ANNUAL REPORT 2009 | Parliament of NSW

ANNUAL REPORT 2009VOLUME ONE

The Honourable Verity Firth MPMinister for Education and TrainingNew South Wales Parliament HouseMacquarie StreetSydney NSW 2001

30 April 2010

Dear Minister

On behalf of the Council of the University of Newcastle, we have the honour of presenting to you the Annual Report on the work and activities of the University of Newcastle for the year ended 31 December 2009.

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 Finance and Audit Act 1983.

Professor Nicholas Saunders Conjoint Professor Trevor Waring amVice-Chancellor and President Chancellor

Cover image: Bark from a Eucalyptus tree

The resilient and fast-growing Eucalyptus tree can be found on the Australian campuses of the University of Newcastle.

02 INTRODUCTION

08 TEACHING AND LEARNING

14 RESEARCH AND RESEARCH TRAINING

22 STUDENTS AND STAFF

32 ENGAGEMENT

38 SERVICES AND RESOURCES

47 LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE

53 APPENDICES

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 2009.

02 | ANNUAL REPORT 2009

The University of Newcastle is in a position of strength. In recent years we have built and consolidated leadership in research, teaching and learning, access, engagement and governance – and our efforts are delivering significant results.

The University is ranked ninth in Australia and third in New South Wales for research. Internationally we are forging research partnerships with leading overseas institutions with a major focus on projects in health, science and information technology, and energy and the environment.

Our contemporary approaches to teaching and learning attract national recognition for their ability to produce graduates who are well prepared academically and practically to enter the workforce.

Newcastle leads the sector in Indigenous education and collaboration, and engagement with our local communities extends the University’s benefits far beyond our campus boundaries. Our governance arrangements across many areas are considered best practice by our peers and by those outside the higher education sector.

Our achievements set the University on a path to further growth, and we are poised to maximise the opportunities that lie ahead.

Aligning with the Australian Government’s agenda, the University will continue its leading role in increasing access for students from a wide range of backgrounds to study at university.

Over the next decade we anticipate that the student population will grow to up to 40,000 students including onshore, offshore and distance education. As we expand, the University is exploring options to establish a campus in Newcastle city.

As a member of the Innovative Research Universities network we will continue to deliver research that is driven by quality and impact. Ultimately our aim is to host, relative to size, the best engineering and health faculties in the country.

The next decade heralds a period of great opportunity for the University of Newcastle. Leveraging our position of strength, we are well placed to fulfil an ambitious agenda that will deliver significant results for our students and staff, our industry partners and the communities we serve.

Professor Nicholas Saunders Conjoint Professor Trevor Waring amVice-Chancellor and President Chancellor

Message from the Vice-Chancellor and Chancellor


University of Newcastle established 1965

Staff 933 academic

1416 non-academic

Student enrolments 25,350 domestic

4,555 international onshore

2,788 international offshore

Graduates 3,510 undergraduate

1,984 postgraduate coursework

135 research higher degree

Total revenue $463 million

Rankings

Australian top 10 for research funding and outcomes

Ranked 364th university in the world(Shanghai Jiao Tong University Academic Ranking 2009)

Ranked 59th university in the Asia-Pacific(Shanghai Jiao Tong University Academic Ranking 2009)

One of the world’s top 100 universities for engineering/technology and computer sciences(Shanghai Jiao Tong University rankings by field 2007)

Ranked 266th university in the world(Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2009)

For a more comprehensive view of the University, see Appendix A: Five Year Key Statistics

2009 at a glance

JANUARyThe Central Coast campus starts a year of celebration for its 20th anniversary.

Newcastle Innovation – the University’s commercial arm – celebrates its 40th anniversary.

The University of Newcastle Legal Centre’s innovative Law on the Beach program is expanded, with representatives from the Family Relationships Centre, Centrelink and the Hunter Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service joining students to provide free legal advice to Newcastle beachgoers.

FEBRUARyFunded by the National Health and Medical Research Council, Associate Professor Eileen McLaughlin commences new research into understanding and improving the fertility of older women.

Internationally recognised neuroscience researcher Professor Michael Calford is appointed the new Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University.

The Priority Research Centre for Health and Behaviour Research is launched.

Paralympic sprinter and University graduate Heath Francis is named the Australian Institute of Sport Athlete of the year. The award recognises outstanding performance including three gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games, setting new world records in the 200-metre and 400-metre events and a personal best time in the 100-metre event.

The Australian Government announces Newcastle Innovation as the host of the national Enterprise Connect Clean Energy Innovation Centre to help small to medium enterprises commercialise clean energy technology.

MARCHThe British Journal of Sports Medicine publishes Dr Craig Richards, Dr Parker Magin and Associate Professor Robin Callister’s controversial findings that there is no scientific evidence to support claims that commonly recommended running shoes prevent injuries in runners.

Together with Griffith University, Newcastle’s Professor Bill Mitchell releases Red alert suburbs: An employment vulnerability index for Australia’s major urban regions. Attracting significant interest, the report identifies the suburbs across Australia that are most vulnerable to job losses as a result of the economic crisis.

The University is named a 2009 Employer of Choice for Women.

The University launches the innovative iLEAD program. Available to all students, iLEAD offers students the opportunity to develop leadership and intercultural skills and promotes a greater understanding of global issues, intercultural communication and cross-cultural environments.

The University celebrates 60 years of teacher education in Newcastle.

APRILStrengthening its role as a sector leader in sustainable energy management, the University commences the purchase of 10 per cent of its current annual electricity consumption as GreenPower™ accredited renewable energy.

Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Carter, is elected to the Fellowship of the prestigious Australian Academy of Science, the peak body of scientists in Australia. Professor Carter is one of only four civil engineers elected to the Academy, which has a membership of some 400 of Australia’s top scientists.

MAyThe University signs a Memorandum of Understanding with the NSW Department of Primary Industries to establish a collaborative research program in plant and food sciences on the Central Coast campus.

The Australian Government commits $35 million to construct a state-of-the-art building for researchers from the Hunter Medical Research Institute, a partnership between the University and the Hunter New England Area Health Service.

EnergyAustralia launches a $5 million partnership with the University to lead smart grid development in Australia and train the next generation of power engineers.

JUNELaureate Professor Scott Sloan is announced as one of just 15 researchers in the country to be awarded an inaugural Australian Laureate Fellowship by the Australian Government worth $2.7 million.

As part of the engineering team that created the ‘Watercube’ National Swimming Centre (pictured above) for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Newcastle graduate Mark Arkinstall receives the esteemed MacRobert Award from the Royal Academy of Engineering.

Professor Amanda Baker and her team from the University’s Priority Research Centre for Brain and Mental Health win the 2009 Excellence in Research National Drug and Alcohol Award.

2009a year of achievement


JULyProfessor John Forbes receives more than $300,000 from the Cancer Institute NSW for his groundbreaking clinical trials with the Australian-New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials Group.

In a breakthrough for crop longevity, scientists at the University-based Australia-China Research Centre for Crop Improvement discover a gene in tomatoes that can be removed to create sweeter fruit and longer-lasting leaves.

The University opens its radiopharmacy laboratory providing a state-of-the-art learning space for nuclear medicine students to prepare and dispense radiopharmaceuticals.

AUGUSTUniversity staff receive five citations from the esteemed Australian Learning and Teaching Council for excellence in teaching.

Professor Nicholas Talley, a leader in teaching and research in gastroenterology and one of the most highly cited clinical scientists in his field, is appointed the new Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Health. He will take up the position in June 2010.

The University’s widely acclaimed SMART science show travels across Arnhem Land giving students from remote Indigenous communities the opportunity to experience science in action.

SEPTEMBERNewcastle becomes the first Australian university to receive accreditation from the Australian Institute of Project Management as a Project Managed Organisation.

Dr Victoria Haskins, Professor Reza Moheimani, Professor Michael Ostwald and Dr Mark Parsons are among the Australian Government’s inaugural Future Fellows. The fellowships provide more than $3 million over four years.

AWB photo: Pilliga Mission. Reproduced with permission of Pilliga community and approval of NSW Department of Aboriginal Affairs.

The landmark In Living Memory travelling exhibition arrives at The University Gallery. The exhibition comprises more than 1,000 photos taken between 1919 and 1966 depicting the lives of members of Australia’s Stolen Generation.

The University’s Family Action Centre celebrates 20 years of the Home-Start program in Australia. Since the program’s inception the centre has trained more than 500 volunteers who have gone on to support some 1,400 families in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie regions.

OCTOBERThe University officially opens its Sydney CBD presence. The purpose-built space on Bathurst Street offers postgraduate studies in business and professional accounting, and English language studies.

Reproductive scientist, Professor Keith Jones, is awarded the highly prestigious Bingzhi Professorship from the Institute of Zoology in China.

The University receives more than $8.5 million from the Australian Research Council to fund 26 projects across all faculties.

Associate Professor Phil Morgan wins a prestigious young Tall Poppy Science Award. Associate Professor Morgan’s research is focused on the impact of cost-effective, engaging and sustainable strategies to prevent and treat obesity, particularly in children.

The Australian College of Educators Teacher Recognition Awards recognise the excellence of 28 University staff.

NOVEMBERResearchers at the University and the Cooperative Research Centre for Asthma and Airways make a major breakthrough with the discovery of how to stop inflammation, the main cause of asthma and other chronic diseases.

Newcastle joins the Children’s Medical Research Institute to share in $1 million from the Ramaciotti Biomedical Research Award to open the world’s first Centre for Kinomics.

Dr Frances Kay-Lambkin is awarded the Early Career Award for Excellence in Research and Practice by the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs, recognising her outstanding work that is revolutionising treatment for people suffering the combined effects of substance abuse and depression.

Three University staff are recognised as among the best teachers in NSW, each receiving an esteemed Quality Teaching Award.

DECEMBERPhysicist Professor John O’Connor is elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, and receives the Outstanding Service to Physics Award from the Australian Institute of Physics. These national honours recognise his commitment to promoting science in schools and communities across Australia, and his service to physics.

The University receives more than $1.3 million from the Australian Research Council’s Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities Projects Scheme to provide state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure for research.

Professor Erich Kisi and Dr Heber Sugo are awarded $515,000 by the Australian Solar Institute to create a new device that converts solar energy directly into electricity.

SyDNEy

At Bathurst Street in the centre of Sydney, we offer postgraduate studies in business and professional accounting, and English language studies.

ORANGE

Located on the central tablelands of NSW is the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health.

OURIMBAH

On the Central Coast of NSW is a multi-sector campus offering university, TAFE and Community College programs.

SINGAPORE

Part of PSB Academy’s campus near Tiong Bahru MRT station, Singapore, delivers a comprehensive range of degree programs in partnership with PSB Academy.

PORT MACQUARIE

On the mid-north coast of NSW, Port Macquarie is a multi-sector campus offering university nursing, teaching and foundation studies courses and TAFE programs.

CALLAGHAN

Twelve kilometres from the Newcastle city centre, Callaghan comprises high-tech laboratories and teaching facilities across 140 hectares of bushland.

NEWCASTLE CITy

The Conservatorium comprises a concert hall, classrooms and studios. University House (left) accommodates postgraduate business students and the Legal Centre, as well as library and teaching spaces.

TAMWORTH, ARMIDALE, TAREE AND MOREE

In northern NSW is the University Department of Rural Health and Rural Clinical School.

LOCATIONSThe University of Newcastle is a multi-campus institution offering programs in a number of locations: Newcastle, the Central Coast, Port Macquarie, Singapore and a newly opened Sydney presence.

TABLE 1: STUDENT LOAD By LOCATION (EFTSL*)

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Newcastle 14,936 14,666 14,996 15,692 16,996

Central Coast 1,935 2,151 2,405 2,610 2,904

Port Macquarie 35 121 152 200 242

UON Singapore 600 657 837 1,229 1,575

Other** 336 386 668 869 965

Total 17,843 17,981 19,058 20,600 22,682

Source: MIS January 2010*Equivalent Full Time Student Load**Includes GraduateSchool.com Pty Ltd load


Sector leader in providing opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.

Over 40,000 students including onshore, offshore and distance education.

Expanded into the Newcastle city centre on a campus accommodating business, law and creative arts students. Planning underway to establish education, humanities and social sciences disciplines in the city.

Home to the best engineering and health faculties in the country relative to size.

Even stronger health and medical research capabilities through the new state-of-the-art Hunter Medical Research Institute building.

Increased reach across the region and overseas through expanded online program delivery.

Established infrastructure and support systems that provide one of the best student experiences in the country.

2020VISION

OUR VISIONThe University’s vision describes how we will look as we fulfil our purpose.

We are recognised and respected as a university of distinction.

Our teaching leads in the education of professionals and our research is internationally acclaimed.

Our organisation is responsive, dynamic and strong.

OUR CORE VALUESOur core values guide the activities and behaviour of staff and students. They are critical to fulfilling our purpose and realising our vision.

We value distinction – excellence and achievement combined with a clear sense of identity.

We uphold and are models for the highest standards of academic, personal and business integrity and in doing so, practise the values of honesty, trust, fairness, respect and responsibility.

We take opportunities to build and promote collaboration within and outside the University so that we achieve more than is individually possible.

OUR PURPOSEThe University of Newcastle strives to make a distinctive difference in people and in society.

We prepare graduates who are lifelong learners, sought after by employers, and who contribute to society by being adaptable, critical and global citizens;

We pursue outstanding scholarly teaching and research; and

We contribute to the intellectual, social, economic, cultural, sporting and environmental enrichment of our communities.

STRATEGIC PLANOur Strategic Plan 2007-11 Building Distinction aims to increase the University’s national and international reputation as a University of distinction, as well as fulfil our founding mandate to contribute to our community.

Strategic priorities underpin the vision to be a leading university in teaching, learning and research.

The five strategic priorities for 2007-11 are:

1. To make the high quality education of professionals a defining feature of the University.

2. To further enhance our international research profile and impact.

3. To extend our reputation as a national and international leader in Indigenous collaboration.

4. To foster partnerships that enrich and develop our communities in mutually beneficial ways.

5. To promote a financially strong University with sound academic and organisational governance and high quality performance.

During 2009 the operational planning process has been aligned with the strategic priorities and the key initiatives of the Executive Committee. The planning and reporting process under development aims to further align the strategic and operational plans, resource allocation and decision-making. Considerable efforts were also made in 2009 to review the strategic plan and its alignment with the Australian Government’s agenda to reform higher education.

THE UNIVERSITy IN 2020



scoopThree out of four NSW higher education Quality Teaching Awards go to Newcastle

30,000+Student enrolments reach record high

leadersMore than 700 students sign up for innovative iLEAD program

doors openUniversity opens Sydney presence

unveiled$1.5 million state-of-the-art radiopharmacy laboratory opens

going upEnabling student enrolments up 29 per cent on 2008

TEACHING AND LEARNING


New initiatives

In October 2009 the University opened a presence in Sydney’s central business district offering postgraduate studies in business and professional accounting, and English language studies. The purpose-built facility features wireless internet throughout, a library, computer laboratory, study areas, lecture theatres, on site teaching and learning support and fully integrated audiovisual facilities for video conferencing. The first cohort of students were from China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Australia.

In recognition of the University’s commitment to Indigenous education (please see Engagement, page 33) the position of Indigenous Curriculum Development Senior Lecturer was created. The position will take effect in 2010 and be responsible for the development and implementation of ongoing processes for the Indigenisation of curriculum at the University.

Enabling programs

In 2009 there were 2,474 enabling students, an increase in enrolments of 29 per cent on 2008. The University is the largest and most successful provider of enabling programs in the country. The University’s commitment to the region and the national social inclusion agenda is reflected in the 2009 enabling load of 40 per cent over the level for which the University is funded.

Teaching spaces and infrastructure

A $1.5 million radiopharmacy laboratory was opened at the Callaghan campus in July 2009. The laboratory provides a state-of-the-art teaching space for nuclear medicine students to prepare and dispense radiopharmaceuticals. It is one of the largest and best equipped teaching facilities of its kind in Australia.

Investment in the University’s health programs continued with the development of a Nurse Simulation Laboratory to enhance the training of nursing students. The laboratory contains the latest clinical skills simulation manikins and associated audio visual infrastructure.

New teaching and learning facilities at the Port Macquarie campus were unveiled in June 2009. In conjunction with the NSW and Australian governments, the University will invest $9 million in capital works to construct new buildings and refurbish and extend existing campus amenities.

The Flowers Reading Room, a key space in the University’s Auchmuty Library, was upgraded to cater to the changing needs of students. The space now features six new group study rooms, a purpose-built postgraduate area, 42 new PCs and data and power outlets at every station.

Technologies

The University secured over $1 million in funding over the next two years for voice and video conferencing and associated communication infrastructure to support teaching and learning across multiple locations. Funding for the program was secured through the Australian Government’s Capital Development Pool program and will enable staff to draw on a greater range and diversity of media, and make better use of emerging technologies and software in their teaching.

Students were given access to a new Campus Pack, which is a series of online learning tools including blogs, wikis, journals and podcasts that have been integrated with the Blackboard Learning Management System.

The student computing environment was improved in 2009 with ongoing hardware and software refreshes and the installation of MS Office 2007 on all student computers.

In 2009 13 teaching spaces across the University were upgraded to include touch control systems, document cameras and PC and laptop connections. Wireless access was significantly improved in all of the libraries.

The Encore search program was launched across the University’s libraries providing a faster and more interactive way to search the catalogues.


Teaching resources

A new resource for teaching staff, Teaching in the Online Environment, was developed in 2009 to help staff use web based technology to provide effective student centred learning environments. Other new teaching resources include two workshops:

• RecordingTeaching:Lectopiain30Minutes–developedtoassistintheorganisationand presentation of recordings of lectures, tutorials or special events in Blackboard courses; and

• OccasionalSeries:ObtainingandUsingStudentFeedback–developedinresponseto the Australian Universities Quality Agency review and designed to assist in the facilitation of using student feedback to modify course design and development.

Ten project teams were granted funding under the Teaching and Learning Project Grants to develop resources to support student transition to university and peer review of teaching initiatives.

Student resources

iLEAD, the University’s International Leadership Experience and Development Program, was launched in 2009. The program comprises academic and practical components. In the academic component, students develop skills through a seminar and lecture program focusing on international relations, business and development. The practical component involves any number of experiences such as a summer school program at Oxford University, teaching English in Central America or working on a community project in Australia or abroad.

The student focused web based resource Diagnostic Academic English Language Test was developed in 2009. The resource will enable students to diagnose their level of academic English language competency.

The Academic Pathways Program was launched to encourage and support Research Higher Degree (RHD) students. The program consists of ten workshops designed to provide professional development opportunities to RHD students who are interested in pursuing an academic career.

Program development, review and accreditation

During 2009 the University’s Academic Senate and its committees reviewed the academic content of several new programs and recommended their establishment to Council. The establishment of 16 new programs and the disestablishment of 35 were approved by Council in 2009.

New programs approved:

Diploma in Theology

Bachelor of Theology (Honours)

Graduate Certificate in Theology

Master of Theology

Graduate Diploma in Dental Therapy

Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)/ Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)/ Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies

Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary)/ Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary)/ Bachelor of Health and Physical Education

Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary)/ Bachelor of Mathematics

Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary)/ Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary)/ Bachelor of Fine Art

Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science (Honours)

Master of Information Technology (Professional)

Master of Information Technology (Advanced)

Diploma in Languages

In 2009 the Bachelor of Social Work was accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers.

In March 2009 the University celebrated 60 years of teacher education. The University began as the Newcastle Teachers College in 1949 and is now the second largest teacher education institution in Australia.

Giving back to the community

Never forgetting its community roots, the Central Coast campus has built a strong reputation as a hub of excellence in applied sciences, food technology and sports science. Over the years, the University has introduced specialised degrees in oral health and podiatry and the training program for students involves giving back to the Central Coast community through local clinics.

