EPSW Bulletin May / June 2025

Flinders University acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which its campuses are located, these are the Traditional Lands of the Arrernte, Dagoman, First Nations of the South East, First Peoples of the River Murray & Mallee region, Jawoyn, Kaurna, Larrakia, Ngadjuri, Ngarrindjeri, Ramindjeri, Warumungu, Wardaman and Yolngu people. We honour their Elders past, present and emerging.

Update from Prof. Deborah West, Vice-President and Executive Dean

As we reach the halfway mark of 2025, the College has made significant strides in both research and teaching, laying a strong foundation for future growth. The finalisation of the College Strategic Plan is progressing, with four key priorities identified: elegant curriculum design, enhanced visibility and social impact, expanded research excellence, and streamlined, sustainable processes.

Planning for 2026–2030 is well underway, focusing on course viability, delivery modes, and strategic growth opportunities across various regions and platforms. This work will shape future targets and budgets.

NAIDOC Week 2025 is a momentous occasion, celebrating 50 years of Indigenous recognition under the theme “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.” Staff are encouraged to participate in local events to honour this legacy.

Finally, a reminder about the end-of-semester drinks on 3 July—an opportunity to relax and connect with colleagues. Thank you all for your dedication and hard work. Wishing everyone a restful and joyful semester break!

Click here to read the full update

Update from Prof. Mary Katsikitis, Dean People and Resources

As we reach the midpoint of 2025, this update highlights key developments across the College:

Team Growth: Welcoming new continuing and fixed-term staff.
2025 Promotions: Now open—staff are encouraged to notify the Dean if applying.
APR Check-ins: Mid-year reviews are underway; revised APRs due by 23 July 2025.
Recruitment: Multiple academic roles are currently being advertised.
Your Voice 2024: An Action Plan has been developed in response to staff feedback.
Supervisor Framework: A refreshed approach to staff supervision is in progress, with input from current supervisors invited.

Click the link to read the full update and stay informed.

Welcome to our new starters!

Welcome to Shannon Gunn, College Support Officer

Shannon joined us on 28 April.

Click here to learn more about Shannon Gunn

Welcome to Trang Nguyen, College Support Officer

Trang joined us on 10 June.

Click here to learn more about Trang Nguyen

Academic qualifications update

Please take a moment to review and update your academic qualifications in your Workday profile. This information plays a key role in Flinders University’s submissions to major international rankings organisations and directly influences how we are ranked overall and by subject. With global research partnerships increasingly influenced by these rankings—especially those involving overseas government funding—it's more important than ever that our data is accurate.

To update your qualifications, refer to the guide available here. You’ll need to upload evidence for any qualifications not already listed. Supervisors will be notified via Workday when updates are submitted for approval. For assistance, contact the Corporate Communications team at communications@flinders.edu.au .

P&C Reminder: Approving leave requests

A friendly reminder for all supervisors that approval of annual and long service leave requests needs to be in advance of leave being taken. Exceptions should only be permitted in limited circumstances.

The University is required to communicate this twice yearly in response to a recommendation following an audit by the Auditor General.

Work Health Safety

Slips, trips and falls is the main mechanism of injury reported regularly at Flinders University, accounting for approximately 35% of all reported accidents and incidents. Often this is owing to the topography of the campus and these risks increase during winter due to slippery surfaces both outside and in building entrance ways where water can be walked in.

Stairs, uneven surfaces, ramps, spills, loose cords and damaged mats / carpet can equally cause slip and trip hazards. People and their behaviours also can play a part, many reported slip/ trips or falls are due to inattention with people looking at their mobile phones, holding items in both hands when walking downstairs or rushing.

To help prevent slips, trips and falls, especially as the winter season approaches please consider:

Slow down when it is raining - pay attention to stairs, ramps and sloping paths and use handrails.
Do not look at your mobile phone when walking, particularly going up and down stairs.
Use the designated pathways. Do not short cut through car parks and garden beds.
Report any issues with damaged floors, outdoor paths or lighting via ServiceOne.
Ensure floors, walkways and storage areas are free from materials on the ground or other obstructions.
Clean up any spills immediately.
If the floor is wet, signage should be organised to be put up.
Undertake regular workplace inspections to identify any slip, trip or fall hazards, e.g. cords across walkways, boxes on floors, torn carpet.
Do not carry items that obstruct your view. Try using mechanical aides instead e.g. trolleys and sack trucks.

Want more information? Check out the preventing slips, trips and falls training short video in SafetyHub or contact whs@flinders.edu.au.

CEPSW Learning & Teaching Awards 2025: Submissions Open!

