An impressive artwork measuring over six metres long has found a new home in the University of Newcastle’s Conservatorium.

Skyspace by Australian artist Ms Virginia Cuppaidge has been donated to the University by award-winning children’s author, Ms Libby Hathorn.

University Art Curator Ms Gillean Shaw said Ms Hathorn’s donation was an impressive addition to the University’s art collection.

Ms Shaw said the Conservatorium’s Concert Hall foyer was the ideal spot to hang the large acrylic canvas painting which was painted in New York in 1981.

Ms Hathorn, who was born in Newcastle, will return to the city to see the donated Cuppaidge work in its new home and to launch a new book later in the week.

Photo opportunity: Ms Libby Hathorn will meet with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Kevin McConkey to view the artwork in its new home on Tuesday 29 April at 12.30pm at the University of Newcastle’s Conservatorium.

Media contact: Art Curator, Ms Gillean Shaw, on 02 4921 5255.

Five University of Newcastle academics have been recognised for their exceptional record of advancing student learning, educational leadership and contribution to teaching.

They have been named winners of this year’s Vice-Chancellor’s Awards for Teaching Excellence and Learning Support after being nominated by colleagues and students. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Kevin McConkey, said the awards would be presented at graduation ceremonies being held this week.

"Each recipient has made a significant contribution to enhancing the quality of teaching and learning at the University of Newcastle. All winners are well-deserving of these awards and I pass on my appreciation and congratulations to them."

The winners are as follows:

Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Support 2007 (major award): Dr Marita Lynagh and Dr Sue Outram – School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health

Dr Lynagh and Dr Outram have a combined teaching experience at the University of 39 years. They have developed, coordinated and taught innovative courses in a range of Schools across the University, including Nursing, Health Sciences, Education and Medicine. They have been leaders in delivering course that inspire students to learn through their focus on meaningful and professionally relevant curricula.

Dr David Palmer – School of Education, Faculty of Education and Arts

Dr Palmer’s work focusses on encouraging positive attitudes towards science among students in primary teacher education programs. He has a record of challenging and inspiring students through his enthusiastic and creative approaches to learning, and his graduates are deeply committed to science education and confident in the steps they can take to educate others.

Early Career Academic: Dr Sharon Cooper – School of Education, Faculty of Education and Arts

Dr Cooper’s success in motivating and inspiring students to learn is due to her own knowledge of her field, her ability to make complex ideas accessible, and to the meaningful learning environment she creates. Her teaching strategies help students become confident in taking learning risks, and demonstrate that outstanding results can be in within anyone’s reach.

Professor Steffen Lehmann – School of Architecture and Built Environment, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment

Since arriving in 2005, Professor Lehmann has worked to reconnect the architectural profession, the University and the City of Newcastle with energy and enthusiasm. His international experience and outlook prepares students for architectural practice in a world of rapid change. He nurtures critical thinking and provides students with opportunities to be active and creative stewards of the local built environment.

Contact: Blythe Hamilton, Media and Public Relations, on 02 4921 6856.

Five University of Newcastle academics will today be dubbed among the best teachers in New South Wales.

Associate Professor Frans Henskens, Dr Tracy Levett-Jones, Ms Katherine Lindsay, Dr Josephine May and Dr Dianne Osland will receive the esteemed Quality Teaching Awards (QTA).

The awards are given to teachers who demonstrate a commitment to excellence and student achievement. They will be presented this evening by the State Minister for Education and Training, John Della Bosca.

The University teachers are being recognised for initiating a Gifted and Talented Program in engineering; influencing student learning in nursing; implementing new feedback mechanisms for assessment items in law; convening one of the largest first year history courses in Australia; and developing students’ understanding of the cultural and aesthetic values of literature.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Kevin McConkey, said five awards set a new record for the University.

"To receive five Quality Teaching Awards is a real honour for the individuals and the University," he said. "This shows that the University of Newcastle is highly competitive in our teaching and learning within the higher education sector."

The recipients go through a rigorous selection process in which they are observed in the classroom with students. Comments on their teaching are also obtained from students, parents and colleagues.

Information about the Quality Teaching Award winners is included below.

NSW Quality Teacher Awards – The University of Newcastle recipient information

Dr Tracy Levett-Jones

Lecturer and Undergraduate Program Convenor, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health

• As Bachelor of Nursing Program Convenor, Tracy has influenced student learning through innovative curricula and the professional development of clinical and academic staff.
• Tracy developed a new clinical education model recognised as one of the most innovative and successful in Australia. The clinical environment provides an authentic context for nursing students to develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values of a registered nurse.