Professor Stephen Crump, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Director of the Central Coast Campuses, said the clinics provided an effective and important service to the community, offering almost immediate access to services and providing an opportunity for students to gain work experience without leaving the region.

One of the newest facilities is the Podiatry Clinic, where Bachelor of Podiatry students can do part of their mandatory 1,000 hours of supervised practice. The clinic provides essential practical training for students while offering heavily discounted appointments with reduced fees on general treatments for patients.

People needing dental care can visit the campus for comprehensive oral health checks from students working under supervision in the Colgate Oral Health Clinic. Among those treated at the clinic in 2008 were more than 100 residents from a local aged care home.

Central Coast campus celebrates milestone2009 marked the 20th anniversary of the University’s presence on the Central Coast.

The next 20 years

Professor Crump said in the coming years, the Central Coast campus would undergo the greatest level of development since its inception 20 years ago.

Over the next 18 months works will include a new building to support education and nursing degree programs, extensions to the library, an upgrade by TAFE NSW of facilities for horticulture students, and the relocation of the plant and food sciences staff of the NSW Department of Industry and Investment, an investment of well over $20 million.

This article appeared in Teaching & Learning 2009. To download the publication, visit www.newcastle.edu.au/teaching-and-learning.html

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Learning

Visual Communication student Jessica Wells was selected from a national field for her billboard design for a major Melbourne campaign.

Speech Pathology student Rebecca Amery secured a Prime Minister’s Australia Asia Endeavour Award Scholarship.

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws student Jayme-Lyn Hendriks was one of a handful of Australian students invited to attend the Clinton Global Initiative University at the University of Texas in Austin, USA.

Bachelor of Business (Honours) student Amanda Gardner was awarded the Minister’s Student Achiever Award in Tourism and Hospitality Studies.

Third year Natural History Illustration student Nadia Waters won the prestigious Margaret Senior Wildlife Illustration Award.

Bachelor of Construction Management student Nathan West received the inaugural 2009 Master Builders Association (NSW) Student Estimator of the year Award.

Teaching

Wollotuka Institute Research Fellow Dr Romaine Moreton was awarded best short film at the Chashama Film Festival in New york for her work The Farm.

The Australian Learning and Teaching Council awarded five citations to University staff for outstanding contributions for student learning:

• MsLeanneBrownforthesustaineddevelopmentofinnovativeassessmentandfeedback strategies in dietetic professional practice placements and coursework that fosters independent student learning.

• MrThayaparanGajendranandMsDebbieBoothfordevelopingastudentcentredonlinemodule with innovative assessment and feedback strategies that engage students in scholarly practice and reflective learning about academic integrity.

• MsRuthGreshamandMsJeannetteWalshforsustainedleadershipinpromotingengagement with cultural differences in academic and social environments to enhance learning outcomes for Muslim students.

• AssociateProfessorMarjorieKibbyforengagingfilm,mediaandculturalstudiesstudents in effective, innovative, online learning activities that facilitate situated cognition.

• DrDavidNewbyforimplementinganinnovativeCommunityPharmacyinitiativethatsupports the development of evidence-based critical appraisal and minor illness management skills among pharmacy students.

The following academics received NSW Quality Teacher Awards in 2009:

• DrTeresaStone,FacultyofHealth

• DrJenniferSchneider,FacultyofHealth

• MsYolandaSurjan,FacultyofHealth

The following staff were recognised in 2009 as part of the Vice-Chancellor’s Awards for Teaching Excellence:

Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence and Learning Support• DrPhillipMatthias,FacultyofEducationandArts

achievements

Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence by an Early Career Academic• DrKitMessham-Muir,

Faculty of Education and Arts

Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence in the Faculties• DrPhillipMatthias,

Faculty of Education and Arts• MrBrendanBoyle,

Faculty of Business and Law

Vice-Chancellor’s Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning for 2009

Individual awards• DrJohannaMacNeil,

Faculty of Business and Law• MrBrendonMurphy,

Faculty of Business and Law• DrSallyHewat,

Faculty of Education and Arts• MsSarahJeong,

Faculty of Health• MrTrevorWilks,

Disability Support Services

Team awards• AssociateProfessorSteveWeller

and Mr Fernando Martinez, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment

• DrSarahO’SheaandMrsMichelleVincent, Transition and Retention Unit

Awarded for the first time in 2009 in recognition of teaching staff who make a significant contribution to the quality of student learning in a specific area of responsibility:

Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence for Sessional Staff• MrAnthonyMorison,

Faculty of Business and Law• MsMelissaCoote,

Faculty of Education and Arts• MsTraceyKelty,

Faculty of Education and Arts• MsJosephineSmith,

Faculty of Health• MsRowenaCooper,

Faculty of Science and Information Technology

Helping cool kids cope

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Behind her is a board noting the group rules for the session, including ‘Keep other peoples’ secrets safe’ and ‘Do not talk when someone else is talking’. The rules were drawn up by primary school pupils participating in the 10 week ‘Cool Kids’ group anxiety treatment program. While the children are treated in one room, their parents attend separate sessions where they learn how to manage their children’s anxiety.

The program is among the treatment services offered to the community by the University’s Psychology Clinic. In 2008 the Clinic started a ‘Chilled’ group program for adolescents with anxiety and depression. In 2009 it introduced a group program to help women better manage menopause symptoms.

The aim of the Clinic is to provide a supportive learning environment where students can develop clinical skills and gain research experience.

The Clinic offers individual treatment sessions for a wide variety of psychiatric disorders and psychological problems. It specialises in cognitive behavioural therapy for clients suffering from anxiety, stress and phobias, as well as depression. The clients range in age from five to 74.

Dr Rosemary Webster, Senior Lecturer and Director of the Clinic, said 16 to 20 postgraduate clinical and health psychology interns complete a placement at the Clinic each year.

Students need to complete between 1,000 and 1,500 hours of placement for their degrees. Working under supervision, each intern undertakes 250 hours work at the Clinic.

“In consultation with their supervisor, students pick up a client load and see between three and four clients a day. They present cases and discuss treatment and special issues with their clinical supervisors, both before and after seeing clients,” Dr Webster said.


In a therapy room on the University’s Callaghan campus, a clinical psychology postgraduate student waits for her clients.


$78.1 millionAnnual external research income doubles to $78.1 million from 2003 to 2008†

est.Two new Priority Research Centres established

top 10University ranks ninth in Australia for externally funded research

$15 millionAustralian Research Council funding of $15 million in 2008†

$12 millionNational Health and Medical Research Council funding of $12 million in 2008†

150+Research Higher Degree completions number 151 in 2008†

RESEARCH


Priority Research Centres

Two new Priority Research Centres (PRCs) were established in 2009: Computer Assisted Research Mathematics and its Applications (CARMA), and Health and Behaviour Research.

PRC for Computer Assisted Research Mathematics and its Applications:

CARMA was formed to develop techniques and tools for data mining, including mathematical visualisation. In recognition of the fact that exemplary research practice cannot be detached from teaching and outreach – both industrial and educational – CARMA will develop three interwoven research themes: computer assisted pure mathematics and its underlying philosophy; enhanced industrial modelling and scientific computation; and improved techniques for teaching mathematics in the presence of technology at tertiary and earlier levels.

PRC for Health and Behaviour Research:

The Health and Behaviour Research Centre is concerned with improving the health of the community through intervention and service delivery to promote healthy behaviours and quality healthcare. Director of the Centre, Laureate Professor Rob Sanson-Fisher, leads a team of researchers from a range of fields in undertaking high quality, applied, intervention-focused health behaviour research targeting key public health issues.

Research funding

The University’s research income has more than doubled since 2003, with the total reported income for the Higher Education Research Data Collection being over $78 million, up from $70 million in 2007. This result gives the University a research intensity (per capita or proportion of total budget) to rival that of the large capital city research intensive universities, and has enabled the University to maintain its position as one of the top 10 research universities in Australia.

In 2009 the University continued a tradition of attracting Australian Competitive Grant funding from major Australian Research Council (ARC) and National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) schemes. Following this success 26 ARC Discovery Projects and 13 new NHMRC Project Grants will commence in 2010.

Other examples of significant research funding include:

• Thecommitmentof$5millionfromEnergyAustraliatotheUniversityforresearch and development into smart grids.

• A$300,000commitmentfromXstrataCoaltotheHunterMedicalResearchInstituteto fund a Post Doctoral Research Fellowship for Dr Kerry Inder, who will work with co-investigators from the University and Hunter New England Health. The national depression initiative beyondblue has also provided $325,000 to support the project. The research will examine ways to minimise the risk factors for male suicide in rural communities.

• Theallocationof$230,200forAssociateProfessorChrisLevi’sworkwiththeChina-Australia Therapeutic Hypothermia in Stroke research program, as part of the NSW Government’s China-NSW Collaborative Research Program.

• Theawardingof$400,000fromtheNHMRCforAssociateProfessorEileenMcLaughlinof the Faculty of Science and Information Technology, for her work investigating the healthy development of the female egg cell in reproduction.

• Theprovisionofmorethan$300,000toJohnForbes,ProfessorofSurgicalOncologyat the University and Calvary Mater Newcastle, for clinical trials research with the Australian-New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials Group.

TABLE 2: TOTAL RESEARCH INCOME By BROAD CATEGORy 2006 TO 2008†

Category 2006 2007 2008

Australian Competitive Grants $24,026,927 $23,831,868 $27,204,664

Other public sector $10,128,238 $15,067,635 $17,925,205

Industry and other $19,385,107 $29,899,148 $30,794,136

Cooperative Research Centres $1,587,624 $1,821,770 $2,178,011

Total research income $55,127,896 $70,620,421 $78,102,017

This table contains the audited research income reported annually in the Higher Education Research Data Collection (HERDC). Some sources of research income cannot be reported under the HERDC guidelines such as LIEF grants and Commonwealth Block Grants.† Final 2009 data is not yet available


Research and research training achievements

In 2009 a number of the University’s research staff were recognised for their outstanding achievements both nationally and internationally, including:

• ProfessorJohnO’Connor,whoin2009receivedtwonationalhonours.ProfessorO’Connor was elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering for his outstanding leadership in science and engineering outreach through innovative schools programs. In a second honour, he was awarded the Outstanding Service to Physics Award from the Australian Institute of Physics in recognition of his service to physics covering research, teaching, outreach and professional activities.

• ProfessorJohnCarter,ProVice-ChancelloroftheFacultyofEngineeringandBuiltEnvironment, was elected to the Fellowship of the Australian Academy of Science, the peak body of scientists in Australia. Professor Carter, an expert in the field of geotechnical engineering, is one of only four civil engineers in the Academy, which has a membership of approximately 400 of Australia’s top scientists.

In addition to our ARC Laureate and Future Fellowship recipients the following staff were awarded fellowships from the Australian Research Council and National Health and Medical Research Council in 2009:

The Australian Research Council Australian Professorial Fellowships• AssociateProfessorGeorgeAWillis• ProfessorRobertEMelchers

The Australian Research Council Australian Research Fellowship• DrAndrewJFleming• DrDanielQuevedo

National Health and Medical Research Council Postgraduate Training Fellowship• DrLiDong(Australia-ChinaExchangeFellowship)• DrElizabethHolliday(AustralianBasedBiomedicalFellowship)

The following staff were recognised in 2009 through the Vice-Chancellor’s Awards:

Faculty Awards for Research Excellence• DrMarkBaker,SchoolofEnvironmentalandLifeSciences• DrKimChengBoey,SchoolofHumanitiesandSocialScience• DrThomasFiedler,SchoolofEngineering• DrKyprosKypri,SchoolofMedicineandPublicHealth• DrHelenStain,CentreforRuralandRemoteMentalHealth

Overall winner of the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Researcher of the Year• DrThomasFiedler,SchoolofEngineering

Faculty Awards for Research Supervision Excellence• AssociateProfessorAlisonDean,FacultyofBusinessandLaw• ProfessorMelGray,FacultyofEducationandArts• DrJamilKhan,FacultyofEngineeringandBuiltEnvironment• ProfessorIsabelHiggins,FacultyofHealth• DrBrettNixon,FacultyofScienceandInformationTechnology

Overall winner of the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Research Supervision Excellence (joint winners)• ProfessorMelGray,FacultyofEducationandArts• DrBrettNixon,FacultyofScienceandInformationTechnology

$2.7 millionLaureate Professor Scott Sloan was one of just 15 researchers across Australia to be awarded an inaugural Australian Laureate Fellowship. As part of the award Professor Sloan was provided with $2.7 million to support his research efforts over the next five years.

future fellowsDr Victoria Haskins, Professor Reza Moheimani, Professor Michael Ostwald and Dr Mark Parsons were among the first in Australia to be named by the Australian Government as Future Fellows. The fellowships were awarded across Australia for mid-career researchers conducting work in areas of national priority.

tall poppyAssociate Professor Phil Morgan was awarded a prestigious young Tall Poppy Science Award, which recognises the achievements of Australia’s outstanding young scientific researchers and communicators. Associate Professor Morgan’s research is focused on the impact of cost effective, engaging and sustainable strategies to prevent and treat obesity, particularly in children.

TABLE 3: TOTAL RESEARCH INCOME By FACULTy 2004 TO 2008†

Faculty 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Business and Law $833,779 $564,531 $389,590 $192,754 $496,907

Education and Arts $1,763,647 $2,118,417 $1,742,627 $1,664,529 $2,347,998

Engineering and Built Environment $11,918,828 $13,383,260 $13,391,128 $13,790,196 $16,194,952

Health $21,849,605 $25,289,426 $31,551,595 $44,610,305* $49,157,474*

Science and Information Technology $6,433,425 $9,198,626 $7,851,891 $9,708,188 $9,328,538

Other - $722,198 $201,063 $654,450 $576,148

University total $42,799,284 $51,276,458 $55,127,896 $70,620,421 $78,102,017 †Final 2009 data is not yet available*includes $10.9 million in 2007 and $11.32 million in 2008 for joint venture activities with research institutes

Research facilities and infrastructure

In 2009 the national Enterprise Connect Clean Energy Innovation Centre was opened. Funded by the Australian Government, the centre is hosted by Newcastle Innovation and delivers specialist advice and services to small to medium enterprises in the clean energy centre.

In conjunction with Hunter New England Health, the University secured funding and approval for the construction of a new Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) building adjacent to the John Hunter Hospital.

Supported by the NSW and Australian governments the project was commissioned after receipt of a $35 million grant to HMRI from the Federal Health and Hospitals Fund. This facility will be a significant resource for the nation and will further enhance and support the University’s internationally recognised reputation in health and biomedical research.

The Australian Research Council Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilties scheme provides funding for large scale cooperative initiatives to enable purchase of expensive infrastructure, equipment and facilties costing at least $100,000. In 2009 the University was awarded more than $1.3 million in funding from this scheme to purchase the following equipment and facilities:

• alasermicrodissectionmicroscopysystemthatwillbeusedbyscientists, cancer researchers and plant scientists to analyse the genetic composition of the individual cells from animals, human tissue and plants;

• anuclearmagneticresonancefacilitytoassistresearchersstudythe structure of proteins. The information provided by the facility will support a number of research projects including the development of new methods to detect narcotics and explosives; and

• alaserfacilitythatassistschemicalengineerstomeasurerapidlychanging flows of liquids, gas and particles.


Career enhancement fellowships

The University continued to fund career enhancement fellowships that support women in senior positions to enhance their profile and reputation and increase their likelihood of promotion to Level D or E. Through these fellowships, the University is helping to remove barriers for women wishing to move into leadership positions.

In 2009 Career Enhancement Fellowships were awarded to:

• DrHelenStain

• AssociateProfessorLjiljanaBrankovic

• DrLaurenWilliams

• AssociateProfessorJennyBowman

• AssociateProfessorClareCollins

Research appointments

Through national and international recruitment activities the following professors were appointed to senior executive positions in 2009, further strengthening the University’s research performance and profile:

• ProfessorMichaelCalfordwasappointedDeputy Vice-Chancellor (Research). Professor Calford has a national and international reputation as a leader in neuroscience research and has played an active role in developing the sector through the National Health and Medical Research Council and other bodies.

• ProfessorNicholasTalleywasappointed Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Health and will take up the position in June 2010. Professor Talley is an internationally recognised leader in teaching and research in gastroenterology and is one of the most highly cited clinical scientists in his field.

• ProfessorScottHolmeswasappointedPro Vice-Chancellor (Research). Professor Holmes is a recognised leader in the field of small business-related economic issues. A graduate of the University, Professor Holmes has over 10 years experience working as an executive at the University. He brings to the role extensive industry and government links. Professor Holmes also continues his existing role as Dean of Graduate Studies.

Research collaboration

In May 2009 the University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the NSW Department of Primary Industries to develop a cooperative relationship and collaborative research program in the plant and food sciences area. Under the agreement department staff will relocate to the University’s Central Coast campus to join researchers and share laboratory and technical facilities. Collaborative research will focus on improving the quality of food crops pre-harvest, improving the shelf life of food and improving methods of food harvesting. As a result of this collaboration the University and the department opened the NSW Institute for Frontier Geosciences in June 2009.

Significant progress was made in 2009 with the establishment of formal international collaborative research partnerships primarily in China, Japan, India, Canada, the USA and Europe. In August the University’s Professor Derek Smith was appointed a Visiting Professor at the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University in China.

The University also actively explored the development of research collaboration with Ireland, South Africa, Indonesia and Malaysia.

In 2009 the University developed a range of research initiatives to build further research capacity.

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The Centre’s Director, Laureate Professor Rob Sanson-Fisher, is an internationally renowned population health researcher. Regarded in his field as someone who pushes boundaries, his work has had a major influence on many aspects of medical practice. Through his leadership the Centre is developing, implementing and evaluating health behaviour strategies aimed at doctors, patients, the community and the public health sector.

“Few centres in Australia or internationally bring together such a diverse range of multidisciplinary expertise, all concerned with measuring and estimating health-related problems and intervening to improve relevant health behaviours,” Sanson-Fisher said.

The impressive record of achievement by the Centre’s researchers is testament to the collective weight of knowledge and expertise within the group. Accomplishments include developing interventions to reduce health risks like smoking, unhealthy alcohol use and inadequate sun protection.

The Centre’s researchers have designed strategies to increase the number of people being immunised and screened for diseases such as diabetes, and bowel and breast cancer.

Researchers are also involved in the ‘Good for Kids, Good for Life’ NSW Government program aimed at reducing childhood obesity, and the National Heart Foundation of Australia’s cardiovascular disease and depression strategic research program.

A focus for the Centre is Sanson-Fisher’s expertise in reducing the emotional or psychosocial impact of diseases like cancer, and developing clinical practice guidelines and training for doctors in this area.

Centre members have played a leading role in the development and introduction of clinical practice guidelines and training to help medical practitioners emotionally support patients through the diagnosis and treatment of life impacting illness.

This article appeared in Research 2009. To download the publication, visit www.newcastle.edu.au/research.html

Cutting health risks

The University’s Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour brings together researchers across a range of fields to carry out health behaviour research on key public health issues.

Research impact and output

Tables 4 and 5 (opposite) provide evidence of the University’s research impact and output through publications. The total number of publications in 2008 has decreased slightly on the previous year. The Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment continued its strong research track record by having the highest number of publications.

Research higher degree students

In 2009 the Office of Graduate Studies continued to focus on activities that improve the student experience and aimed to maximise the number of scholarships available to domestic and international students.

The number of Australian Government scholarships to support local research students increased from 39 in 2008 to 73 in late 2009. The tax-free scholarships allow research students to concentrate on their studies on a full-time basis by reducing their need to take on casual employment. The number of international research students supported by the University continued to grow with 165 students receiving a tuition fee scholarship by the end of 2009.

