we are able to offer through our small class sizes,” said Professor Stable.
“The report praises the close interaction between students and staff in the Bond classroom. It also commends the mentoring, peer support and the opportunities of international exchanges and internships that are offered to our students. “Not only are we lauded for the international diversity of our student body, the report also commended Bond University on the successful internationalisation of our curriculum across Faculties and the contemporary currency and relevance that our international focus brings to our programs.
“Our students themselves have also rated us well above sector averages in all three core scales of good teaching, generic skills and overall satisfaction for the five years 2003-2008, which speaks volumes of their perceptions of the high quality education Bond provides,” he said. Pro Vice-Chancellor (Quality, Teaching and Learning) and Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Professor Raoul Mortley, responsible for project managing preparations for the audit process, explained how AUQA set the criteria for the audit.
“AUQA established the internationalisation theme of this cycle’s audit and research/research management was chosen through a joint selection process between Bond and AUQA. To have done so well in both categories speaks volumes for the University and its maturity,” said Professor Mortley. “The latest AUQA audit also confirms that Bond University has been successful in focusing on students, student care, and student outcomes, as evidenced in particular by its employment outcomes, which are far higher than the sector average,” he said.
Professor Stable said the agency’s recognition of the improvements the University has made in terms of its research and research management were also pleasing. “Bond has recorded a very high rate of growth in research income received and was commended by AUQA for the research time provided to research-enabled staff through dedicated research semesters,” said Professor Stable.
Overall AUQA made numerous commendations and affirmations, and only five recommendations, which related to micro-level benchmarking processes and the formalisation of the University’s integration of internationalisation initiatives into its various strategies and plans. “We welcome all recommendations and are committed to addressing them in the near future. This audit praises Bond’s substantial progress in addressing the recommendations of the 2005 audit, and we intend to keep up the good work,” said Professor Stable.
ADDRESSING THE $80 BILLION WASTE KEY TO BETTER HEALTH CARE
Bond University’s newest research professor hopes to find a way to reduce the $80 billion waste in medical research that occurs each year. Professor Paul Glasziou – an internationally recognised expert in Evidence-Based Medicine – has joined Bond University from the University of Oxford to take up the position of Director of the newly formed Centre for Research in Evidence-Based Practice.
Professor Glasziou brings with him to Bond a NHMRC Australia Fellowship to support research into evidence-based practice. He was awarded the $4.2 million grant (over five years) in 2008 while he was Director of the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine in the Department of Primary Care at the University of Oxford.
Recently, he and colleagues received an additional $8.2 million NHMRC grant for a joint University of Sydney and Bond University study into whether, when and how to use medical tests. A qualified GP, Professor Glasziou said; “I want to improve the exchange between research and practice by working with both groups. A small reduction in the $80 billion waste in medical research each year would be a big gain.”
"My hope is to make better use of the research we do. Much medical research is unpublished or unusable. So rather than do more research, I want to understand why this gap exists, and fix it!” Professor Glasziou joins a team of leading evidence-based medicine experts at Bond, including Pro-Vice Chancellor of Research and internationally recognised evidence-based medicine expert, Professor Chris Del Mar, Professor Mieke Van Driele and Professor Jenny Doust.
VICE-CHANCELLOR AND PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
Bond University today announced that Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Robert Stable, had advised Council of his intention to retire when he concludes his second term on December 31, 2011. As the longest serving Vice Chancellor and President in the University’s 21-year history, he will retire after leading the institution for eight years.
Speaking on behalf of the University Council and Community, Chancellor Dr Helen Nugent AO acknowledged the significance of Professor Stable’s contribution. “He has made an outstanding contribution,” said Dr Nugent. “Under his leadership, Bond University has gone from strength to strength”.
“He has shown an unwavering commitment to ensuring Bond delivers an excellent student experience. As a result, a low student to staff ratio has been maintained, even though student numbers have significantly increased.
“The Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine and the Institute of Sustainable Development and Architecture have been established, along with innovative new teaching programs in both those areas.
“Bond’s historic focus on the quality of teaching has been enhanced. Research has been fostered. And a major building programme has occurred to ensure the quality of teaching is matched by the environment in which students interact”, she said.
