Inside CSE - November Part 2CAN WE FIX IT?Yes we can! Construction has begun on the exciting new CSE student space at Bedford Park. Designed by staff and the students, these rooms will replacing the old lecture theatres on the eastern side of Anchor Court, underneath the old Faculty offices and will house a mix of formal/informal, indoor/outdoor learning spaces. The revamp is in full swing and is due to be unveiled for Semester 1, 2018. We cannot wait for the reveal. Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology hosts an Open-Lab session.Professor Mats Andersson joined Flinders CNST early in 2017 as a Matthew Flinders Fellow. Mats came to Flinders from the UniSA, Ian Wark Research Institute and started his early career at the Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden, where he continues to have collaborative research ties. Earlier this month, Mats opened up his research lab to Flinders staff showcasing his new research space. Welcome again Mats and thank you for giving everyone the opportunity to meet you and your staff. End of year finance deadlines for expenditure in 2017.If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact Finance by email or phone xtn 15080. For further info, see the Detailed End of Year Timelines Calendar. Flinders University trains the Future Leaders in Water Resource ManagementIn a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade supported ‘Australian Award Fellowship’ program, fifteen young and mid-career Vietnamese delegates participated in a twenty day ‘Groundwater Science and Management’ training program, part of which was conducted here at Flinders University. Delegates with Professor Okke Batelaan and Elaine Ward, Director - Australia Awards & Alumni Branch Public Diplomacy, Communications & Scholarships Division from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The program was rich in teaching, field visits, cultural engagements, gender session and mentoring and included:
The delegates were from the National Centre for Water Resources Planning and Investigation (NAWAPI), which is a government organisation under the Vietnamese Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, with the function of planning, investigation, monitoring and protecting water resources for entire Vietnam. NAWAPI has about a 1000 staff members. A follow up visit to Vietnam is scheduled for April 2018 to further evaluate and identify knowledge gaps for further professional development opportunities and linkages. Congratulations and thank you to all of the CSE staff for their efforts in helping shape these international leaders. On this day in Science -In 1910, the first U.S. patent for a steel-shafted golf club was issued to Arthur F. Knight of Schenectady, N.Y. (No. 976,267). The shaft was formed from tempered high-carbon steel tubing which was to provide an elastic, yet non-fibrous shaft, in order that "the line of flight of the ball may truly conform to the direction of the blow delivered by the player." Conflict, what conflict?As we approach the end of the year, it is often a time where casual resources are engaged for various activities, or gifts are offered from suppliers or other stakeholders, so it is a timely reminder to be aware of your obligations in regards to potential conflicts of interest. Did you know:
Conflicts of interest should be avoided, but there are examples where they cannot sensibly be avoided. In these situations, the potential conflict must be declared as soon as it is identified, to enable a risk assessment and where appropriate, a risk management plan to be put in place. Remember, if you have any doubt, please speak with your manager. Congratulations to Dr Dylan Irvine on the birth of his beautiful baby boy,Mitchell John Irvine30 Oct, 4.02 kg.Professional Services Project updateOrganisational Change Stage 1a Change Decisions for the Professional Services Project (PSP) were released on 31 October, after considering staff, student and stakeholder feedback received. The decisions relate to the following areas: Facilities, Property and Development, Flinders Living, Integrity, Legal and Risk and the Library. The decisions can be viewed via The 2025 Agenda web page. They explain how these areas will be structured and resourced to provide services to Colleges and the campus community that are more responsive and encourage better relationships and engagement across the University. Feedback on Stage 2 Change Proposals is under active consideration and decisions are expected 22 November. Stage 2 Change Proposals were for the areas of Operations Support, Office of Communication and Engagement (OCE), Office of Graduate Research (OGR), Portfolio of the Vice-President and Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) (VP&PVC-I), Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching (CILT), Research Development and Support (RDS), Student Administration and Flinders Connect and Student Recruitment. It is understandable that some staff may have concerns about uncertainty associated with change. People affected by the decisions are able to speak to someone confidentially about the changes by accessing support via our Employee Assistance Program. The EAP can be contacted on 82012696 or staff can also share concerns and suggestions with their Supervisor or with a People & Culture Business Partner. Professional Development To be ready for job application opportunities, anyone who is interested is welcome to attend the following professional development sessions:
Addressing capability statements
Building personal resilience during change
Albert Einstein If you have a story or news that you would like to see included in future CSE newsletters, please contact Belinda.wade@flinders.edu.au. |