Attracting and retaining new students into research programs was a continuing priority for the University. A focus on converting local honours students to research higher degree students continued in 2009 with honours scholarships offered to 38 candidates. The scholarships include a payment of $1,000, a Dell laptop and a provisional research scholarship for 2010.

A successful seminar series for research higher degree students was delivered across a range of topics to assist students gain understanding in all aspects of the research experience. In 2009 the Office of Graduate Studies liaised with the Learning Development Unit of the Centre for Teaching and Learning to provide faculty-specific workshops for students in topics such as the research process, research presentation and literature review.

Trends in research higher degree student loads for the period 2003 to 2008 indicate that while numbers have decreased from the peak of 2004 the University now has a steady level of enrolments. Completion rates have been maintained following a targeted campaign in 2006 to encourage long-term students to complete.

In 2009 work progressed on the development of a web-based data search engine that will allow prospective research higher degree students to search for a supervisor and contact them directly.

Research and development for the technology known as smart grids will be the focus of the University’s new Centre for Intelligent Electricity Networks.

The initiative is a result of a $5 million partnership between EnergyAustralia and the University. The collaboration will join the market and infrastructure skills of EnergyAustralia with the research and development capability of the University’s Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment.


TABLE 5: RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS By FACULTy 2004 TO 2008†

Faculty 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Business and Law 152 154 161 112 98

Education and Arts 348 285 223 240 267

Engineering and Built Environment 354 340 390 447 414

Health 247 209 244 259 298

Science and Information Technology 222 198 230 245 258

TABLE 4: RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS 2004 TO 2008†

Publication 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

E1 – Conference publication 268 283 274 385 288

A1 – Book 13 10 10 11 20

C1 – Journal article 694 593 657 648 677

B1 – Book chapter 69 58 60 74 106

Total 1,044 944 1,001 1,118 1,091

% National research publications 2.7 2.2 2.3 2.5 2.4

TABLE 6: RHD LOAD (EFTSL) By TyPE OF STUDENT 2004 TO 2008*†

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Commencing 199 209 172 191 188

Continuing 636 594 567 530 530

Domestic funded 571 570 510 491 469

Domestic unfunded 116 99 95 88 98

International – fee paying 148 135 135 142 151

Total 835 803 739 721 718

% of National RHD Load 2.52 2.39 2.18 2.10 2.06

TABLE 7: RHD LOAD (EFTSL) By FACULTy 2004 TO 2008*†

Faculty 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008




Health 151 151 140 147 153


Total 836 803 739 721 718

TABLE 8: RHD COMPLETIONS 2004 TO 2008*†

RHD completions 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Masters 33 47 60 33 29

PhD 111 107 139 108 122

Total 144 154 199 141 151

% of National RHD Completions 2.23 2.18 2.8 1.97 2.11

TABLE 9: RHD COMPLETIONS By FACULTy 2004 TO 2008*†

Faculty 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008




Health 25 24 36 23 35


Total 144 154 199 141 151


*Source: DEEWR submission†Final 2009 data is not yet available


bright sparksGifted and Talented Scholarship scheme established for young students

legal eagleBachelor of Laws graduate Ross Abbs awarded prestigious James Fairfax Oxford Australia Scholarship

$9 millionRecord $9 million in coursework scholarships awarded

trailblazerGraduate Mary-Anne De Luca named young Citizen of the year for her involvement in 2008 World youth Day celebrations

5,000+More than 5,100 staff registrations for training programs and workshops

University named an Employer of Choice for Women

STUDENTS AND STAFF


In 2009 the University had a total of 32,693 students (22,682 EFTSL) – an increase of 7.6 per cent on 2008 load figures. Commencing student load increased by 2.5 per cent on 2008.

The University attracts a high portion of students from postcodes within its catchment area and access to University is provided through a diverse range of flexible admission pathways such as:

• EnglishLanguageIntensiveCoursesforOverseasStudents(ELICOS)andEnabling (the largest cohort in the Australian sector)

• TAFEarticulation,credittransferandguaranteedentry

• AboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderAdmissionScheme

• RegionalandRuralPreferenceScheme

• Year12BonusPointsScheme

• EducationalAccessScheme

• SpecialTertiaryAdmissionsTest.

In 2008 the access and participation rates by students from low socioeconomic areas were significantly higher than the Australian averages (shown in brackets) at 26.5 percent (16.1 per cent) and 25.7 per cent (15.1 per cent) respectively. Similarly, the Indigenous student access and participation rates were stronger than the sector averages at 2.2 per cent (1.6 per cent) and 2.0 per cent (1.3 per cent) respectively. At all levels of study other than ELICOS more than 50 per cent of our students are female and the largest programs are nursing, teaching, business and arts.

In 2009 the University had approximately 4,555 international onshore students, with around 1,000 each in undergraduate, postgraduate and ELICOS programs.

International student enrolments have been growing over the period 2003 to 2009 with the most significant growth occurring in ELICOS and International Foundation Studies programs where numbers have doubled over the period 2006 to 2009.

The University had over 2,200 students studying in Singapore (approximately 1,600 EFTSL) across nine degree programs in partnership with PSB Academy Pte Ltd in 2009. The University’s operations now rank among the largest of foreign universities with operations in Singapore.

Undergraduate21,521

2009 enrolments by program type 2009 student load by funding source*

The Bachelor of Communication (Honours) program in Singapore was introduced in 2009. This program was the first honours program of the University to be offered offshore.

A total of 19 graduation ceremonies were held in 2009 on the Central Coast and Callaghan campuses with two held in Singapore and one in Hong Kong. Across the ceremonies 37 University medals were presented to graduates achieving academic excellence.

Further statistics on our students are provided in Appendix I.

Student experience

Significant advancements were made in the transition and retention program in 2009. The program began in 2008 and is designed to assist students to make a successful transition to University and to assist students to achieve their potential once at University. The Connect2Success program was launched in 2009. This program consists of an online tool that assists students in maximising their academic achievement through understanding where barriers may be occurring and advising appropriate assistance.

PG Coursework5,406

Enabling2,474

ELICOS1,325

RHD1,235

Non Award732

our students

73%DEEWR funded (16,618 EFTSL)

21%International (4,618 EFTSL)

6%Domestic fee-paying (1,445 EFTSL)

*Source: MIS 28 Jan 2010


Student support

Indigenous support was redesigned to provide enhanced support and development to Indigenous students. To achieve this, four new staff positions were introduced and a number of short term contracts engaged for specific one-off Indigenous support projects. The outcomes of this initiative have been an increase in community engagement, high school participation, alumni networking, mentoring, cultural support and employment preparation.

Introduced in 2009, CareerHub is an online portal for students, staff and employers that provides access to career and employment information and assistance for current students. In addition to the portal, current students were given the opportunity to relate directly with a wide range of potential employers at four student career expos held throughout 2009.

A new Muslim Prayer Room was opened on the Callaghan campus in September. The room was designed in recognition of the needs of Muslim students, both international and domestic, and provides a space that accommodates their needs.

A weekly Muslim Women’s group was initiated in 2009. The group comprises partners of international students from countries such as Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bangladesh and Jordan. The purpose of the group is to assist the participants to develop their English proficiency in a relaxed, friendly environment with support from local female volunteers. young children also attend the group with their mothers. Through this group the women have made friends and developed networks that have assisted in their adjustment to a new culture.

For the first time in 2009 the University conducted laptop information sessions in languages other than English to assist students in connecting their laptops to the University’s wireless network. The workshop sessions were supported by the document Personal Laptops on Campus – what you need to know before you connect which has been translated into Chinese (simple, traditional and Mandarin), Korean, Arabic and German.

A series of disability awareness training sessions were held for staff across the Callaghan and Central Coast campuses. A major advancement in 2009 was the establishment of a process for effective and equitable disability support at the University’s Singapore campus. In addition, a student space was provided in 2009 in the Disability Support Service that includes computer access with adaptive technology and a quiet space for students to rest between classes.

Other achievements and activities in the area of student support include the hosting of the national conference for careers advisors and the successful national re-accreditation of the University Health Service.

Student services and administration

In 2009 a professional queue management and reporting system ‘Smartqueue’ was installed in the Hunter and Shortland Hubs. The system enables staff to provide students with higher quality service and it is envisaged that it will improve customer and staff satisfaction. In addition the system has a comprehensive reporting system that will allow staff to review KPIs to improve the level of service. Installation of the system at the Ourimbah Hub is under consideration.

The Port Macquarie counter became a Student Hub during the first half of 2009. The new hub will provide a range of services to Port Macquarie students and staff such as admissions advice, assignment submission and collection and referrals to other University services.

The University’s new look Policy Library was launched in 2009. Students accessing the library now experience a system that allows them to:

• retrieveacategory-basedmasterlistofpolicy documents that allows them to see a list of titles at a glance;

• locatedocumentsbycategory,type,or user (student user groups include research staff and students and a general students search category);

• accesslistsofkeypoliciesparticularlyrelated to students; and

• locateneworrevisedpoliciesunder a policy alerts function.

uni bluesKathryn Jankovic (Archery), Matthew Dun (Rugby Union), David Kennedy (Rugby Union), Margaret Watson (Rugby Union) and Kate Killen (Tennis) awarded coveted University Blues awards for outstanding sporting ability when representing the University.

line honoursParalympic sprinter and University graduate Heath Francis named Australian Institute of Sport Athlete of the Year.

benchmarkUniversity of Newcastle Women’s Hockey Club named Sporting Club of the Year, recognising the club’s attainment of high standards in sports administration.


Scholarships

In 2009 the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Global Relations) established the Gifted and Talented Scholarship scheme to attract and retain gifted and talented young students who have been accelerated in primary and/or secondary education. These students must also satisfy entry requirements for University admission at a relatively young age. In 2009 two young scholars, aged 15, commenced study with the University. Gifted and talented scholars must maintain at least a credit average each semester for the scholarship to continue through to completion of their undergraduate degree at the University.

Brief statistics:

• In2009arecordnumberofcourseworkscholarshipswereadministeredwithapproximately 3,200 student scholarships being awarded, valued at over $9 million;

• DuringthemainequityscholarshipsroundinJanuary2009theUniversityreceivedover1,300 scholarship applications, which was a record number for the University and the highest number of applicants of any institution in NSW.

The University of Newcastle Industry Scholarship Scheme (UNISS) continued to expand and diversify in 2009 with 30 new scholarships offered across the full range of engineering, commerce and construction management programs. Each year an outstanding final year scholar is recognised with an Insignis Award. In 2009 David Kinsey, a mechanical engineering student, was the recipient of this award. He is sponsored by Eraring Energy and, during his final year placement, was given the opportunity to contribute to the Eraring Black Start Gas Turbine Generator project. With Eraring Energy, he worked on industry placements in Australia, Malaysia and United Arab Emirates.

stand outAustralian representative Rugby Union player Margaret Watson named as the University of Newcastle Sports Person of the Year, an award that recognises outstanding sporting achievement by a University student.

flying coloursMark Jones (Baseball), William O’Reilly (Rowing), Stephen Pfennigwerth (Rowing), Matthew Sharman (Rugby League) and Melanie Flynn (Women’s Soccer) named as University Colours for outstanding contribution to the administration and organisation of University sport.

medallistScott Peisley wins silver medal in dead lift section of the Junior World Powerlifting Championships in Brazil.

The University implemented the use of Twitter.com – one of the world’s most widely used and successful social media tools. It was used to announce availability of assignment returns for collection.

A new Accommodation Enquiry Centre was established at the Callaghan campus in 2009 to improve customer service to current and prospective students seeking both on- and off-campus accommodation. Organisational changes were implemented within the Accommodation Service to improve the consistency of service among all Halls of Residence and to ensure all students have access to the complete range of accommodation facilities. Plans were developed in 2009 to increase the number of on-campus accommodation places available to commencing students in 2010. It is envisaged that this will improve the transition experience for commencing students from rural and remote areas as well as commencing international students.

A young catalyst for change

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While it is easy to dismiss Mr Nickerson’s ambitions as youthful folly, you only need to look at what he has accomplished to date and listen to his convictions, to see that he is someone of exceptional potential.

In 2008, Mr Nickerson, a descendent of the Biripi people, was the first Indigenous Australian to be made school captain in the 106-year history of Newcastle High School. In the same year he was awarded Newcastle Young Citizen of the Year for his community work with the local Stockton surf, swimming and rugby league clubs and with Aboriginal education. He also accepted a Principals Recommendation Scholarship from the University of Newcastle, one of two higher education scholarships he was offered.

Add to this sporting, scholastic and citizenship awards, and his consistent track record in community participation, a picture begins to emerge. Here is a young man who is driven, gifted and clear sighted.

Mr Nickerson encourages young Indigenous Australians to stick with their education by speaking at schools and other functions and through his involvement with the Aboriginal Education Consultative Group. He also uses these opportunities to raise Indigenous issues and has become an advocate for the inclusion of Aboriginal studies on the curricula of all Australian schools.

“Many students do not realise the Stolen Generation went up to 1970,” Mr Nickerson said.

“Where does Aboriginal education come in? Where are Aboriginal issues taught?”

For Mr Nickerson, the continuing plight of Indigenous Australians is personal with his own grandfather part of the Stolen Generation.

Mr Nickerson believes he can contribute by speaking out and his aim is to build a platform for Aboriginal advocacy and affirmative action.

This article appeared in Indigenous Collaboration 2009. To download the publication, visit www.newcastle.edu.au/indigenous.html

Callan Nickerson was seven years old when he told his mother that he would be Australia’s first Aboriginal Prime Minister. Now at 18 years of age the University of Newcastle commerce student still holds on to that dream.

In 2009 the University had a total of 2,349 full-time equivalent staff, an increase of 7.3 per cent from 2008, comprising 933 academic and 1,416 non-academic staff. Recruitment processes were undertaken for 229 positions of which 16 were restricted to internal applicants only and 213 open to both internal and external applicants. Of the total positions recruited, 74 were academic (11 at Level D and above) and 155 were for non-academic positions including teachers (102 at HEW Levels 2 to 6).

During 2009 there was a concentration on generating a University-wide approach to address the ageing demographic and inevitable scarcity of academics in the medium term. The University has now established a Steering Committee to oversee the ‘Our People 2014’ program. This program is a long term priority for the University. During 2009 the Steering Committee:

• promotedanawarenessandunderstandingofthedemographicandworkforceissuesthrough Executive Committee, Senate and leadership levels;

• developedandpromotedaWorkforcePlanningmodelthatsupportstheinstitution and schools;

• commissionedafutureworkforcesupplyprofileoutto2014byGISCA(theNationalCentre for Social Applications of Geographic Information Systems), University of Adelaide; and

• developedanumberofcorporatelevelinitiativesthatcompetitivelypositiontheUniversity in the broader market addressing attrition, retention, extension of capability, and concept of workforce and sustainability of resourcing and practices.

One of the major initiatives to address retention and sustainability has been the development and commencement of an innovative and well-supported wellness program. This program has led to the nomination of the University for the 2009-10 Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) National Work-Life Balance Awards.

Significant achievements were made by the Human Resource team in the enhancement of service delivery standards through Service Level Agreements, re-engineering and continuous improvement programs. This effort resulted in an increased range of human resource services, shorter turnaround times and higher quality standards for a workforce that has increased by 21.5 per cent over the period 2006 to 2009. Human Resource team resources reduced by four per cent over the same period.

Academic promotions

The University’s Academic Promotion Policy and Procedure provides for the academic promotion process to be completed twice a year – professors and associate professors in the first half of the year and lecturers and senior lecturers in the second half of the year. As part of the process applicants and selection committee members are provided with comprehensive training on merit and equity considerations including performance relative to opportunity. An interview by the Faculty Promotions Committee also provides an excellent opportunity for applicants to reinforce aspects of their application. To be promoted, colleagues need to be considered ‘outstanding’ in at least one of the areas of research, teaching and service.

In 2009 training sessions were again conducted for new promotions committee members and applicants were afforded mentoring support during the promotion process with a number of workshops offered to specifically encourage and guide women applying for promotion.

Table 10 shows that in 2009, women constituted 35 per cent of all applicants. Of these 87 per cent of applicants were promoted.

our staff

TABLE 10: 2009 ACADEMIC PROMOTIONS

Level A to Level B Level B to Level C Level C to Level D Level D to Level E Total

Applied Successful % Applied Successful % Applied Successful % Applied Successful % Applied Successful %

Women 0 0 0 10 10 100 5 3 60 0 0 0 15 13 87

Men 2 2 100 12 11 92 10 9 90 4 3 75 28 25 89

Total 2 2 100 22 21 95 15 12 80 4 3 75 43 38 88



TABLE 11: 2009 TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT ATTENDANCES

Course category 2007 2008 2009

% Attendees % Attendees % Attendees

IT and Corporate Systems 25.1 1,135 20.5 1,121 21.1 1,093

Workplace Skills 20.3 915 25.8 1,417 21.7 1,121

Teaching and Learning 10.2 463 11.3 619 6.4 330

Leadership and Supervision 13.9 629 15 820 20.2 1,045

OH&S 14.5 653 14 771 15 778

Wellness@UoN 6.2 320

Research 5.6 251 5.7 312 5 256

Managing for Performance 2.2 101 2.4 132 2.4 123

Women@UoN 7.4 333 5.3 291 2 104

Academic Series 0.8 37 0 0 0 0

Total 100 4,517 100 5,483 100 5,170

Notes for table: Academic Series components were held as information sessions in 2008 and 2009.Wellness@UoN (included in OH&S previously) has been included as a separate item in 2009.

Training and development activities

The University continued to offer a broad range of development opportunities throughout 2009. These opportunities were designed to support staff and build organisational capability.

In 2009 approximately 5,170 attendances were recorded for scheduled programs and workshops. This figure represented an overall registration increase of 14.4 per cent from 2007 and a marginal decrease of 5.7 per cent from 2008 that was commensurate with the funding available in 2008. A number of existing programs were enhanced such as the Leadership Development Program. The suite of programs is widely supported by the various leadership cohorts and is now generating significant demand.

Other training and development activities in 2009 included:

• workplaceskillstrainingwithanemphasisoneffectiveworkplacecommunication,writingand related courses, service excellence and project management;

• expansionoftheleadershipandsupervisionframeworktoincludeatotalofsevendevelopment programs. Nationally accredited programs are an integral part of the framework and there has been an increase of approximately 60 per cent in participation over a period of three years (Diploma of Management or the Certificate IV Frontline Management); and

• thelaunchofonlinetrainingintheareaofoccupationalhealthandsafetythathasresulted in an increase in participation of 16.4 per cent from 2008 and 29.2 per cent from 2007.

Enterprise bargaining

In 2006 the University successfully negotiated three workplace agreements for academic staff, general staff and teachers. These agreements have reached their expiry date, though they remain in force until new enterprise agreements are approved by Fairwork Australia. Negotiations to create the new enterprise agreements commenced in late 2009.

Code of Conduct

Implementation of the University’s new values-based Code of Conduct to staff and students continued in 2009. The Code was a feature of student orientation and reference to the five values of honesty, fairness, trust, accountability and respect appeared in all student course outlines. The Code was communicated to staff at induction sessions, through Code of Conduct training and targeted staff development activities. In addition, Code of Conduct posters were displayed throughout student and staff areas.

Your Voice Action Plan

The University conducted two climate surveys in 2003 and 2007 through the Voice Project based at Macquarie University. The climate survey tool gave key stakeholders a voice, providing an opportunity to assess strengths, risks and priorities for action based on performance and importance scores from the organisation as a whole and lower-level units.

Following the 2007 survey a your Voice Action Plan was created and monitored by staff and the University Council until 2009. The four most important broad issues to be actioned were identified as processes, technology and facilities; cross unit cooperation; workload; and leadership. Some of the actions were identified directly as a result of the survey findings whilst others, relevant to the key themes, had already begun in parallel as part of the University’s continuous improvement process. The final report issued in May 2009 identified that 78 per cent of actions had been completed, 15 per cent were on track, with responsibility for the remaining actions transferred to divisional heads through the operational planning processes. The University received a commendation from the Australian Universities Quality Agency for the University’s surveying and action planning processes and is planning to conduct another survey in 2010.