Professor Stable has overseen a major building program during his term, including:
- Extensions to the Faculty of Law;
- The construction of the Health Sciences and Medicine building;
- Australia’s first 6 Green Star design rated building, the Mirvac School of Sustainable Development building
- The extensive renovations to the John and Alison Kearney Library;
- The Balnaves Foundation Multimedia Learning Centre; and
- The ADCO Amphitheatre; and Alumni Court
FILM AND TELEVISION STUDENTS SHOW THEIR TALENT
Over the past semester Film and Television students both past and present have been involved in a number of competitions and festivals where they have been able to showcase their work.
Leonie Keen (Producer), William Zain and Nils Bremdal (Cinematography) have collaborated with alumnus and current Bond staff member Brodie Rocca (Director) to complete a short film called Ribbons. The film has so far screened at 3 short film festivals around the country including Shorts on the Green (Runner Up), Regent Film Festival (Runner Up) and the Katoomba Film Festival (Finalist).
The film was shot on location in the Gunshop Café in Brisbane and the Regent Cinema, just before it closed down.
Four Film and Television students were also nominated in various categories at the Queensland New Filmmakers Awards (QNFA) presented by Screen Queensland.
- Jessica Kershaw - nominated for Best Music Video for My World.
- Simon Trevorrow and Daniel Kumnick - nominated for Best Music Video for Unplug.
- Nathan Hamilton - nominated for Best Cinematography for Heart-Shaped Reflection.
- Eric So - nominated for Best Visual Effects for Nuke the Fridge
CRIMINOLOGY INTERNSHIP IGNITES NEW PASSION FOR CRIMINAL POLICY
Criminology student, Sjharn Leeson shares insight into her internship experience from Semester 101 with the Queensland Law Society.
One of the major influences that guided my application in the criminology internship program was the consistent misinterpretation of what criminology meant. Many people, when you mention criminology, instantly react, “Oh! Like on CSI”. I believed by doing an internship, it would help me gain a wider understanding of the application and importance of criminological reasoning and theorising.
Another aspect that inspired me to apply was the inherently theoretical nature of this profession. I believed it was important for me to be able to apply not only criminological theory but also broader criminological knowledge and principles in contexts outside of the academic sphere. That ‘real world’ experience is necessary in order to fully comprehend the application of criminology to other disciplines.
In order to prepare for the internship itself, I took the time to understand the relationship between the Queensland Law Society (QLS) and the legal profession, and what my role as a part of the Policy Law section was likely to entail. Incidentally, my role in the Policy Law section meant I was constantly applying criminological theories and principles by analogy, interpreting them in a way that would be beneficial to the legal fraternity.
The role I performed during the internship program was flexible and diverse, offering an opportunity to comment critically on impending legislation, the preparation of scholarly articles and press releases in conjunction with submissions on behalf of the President of the QLS. I was also required to prepare copious amounts of information for meetings of the discrete sections of the QLS, including the Family Law Section and the Criminal Law Section.
One of the highlights from the program was when I was asked to compile a submission in regards to the incarceration of 17-year-old offenders in Queensland’s adult correctional facilities; a stance that is unique to Queensland and in breach of Australia’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The submission was drafted over two sessions, and so impressed the QLS President in regards to the research and depth contained in the short submission, that it was requested it be sent to the Media section for release publically and for it also to be converted to a scholarly article to be published in one of the QLS journals: Proctor.
Currently, I am completing the final semester of the Masters of Criminology program; which will culminate in my second academic endeavour here at Bond University. I also completed my undergraduate studies here in a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Social Science (Criminology). I am in the process of deciding whether to enrol in the PhD program or whether to embark on my professional career… or perhaps to combine the two. The internship program has provided me with a newly found passion for criminal policy and using legal and criminological knowledge to shape the laws that govern our state and our country. Sjharn Leeson.
Free filmmaking workshops will be offered for those wishing to have a go at the craft. There will also be opportunities to view pre-release Australian films at the festival.
As 75 percent of Queensland's film industry is located on the Gold Coast, this is a perfect opportunity to view new works while keeping an eye out for industry celebrities.