A reminder that submissions for the Learning & Teaching Awards that acknowledge and celebrate teaching excellence and innovation are open for 2025!

Be sure to take the time to apply and share your success stories with the rest of the college and wider university.

Featuring two award categories, with prize money up for grabs, this is an opportunity to highlight best practice within your discipline and receive some extra funding to continue to innovate and advance your teaching practices.

If you are:

Implementing teaching and curriculum approaches and improvements that are research informed, evidence based, and based on the scholarship of learning and teaching, then apply for the Teaching Excellence Awards.

Up to three winners acknowledged ($1500 prize award).

To apply please CLICK HERE.

Or

Delivering teaching & learning initiatives that promotes Flinders University as an international leader in educational innovation, then apply for the Innovation in Learning and Teaching Awards.

Up to three winners acknowledged ($1500 prize award).

To apply please CLICK HERE.

If you have any enquiries regarding the application process, please email cepsw.deaneducation@flinders.edu.au.

Award submissions close COB Friday 25 July 2025.

Note: The Dean's Recognition of Teaching Award, chosen by the Dean of Education will also run once again in 2025. No applications required.

Empowering African Youth Program

Professor Shane Pill and Dr Kate Ridley attended the Empowering African Youth Program Launch on Friday 9 May. The event was held at the Football SA ServiceFM Stadium and was attended by over 200 students from 5 secondary schools, teachers, officials, and the Minister for Multicultural Affairs Zoe Bettison MP.

The Empowering African Youth Program focuses on early intervention measures aimed at strengthening connections between young African South Australians and their education, culture and community. The program will deliver educational cultural support, mentoring, community sport programs and support for African community organisations to increase their capacity to deliver culturally responsive services.

Menopause Champions

Are you a menopause champion? As we work towards becoming an accredited menopause friendly workplace in 2025, we are looking for passionate people to get involved in this journey. Join us and become a Menopause Champion, be part of driving change. Our champions will receive training on 20 August 2025, and connect at quarterly meetings, to share the latest advice and information. Ready to be a part of this? Nominate here today.

For any questions – contact thriving@flinders.edu.au

Brought to you by the College of Medicine & Public Health’s Gender, Inclusion, Diversity & Equity (GIDE) Committee

Speaker: Dr Jessica Floreani

When: Fri 1st Aug 2025 (12.30-1.30 PM)

Where: Alere Function Centre (South) or Teams

Click here for registration details

HERGA SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN!

We are excited to announce the upcoming Higher Education Research Group of Adelaide (HERGA) Conference 2025, and we invite you to submit your abstracts now!

Date: 1st October
Location: Flinders University Bedford Park Campus

Submissions are now open! Please click here to submit your abstract.

HERGA is a vibrant, interdisciplinary community of educators representing all South Australian universities, along with members from across Australia. Our mission is to promote high-quality university learning by sharing evidence-based, practical approaches to teaching and learning.

Conference Theme: Innovation and Transformation in Higher Education

Sub-themes:
Generative AI in Teaching and Learning
Student Success and Student Support
Interdisciplinary Education
Innovations in Work Integrated Learning
Innovative Approaches in Teaching and Learning
Authenticity and Inclusive Education

Key Dates to Remember:

Open Submission: 2nd June
Submission Due Date: 28th July
Registration for Conference and Pre-Workshop: 1st July

Please mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details about the conference program, registration, and keynote speakers. For further information, feel free to visit our webpage: HERGA Website.

We look forward to seeing you at the HERGA Conference 2025!

'What Skills Do I Have and Who Values Them? Embedding Employability Skills into the Curriculum'…

Dr. Ali Enright and Rianna Lopez’s latest presentation, What Skills Do I Have and Who Values Them? Embedding Employability Skills into the Curriculum, marks their fourth contribution to the national Student Success Conference. Their ongoing collaboration has focused on integrating employability skills into the fourth-year Psychology Honours curriculum at Flinders University, leading to significant improvements in graduate employment rates.

Since 2022, the curriculum has undergone refinements based on student feedback and research, demonstrating tangible benefits in career readiness. Graduates have reported higher confidence in their employability, with many securing roles in their fields shortly after completing their studies. This year’s presentation will highlight the impact of these curriculum enhancements and showcase how Flinders graduates' employment outcomes have improved, aligning with national benchmarks.

Ali will present their findings on Wednesday, 2 July at 11:10 am (Session 9D). See the full conference program here:https://unistars.org/docs/STUDENTSUCCESSPROGRAM2025.pdf.

Click here to read the full update.