Special Studies Program

The University’s Special Studies Program (SSP) offers professional development opportunities for eligible full-time and part-time academic staff who can apply for any one or a combination of the following reasons:

• progressresearch

• improveteachingandlearning

• progressorcompletionofahigherdegree

• undertakeleadershipdevelopmentactivities.

The program received 62 new applications with 57 staff members participating in 2009 (39 males and 18 females).

Forty nine academics undertook research activities, four pursued improvements in teaching and learning and four progressed study towards a higher degree. These figures are based on the greater percentage of time allocated to each activity.

The SSP policy and procedures implemented in 2008 have resulted in greater access, flexibility and financial support for eligible staff. The policy and procedures are due for review in 2010 with changes to take effect in 2011.

For a summary of SSP activities undertaken by Faculty please see Appendix E.

Attracting and supporting Indigenous staff

A new Indigenous Employment Strategy has been developed and is currently being reviewed for approval. Indigenous employment became a responsibility of the Wollotuka Institute (see page 33) at the beginning of 2009. The strategy focuses on attraction, retention, progression and staff collaboration.

In 2010 the Wollotuka Institute will be approaching faculties, schools and departments to work closely with the Institute to develop and achieve realistic goals and strategies in relation to Indigenous collaboration within their operational plans.

Equity and diversity

The following initiatives were implemented by the University with the aim of eliminating discrimination in employment and promoting equal employment opportunity. Many of the activities reported also contribute to the University’s Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement and Equity and Diversity Implementation Plan 2007 to 2011.

Initiatives and outcomes for all equity groups:

The University is developing a series of guides and interactive web pages on managing work-life balance. The aim of these guides is to provide both staff and managers with a comprehensive summary of the suite of policies available to staff on a particular topic. The first of these guides is a Parenting Guide which covers policies relevant to staff who are about to become or who are already parents.

Interactive workshops on the principles of equity and diversity in the workplace were incorporated into the 2009 leadership program.

Initiatives and outcomes for women:

The University was named a 2009 Employer of Choice for Women. To be included on the list by the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency organisations are measured against a set of stringent criteria to assess their efforts in creating fair workplaces and achieving genuine results for women. The title is recognition of the University’s efforts in continually developing and implementing strategies to support all staff in the workplace with a particular focus in recent years on women.

At a glance:

• approximately60percentoftheUniversity’sworkforcearewomen

• 25percentofsenioracademicstaff(LevelE)arefemale–anumberwhichishigherthanthe sector average

• 43percentofallacademicstaffarefemale.

Initiatives and outcomes for people whose first language is not English:

In 2009, as part of the Women@UoN program, the University piloted a series of cultural exchange evenings for female staff and international students. The events were designed to increase cross-cultural understanding between our staff and students through the eyes of women and involved 25 female staff and 25 female international students from a particular cultural group. Students presented an overview of their culture and then had the opportunity to informally meet with staff and talk about their respective experiences including the challenges of juggling work and family responsibilities.

The University of Newcastle Cultural Diversity Calendar was launched in 2009. The calendar celebrates and promotes diversity within the University community by displaying cultural, religious and national days celebrated locally, in Australia and across the world.

recognitionSix of the nine projects recognised by the ALTC for their contribution to teaching and learning were led by women; and 15 of the 28 academics who received an Australian College of Educators Teacher Recognition Award in 2009 were women.

on the riseThere was a significant increase in the representation of women general staff at levels HEW 10 and 10+, with women now representing over 70 per cent of staff at this level – an increase of 24.8 per cent on 2002.

highly ratedThe participation rate for female general staff and the promotion success rate for female academics are both well over the sector average.


emeritusProfessor Pat Michie, Professor Ellak Von Nagy Felsobuki and Professor Phil Foreman conferred the title of Emeritus Professor in recognition of distinguished service and to promote their continued membership of the University community.

citizenryUniversity Chancellor Professor Trevor Waring named Citizen of the year in the 2009 City of Newcastle Australia Day awards for achievements and contributions to the mental health sector.

one voiceThe University of Newcastle Choir named 2009 Community Group of the year. The choir used prize money from their win in Channel 7’s Battle of the Choirs to set up choral activities for young people, seniors, the disadvantaged and the sick.

Vice-Chancellor’s Award for General Staff Excellence

The Vice-Chancellor’s Award for General Staff Excellence formally acknowledges and rewards outstanding performance by general staff across the University. The award seeks to encourage outstanding and exceptional work performance and recognises performance that exceeds what would be expected of staff in the normal performance of their duties.

In 2009 the following individual and team awards were presented to celebrate the contribution of staff from across the University:

Individual award recipients:

• MsCarolynLewis,ServicesDivision• MrGeorgePiszczuk,FacultyofScienceandInformationTechnology• MsSusandeSain,FacultyofEducationandArts• MsYvonneHooper,ServicesDivision• MrAlanHales,ResearchDivision• MsVickiPicasso,AcademicandGlobalRelationsDivision

Team awards:

• UniversityHealthServicesTeam,ServicesDivision– Ms Leanne Neoh, Ms Alison Cole, Ms Margaret Lees, Ms Barbara Clare,

Ms Sue Ransom, Ms Soon Choi Ng and Ms Jodie Johnson• ITSystemsIntegrationTeam,ServicesDivision– Mr Greg Durbin and Mr Brian Weymouth• RHDLaptopProjectTeam,ServicesDivision,ResearchDivision– Mr Mark Jeffereys, Ms Alison Chapman and Ms Jenny Hayes• SchoolofEnvironmentalandLifeSciencesTeam,FacultyofScienceandInformation

Technology – Ms Leoni Hines, Ms Vicki Purcell, Ms Sandra Fitness, Ms Clare Iva-Moemai and Ms Anna Honeysett

A commendation was given to staff from the following areas:

• CounsellingServices,ServicesDivision• InternationalStudentSupport,AcademicandGlobalRelationsDivision• MediaandPublicRelations,Vice-Chancellor’sDivision• SecurityServices,ServicesDivision

achievements

The forensic dental expert

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As a forensic dentist, Dr Taylor used her expertise to help identify victims of the Bali bombing in 2002, the Boxing Day tsunami in Thailand in 2004, and the devastating Victorian bushfires of February 2009.

For Dr Taylor, the bushfires were the most traumatic disaster of all.

“It was just unbelievable that so many lives could be lost in a fire in Australia in 2009. The intensity must have been horrendous,” Dr Taylor said.

Dr Taylor has seen death on an extraordinary scale and witnessed sights she would not wish on others. What keeps her going is the comfort she helps bring to the families of the victims.

“The work can be very upsetting, but all of us in this profession fall back on the fact that we are doing something positive for the families,” she said.

“They need to have confirmation of the death of their family member to start their process of trying to cope with what has happened.”

Forensic work has interested Dr Taylor, a senior lecturer in oral health at the University’s Central Coast campus, since she was in high school.

“I found it incredible that you can work out who someone is from their teeth. Forensics is about solving questions through science and logic, and that is why it appeals to me.”

Dr Taylor is now passing on her skills, training students to be dental hygienists. Her next aim is to establish a scheme with colleague Linda Wallace, an oral health lecturer, taking dental hygiene students to West Timor to gain experience.

“On a recent visit we saw that many of the children of West Timor have such poor oral health. We could help the people and at the same time provide a great experience for students.”


When there is devastation, whether from the human hand or natural disaster, the world often calls Dr Jane Taylor.


honouredFive honorary degrees awarded including Doctor of the University to Dr Zhang Shi Jie

collaborationThe Wollotuka Institute established

est.Community Engagement Advisory Committee established

offshoreUniversity’s presence ranks among largest of foreign operations in Singapore

reconciliationUniversity of Newcastle Reconciliation Statement endorsed by University Council

visionWith the Hunter Business Chamber the University launched Hunter Visions Program for regional growth

ENGAGEMENT


Indigenous

In 2009 the University Council adopted a formal commitment to Aboriginal reconciliation. This commitment began with the University of Newcastle Reconciliation Statement developed in recognition of a commitment to unity with and respect for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. The statement was adopted by Council in May of 2009 and a Reconciliation Action Plan will be developed in early 2010 to ensure the principles of the statement are adopted and integrated into the University’s everyday business of teaching and learning. See Appendix D for a copy of the University’s statement.

In an effort to consolidate the University’s Indigenous activities into one operational and strategic body, the Wollotuka Institute was established in 2009. The Institute is intended to better serve the University’s strategic commitment to Indigenous collaboration and incorporates research activities, teaching and learning initiatives, staff development and student support.

The Institute reports directly to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Global Relations) and has a management group consisting of three directors:

• ProfessorandChairoftheManagementGroupandInstituteDirector, Academic and Research

• InstituteDirector,IndigenousHealth

• InstituteDirector,IndigenousStudentSupport,Employment and Collaboration.

The main goals of the Institute include:

• increasedIndigenousresearchopportunities;

• increasedaccesstotheresourcesandexpertiseofallstaffofthe Institute and collaborative arrangements with other staff across the University;

• enhancedstrategicoutcomesthroughcombinedskillsandexperience of directors and the provision of strong leadership, integrity and inclusive decision making;

• anenvironmentthatisconducivetothehighestidealsofworkingwith Indigenous communities in relation to research, teaching and support in a culturally appropriate and sensitive manner;

• developmentofprogramsandstrategiesthatattract,support and develop high quality academic and general Indigenous staff;

• increasedresourcestostrengthentheopportunitiesforinclusiveIndigenous curriculum development; and

• increasedinternationalcollaborationtoenhancesupport,teaching and research.

The Wollotuka Institute will provide an integrated structure that can deliver leadership in ensuring Indigenous outcomes are met across the whole University, placing the University as a best practice model nationally.

International

In 2009 the International Office joined the Academic Division to become the responsibility of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Global Relations). The University’s approach to internationalisation in 2009 included:

• internationalisingthecurriculum

• recruitingstafffromdiversebackgrounds

• increasingculturalcompetencyofstaff

• increasingculturalcompetencyofstudents

• buildingresearchrelationshipswithinternationalinstitutions

• buildingteachingrelationshipswithinternationalinstitutions

• recruitingandsupportinginternationalstudents.

In recent years the University has pursued greater brand recognition and worked to enhance its reputation, particularly in China, India, and parts of Africa. Currently international onshore student enrolments are dominated by large numbers of students from one or two countries. Recruitment strategies were developed in 2009 to introduce a greater cultural mix. Developments in this area occurred in alignment with state and federal reviews of the ESOS legislation and international education in Australia.

University and community support of international students’ concerns in relation to international student safety were proactively addressed by the University in 2009 in collaboration with Newcastle City Council, NSW Police, local business, and student and community organisations. An action plan was developed through the Newcastle City Coordination Group for the support of international students.

The University had more than 2,200 students studying in Singapore (approximately 1,600 EFTSL) across nine degree programs in partnership with PSB Academy in 2009. The University’s operations now rank among the largest of foreign universities with operations in Singapore.


Community

2009 saw a focus on cultivating partnerships and collaborations with the social and business communities. Significant advancement was made in these areas throughout 2009 including:

• initiationoftheHunterVisionsPrograminconjunctionwiththeHunterBusinessChamber, which is designed to stimulate regional discussions on matters of importance and increase opportunities for investment in research and development for stronger economic growth across the region;

• hostingtwointernationalcommunityculturaldinners;

• participationintheinauguralEnvirohunter2009conferenceandtradeexhibition;

• significantcontributiontotheregion’sdevelopmentthroughparticipationintheHunter,Central Coast and Mid North Coast Innovation Festivals;

• increasedcommunityparticipationinthe2009HSCStudyDays,designedtosupportstudents in their final preparations for the HSC and run in partnership with the NSW Department of Education, Catholic Schools Office and independent schools; and

• thevisitofCanadianAssistantDeputyMinisterandDirectorofPolicyinEconomicDevelopment, Dr Rob Greenwood. This was part of the University of Newcastle’s International Visiting Scholar Program. Dr Greenwood spoke to a diverse range of people on the Central Coast and in Newcastle on how communities and regions can maximise development opportunities.

Community engagement was prioritised in 2009 with the establishment of the Community Engagement Advisory Committee, the development of the Engaging Communities 2009 publication and the appointment of the new Chief Executive Officer of the University of Newcastle Foundation, Ms Louise O’Connell. Ms O’Connell is responsible for attracting philanthropic support for the University to enhance teaching and learning and research activities for the ultimate benefit of the broader community.

Alumni activities

Activities in 2009 included:

• thelaunchoftheIndigenousAlumniNetwork in recognition of the value of Indigenous graduates and the building of Indigenous knowledge;

• GraduationRecognitionCeremoniesheldin Gaborone, South Africa, Botswana and Kenya; and

• EvattHousecelebrateda20yearreunion.

Graduation honours

The University conferred five honorary degrees in 2009 with the highest honour, Doctor of the University, awarded to Dr Zhang Shi Jie in recognition of his exemplary service to education. Dr Zhang is a prominent Chinese business leader and philanthropist renowned for his contributions to education and for his humanitarian endeavours.

Dr William Paradice am (Wej) was awarded a Doctor of Letters in recognition of his service to conservation and the environment, the community of the Hunter region, and his contribution to the region in leading the Hunter Valley Research Foundation.

Professor Arie Feuer is an academic at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and a world-class researcher in the field of digital signal processing. Professor Feuer has a long standing relationship with the University of Newcastle and was awarded a Doctor of Engineering.

Dr Jeff McMullen am is a highly reputed journalist and was awarded a Doctor of Letters for his contribution to the wellbeing of Indigenous communities and the education of Indigenous children.

Dr Indra Abidin received a Doctor of Letters for his creation of UniSadhiGuna, a not for profit entity that provides international standard university and English preparation programs and scholarships for disadvantaged students.

The annual Human Rights and Social Justice Lecture started in 2001. The lecture was established to provide an opportunity for members of the University and the wider community to reflect on issues of social justice that challenge Australia. The University’s 2009 Human Rights and Social Justice Lecture, Climate Change, People and Poverty: Why Australia should lead by example, was presented by Mr Andrew Hewett, Executive Director of Oxfam Australia.

A healthy future

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“As the son of a poor minister, attending university was something my family could never have afforded. I could not have gone on to study if it had not been for the generous support of others,” Dr Hendry said.

Dr Hendry and his wife Senta have made a bequest to the University of Newcastle Foundation to support a perpetual scholarship fund for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who want to become doctors.

“The Foundation’s role in encouraging support and building links between the University and the community is vital. It is because of this work that my wife and I have decided to include the University in our will.

“We want our bequest to fund scholarships to help students from disadvantaged circumstances.”

Dr Hendry is a long-time supporter of the University of Newcastle. As well as his bequest he has made numerous donations to the University including to the Godfrey Tanner Scholarship Fund, the Conservatorium Fund, the Jack Doherty Scholarship Fund for Indigenous students and the Newcastle Choir Fund. He has established a prize for biochemistry students and given great support to the Royal Newcastle Hospital Fellowship Fund.

His support builds on a long and fruitful relationship with the University. Dr Hendry was one of the original champions for the – now renowned – School of Medicine. He was a member of the University Council and held the position of Deputy Chancellor. He was awarded an honorary degree in Medicine, Honoris Causa in 1988.

“My wife and I are very proud of the University of Newcastle. We are particularly proud of the achievements of the Faculty of Health and the quality of medical practitioners who graduate from this University,” Dr Hendry said.

The Faculty of Medicine can look forward to a healthier future thanks to the generosity of Dr Peter Hendry and his wife Senta.

Dr Peter Hendry knows firsthand the difference having a scholarship can make to a student. As a young man he was awarded a scholarship that allowed him to study at university and go on to become a successful pathologist.


Convocation awards

Two new awards were created in 2009 to acknowledge graduates demonstrating leadership regionally and nationally.

Mr Ross Gittins was the inaugural recipient of the Alumni Award for Leadership (National). Mr Gittins has worked as a finance journalist and columnist for more than 30 years and is considered Australia’s leader in helping ordinary Australians understand economics.

Mr Jeff McCloy was the inaugural recipient of the Alumni Award for Leadership (Regional). Mr McCloy has built a reputation as a substantial contributor to property development and infrastructure in the Hunter region and is a significant supporter of research at the University.

The Medal for Professional Excellence is awarded to a graduate with an outstanding record. Professor Peter Silburn received the 2009 award in recognition of his groundbreaking work in the field of neuroscience and stem cell technology which is offering fresh hope internationally to sufferers of Parkinson’s disease as well as a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases.

This year the Newton-John Award was posthumously awarded to Ms Robin McDonald. In her role as economist at the Hunter Valley Research Foundation (HVRF) Ms McDonald established herself as an authoritative commentator on the Hunter region’s economy and researched and published the HVRF’s renowned Hunter Economic Indicators for more than 15 years.

The Alumni Award for Exceptional Community Service was presented to the Coordinator of the Arts for Health program at the John Hunter Hospital, Ms Pippa Robinson. Ms Robinson was recognised for her ongoing commitment to building a professional arts community in Newcastle that nurtures young art students.

Donations and sponsorship

In 2009 activities of the University of Newcastle Foundation Ltd concentrated on establishing a professional fundraising team and recognising the generosity of the University’s donors while continuing to encourage philanthropic support for students, staff and research.

Highlights from 2009 include:

• theestablishmentofaChairfortheNSWInstituteforFrontierGeosciencesbytheNSWDepartment of Primary Industries and Doyles Creek Mining Pty Ltd

• agenerousbequesttohealthresearchfromtheestateofIsobelHancock

• establishmentoftheMorpethChairinTheologybytheNewcastleAnglicanDiocese

• continuedsupportfromtheBurgesfamilyforestablishingaChairinHealthSciences

• engineeringscholarshipsdonatedbyXstrataCoal

• supportfromtheHunterAreaConsultativeCommitteefortheIndigenousScholarshipFund

• studentscholarshipssupportedbyCoalandAllied

• supportfromtheNewcastleandHunterValleyPharmacistsAssociation for the Pharmacy Scholarships and Infrastructure Fund

• supportforscholarshipsforstudentsfromPortWaratahCoalServices

• supportfromtheAustralianContractorsAssociationfortheScienceandEngineeringChallenge Program

• supportfromColgatefortheOralHealthClinicattheCentralCoastcampus.

For a list of other donations to the University in 2009 please see Appendix G.

Communicating with our communities

Throughout 2009 the University engaged a range of channels to communicate with its communities and build its reputation including:

• theproductionoffivecorporatelevelpublicationsandarangeofnewsletters

• advertisementsandnewsstoriesinlocalmediapromotingandcelebratingtheachievements of staff and students

• thecreationofwebpagesforeveryundergraduatedegreeprogramthatattractedmorethan 40,000 visitors in 2009

• anewlookOpenDayontheCentralCoastcampus

• thedistributionof55,000Universitypublicationsthroughvisitstostudentsat70key feeder schools, 25 regional careers markets and on-campus events

• arangeofinterviews,showcasesandpromotionalcampaignsontheUniversity’sradiostation 2NURFM

• thelaunchoftheNUNetstaffnewssiteaswellasaninternalcommunicationstoolkit to improve internal staff communication

• arangeofvisits,eventsandfestivals.

For a full list of marketing and corporate communications materials produced in 2009 please refer to Appendix J.


Other community activities and achievements

Dr Gary Quinlan, a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) graduate, accepted an appointment as Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN). Dr Quinlan leads a team of diplomatic officers and staff on behalf of Australia in the UN to work on a range of global issues. Dr Quinlan was conferred with an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters by the University in 2007.