INSTITUTE OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND ARCHITECTURE FORUM - 'STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS'
Officially opened in August 2008, Bond University's Mirvac School of Sustainable Development building was Australia's first 6-star, green star rated educational facility. Leveraging the growth of the Mirvac School of Sustainable Development, Bond University is proud to launch the new Institute of Sustainable Development and Architecture. The Institute will comprise of the Mirvac School of Sustainable Development and the Soheil Abedian School of Architecture.
The Institute of Sustainable Development and Architecture Forum will celebrate the incredible growth of this educational facility and showcase the unique partnerships formed with key stakeholders such as Mirvac; Soheil Abedian; Property Council of Australia; L J Hooker and Equity Real Estate Partners. These partnerships reflect a long term investment in the next generation of students who will develop an invaluable understanding of the growing importance of sustainability in property development.
Our key stakeholders will speak about their linkages with the Institute of Sustainable Development and Architecture, and the innovative and ground-breaking projects that are being delivered as part of these unique partnerships. In addition, Neil Savery, National President of the Planning Institute of Australia and Professor Brian Ciochetti Chairman - Centre for Real Estate, Massachusetts Institute of Technology [MIT] will provide a national and international perspective on sustainable development and real estate.
The recipients are:
Associate Professor Daryl McPhee The Design of an Integrated Ecological Monitoring Program for Gold Coast Marine Waterways
Associate Professor Amy Kenworthy “One Goal, One Community: Moving beyond bullying and empowering for life” anti-bullying initiative: An empirical outcomes assessment
The inaugural Indigenous Art Auction fundraising dinner was held on Saturday 9 October 2010. Over 150 staff and ‘friends of Bond’ attended the dinner and an impressive $73,000 was raised for Indigenous scholarships. It was indeed a wonderful evening and everyone involved is congratulated.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITY GAMES TEAM!
On Sunday, 26th September Team BOND departed for Perth to compete in the 2010 Australian University Games. Congratulations to the following teams and athletes who achieved success over in Perth: Sam Hourigan – 4th – 50 metres Butterfly (Swimming), Rugby Union Sevens – 3rd – Division 2
BOND UNIVERSITY SWIMMING CLUB SET TO MAKE WAVES IN COMPETITIVE SWIMMING
The Bond University Swimming Club has officially launched, giving its members access to Australia’s highest-level swimming competitions. The Club’s affiliation with Swimming Queensland and Swimming Australia means members of its Swimming Program will be able to compete in sanctioned events and be eligible for selection in State and National representative teams.
The Bond Swimming Club’s member registry reads like a who’s-who of Australian swimming and surf lifesaving identities, boasting elite athletes including Ky Hurst, Hayley Bateup, Harriet Brown, Wes Berg, Kristyl Smith, Jamie Mitchell and Ashleigh Gentle.
Bond Swimming Head Coach Colin Braund said the Bond Swimming Club offered more than professional swim coaching. “Our teaching system also encourages swimmers to develop the character and self-discipline necessary to succeed not only in swimming, but also in life away from the pool. “These are lessons which every participant – from novice, to Olympian – can benefit from greatly,” he said.
While the club’s primary objective is to create high-level swimmers competing at local, state and national competitions, it also caters for recreational and senior swimmers and offers one-on-one coaching for beginners through to advanced swimmers.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND ACCOLADES
Her research into developing early diagnostic markers for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome impressed the judges of the prestigious award.
“This award recognised not only the research that I have done so far, but also the significant implications of that research further down the track to deliver better health outcomes for people suffering from chronic fatigue,” said Dr Marshall-Gradisnik.
“The commercialisation potential of the research was also part of the judging criteria and an area in which I believe my nomination stood out,” she said. Dr Marshall-Gradisnik said it was exciting to be acknowledged by her peers for her work. “Not only was this exciting on a personal level, but it is also wonderful news for Bond University. “Bond is truly starting to emerge as a quality research institution. To be in the company of finalists of the calibre of the Mater Medical Research Institute and the University of Queensland and to win, shows that Bond University is doing all the right things with regards to research,” she said.
Well done also to Paulo Vieira, Director of Studies at the Bond University English Language Institute (BUELI) who was presented with the inaugural English Australia Award for Academic Leadership at the association’s annual conference dinner held on the Bond campus last Friday night. Director of Bond College and BUELI, Mr Rowan Hinton congratulated Paulo on his achievement. ”This award recognises Paulo’s contribution to BUELI through his management of student support and staff development and his contribution to the industry through the development and enhancement of links with other institutions and organisations. “His years of experience and contribution to the industry have been justly rewarded,” Mr Hinton said.
