Dear everyone
Launching our presence on Social Media
Thanks to Dave Segal we have set up accounts on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. In rolling out our social media strategy slowly, we have “gone live” with Facebook, see
https://www.facebook.com/unicolaustralia/ so those who regularly use social media, please feel free to start conversations, share ideas and create your own posts, just follow or like! Members can also follow up on Twitter
https://twitter.com/Uni_Colleges_Au
It may take some time to gather some momentum so please be patient!
UCA Heads and Deputies Mentoring Program
Carla and Dave have worked on putting together a flier for all heads and deputies who are interested and have some time to mentor newer heads or deputies. The brochure can be downloaded
here. Simply complete the form and scan and email to back to
Deb and we will be in touch when a suitable match is found.
Alcohol Harm Minimisation Committee
UCA alcohol harm minimisation committee chaired by Professor Tim Corney is working with Burnet Institute and other stakeholders to trial a mobile phone intervention application known as a MIDY during O’ Weeks in 2018. Funding is being sought to support the project from various sources including state health departments. The UCA executive members are excited about the possibilities for colleges into the future and will keep members informed of developments - with plans to provide more information at our Forum on 28/29 in September in Brisbane.
Also, at our meeting last Friday we heard some best practice examples across both affiliated and university owned and managed Colleges and Halls concerning improved O Week activities and events around alcohol harm minimisation. We will capture these ideas and send out to members and in the meantime if you also have ideas, please email us so we can include them. Keith Conley (UoW) has implemented some not insignificant changes, involving residents/students and others are refining processes.
Respect Now. Always. Campaign and the National Survey
As leaders in Colleges and Halls across Australia, we play a critical role in preventing all forms of sexual harassment and sexual violence. We are aware that many Colleges have developed some very effective programs, policies and ideas in relation to all forms of harassment and discrimination and more recently sexual harassment and sexual assault.
If any member thinks that they would benefit from UCA putting together some sort of checklist that details ideas about training, policies, procedures or the like, please let us know and we will put it together. Similarly, if you are keen to share what your College or Hall of Residence is doing please let us know.
In relation to training, Epigeum has created an online training program “Consent Matters” which has been conducted at the ANU and Newcastle Universities. If any member would like more information, please contact Jane Woolnough on (03) 9934 9219 or email
jane.woolnough@oup.com. This online training has been developed in the UK with regard to the Australian context, however, as with all training a combination of face-to-face with online may be the best method of delivery.
Student Accommodation Development World Conference – Melbourne 15-17 August – speaker wanted!
Both UCA and AACUHO have been invited to be part of the inaugural Student Development World Conference which will include speakers predominantly operating in the commercial student accommodation sector and university owned and managed residences.
An opportunity exists to speak on the topic “Crackdown on violence and developing a culture of respect in student accommodation.” If any UCA member is interested in presenting, please
email or telephone me and I can put you in touch with the organisers.
Competitive Neutrality Policy
For members to be aware that the federal Department of Treasury has announced that it will review the CN policy. More information about this can be found here
https://consult.treasury.gov.au/market-and-competition-policy-division/competitive-neutrality-review/
Save the Date
The biennial UCA Forum will be held in Brisbane 28/29 September and will largely have a focus on the
Respect. Now. Always. Campaign; Mental Health; Alcohol Harm Minimisation; our Mentor Program and supporting Heads and Deputies. Lock it in your diaries - it will be a great couple of days and an opportunity to meet with colleagues and share ideas.
Best wishes
Rose Alwyn