The University and the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care Inc co-hosted the second National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family and Community Strengths Conference. The conference was to discuss nurturing cultural identity in children, the influence of land, spirit and culture of communities, and opportunities to learn from the strength and wisdom of Indigenous elders.

Mr Chris McLean, an environmental science graduate, was one of three university students selected to represent Australia as a United Nations youth Ambassador at Eco-Minds, an Asia Pacific youth forum on sustainable development.

The University’s SMART (Science, Maths and Real Technology) program spent two weeks conducting science shows in nine remote Arnhem Land communities. In addition to the shows, the SMART team held workshops for teachers and provided resources for teaching science and technology in the classroom. SMART reaches around 20,000 people across Australia each year. The Arnhem Land tour was a partnership between the University; the Australian Government Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research; Engineers Australia and the Arnhem Land Progress Association.

Staff at the University developed an Information Literacy Tutorial to help primary school students and their parents find and research information. The tutorial was designed so that parents and students can complete the modules together. The online tutorial is supported with face-to-face workshops held in the local community.

The University, in conjunction with the NSW Department of Education and Training and TAFE NSW – Hunter Institute, developed the Making Educational Goals Sustainable (MEGS) program. The program aims to create an appreciation of the importance of education among students from targeted equity groups, in particular those from low SES backgrounds. The MEGS program is distinctive in that it targets students early in the education cycle (currently from year 6) and incorporates activities to address parental attitudes and assumptions about education. The program works with schools for an extended period of time to engage teachers, students, parents and other community members in changing beliefs about the value of education.

olympic effortMark Arkinstall, Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) graduate, was part of the multi-disciplinary design team behind Beijing’s awe inspiring Watercube that received the engineering community’s most prestigious prize – the Royal Academy of Engineering MacRobert Award. It was only the fourth time in the Award’s 40 year history that a building had won this major award.

harmonyThe University celebrated Harmony Day by hosting 100 primary school students who participated in a range of activities including speaking with international students about their schooling experiences, participating in drum workshops and sharing tea with students from Saudi Arabia.

in actionThe University’s Family Action Centre celebrated 20 years in 2009. The Centre was the first organisation to bring the internationally recognised Home-Start program to Australia in 1989. The program – funded by the NSW Department of Community Services and supported by the University – links volunteers to families with young children who are facing difficulties or unexpected stresses in their lives.


$40.3 millionUniversity reports surplus of $40.3 million

hands-onCallaghan campus nursing simulation laboratory completed

up skillNew online OH&S training launched

going greenSaving of 3,000 tonnes of CO2 by purchasing GreenPower™ accredited renewable energy

on boardTalloires Declaration – University signs up

refreshStage one completed of Central Coast campus major IT refresh

SERVICES AND RESOURCES


Services and IT projects

Throughout 2009 a number of projects were initiated to improve the services of the University. A major project was the development and implementation of an IT Disaster Recovery Plan. A full live copy of data is now kept at a secondary location (in addition to offsite tape backups) for all critical systems.

Other projects included the:

• replacementofthelegacyintegrationplatformConstellarHub with the new Oracle Data Integrator platform allowing consolidation of all systems into one integration tool;

• implementationofanewcontractmanagementsystemforkeybusiness areas to provide better value for money from vendors and suppliers and improved management of contracts;

• implementationofadocumentmanagementsystemtofacilitatethe control, management and workflow of documents across the organisation in four key business areas as a pilot;

• implementationofanewdatanetworkfortheHallsof Residence compatible with the Callaghan campus system, and a replacement telephony system;

• completionofthefirststageofamulti-yearprogramtorefresh IT infrastructure on the Central Coast campus;

• upgradeoftheNUSTARsystemsoftware;

• completionofthegrantsmoduleoftheUniversity’sInfoEdsystem;

• completionoftheUniversity’sPortfolioManagerSystemtomeetthe 2008 Excellence in Research for Australia reporting initiative;

• completionofstagefouroftheCallaghancampusNetworkRefresh Project, which included the migration of the Pam Collins Data Centre to the new University network (over the two year span of this project 10 kilometres of optical fibre cable and more than 100 kilometres of copper cable were installed, network hardware was installed in 97 buildings and 2,000 IP telephone handsets were installed); and

• morethan16corporateapplicationswereupgradedincludingmajor work on Alesco, TRIM, Sonia and Blackboard.

Evaluation of administrative changes since 2005

A report on the Evaluation of Administrative Changes since 2005 was published in April 2009. The evaluation assessed the effectiveness of the strategies implemented since 2005 to achieve cost savings, improvements in service quality and efficiencies in administrative processes and procedures.

The evaluation indicated that the University had made substantial progress in addressing these issues. An action plan was agreed to progress projects that were not complete, with work undertaken throughout the year.

Risk management

In 2009 the University’s risk management environment was greatly improved to align with best practice guidelines and the Australian Standard AS/NZS 4360:2004 as well as the new standard issued in November 2009, AS/NZS ISO 31000.

The overarching objective of the University’s enterprise risk management approach continues to be the integration of risk considerations into the University’s day-to-day activities and decision making processes. In addition, improved preparation strategies are being developed to manage risks and events that might affect continuity of the University’s operations.

Major achievements in 2009 included:

• updatestotheUniversity’sstrategicandoperationalriskprofiles

• thecompletionofthe2009internalauditplan

• areductioninthenumberofoutstandingauditissues

• implementationofabusinesscontinuitymanagementpolicy and supporting frameworks

• establishmentofbusinesscontinuityplansfortheUniversity’scritical functions

• coordinationoftheUniversity’sresponsetoH1N1Influenza

• continuedenhancementoftheUniversity’sdutyofcareresponsibilities in relation to travel to high risk destinations

• developmentoftheUniversity’scomplianceframework.


Insurance

The University views insurance as one of a variety of tools available to manage risk. The University undertakes an annual review of risks identified as insurable and then determines whether insurance is the appropriate tool to protect against the financial impact of the risk.

The University’s insurance program is reviewed and renewed annually with the insurance period commencing on 1 November. A broker is engaged to assist in the management and annual placement of the insurance program, ensuring optimal coverage is obtained for the most economical market price.

Further details of the University’s insurance program are provided in Volume Two of the Annual Report as part of the Report by Members of Council.

Fraud

The University does not tolerate fraud and corruption. Work continues to align the fraud prevention framework with the best practice guidelines established by external agencies and implementing fraud risk assessments and appropriate fraud prevention, detection, investigation and reporting procedures and processes.

The University actively seeks and responds to allegations of fraud and corruption in a timely, confidential and fair way ensuring the principles of natural justice are applied. All investigations aim to identify the control weakness that may have contributed to the event with the view of improving the operations of the University.

Land disposal

The University did not dispose of any property during 2009.

Capital building works

The University’s annual budget for capital expenditure is approved by Council and monitored throughout the year by the Finance and Capital Development Committee. A Capital Development Committee (CDC) oversees capital development against the approved budget and project timelines. The CDC also provides advice on the prioritisation of projects identified in the annual capital planning process.

The following major building projects were completed during 2009:

• constructionofthenuclearmedicineradiopharmacylaboratory,Callaghancampus (please see page 09 for details);

• refurbishmentoftheNewcastleInternationalOffice,Callaghancampus,whichincludedspace for student liaison and the creation of a student prayer room;

• refurbishmentoftheAuchmutyLibraryroofandtheFlowersReadingRoom (see pages 09 and 43);

• there-establishmentofthehighvoltageswitchroomtotheeasternsideoftheCallaghancampus;

• establishmentofthenewSydneypresence(seepage09);and

• constructionofthenursingsimulationlaboratory,Callaghancampus(seepage09).

In addition, eight projects ranging from student hubs, tutorial room audio visual fit outs, a physics laboratory refurbishment, and other associated University room refurbishments were completed in 2009.

The following projects commenced construction in late 2009:

Exercise Science Building, Ourimbah campusThis project is the construction of a new building to support exercise science and general teaching needs. The project was initially funded by the University and Commonwealth Capital Development Pool, but has had an expanded scope due to additional Better University’s Renewal Funding (BURF) in 2008.

New Industrial Design Teaching Workshop, Callaghan campusThis project has been funded through the Australian Government’s Teaching and Learning Fund and will see the creation of a contemporary teaching space for industrial design, architecture and engineering replacing existing facilities on the Callaghan campus.

Manning Education Centre, TareeThe facility is being constructed in Taree using funding from the Australian Government. The Manning Education Centre will contain a range of teaching facilities to support medicine, nursing and allied health disciplines and students on placement in the Manning and Taree regions.

The Hunter Building Computer Laboratory, Callaghan campusThis project is BURF funded. Computer teaching facilities in the Hunter building are being upgraded with a strong audio visual focus, using new software technologies.

The Huxley Library Information Common, Callaghan campusThis project is BURF funded and will develop an Information Common on the eastern side of the Callaghan campus in the Huxley Library. This will add a large communal collaborative learning space for students using the latest computer technology.

Expansion of the Architecture Studio Building, Callaghan campusThis project will see the expansion and refreshment of teaching facilities within the architecture studio building to support enhancements in teaching and growth in student numbers.

Occupational therapy laboratory refurbishment, Callaghan campusA refurbishment of laboratory and tutorial space to enhance the students’ learning experience and provide for use of the latest technologies.

The following projects are currently progressing towards construction in 2010:

Griffith Duncan Theatre, Callaghan campusThe total refurbishment of the Griffith Duncan Theatre, the University’s largest lecture theatre, has received Commonwealth funding through the Teaching and Learning Capital fund allocation and will occur in 2010.

Nursing and education facility, Ourimbah campusThe new education and nursing facility at the Ourimbah campus is being funded through the Commonwealth Capital Development Program and will provide specialist facilities to support these two programs.

Environmental sustainability

In 2009 the University became a signatory to the Talloires Declaration, an international, voluntary 10-point action plan for incorporating sustainability and environmental literacy in University activities. Adherence to the Declaration is underpinned by the University’s Environmental Sustainability Plan. A new Environmental Manager position was established to coordinate the development and implementation of the plan and to provide operational advice to strengthen the University’s commitment to environmentally sustainable practices.

The University became an active member of a number of environmental networks including the International Sustainable Campus Network, the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education and Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability. Participation continued in national benchmarking exercises through organisations such as the Tertiary Education Facilities Management Association.

In its own region the University continued its involvement in environmental initiatives. The University is a founding and active member of Together Today, an initiative that brings together leaders from the region to establish the Hunter as Australia’s most water and energy efficient region. The University promoted participation by staff and students in the 2009 national Ride to Work Day and the global Earth Hour event.

Through its commercial arm, Newcastle Innovation, the University was successful in attracting funding to host the national Enterprise Connect Clean Energy Innovation Centre, a partnership between Newcastle Innovation, Enterprise Connect, the Australian Institute for Commercialisation and the Western Australia Sustainable Energy Association. In November a geothermal and waste heat energy pilot plant was opened on the Callaghan campus. The project was developed by staff of the University’s Priority Research Centre for Energy in partnership with Granite Power Pty Ltd.

In 2009 the University’s Committee on Environmental Sustainability oversaw a number of initiatives including:

• thefurtherdevelopmentoftheUniversity’sEnvironmentalSustainabilityPlan

• monitoringprogresstowardstheUniversity’sgoalofreducingitscarbonemissions by 20 per cent by 2015

• thedevelopmentofanewenvironmentalelectivecourseavailabletoallundergraduatestudents

• theimplementationofapilotprojecttodisplayenergyuseinsixUniversitybuildings.

The Committee chaired by the Vice-Chancellor met four times in 2009.

Energy and water consumption

The University continued with its participation in the annual Tertiary Education Facilities Management Association benchmarking as a means of assessing and improving its performance in facilities management. The University has maintained its long-term record of performance at better than the sector average in the areas of energy and water consumption.

The University fulfilled its commitment to purchase 10 per cent of its current annual electricity consumption as GreenPower™ accredited renewable energy. Under this arrangement the University avoided more than 3,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2009.



Strategic directions for the campus landscape

The Callaghan campus Landscape Consultative Committee consisting of staff, students and external representatives was formed to promote and inform the quality of the landscape environment. The committee held its inaugural meeting at the end of 2009 and initiated the development of the strategic Landscape Management Plan.

This plan will consolidate directions for biodiversity, water resources, bushfire risk reduction, wayfinding and landscape management. The planning process will explore opportunities for outdoor teaching and learning spaces within the bushland campus environs as a means of further enhancing student learning experiences.

While the tracts of forest vegetation on the Central Coast and Callaghan campuses defines the unique bushland campus character of the University and realises many environmental sustainability opportunities, the extent of the connected bushland on both campuses creates a bushfire threat that must be managed in line with legislative requirements to reduce the threat to life and property. In this regard a bushfire risk assessment report was delivered for the Callaghan campus that defines the bushfire risk and establishes hazard reduction guidelines. A comprehensive works program was also initiated to implement priority building treatments and vegetation management strategies. These vegetation strategies aim to provide a fuel reduced area through under scrubbing and selective tree canopy pruning in the immediate vicinity of buildings identified at risk. A project to roll out the fire modelling, risk assessment and environmental constraints approach employed at Callaghan commenced for the Central Coast campus in 2009.

Environmental compliance

The University is subject to various federal, state and local government statutes and requirements related to environmental matters. During the year the University fulfilled its requirements under the National Greenhouse Energy and Reporting Act 2007 to submit its 2008–09 greenhouse gas emissions and energy use reporting totals to the Australian Government.

Occupational health and safety

In 2009 the University continued to improve existing systems and processes that ensured robust health and safety management to deliver best practice support to staff and students.

Significant activities in 2009 included:

• ongoingemphasisandsupportforfacultyanddivisionalcommittees, which resulted in enhanced communication, increased training and greater awareness and resolution of OH&S issues;

• furtherdevelopment,improvementandconsultationofteaching, learning and research related to OH&S issues through improvements to risk assessment processes;

• implementationofOH&Srelateddevelopmentactivitiesincluding the launch of online training and targeted education and training for key stakeholders; and

• continuedimplementationandimprovementoftheonlineincident reporting system to all staff.

The University continues to benchmark well against the sector on key OH&S indicators. The Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate and Claims Incidence Rates both remained stable in 2009. Despite an increase in the workers compensation actual premium the Severity Rate continues to reflect the University’s robust claims management systems.

TABLE 12: OH&S PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Lost time injury frequency rate

Claims incidence rate Severity rate

Year Rate Change % Rate Change %

2005 8.53 1.6 3.43 -21.3 4.20

2006 4.82 -43.5 2.76 -19.5 3.81

2007 3.92 -18.7 2.37 -14.1 3.83

2008 5.22 33.2 2.49 5.1 5.91

2009 4.62 -11.5 2.37 -4.8 5.93

TABLE 13: OH&S PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Year Tariff rate Change % Actual workers compensation

premium

Change %

2005 1,796,668 -13.2 1,617,432 -35.6

2006 1,441,028 -19.8 1,290,400 -20.2

2007 1,402,702 -2.7 1,106,910 -14.2

2008 1,434,310 -2.3 1,239,819 12.0

2009 1,446,926 0.9 1,634,307 31.8

Sweet smell of success

FEATU

RE

In 2009 the Flowers Reading Room underwent a significant overhaul and now features a mix of individual and collaborative space to suit the different study style of today’s student.

Mr Greg Anderson, the University Librarian, said the refurbished room provided state-of-the-art facilities such as interactive plasma screens in a comfortable environment with lounges and tables for collaborative work and study, quiet study spaces and a dedicated postgraduate study area.

“Every study space has access to power and data cables for laptop computers and we have installed a massive picture window to let in lots of natural light and connect with our bushland campus,” Mr Anderson said.

The Flowers Reading Room is named in honour of Pat and Ted Flowers who have a long association with the University and libraries in the Hunter region.

Mrs Flowers joined the Newcastle Technical College Library in 1943 and went on to become the University College Librarian in 1951 and Foundation Librarian at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music before retiring in 1983.

After meeting his wife when he joined the Technical College Library in 1948, Dr Flowers served in a number of roles before taking up a position at the former Newcastle University College as Librarian in 1961. He became University Librarian in 1965 when the University became autonomous.

Dr and Mrs Flowers have a long and distinguished record of community service with the Flowers Reading Room named in their honour in 1990 for their contribution to the University and the Hunter community.

The refurbishment is one of a number of projects underway by the University Library to increase the number of computers, wireless connectivity, group study rooms and interactive technologies to enhance the student experience.

Built more than 40 years ago, the Flowers Reading Room holds a special place at the University. It is a popular study space for students and its name honours two of the University’s greatest supporters.


Freedom of information

The University falls within the jurisdiction of the NSW Freedom of Information Act 1989. Under the Act, the University is required to include in its Annual Report a range of information in relation to the processing of requests for the calendar year 2009. This information can be found at Appendix K.

In the period January 2009 to December 2009 the University received 14 new applications for access to information under the Act. Four requests were for personal information and 10 were for non-personal information. Ten of these applications were completed and four applications were discontinued.

This compares to the previous year in which three new applications were received – two applications for personal information and one application for non-personal information.

Two applications in 2009 were subject to internal review in relation to charges.

Privacy

The focus in 2009 was on raising student awareness of the role of privacy in their lives and providing resources to staff to enable them to self-test their knowledge and awareness of privacy legislation. The University Complaints Office continued to run privacy workshops for staff and introduced targeted training for Residential Assistants in the University residences and for frontline staff.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Global Relations) is the University Privacy Officer, consistent with the requirements of the relevant legislation and Privacy NSW. The University’s Privacy Management Plan sets out the policies and practices the University has adopted to ensure compliance with the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 and the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002.

Complaints

The University Complaints Manager reports to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Services), and is responsible for managing all complaints in accordance with the University Complaints Resolution policy, identifying and investigating systematic problems that may give rise to complaints, recommending organisational improvements, and providing advice to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Services) on any action the University needs to take to protect or improve the integrity of policies or procedures.

In 2009, the Complaints Management Office received 238 complaints. Of the total number of complaints received, 93 (39 per cent) were formal complaints. The remaining 145 were classified as informal complaints.

As of 31 December 2009 the Complaints Management Office had dealt with 827 complaints since its inception in January 2006.

The Complaints Management Office commenced an internal review of the complaints management process in September 2008 and reported the findings and recommendations to Executive Committee in April 2009. As a direct result of this review, posters were developed and circulated to raise awareness of the process, the Complaints Resolution Policy was revised and new Complaints Resolution Procedures and Complaints Resolution Guidelines were developed.


Financial performance and outcomes

2009 was a positive year financially for the University with a reported surplus of $40.3 million. With a further surplus of $11.9 million budgeted for 2010, the University continues to maintain a healthy financial platform to support its ambitions for the future.

The 2008 result was significantly impacted by the global financial crisis and the write down of the University’s investment portfolio by $29.2 million. While the economy is yet to fully recover and investment returns were reduced in 2009, there has been an $11 million increase in the value of investments over the current year which has been accumulated to an equity reserve and not through the income statement up until the time of their disposal.

Financial result

The University’s surplus of $40.3 million for 2009 includes funding from the Australian Government totalling $20.8 million related to capital expenditure that will be spent in future years. It also includes a change in the timing of the revenue for the over enrolment of Commonwealth Supported Students for 2009 resulting in an additional $7.1 million of revenue in the current year.

Revenue growth remained strong, increasing approximately 10.3 per cent over the 2008 year before an adjustment for the notional value of deferred superannuation liabilities. The growth in revenue was primarily due to additional Commonwealth Supported Place students, Fee Paying international students and research income.

Total expenditure increased in 2009 by 8.1 per cent over 2008 after adjusting for the investment write down in the previous year and the adjustment for the notional value of deferred superannuation liabilities. This increase is driven by the growth in student numbers, additional research activity as a result of improved research revenue and a number of asset write-offs as a result of a recent plant and equipment stocktake.