The Mirvac Institute of Sustainable Development Building has received another award for excellence at the Queensland Master Builders State Awards on 2 October 2010. The building will now compete for a national award to be announced in Canberra on 19 November 2010.
2011 DOMESTIC SCHOLARSHIP WRAP-UP
This year, over 290 domestic scholarships have been awarded to deserving Senior Year students from across Australia. Scholarship recipients include eight Vice-Chancellor’s Scholars, five Corporate Scholars, one Vice-Chancellor’s Indigenous Law Scholar, one Indigenous Land Corporation Scholar, two John Burton Cadetship Scholars and six Bartercard Scholars. Students from our key collegiate partner schools have also been awarded with Collegiate, Collegiate Captain and Collegiate Dux Scholarships.
All scholarship recipients have been invited to one of two Scholarship Award Ceremonies, held on November 22 and November 29 in the Princeton Room, where they will be officially awarded their scholarship by the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Faculty Deans.
VISITORS TO CAMPUS
Ann Sherry AO Chief Executive Officer Carnival Australia Presenting: "Turning the Ship Around - Growth of the Australian Cruise Industry"
Ben Pole, Gold Coast Tourism, Director of Communications
Stephen Lock, Corporate and Public Relations Manager - Gold Coast Airport Marathon
His Excellency Paul O'Sullivan, Australian High Commissioner to New Zealand, visited the campus on Wednesday 6 October. After providing him with an update on developments at Bond, he accompanied the Vice- Chancelor to the Strategic Management lecture for a very well received question and answer session with students.
Andrew Craig, Queensland Government Trade Commissioner for Europe for a campus tour and update on developments at Bond.
David Goldberg presented - Freedom of Information in the 21st Century: Bringing Clarity toTransparency
More than 80 countries have introduced some form of freedom of information (FOI) legislation, with Australia reforming its national laws earlier this year. But FOI is in a state of flux because there isn’t just one world of FOI but several parallel universes, and these universes co-exist in disharmony and in a-synchronous stages. This presentation based on the paper explores those universes, including one involving lobbying for the recognition of the value of transparency against the entrenched default position of secrecy; another dealing with drafting and legislating at the national level; a third monitoring the implementation and effectiveness of such laws; a fourth on the transparency practices of supra-national, particularly global/regional, financial bodies; a fifth where individuals are making a business and living from freedom of information; and one dealing with accessing sector-specific information. These universes coexist in sequential, overlapping and regressive stages, detailed by the presenter. Even the most strongly worded FOI law could be undermined by internal procedures for managing sensitive requests and FOI, like other policy areas, is the subject of spin and ‘message discipline’. David Goldberg suggests one of the greatest challenges for the 21st Century is the intellectual, theoretical challenge concerning transparency and freedom of information and calls for more research to underscore the debate.
[David Goldberg is a Senior Visiting Fellow, Institute of Computers and Communications Law, Queen Mary College, University of London and an Associate Research Fellow, Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, Faculty of Law, University of Oxford. He teaches media law at Glasgow Caledonian University and Queen Mary College (University of London). Goldberg is a regular contributor to the European Audiovisual Observatory’s IRIS; an expert on access to information and media law for the Council of Europe, the OSCE and the BBC World Service Trust; a founding member of the International Media Lawyers Association; and sits on the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Free Expression Panel. A Co-Convener of the Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland (1984 - 2008), he has been a co-external examiner for the LLM in Information Rights, Northumbria University. Amongst his publications are (the co-edited) Media Law and Practice (OUP, 2009); (the co-edited) Regulating the Changing Media: A Comparative Study (Oxford: Clarendon Press 1998); ‘Blogging, Bloggers, Politics and Freedom of Expression’ (Centre for Internet Development: Belgrade; forthcoming); ‘The Child and the Media’ in Childrens’ Rights in Scotland (Alison Cleland and Elaine Sutherland eds; W. Green; 3rd ed.,2009); and ‘Media, democracy and reporting elections’ in Gavin Sutter, Ian Walden and David Goldberg (eds), Media law and Practice (OUP; 2009)]