Balance sheet

At the end of 2009 the University had assets totalling almost $1.2 billion, an increase of $83 million on 2008. This is primarily due to an increase in cash holdings, offset by a reduction in the amount receivable from the Australian Government in respect to its ongoing commitment to fund future superannuation liabilities.

The University’s net assets total $862 million, an increase of $118.9 million due to more cash being invested in term deposits and additional investment in property, plant and equipment. Net current assets have improved by $50.9 million to $61.7 million representing a current ratio (current assets plus current liabilities) of 1.66, an improvement from a ratio of 1.12 in 2008. This ratio is above the higher education sector benchmark of 1.4 and the University’s investment strategy remains focused on investing cash not required for short-term operational or capital expenditure purposes in medium to long-term investments to achieve higher long-term returns.

Cash flows

The University’s operating activities generated cash of $78.5 million compared to $64.6 million in 2008. Of this, $32 million was invested in property, plant and equipment, while a further $3 million was used to reduce borrowings. The University’s cash balance at the end of the year totalled $95.9 million, an increase of $44.9 million on 2008 which has been invested in short term deposits.

Unless stated otherwise references to the ‘University’ in this section are representative of the ‘Parent entity’ results described in the full financial report included in Volume Two. The financial results presented in this section are the unaudited results prepared as at the date of printing and may be subject to change upon finalisation of the audit. The finalised audited results for the University and its controlled entities are presented in Volume Two of the Annual Report 2009.

TABLE 14: ABRIDGED FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

Actual 2009 $m Budget 2009 $m Budget 2010 $m

Government contributions* 226.6 215.1 216.5

Student contributions** 170.4 162.3 189.3

Research income*** 64.80 57.1 66.5

Other income 36.2 39.6 31.5

Total income from operations 498.0 474.1 503.8

Salary and related 259.0 266.4 288.2

Non-salary 158.4 147.0 160.8

Depreciation 38.4 35.9 45.9

Impairment loss 1.9 0 0

Total expenses from operations 457.7 449.3 494.9

Surplus (deficit) for the year 40.3 24.8 8.9

*Excluding deferred superannuation contributions HECS & ARC**Including HECS***Including ARC

TABLE 15: CONSOLIDATED RESULT 2009

Revenue $m Expenses $m Net surplus (deficit) $m

University of Newcastle 463.1 422.8 40.3

GraduateSchool.com 5.7 3.9 1.8

Newcastle Innovation 14.8 14.5 0.3

UON Foundation Trust 1.5 0.8 0.7

UON Services 5.8 5.1 0.7

UON Singapore 6.3 5.5 0.8

Consolidation adjustments (9.4) 10.2 0.7

Consolidated entity 487.8 442.4 45.4

TABLE 16: INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE ACHIEVED COMPARED TO NSW TREASURy CORPORATION BENCHMARKS

Investment category 1 yr performance % NSW TCorp benchmark 1 yr performance %

Short-term cash investments 4.5 Hour-glass cash facility trust 3.8

Long-term investments 17.5 Hour-glass long term growth trust 15.5

TABLE 17: ACCOUNTS PAyABLE PAyMENT PERFORMANCE 2009

Accounts payable at: 31 Mar $m 30 Jun $m 30 Sep $m 31 Dec $m

Not overdue 1.2 1.4 4.7 2.3

Less than 30 days overdue 0.3 0.4 0.6 0.8

Between 30 and 60 days overdue 0.1 0.1

Between 60 and 90 days overdue

More than 90 days overdue

Total 1.6 1.8 5.3 3.2

TABLE 18: TOTAL ACCOUNTS PAID ON TIME 2009

31 Mar 30 Jun 30 Sep 31 Dec

Actual based on volume % 51.6 71.7 71.6 62.3

Actual based on value % 43.1 47.4 53.2 51.5

Target % 66.7 66.7 66.7 66.7

Actual value paid ($m) 15.4 16.6 22.6 19.5

Total amount paid ($m) 35.9 35.0 42.5 37.9

During 2009 there were no instances where penalty interest was paid; there were no significant events that affected payment performance.



LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE

Charter and functions

After initially operating as a College of the University of New South Wales, the University of Newcastle was established by an Act of the New South Wales Parliament in 1964, which was later replaced by The University of Newcastle Act 1989. The Higher Education (Amalgamation) Act 1989 provided for the amalgamation of the Hunter Institute of Higher Education and the Newcastle Branch of the State Conservatorium of Music with the University from 1 November 1989.

Under the Act, the University has the authority to adopt a By-law. The University’s current By-law was gazetted on 7 October 2005 and provides a legislative framework for the appointment of members of Council and their terms of office, the conduct of elections (where appropriate), functions of the Academic Senate, the establishment and operations of Convocation, making of rules by the Council and the Vice-Chancellor, graduates of the University, the term of office of the Chancellor and the use of the University Seal.

Section 6 of the University of Newcastle Act 1989 defines the core object of the University of Newcastle as “the promotion, within the limits of the University’s resources, of scholarship, research, free inquiry, the interaction of research and teaching and academic excellence”.

The Act specifies that the University must have particular regard to the needs of the Hunter region, the Central Coast and surrounding areas in:

• providingfacilitiesforeducationandresearchofuniversitystandard;

• disseminating,advancing,developingandapplyingknowledge;

• providingcoursesofstudyacrossarangeoffieldsthatmeettheneeds of the community;

• participatinginpublicdiscourse;

• conferringhighereducationdegreesandawards;

• providingteachingandlearningthatengageswithadvancedknowledgeandinquiry;

• developingagovernanceandpolicyframework,financialarrangements;and

• qualityassuranceprocessestoensuretheintegrityoftheUniversity’sacademicprograms.

Council

Vice-ChancellorStanding Committees

of CouncilAcademic Senate Other bodies advising Council

Executive CommitteeAudit and Risk Management

CommitteeAcademic Integrity Committee Animal Care and Ethics Committee

Executive and Directors’ ForumFinance and Capital

Development CommitteeFaculty Boards Boards of Controlled Entities

Board of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education and

Training

Nominations and Legislation Committee

Program and Course Approval Committee

Human Research Ethics Committee

IT Governance Committee Research Committee

• Research Grants and Infrastructure Sub-Committee

• Research Training Sub-Committee

Student Disciplinary Appeals Committee

Capital Development Committee University Tender Committee

Occupational Health and Safety Committee

TAFE-University Coordination Committee

Family Action Centre Board

Port Macquarie Management Committee

Teaching and Learning Committee

• Policy Development Sub-Committee

• Student Progress Sub-Committee

Gladys M Brawn Memorial Gift Committee

Promotions Appeals Committee Kelver Hartley Awards Committee

Staff Consultative Committees – Academic, General and Teachers

Student Discipline Committee

University Committee on Environmental Sustainability

2NURFM Advisory Board

Medals Committee

FIGURE 1: GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES



FIGURE 1: GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES

The University Council

The University Council is the governing body of the University. It has, by virtue of Section 16 of the Act, the responsibility for the management of the affairs and concerns of the University and may act in all matters concerning the University.

The Council comprises 19 members including three official members, 11 appointed members (six members appointed by the Minister and five members appointed by the Council) and five elected members. Of these 19 members, 12 are external members who bring a diverse range of professional experience and skills to the Council.

Council elects a person (whether or not a member of the Council) to be Chancellor of the University for a term of up to four years. It is the role of the Chancellor to chair 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 Chancellor are honorary.

Appendix B provides a full list of Council members for 2009.

In 2009 the Council met five times. In accordance with the Council’s meeting procedures the agenda is divided into two parts – an open section which members of the University and community are welcome to attend, and a closed confidential section to which access is restricted to Council members only.

The Council is supported and advised by a range of governance and management committees as shown on the opposite page. The range of committees is regularly reviewed to determine their suitability and terms of reference. Except when confidential items are to be considered, members of the University may attend meetings of any University committees as observers.

The Audit and Risk Management Committee is responsible for monitoring the University’s governance framework and administrative operations with particular reference to internal and external audit matters, risk management for the University and its controlled entities, fraud and corruption control, compliance with legislative obligations and monitoring litigated and external agency matters. In 2009 this Committee was chaired by The Hon John Price am.

The Finance and Capital Development Committee is responsible for advising the Council on the management and organisation of the University’s financial affairs, including performance against the annual budget and program of capital expenditure, investments, commercial borrowings and oversight of the activities of the University’s controlled entities. In 2009 this Committee was chaired by Ms Dianne Allen.

The Nominations and Legislation Committee provides advice to the Council on matters relating to membership and appointments to boards and committees (including the Council itself), the conferral of honorary degrees, exceptional service medals and honorary titles, the appointment, termination and remuneration of the Vice-Chancellor and senior executive staff, monitoring the performance of the Vice-Chancellor, and changes to University legislation and committee constitutions that require the Council’s approval. In 2009 this Committee was chaired by the Chancellor, Conjoint Professor Trevor Waring am.

Appendix C provides details of membership of the standing committees of Council and meeting attendance.

Significant issues and matters considered by the Council and its committees in 2009 included:

• theadoptionofaformalcommitmenttoAboriginalreconciliation;

• theaspirationtosignificantlyexpandtheUniversity’scitycampusandrevitalise the Callaghan campus;

• progressoftheUniversity’sSydneypresence;

• monitoringtheUniversity’sfinancialperformanceandcapitalexpenditureagainstbudgetaswell as the performance of the University’s controlled entities;

• thereviewofstrategicperformancemeasuresandinstitutionalbenchmarking;and

• theimplementationplanfromtheExternalReviewofAcademicSenate.

In recognition of the increasing workload, time commitment and fiduciary responsibilities placed upon members of the Council a proposal to remunerate external members and students was endorsed for implementation from 1 January 2010.

Academic Senate

The Academic Senate is the principal academic body of the University. It is the primary forum for debate on all academic issues in the University and has a major role in academic quality assurance processes. The Academic Senate has the mission to protect, promote and enhance the excellence of the core academic activities in the University – teaching, learning and research. Specific functions are specified in Section 32 of the University of Newcastle By-law 2005. The Academic Senate also has delegated authority from the Council to approve policy and procedures relating to teaching, learning and research, and to approve revisions to programs.

The President of Academic Senate is the senior elected academic in the University, holding the primary responsibility for Academic Senate business, including the Student Discipline Committee and Student Progress Sub-Committees. The President is also expected to provide strategic and policy advice to the Vice-Chancellor on academic and related administrative matters. A full list of Academic Senate members in 2009 is attached in Appendix F.

In 2009 the Academic Senate was led by a newly elected President, Professor Val Robertson, and Deputy President, Associate Professor Stephen Fityus. In April an external review of Academic Senate report was received containing an extensive range of proposals aimed at developing the Senate as a more dynamic, engaged and vibrant part of the University. The development of plans to implement the new functions of Senate, new membership categories, standing orders for business and updated committee structures became one of the Senate’s priorities in 2009.

In addition to focusing on the results of the review, the Senate’s activities in 2009 included an emphasis on the student experience, research, the academic experience and on exploring the implications of being an international university. A series of forums provided members of the academic community with a vehicle for discussing and debating the future of the Senate (February), responses to the Senate Review (June), and budget priorities (August).

A comprehensive communication plan was endorsed by the Senate in 2009. The plan describes how the Senate will notify the University community of its decisions and encourage stakeholder participation by improving access to documentation


The Vice-Chancellor is supported by an Executive Committee. Membership of the Executive Committee was as follows in 2009:

Vice-Chancellor and PresidentProfessor Nicholas SaundersMD(Syd.), HonLLD (Monash)

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Global Relations)Professor Kevin McConkeyBA(Hons), PhD(Qld), FASSA, FAICD

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)Professor Barney GloverBSc(Hons), MSc, DipEd, PhD(Melbourne)

(Until February 2009)

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)(Acting)Professor Pat MitchieBA(Hons)(UNE), PhD(Macq.), MAPS

(From February to April 2009)

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)Professor Michael CalfordBSc(Monash), PhD(Monash)

(From April 2009)

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Services)Dr Sue GouldBSc(Hons)(Edin), PhD(Flinders), FAICD

President of Academic SenateProfessor Val J RobertsonBAppSc(Physio)(Lincoln Institute), BA(Hons), PhD(La Trobe)

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Business and Law)Professor Stephen NicholasBA(Syracuse), MA(Iowa), FASSA

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education and Arts)Professor Terence LovatBEd, GradDipREd(SAustCAE), BLitt(Deakin), BTheol, TheolM(MelbDivColl), MA, PhD(Syd.)

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Engineering and Built Environment)Professor John Carter amBE, PhD(Syd.), DEng, MASCE, FTSE, FAA, FIEAust, CPEng, GAICD

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Health)Professor Michael CalfordBSc(Monash), PhD(Monash)

(Until April 2009)

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Health)Professor Peter DunkleyBSc, PhD(Melbourne)

(From April 2009)

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Science and Information Technology)Professor Bill HogarthBSc(Hons)(NSW), PhD(Newc.), FIMA, CMath, FAustMS

Pro Vice-Chancellor and Director Central Coast CampusesProfessor Stephen CrumpBA, DipEd(Macq.),MEd(Hons), PhD(Syd.)

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Corporate Development and Community Partnerships)Associate Professor Martin FitzgeraldMSc(Soc.Res)(Surrey), LLB(Hons)(UCE), PGCE(Higher Education)(Green),Solicitor(England and Wales)

Chief Financial OfficerMr Craig WallisBCom(Newc.), AssocDipBus(Ac), FCPA

and providing forums. It has also promoted environmentally sustainable communication strategies encouraging the use of online resources by committee members through digital agendas and papers.

Other initiatives in 2009 included an upgraded Senate website, the development of an online discussion forum for members and stakeholders, the timely release of Academic Senate In-brief, the implementation of Academic Forums and purpose designed debriefing sessions for members of the University community.

The committees of the Academic Senate are central to its functioning. The Senate’s business is often initially raised in and referred by its standing committees. The Senate also refers matters for additional analysis or advice to its committees prior to further discussion. During 2009 each committee considered a range of initiatives, proposed changes to policies and commented on the external review of Academic Senate recommendations.

In 2009 the Academic Senate met six times. For a list committees that reported to or advised the Academic Senate in 2009 refer to the Figure 1 on page 48.

Executive

The Vice-Chancellor and President of the University is appointed by the Council under Section 12 of the University of Newcastle Act 1989. As the chief executive officer of the University, the Vice-Chancellor has charge of the overall direction of corporate planning, budget activities and external relations of the University and manages and supervises the administrative, financial and other activities. The Vice-Chancellor consults with and advises the Academic Senate and other bodies, supervises the discipline of the University and puts into effect the rules, reports or resolutions passed or adopted by the Council. The Vice-Chancellor is ex-officio a member of every faculty board and of all committees within the University and may preside at any meeting of those Boards and Committees.

School of Nursing and Midwifery School of Psychology

School of Humanities and Social Science

School of Electrical Engineering and Computer

Science

School of Medicine and Public Health

School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Newcastle Law School School of Education School of Engineering School of Health Sciences School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Newcastle Business SchoolSchool of Drama, Fine Art and Music (incorporating

the Conservatorium)

School of Architecture and Built Environment

School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy

School of Design, Communication and

Information Technology

PVC Business and Law

PVC Education and Arts

PVC Engineering and Built Environment

PVC HealthPVC Science and

Information Technology

Vice-Chancellor Council Academic Senate

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Global

Relations)

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Services)

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)

PVC, Corporate Development and

Community PartnershipsPVC, Academic

Academic and Student Services

PVC, Research

PVC and Director, Central Coast Campuses

Centre for Teaching and Learning

Facilities Management Business Development Unit

Marketing and Public Relations

Dean of Students Human Resource Services Office of Graduate Studies

Financial ServicesEnglish Language and

Foundation Studies CentreInformation Technology Research Services

Equity and DiversityRisk and Commercial

ServicesCentre of Full Employment

and Equity (CofFEE)

International Office Services’ Project OfficeParameterized Complexity

Research Unit (PCRU)

Planning, Quality and Reporting

University Complaints Office

University Gallery and Art Collection

University General Counsel

University of Newcastle Industry Scholarship

Scheme (UNISS)

University Library

The Wollotuka Institute

FIGURE 2: ORGANISATIONAL CHART 2009


Controlled entities

The University had five controlled entities in 2009. The activities of these controlled entities are monitored by the University Council through the Audit and Risk Management Committee and the Finance and Capital Development Committee.

GraduateSchool.com Pty Ltd

GraduateSchool.com Pty Ltd was established in 2000 as a wholly owned subsidiary of the University. It was developed in response to the changing needs of postgraduate students to deliver degrees and executive programs in an online learning environment.

In 2009 the company achieved positive growth in student load, focused on strengthening relationships with international agents and continued to develop the company website as the key marketing and recruitment tool. To engage with the external community and obtain strategic support and advice, GraduateSchool.com established a Business Advisory Group in cooperation with the Hunter Business Chamber. In recognition of the success of the business the company was a finalist in the 2009 MAP Marketing Fastest Growing Awards.

Newcastle Innovation Ltd

Newcastle Innovation Ltd (formerly TUNRA Limited) was incorporated in 1969 as a company limited by guarantee by the University Council, to provide a broadly based research and specialist education service to industry, commerce and the community. The company acts as a conduit for the involvement of University staff with business, industry and individuals in the community and assists in identifying opportunities for the provision of expert consultancy services and the protection of research outcomes through patenting.

In 2009 Newcastle Innovation again reported solid performance with revenue exceeding budget. Other major achievements included the celebration of the 40th anniversary, enhanced engagement with researchers from faculties and priority research centres, successful facilitation of IP Commercialisation Bootcamps and receipt of the HunterNet Chairman’s Award for Innovation.

UON Foundation

This controlled entity was established by the University Council in June 2007 as a not for profit company charged with the responsibility of encouraging philanthropic support for the University. It also works with the University on investing the revenue raised for the best interest of the University, its donors and beneficiaries. The Foundation also plays a critical role in recognising the generosity of donors to the University.

In 2009 Ms Louise O’Connell was appointed Chief Executive Officer and under her leadership UON Foundation continued to grow and perform well. A larger operating budget was approved to support fundraising activities and fundraising experts Global Philanthropic were engaged to provide training for staff. Two successful donor events were held in 2009.

UON Services Ltd

This controlled entity was established by the University Council in 2006, as part of the University’s response to the introduction of Voluntary Student Unionism legislation. From April 2007 activities previously undertaken by the University of Newcastle Union Ltd were transferred to the controlled entity to ensure the maintenance of the breadth and quality of student services for the benefit of students, other University members and the wider community.

UON Services Ltd had significant management changes in November 2009 with the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer and a new Operational Services Manager. During the year UON Services Ltd obtained a corporate liquor licence and were cited by the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing as having the “best practice” with regards to the organisation of their social events.

UON Singapore Pte Ltd

Established in 2006, UON Singapore Pte Ltd was created to manage the University’s resources associated with the delivery of degree programs offered in Singapore in partnership with PSB Academy. The activities of the company are supported by the Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer of UON Singapore Pte Ltd, as well as academic and administrative staff located in Singapore and Newcastle, and an external secretarial agent.

Hunter Uni-Clinics

In 2009 Hunter Uni-clinics ceased to be a controlled entity of the University and ownership was transferred to Community Healthcare Trustees Pty Ltd. It is envisaged that Community Healthcare Trustees Pty Ltd will be better placed to further develop the range of essential community services delivered in Cessnock and the wider region.


APPENDICES

CATEGORY 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 % change 2008-2009

NUMBER OF STUDENTS

Total 26,383 26,894 28,550 30,397 32,693 7.6%

Female 54.9% 55.4% 56.2% 56.0% 55.9% -0.2%

Commencing 11,976 12,593 13,939 14,625 14,993 2.5%

Female 56.7% 56.4% 57.9% 56.2% 56.3% 0.2%

STUDENT LOAD

Total 17,843 17,981 19,058 20,600 22,682 10.1%

Undergraduate 13,539 13,709 14,699 15,705 17,166 9.3%

Postgraduate 2,968 2,921 2,911 3,181 3,253 2.3%

Other (Enabling, ELICOS, Non Award) 1,337 1,351 1,448 1,714 2,263 32.0%

FUNDING SOURCE

DEEWR funded Load 13,381 13,525 14,415 15,188 16,618 9.4%

Fee-Paying Overseas Load 3,094 3,112 3,341 3,995 4,618 15.6%

Fee-Paying Domestic Load 1,368 1,344 1,302 1,416 1,445 2.0%

AWARD COMPLETIONS

Total 5,438 5,478 5,422 5,629 NA -

Undergraduate 3,505 3,467 3,474 3,510 NA -

Postgraduate 1,933 2,011 1,948 2,119 NA -

FULL-TIME STAFF

Total 2,186 1,955 2,052 2,190 2,349 7.3%

ACADEMIC 854 788 831 886 933 5.3%

Faculty

Teaching and Research 685 611 632 646 661 2.3%

Research only 107 134 144 171 177 3.5%

Teaching only 7 4 11 18 44 144.4%

Other 41 18 19 19 17 -10.5%

General

Teaching and Research - - 8 12 7 -41.7%

Research only 7 6 8 10 12 20.0%

Other 7 14 9 10 14 40.0%

NON-ACADEMIC 1,332 1,167 1,221 1,304 1,416 8.6%

Faculty

Research only 91 102 94 106 126 18.9%

Other 526 368 367 397 402 1.3%

General

Research only 13 11 12 16 21 31.3%

Other 703 686 748 784 868 10.7%

CASUAL STAFF Total 268 270 331 347 356 2.6%

Academic 183 178 210 219 221 0.9%

Non-academic 85 93 121 127 134 5.5%

NOTES:Student data source: MIS January 2010Number 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 March 31 (excluding Independent Operations).Casual staff full-time equivalent positions occupied during year (excluding Independent Operations). (Casual figures are calculated one year behind Full-Time). 2009 data is preliminary and subject to revision.

APPENDIXA:FIVEYEARKEYSTATISTICS

Rounding errors may occur


The Official Members (3)

The ChancellorConjoint Professor Trevor C Waring amBA, MSc(Newc.), FAPS

The Vice-Chancellor and PresidentProfessor Nicholas SaundersMD(Syd.), HonLLD(Monash)

The President of Academic SenateProfessor Val J RobertsonBAppSc(Physio)(Lincoln Institute), BA(Hons),

PhD(La Trobe)

Members appointed by the NSW Minister for Education and Training (6)

Six external persons appointed by the Minister, from as far as practicable, the following categories:(a) Persons experienced in the field of education or the arts(b) Persons experienced in technology, industry, commerce or industrial relations(c) Persons who are practising, or have practised, a profession.

Ms Sharryn Brownlee

Ms Crystal Condous oamBCom, MLib(UNSW), GAICD(Re-elected for a three year term of office commencing 1 September 2009)

APPENDIXB:MEMBERSOFTHEUNIVERSITYCOUNCILIN2009

The following people were members of the Council during the whole of 2009 or as otherwise specified. Details of qualifications can be found in the Report by the Members of the Council contained in Volume Two of the Annual Report.

Ms Catherine HenryBA, LLB(UNSW)(Term of office expired 31 August 2009)

The Hon John Charles Price amI.Eng(UK), AMI Mar.E, OFIE Aust

Ms Deborah WrightMBA(SCU), DipTeach(Newc.), FAMI, CPM(Re-elected for a three year term of office commencing 1 September 2009)

Conjoint Professor Geoff LillisMBA(Merit)(Newc.), BE(Hons)(Newc.), FIE(Aust), MAICD(Elected for a three year term of office commencing 1 September 2009)

Member appointed by Council (1)

Mr Michael K JohnsLLM(Syd.), FAICD

Elected Members (5)

Two persons who are members of the academic staff of the University elected by members of the academic staff of the University:Professor Leonie AshmanBSc(Hons)(Flinders), PhD(Adelaide)

Professor John RostasBSc(Hons), PhD(Monash)

APPENDIXC:MEMBERSHIPOFSTANDINGCOMMITTEESOFUNIVERSITYCOUNCIL AND ATTENDANCE IN 2009The table below details the number of meetings of the members of the Council and of each Council committee meeting held during the year ended 31 December 2009 and the numbers of meetings attended by each member.

Members Ordinary meetings

Special meetings

Audit and Risk Management Committee

Nominations and Legislation Committee

Finance and Capital Development Committee

Conjoint Professor Trevor C Waring am 5/5 1/1 1/4 * 4/4 6/7

Professor Nicholas Saunders 5/5 1/1 3/4 * 4/4 6/7

Professor Val J Robertson 5/5 1/1 Not a member 3/4 6/6

Ms Sharryn Brownlee 4/5 1/1 Not a member Not a member Not a member

Ms Crystal Condous oam 5/5 1/1 Not a member 3/4 7/7

Ms Catherine Henry 2/4 0/1 0/4 Not a member Not a member

The Hon John Charles Price am 5/5 1/1 4/4 Not a member 5/7

Ms Deborah Wright 4/5 1/1 Not a member Not a member Not a member

Mr Michael K Johns 5/5 1/1 4/4 4/4 Not a member

Professor Leonie Ashman 5/5 1/1 Not a member Not a member Not a member

Professor John Rostas 4/5 1/1 Not a member Not a member 5/6

Ms Leanne Holt 5/5 1/1 Not a member Not a member Not a member

Mr Philbert Lutale 3/4 1/1 Not a member Not a member Not a member

Mr Robert Williams 4/5 1/1 Not a member Not a member Not a member

Ms Dianne Allen 5/5 1/1 Not a member Not a member 7/7

Mr Peter Cockbain 4/5 1/1 Not a member Not a member 5/6

The Hon Mahla Pearlman ao 5/5 1/1 0/3 Not a member Not a member

Dr Geoff Leonard am 5/5 1/1 3/4 Not a member Not a member

Conjoint Professor Geoff Lillis 0/0 0/0 0/0 Not a member Not a member

*The Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor are not members of the Audit and Risk Management committee but have rights of audience and debate.

One person who is a member of the non academic staff of the University elected by members of the non academic staff of the University:Ms Leanne HoltDip HR, MME

One person who is an undergraduate student of the University but who is not a member of the academic or non academic staff of the University elected by the undergraduate students of the University:Mr Robert Williams

One person who is a postgraduate student of the University but who is not a member of the academic or non academic staff of the University elected by the postgraduate students of the University:Mr Philbert LutaleBPubAdmin(Mzumbe, Tanzania)

External persons who are members of Convocation appointed by the Council (4)

Ms Dianne Allen, jpBCom(Newc.), CA MAICD

Mr Peter CockbainBScEng(Newc.), FIEAust, CPEng, FIPENZ

The Hon Mahla Pearlman aoBA, LLB(Hons)(Syd.), HonLLD(Newc.)

Dr Geoff Leonard amBCom, FCA, HonDBus(Newc.), FCPA


Faculty Number of academics

Male Female

Business and Law 9 0

Education and Arts 11 12

Engineering and Built Environment 10 1

Health 2 3

Science and Information Technology 7 2

Totals 39 18

The University of Newcastle declares its commitment to Aboriginal reconciliation, developing a strong community and fostering mutual respect, social justice and a united voice between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal Australians.

The University of Newcastle respects and acknowledges the Aboriginal land on which the Australian campuses of the University are located. We acknowledge the Aboriginal nations on whose traditional lands the University has a presence, respecting and acknowledging the traditional peoples and the cultural significance and history of the land.

The University is aware of the impact of the alienation and other forms of injustices including the removal of children, the loss of land, the destruction of languages and culture, and the ongoing struggle for social and restorative justice. Through acknowledging and understanding past losses and injustices and through committing to redressing the social and economic challenges and ongoing racism, we will continue to move forward together to a better future.

The University recognises that education plays an integral role in providing a foundation and platform for the exercise of self determination and the empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Through collaboration and the provision of culturally responsive education the University seeks to educate and contribute to the development of a harmonious community.

The University’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have supported the University in ensuring an Aboriginal presence at the University and appropriate and effective levels of consultation and collaboration through the sharing of Aboriginal voices, cultural wisdom and knowledge. These attributes are essential to moving forward to a future of equality and respect in teaching and learning, research, cultural inclusion, celebrating diverse cultures and success. The University acknowledges and appreciates the contribution and support by all communities.

We will continue to build on existing partnerships and wherever possible forge respectful relationships designed to contribute to the ongoing endeavour of redressing the circumstance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, health, cultures, languages, social justice, employment and empowerment.

The University is committed to providing an environment that is free from racism and discrimination, developing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to access and succeed in higher education. The University embraces the unique and diverse cultures of Aboriginal – the oldest continuing culture in the world – and Torres Strait Island peoples and to ensure the growth of knowledge for all Australians.

With respect and collaboration, the University of Newcastle embraces a united approach to equality and inclusiveness for all Australian peoples.

APPENDIXD:THEUNIVERSITYOFNEWCASTLERECONCILIATIONSTATEMENT

APPENDIXE:2009SPECIALSTUDIESPROGRAMACTIVITIESUNDERTAKENBYFACULTY


The following people were members of the Academic Senate during the whole of 2009 or as otherwise specified.

Name Position Date

Professor Val J Robertson President of the Academic Senate (Chair) Elected to 31/3/2010

Professor Nicholas Saunders Vice-Chancellor and President ex officio

A/Professor Brailey Sims Deputy President of the Academic Senate Elected to 31/3/2009

A/Professor Stephen Fityus Deputy President of the Academic Senate Elected to 31/3/2010

Professor Kevin McConkey Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Global Relations) ex officio

Professor Pat Michie Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)(Acting) ex officio

Professor Mike Calford Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) ex officio

Professor Bill Purcell Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) ex officio

Dr Sue Gould Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Services) ex officio

Professor Stephen Nicholas Pro Vice-Chancellor (Business and Law) ex officio

Professor Terry Lovat Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education and Arts) ex officio

Professor John Carter Pro Vice-Chancellor (Engineering and Built Environment) ex officio

Professor Peter Dunkley Pro Vice-Chancellor (Health) ex officio

Professor Bill Hogarth Pro Vice-Chancellor (Science and Information Technology) ex officio

A/Professor Stewart Franks Dean of Students ex officio

Professor Scott Holmes Dean, Graduate Studies ex officio

Dr John Anderson School of Law Elected to 31/3/2009

Ms Suzanne Ryan Newcastle Business School Elected to 31/3/2010

Dr Alan Berman Newcastle Law School Elected to 31/3/2011

Professor John Maynard Wollotuka School of Aboriginal Studies Elected to 31/3/2011

A/Professor James Jose School of Economics, Politics and Tourism Elected to 31/3/2009

Dr Jocelyn McKinnon School of Drama, Fine Art and Music Elected to 31/3/2009

Professor Richard Vella School of Drama, Fine Art and Music Elected to 31/3/2011

A/Professor Tony Williams School of Architecture and Built Environment Elected to 31/3/2010

Professor Jennifer Gore School of Education Elected to 31/3/2010

A/Professor John Germov School of Humanities and Social Science Elected to 31/3/2010

Dr Huilin ye School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Elected to 31/3/2009

Dr Chris Kellett School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Elected to 31/3/2011

Dr Lauren Williams School of Health Sciences Elected to 31/3/2010

A/Professor Tracy Levett-Jones School of Nursing and Midwifery Elected to 31/3/2011

Dr Liz Milward School of Biomedical Sciences Elected to 31/3/2009

Dr Rohan Rasiah School of Biomedical Sciences Elected to 31/3/2011

Professor Michael Hensley School of Medicine and Public Health Elected to 31/3/2010

Dr Peter Summons School of Design, Communication and Information Technology Elected to 31/3/2010

A/Professor Jenny Bowman School of Psychology Elected to 31/3/2010

Dr Greg Hancock School of Environmental and Life Sciences Elected to 31/3/2011

A/Professor Brailey Sims School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences Elected to 31/3/2010

Dr Caroline Webb Central Coast Campuses Elected to 31/3/2010

A/Professor Seamus Fagan English Language and Foundation Studies Centre Elected to 31/3/2011

Mr Kristofer Gesling Undergraduate Student Elected to 31/3/2010

Mr Andrew Haddad Undergraduate Student Elected to 31/3/2010

Mr Benjamin Dean Postgraduate Student Elected to 31/3/2010

Professor Stephen Crump Pro Vice-Chancellor and Director of the Central Coast campuses Co-opted from 29/4/2009

Prof Gail Huon Director, Centre for Teaching and Learning Co-opted from 29/4/2009

Mr Bob Cochrane Pro Vice-Chancellor and CEO of UON Singapore Co-opted from 29/4/2009

APPENDIXF:MEMBERSOFTHEACADEMICSENATE2009


IndividualsDr Victor D Bear AM & Mrs Adele BearDr Rohma CumminsMrs Vera DeaconMs Justine FairbairnEmeritus Professor Daphne KeatsProfessor John LevingstonMr Don McNairMr Paul MunroMr Roy PalmerMr Christopher Piggott & Mrs Shirley PiggottProfessor Nicholas SaundersMr Neville Sawyer AMProfessor Trevor Waring & Mrs Helen Waring

OrganisationsAdvitech Pty LtdAmpcontrol Pty LtdAnglican Diocese of NewcastleAnsaldo STS Australia Pty LtdThe Architecture FoundationAustralian Constructors Association LtdAustralian Rotary HealthThe A W Tyree FoundationBellberry LtdBill & Iris Burges Trust FundBloomfield Collieries Pty LtdBoronia Homes Pty LtdBradken LtdBramco Electronics

CMA Corporation LtdCoffey Geotechnics Pty LtdColgateCorky’s Carbon & Consultancy Pty LtdDelta ElectricityDoyles Creek Mining Pty LtdDubbo City CouncilEJE Architecture Pty LtdElectric Energy Society of AustraliaEngineers Australia WA DivisionEnviropacific Services Pty LtdEstate of late Isobel HancockFord Communication Pty LtdForsythesHunter Valley Family Law Practitioners AssociationHunter Valley Law Society IncHunter Water CorporationInstitute of Chartered Accountants in AustraliaInstitution of Surveyors NSW IncorpIZZAT Consulting EngineersJML Engineered Facades Pty LtdKempsey Shire CouncilKip McGrath Education CentreLa Trobe UniversityLidbury Summers & WhitemanLife Without Barriers Incorporated Assoc.LWM Group Pty LtdMacquarie GenerationMaitland City Council

Matrikon Pty LtdMCM Manufacturing Pty LtdNewcastle & Hunter Valley Pharmacists AssociationNewcastle Port CorporationNSW Bar AssociationNSW Department of Commerce – Hunter RegionOutback Science & Engineering Challenge CommitteeParkes Shire CouncilPort Macquarie-Hastings CouncilPort Waratah Coal Services LtdPowerserve Pty LtdRCR Stelform Pty LtdRio Tinto Aboriginal FoundationRio Tinto Coal NSW Pty LtdRoyal Newcastle Hospital Graduate Nurses Association IncSchizophrenia Research InstituteScott-Dibben AmcalSheather and Merrigan Business EquipmentSherman Foundation Pty LtdSuters Architects Pty LtdUNSAT – Centre for Geotechnical & Materials ModellingUON Services LimitedUON Singapore Pty LtdVeolia Environmental Services (Aust) Pty LtdW E Smith Engineering Pty LtdWeston Aluminium Pty Ltd

APPENDIXG:DONATIONSTOTHEUNIVERSITYIN2009The University would like to thank all individuals, families and organisations who have made donations during 2009. All donations contribute greatly towards the achievements of the University’s goals and objectives. The following list includes donations and sponsorships of $1,000 and over. Some of our donors do not appear on this list at their own request.

TABLE A: TRENDS IN THE REPRESENTATION OF EEO TARGET GROUPS1

EEO Group% of Total Staff2

Benchmark or Target 2006 2007 2008 2009

Women 50 56.7 57.8 59.2 60.6

Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders 2 2.3 2.3 2.2 2.1

People whose first language was not English 19 8.9 8.5 7.6 8.1

People with a disability 12 4.8 3.9 3.4 3.3

People with a disability requiring work-related adjustment 7 1.3 1.0 0.9 0.7

Source: Alesco HRS database

TABLE B: TRENDS IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF EEO TARGET GROUPS3

EEO GroupDistribution Index

Benchmark or Target 2006 2007 2008 2009

Women 100 72.61 73.03 73.03 83.45

Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders 100 81.59 82.61 90.73 88.98

People whose first language was not English 100 116.77 117.94 118.88 111.94

People with a disability 100 104.72 104.41 105.50 101.55

People with a disability requiring work-related adjustment 100 105.67 102.29 104.94 102.55

Source: Alesco HRS database1Staff numbers are as at 30 June 20092Excludes casual staff3A distribution index of 100 indicates that the distribution of the EEO group across salary levels is equivalent to that of other staff. Values less 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 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.

APPENDIXH:STAFFEQUITYSTATISTICS


TABLE 2 : UON ENROLMENTS By STUDENT TyPE AND PROGRAM TyPE 2005-2009

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 % change 2007-08 % change 2008-09

International onshore

Undergraduate 1,011 982 941 968 1,095 2.9% 13.1%

PG coursework 566 882 1,050 1,155 1,151 10.0% -0.3%

RHD 162 152 161 201 276 24.8% 37.3%

Non award 618 584 653 625 603 -4.3% -3.5%

Enabling 100 64 64 71 117 10.9% 64.8%

ELICOS 532 649 802 1,018 1,313 26.9% 29.0%

Total 2,989 3,313 3,671 4,038 4,555 10.0% 12.8%

International offshore

Undergraduate 1,199 1,435 1,608 1,874 2,016 16.5% 7.6%

PG coursework 1,282 1,022 871 863 736 -0.9% -14.7%

RHD 5 9 8 13 13 62.5% 0.0%

Non award 3 - 11 - 16 - -

ELICOS 1 1 1 5 7 - -

Total 2,490 2,467 2,499 2,755 2,788 10.2% 1.2%

Total international

Undergraduate 2,210 2,417 2,549 2,842 3,111 11.5% 9.5%

PG coursework 1,848 1,904 1,921 2,018 1,887 5.0% -6.5%

RHD 167 161 169 214 289 26.6% 35.0%

Non award 621 584 664 625 619 -5.9% -1.0%

Enabling 100 64 64 71 117 10.9% 64.8%

ELICOS 533 650 803 1,023 1,320 27.4% 29.0%

Total 5,479 5,780 6,170 6,793 7,343 10.1% 8.1%

Domestic

Undergraduate 14,925 15,161 16,436 17,431 18,410 6.1% 5.6%

PG coursework 3,071 3,032 3,050 3,258 3,519 6.8% 8.0%

RHD 1,062 960 915 954 946 4.3% -0.8%

Non award 74 87 70 103 113 47.1% 9.7%

Enabling 1,767 1,866 1,908 1,853 2,357 -2.9% 27.2%

ELICOS 4 5 1 5 5 - -

Total 20,903 21,111 22,380 23,604 25,350 5.5% 7.4%

Total enrolments by program type

Undergraduate 17,136 17,579 18,985 20,273 21,521 6.8% 6.2%

PG coursework 4,919 4,936 4,971 5,276 5,406 6.1% 2.5%

RHD 1,229 1,121 1,084 1,168 1,235 7.7% 5.7%

Non award 695 671 734 728 732 -0.8% 0.5%

Enabling 1,867 1,932 1,972 1,924 2,474 -2.4% 28.6%

ELICOS 537 655 804 1,028 1,325 27.9% 28.9%

Total 26,383 26,894 28,550 30,397 32,693 6.5% 7.6%

Source: MIS as at 27 Jan 2010

TABLE 1: UON ENROLMENTS AND LOAD By PROGRAM TyPE 2005-2009

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Enrolments 26,383 26,894 28,550 30,397 32,693

Student Load (EFTSL) 17,843 17,981 19,058 20,600 22,682

Enrolments 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Student load (EFTSL) 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Undergraduate 17,136 17,579 18,985 20,273 21,521 Undergraduate 13,539 13,709 14,699 15,705 17,166

PG coursework 4,919 4,936 4,971 5,276 5,406 PG Coursework 2,167 2,184 2,190 2,464 2,439

RHD 1,229 1,121 1,084 1,168 1,235 RHD 801 737 721 718 814

Non award 695 671 734 728 732 Non Award 295 278 317 301 288

Enabling 1,867 1,932 1,972 1,924 2,474 Enabling 952 963 980 1,003 1,391

ELICOS 537 655 804 1,028 1,325 ELICOS 90 111 152 409 584

Total 26,383 26,894 28,550 30,397 32,693 Total 17,843 17,981 19,058 20,600 22,682


APPENDIXI:STUDENTSTATISTICS2009



TABLE 3: UON AWARD COMPLETIONS By CAREER 2005-2008

Program career 2005 2006 2007 2008

Undergraduate 3,505 3,467 3,474 3,510

PG coursework 1,769 1,875 1,821 1,984

RHD 164 136 127 135

Total 5,438 5,478 5,422 5,629


TABLE 4: UON INDIGENOUS STUDENT ENROLMENTS AND COMPLETIONS By PROGRAM TyPE 2005-2009

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Undergraduate Enrolments 276 310 327 336 350

Completions 25 54 47 46 43

PG coursework Enrolments 33 32 36 46 41


RHD Enrolments 24 15 17 27 21


Enabling Enrolments 36 46 72 67 101


Total enrolments 369 406 452 476 513

Total completions 55 78 78 82 NA


TABLE 5: STUDENT ENROLMENTS By CAREER AND GENDER 2005-2009

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Female Undergraduate 9,504 9,835 10,722 11,517 12,338

PG coursework 2,556 2,616 2,672 2,850 2,882

RHD 621 563 560 596 640

Non award 402 346 405 429 403

Enabling 1,114 1,180 1,226 1,141 1,478

ELICOS 280 366 461 480 538

Female total 14,477 14,906 16,046 17,013 18,279

Male Undergraduate 7,632 7,744 8,263 8,756 9,183

PG coursework 2,363 2,320 2,299 2,426 2,524

RHD 608 558 524 572 595

Non award 293 325 329 299 329

Enabling 753 752 746 783 996

ELICOS 257 289 343 548 787

Male total 11,906 11,988 12,504 13,384 14,414

Total 26,383 26,894 28,550 30,397 32,693


TABLE 6: UON STUDENT LOAD (EFTSL) By FUNDING SOURCE 2005-2009

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Funding EFTSL % EFTSL % EFTSL % EFTSL % EFTSL %

DEEWR funded 13,381 75% 13,525 75.2% 14,415 75.6% 15,188 73.7% 16,618 73.3%

International 3,094 17.3% 3,112 17.3% 3,341 17.5% 3,995 19.4% 4,618 20.4%

Domestic fee-paying 1,368 7.7% 1,344 7.5% 1,302 6.8% 1,416 6.9% 1,445 6.4%

Total 17,843 100% 17,981 100% 19,058 100% 20,600 100% 22,682 100%




TABLE 8: UON STUDENT STAFF RATIO ( INCLUDES CASUAL STAFF)

Year UON onshore EFTSL UON Sector

2004 16,433 18.88 19.43

2005 16,477 18.92 19.15

2006 16,778 21.38 19.27

2007 17,610 20.93 19.52

2008 18,615 21.33 19.81

Source: DEEWR, Universities Australia.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

TABLE 12: NUMBER OF ELIGIBLE* PREFERENCES TO UON, NSW/ACT, 2005-2009

First preferences First to third preferences

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Current school leavers 3,047 2,740 2,860 2,877 3,023 9,085 8,303 8,575 8,636 8,974

Non current school leavers 4,594 4,653 4,938 4,677 4,751 10,495 10,415 11,040 10,277 10,107

Total 7,641 7,393 7,798 7,554 7,774 19,580 18,718 19,615 18,913 19,081

*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 9: UON MARKET SHARE OF PREFERENCES, NSW/ACT, 2005-2009


2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Current school leavers 9.5% 8.6% 8.7% 9.4% 9.5% 9.7% 8.9% 8.9% 9.6% 9.7%

Non current school leavers 14.2% 14.6% 15.3% 14.6% 14.5% 13.5% 13.8% 14.6% 13.8% 13.5%

Total 11.7% 11.3% 11.7% 11.7% 11.7% 11.3% 10.9% 11.2% 11.3% 12.1%

Source: UAC data as at end of admissions process via MIS

TABLE 10: NUMBER OF PREFERENCES TO UON, NSW/ACT, 2005-2009


2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Current school leavers 3,816 3,473 3,595 3,970 4,206 11,288 10,380 10,648 11,823 12,435

Non current school leavers 4,798 4,858 5,209 5,004 5,139 11,005 10,906 11,678 11,022 10,971

Total 8,614 8,331 8,804 8,974 9,345 22,293 21,286 22,326 22,845 25,415

Source: UAC data as at end of admissions process via MIS

TABLE 11: UON MARKET SHARE OF ELIGIBLE* PREFERENCES, NSW/ACT, 2005-2009


2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Current school leavers 9.4% 8.5% 8.6% 8.7% 8.8% 9.6% 8.8% 8.9% 9.0% 9.0%

Non current school leavers 14.7% 15.0% 15.6% 14.9% 14.8% 13.9% 14.2% 14.9% 13.9% 13.7%

Total 12.0% 11.7% 12.0% 11.7% 11.7% 11.5% 11.2% 11.5% 11.2% 11.0%

*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 2004-2008 (AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS WITH BACHELOR DEGREES ONLy)

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Newcastle National Newcastle National Newcastle National Newcastle National Newcastle National

Working full-time 51.1% 52.9% 51% 54.5% 55.7% 54.7% 56.8% 56.5% 57.8% 56.4%

Working part-time 21.7% 14.7% 19.9% 14.7% 18.6% 16.4% 18.6% 15.1% 17.1% 14.8%

Seeking work 5.8% 5.5% 6.8% 5.2% 4.2% 4.1% 4.6% 3.9% 3.9% 3.9%

Full-time study 18.6% 23.4% 18.6% 22.5% 17.4% 20.3% 16.6% 20% 15.6% 19.6%

Unavailable/unknown

2.8% 3.5% 3.7% 3.1% 4.1% 4.5% 3.4% 4.5% 5.6% 5.3%

100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100.%

Source: Graduate Destination Survey 2004-2008



TABLE 13: BASIS OF ADMISSION FOR COMMENCING UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT ENROLMENTS 2005-2009

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Secondary education 2,265 2,340 3,121 3,061 3,119

Higher education course comp/incomp 1,468 1,686 1,873 2,693 1,777

TAFE 880 1,103 1,265 836 1,144

Mature age 976 1,036 1,200 1,100 997

Professional qualification 116 43 16 6 9

Other* 408 345 221 245 590

Unknown - 11 - - -

Total 6,113 6,564 7,696 7,941 7,636

*Other includes special entry, employment experience, open learning, uni exam assessment Source: MIS as at 27 Jan 2010

Aim High – Community Music Programs

Aim High Newsletter for Careers Advisors – three editions

Alumni Newsletter – three editions

Annual Report 2008

Building Distinction

Business and Law Achievements 2009

Central Coast Undergraduate Prospectus 2010

Code of Conduct Internal Communications

Community Partnerships 2009

ELFSC Open Foundation and Newstep brochures

Faculties profile brochures – three faculties

Find yourself – engineering booklet

Gifted and Talented brochure

Health Achievements 2009

iLead booklet

Indigenous Collaboration 2009

International Exchange program

International Foundation 2009 brochure

International Postgraduate Programs 2010

International Prospectus 2010

International Student Companion

International Research Higher Degrees Prospectus

International Undergraduate Programs 2010

Joint Medical Program (JMP) booklet

Just the Basics 2009

Orientation programs

Postgraduate Coursework 2010

Postgraduate Degree brochure packs

Research Higher Degrees Prospectus

Research 2009

Scholarships brochure

Science and IT yr 11 and 12 booklet

Science and IT yr 9 and 10 booklet

Student Support Services brochure

Sydney brochure

Teaching and Learning 2009

Undergraduate Degree brochure packs

Undergraduate Prospectus 2010

UNISS Scholarship brochure

Uninews – two versions (staff and student), emailed weekly

TABLE 14: UON COMMENCING AND CONTINUING ENROLMENTS By FACULTy/DIVISION 2005-2009

Commencing/Continuing Faculty/Division 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Commencing English Language and Foundation Studies Centre 2,273 2,419 2,604 2,707 3,386

Business and Law 1,718 1,962 2,307 2,497 2,497

Education and Arts 3,062 3,097 3,242 3,176 3,046

Engineering and Built Environment 1,146 1,009 1,038 1,210 1,183

Health 1,633 1,747 2,206 2,375 2,274

Science and Information Technology 1,442 1,683 1,806 1,910 1,845

Other* 702 676 736 750 762

Commencing total 11,976 12,593 13,939 14,625 14,993

Continuing English Language and Foundation Studies Centre 116 168 172 245 413

Business and Law 3,018 2,832 2,783 2,936 3,169

Education and Arts 4,120 4,204 4,274 4,519 4,959

Engineering and Built Environment 2,275 2,308 2,152 2,110 2,215

Health 2,589 2,680 2,868 3,359 3,962

Science and Information Technology 2,247 2,084 2,316 2,551 2,935

Other* 42 25 46 52 47

Continuing total 14,407 14,301 14,611 15,772 17,700

Total 26,383 26,894 28,550 30,397 32,693

*Some non-award programs offered by the University, particularly Exchange and Study Abroad, are not specific to any faculty.Source: MIS as at 27 Jan 2010

APPENDIXJ:MARKETINGANDCORPORATEMATERIALS2009



SECTION E: APPLICATIONS GRANTED OR OTHERWISE AVAILABLE IN PART

How were the documents made available to the applicant? Number of FOI applications (granted or otherwise available in part)

Personal Other Total

E1 Provided to the applicant 1 - 1

E2 Provided to the applicant’s medical practitioner - - -

E3 Available for inspection - - -

E4 Available for purchase - - -

E5 Library material - - -

E6 Subject to deferred access - - -

E7 Available by a combination of any of the reasons listed in E1-E6 above - - -

E8 Total granted or otherwise available in part 1 - 1

SECTION B: DISCONTINUED APPLICATIONS

Why were FOI applications discontinued? Number of discontinued FOI applications


B1 Transferred to another agency (S.20) - - -

B2 Applicant withdrew request - 2 2

B3 Applicant failed to pay advance deposit (S.22) - 2 2

B4 Applicant failed to amend a request that would have been an unreasonable diversion of resources to complete (Sn. 25 (1) (A1))

- - -

B5 Total discontinued - 4 4

SECTION C: COMPLETED APPLICATIONS

What happened to completed FOI applications? Number of completed FOI applications


C1 Granted or otherwise available in full 3 6 9

C2 Granted or otherwise available in part 1 - 1

C3 Refused - - -

C4 No documents held - - -

C5 Total completed 4 6 10

SECTION D: APPLICATIONS GRANTED OR OTHERWISE AVAILABLE IN FULL

How were the documents made available to the applicant? Number of FOI applications (granted or otherwise available in full)


D1 Provided to the applicant 3 6 9

D2 Provided to the applicant’s medical practitioner - - -

D3 Available for inspection - - -

D4 Available for purchase - - -

D5 Library material - - -

D6 Subject to deferred access - - -

D7 Available by a combination of any of the reasons listed in D1-D6 above - - -

D8 Total granted or otherwise available in full 3 6 9

SECTION A: NEW FOI APPLICATIONS

How many FOI applications were received, discontinued or completed? Number of FOI applications


A1 New 4 10 14

A2 Brought forward - - -

A3 Total to be processed 4 10 14

A4 Completed 4 6 10

A5 Discontinued - 4 4

A6 Total processed 4 10 14

A7 Unfinished (carried forward) - - -

APPENDIXK:UNIVERSITYOFNEWCASTLEFREEDOMOFINFORMATIONSTATISTICS2009


SECTION F: REFUSED FOI APPLICATIONS

Why was access to the documents refused? Number of refused FOI applications


F1 Exempt - - -

F2 Deemed refused - - -

F3 Total refused - - -


SECTION I: FORMAL CONSULTATIONS

How many formal consultations were conducted? Number

I1 Number of applications requiring formal consultation -

I2 Number of persons formally consulted -

SECTIONG:EXEMPTDOCUMENTS

Why were the documents classified as exempt? (identify one reason only) Number of FOI applications (refused or access granted or otherwise available in part only)


RESTRICTED DOCUMENTS:

G1 Cabinet documents Clause 1 - - -

G2 Executive council documents Clause 2 - - -

G3 Documents affecting law enforcement and public safety Clause 4 - - -

G4 Documents affecting counter terrorism measures Clause 4a - - -

DOCUMENTS REQUIRING CONSULTATION:

G5 Documents affecting intergovernmental relations Clause 5 - - -

G6 Documents affecting personal affairs Clause 6 - - -

G7 Documents affecting business affairs Clause 7 - - -

G8 Documents affecting the conduct of research Clause 8 - - -

DOCUMENTSOTHERWISEEXEMPT:

G9 Schedule 2 exempt agency - - -

G10 Documents containing information confidential to olympic committees Clause 22 - - -

G11 Documents relating to threatened species, Aboriginal objects or Aboriginal places

Clause 23 - - -

G12 Documents relating to threatened species conservation Clause 24 - - -

G13 Plans of management containing information of Aboriginal significance Clause 25 - - -

G14 Private documents in public library collections Clause 19 - - -

G15 Documents relating to judicial functions Clause 11 - - -

G16 Documents subject to contempt Clause 17 - - -

G17 Documents arising out of companies and securities legislation Clause 18 - - -

G18 Exempt documents under interstate FOI legislation Clause 21 - - -

G19 Documents subject to legal professional privilege Clause 10 - - -

G20 Documents containing confidential material Clause 13 1 - 1

G21 Documents subject to secrecy provisions Clause 12 - - -

G22 Documents affecting the economy of the state Clause 14 - - -

G23 Documents affecting financial or property interests of the state or an agency Clause 15 - - -

G24 Documents concerning the operations of agencies Clause 16 - - -

G25 Internal working documents Clause 9 - - -

G26 Other exemptions (eg. Clauses 20, 22a, 26) - - -

G27 Total applications including exempt documents 1 - 1

SECTION H: MINISTERIAL CERTIFICATES (Sn.59)

How many ministerial certificates were issued? Total number of ministerial certificates

H1 Ministerial certificates issued -

SECTION J: AMENDMENT OF PERSONAL RECORDS

How many applications for amendment of personal records were agreed or refused? Number of applications for amendment of personal records

J1 Agreed in full -

J2 Agreed in part -

J3 Refused -

J4 Total -


SECTION R: RESULTS OF INTERNAL REVIEWS

Grounds on which the internal review was requested Number of internal reviews


Original agency decision upheld

Original agency decision varied





R1 Access refused - - - - - -

R2 Access deferred - - - - - -

R3 Exempt matter deleted from documents - - - - - -

R4 Unreasonable charges - - 2 - 2 -

R5 Failure to consult with third parties - - - - - -

R6 Third parties views disregarded - - - - - -

R7 Amendment of personal records refused - - - - - -

R8 Total - - 2 - 2 -

SECTION Q: NUMBER OF REVIEWS

How many reviews were finalised? Number of completed reviews

Q1 Internal reviews 2

Q2 Ombudsman reviews -

Q3 ADT reviews -

SECTION P: PROCESSING TIME: HOURS

How long did it take to process completed applications? Number of completed FOI applications


P1 0 – 10 hours 3 6 9

P2 11 – 20 hours 1 - 1

P3 21 – 40 hours - - -

P4 Over 40 hours - - -

P5 Total 4 6 10

SECTION M: FEE DISCOUNTS

How many fee waivers or discounts were allowed and why? Number of FOI applications (where fees were waived or discounted)


M1 Processing fees waived in full 1 1 2

M2 Public interest discounts - - 0

M3 Financial hardship discount – pensioner or child 2 - 2

M4 Financial hardship discount – non-profit organisation - 1 1

M5 Total 3 2 5

SECTION N: FEE REFUNDS

How many fee refunds were granted as a result of significant correction of personal records? Number of refunds

N1 Number of fee refunds granted as a result of significant correction of personal records -

SECTION O: DAyS TAKEN TO COMPLETE REQUEST

How long did it take to process completed applications? Number of completed FOI applications


O1 0 – 21 days Statutory determination period 4 6 10

O2 22 – 35 days Extended statutory determination period for consulation or retrieval of archived records (SN 59B)

- - -

O3 Over 21 days Deemed refusal where no extended determination period applies - - -

O4 Over 35 days Deemed refusal where extended determination period applies - - -

O5 Total 4 6 10

SECTION L: FEES AND COSTS

What fees were assessed and received for FOI applications processed (excluding applications transferred out)? Assessed costs Fees received

L1 All completed applications $255.00 $255.00

SECTION K: NOTATION OF PERSONAL RECORDS

How many applications for notation of personal records were made (S.46)? Number of applications for notation

KI Applications for notation -


In order of Treasury compliance checklist

Letter of submission Inside front coverCharter 47Aims and objectives 07Access Inside back coverManagement and structure 50 – 51Summary review of operations 03 – 05Economic or other factors 45 – 46Management and activities 08 – 46, 49Research and development 14Human resources 27Equal employment opportunity 29, Appendix HDisability plans 24Land disposal 40Promotion 27Consumer response 03, 44Payment of accounts 46Time for payment of accounts 46Risk management and insurance activities 39 – 40Disclosure of controlled entities 46, 52Ethnic affairs priority statements 29, Appendix HOccupational health and safety 42Waste 41Budgets 45 – 46Financial statement Volume TwoIdentification of audited financial statements Volume TwoInvestment performance 45 – 46Liability management performance Volume TwoPerformance and numbers of executive officers Volume TwoFreedom of Information Act 44Implementation of price determination Volume TwoElectronic service delivery 9, 24 – 25Credit card certification Volume TwoPublic availability of annual reports Inside back coverProduction costs and printing requirements Inside back cover

Access and Printing Costs: Volume One and Volume Two

The University welcomes feedback and enquiries from the public by telephone, postal mail, email or in person.

OFFICE HOURS 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday

POSTAL ADDRESSUniversity Secretary The University of NewcastleCallaghan NSW 2308 Australia

T +61 2 4921 5000 (General Enquiries)T +61 2 4921 6934 (Media Unit)F +61 2 4921 6922 (Records Management Office)E [email protected] www.newcastle.edu.au

Written and compiled by the Governance and Policy and Media and Public Relations units, the University of Newcastle.

Edited by Morris Walker

Designed and formatted by Media and Public Relations, the University of Newcastle.

This Annual Report is available in electronic form at the following address: www.newcastle.edu.au/service/annual-reports

ABN 15 736 576 735

Printed by Newcastle Camera Print (NCP)

CD produced by CD Genius

Print run 400 copies (Volume One), 75 copies (Volume Two), 400 copies (CD Volume Two)

Total external cost $9,951.64 ($10,946.80 inclusive of GST)

Cost of editing service $1,800 ($1,980 inclusive of GST)

ISSN 1036-4765