Ms Katherine Lindsay

Senior Lecturer, School of Law, Faculty of Business and Law

• Katherine has introduced forms of assessment such as reflective journals, which greatly foster professional development in the subjects which she teaches.
• She is teaching the subject ‘Legal Teaching and Method’ in the Gifted and Talented program run at the University of Newcastle in conjunction with Merewether High School.

Associate Professor Frans Henskens

Deputy Head of School, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment

• Frans played a key role in the initiation of the Gifted and Talented Program that allows exceptional students to undertake first year University courses while attending high school.

Dr Josephine May

Lecturer, School of Humanities and Social Science, Faculty of Education and Arts

• Josephine co-authored the Academic Survival Skills Coursework Booklet to help students acquire academic skills and develop strategies needed to succeed at university
• This year Josephine convened one of the largest first year courses in the University and one of the largest first year history courses in the country.

Dr Dianne Osland

Senior Lecturer, School of Humanities and Social Science, Faculty of Education and Arts

• Dianne’s teaching has focused on developing students’ understanding of the cultural and aesthetic values of literature.

• Her focus is on narrative literature and the craft of writing.

The creation of a vibrant cultural and educational precinct in the Newcastle central business district is one step closer, with Newcastle City Council and the University of Newcastle inviting the private sector to get on board.

This weekend Newcastle City Council and the University of Newcastle will advertise nation wide to seek industry proposals for the redevelopment of prominent Council owned sites located within the Newcastle Civic and Cultural Precinct.

General Manager JANET DORE says the project presents an exciting opportunity for the private sector to partner with Council and the University to help shape the cultural identity, cultural expression and civic life of Newcastle.

"Our aim is to concentrate a range of cultural experiences within a central, easily accessible location. Both Council and the University are committed to a revitalised and thriving CBD through the development of world class civic, cultural and educational facilities."

The Civic and Cultural Precinct includes key facilities as the Newcastle Region Art Gallery, School of Drama, Fine Art and Music (including the Conservatorium), University House, Council’s Central Administration Building, City Hall, Civic Theatre, Newcastle Region Library, Wheeler Place, Civic Station and the waterfront.
Council has a number of suitable sites within the precinct available for development. The University will consider alternate site options, within close proximity to the Newcastle Civic Centre, that address its needs and are commercially competitive.

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor NICHOLAS SAUNDERS says a vibrant city centre hinges on a strong cultural and educational presence. 
“The University is working with the Newcastle City Council to look at a range of options to expand our facilities and offerings in the city precinct.  Seeking industry development proposals is an important early milestone in our long term vision of growing our city campus and playing a key role in reinvigorating our CBD.”

A market sounding brief has been prepared which identifies the opportunity for significant private sector participation in the design, construction, financing, ownership and maintenance of facilities and services within the precinct. 

A national advertisement campaign will start on Saturday 10 November.

For further information and interviews contact JANET DORE on 4974 2211.  For interviews with PROFESSOR SAUNDERS contact Kate Robinson on 4921 5061.

The University of Newcastle has received a record $10.3 million from the Australian Research Council (ARC) under the highly competitive Discovery Projects Scheme.

Thirty-one projects have received funding, including investigations into transforming greenhouse gases, flotation technology for the minerals industry, cognitive thinking, digital communications, research theses, and carbon storage in plants.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Barney Glover, said the funding was an increase of $2.5 million on last year.

"Our engineering and science researchers feature prominently in the successful Discovery Projects, acknowledging them as among the best in their fields," he said.

"Eighteen of the 31 Discovery Projects are within our Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, confirming our standing as one of the top 100 universities in the field of engineering/technology and computer sciences.*

"Many of the projects fall within the University’s Priority Research Centres and align with National Research Priority Areas.

"We are particularly pleased that 20 per cent of the Discovery Projects funded, totalling approximately $1 million, are in the fields of humanities, social sciences and education."

Today’s funding announcement brings to approximately $30 million, the amount of Australian Government funding received by the University this week, as follows:

National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC): $14 million
ARC Discovery Projects: $10.3 million
ARC Linkage Projects: $2 million
ARC Linkage, Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF): $750,000
In addition the University will receive approximately $3.5 million from the NHMRC via its researchers who collaborate with other universities.

"This is a fantastic week for the University of Newcastle and recognises our position as a global research-intensive university," Professor Glover said.

For information: Katie Porritt on 02 4921 5120 or 0418 445 888.

Source: ABC Online

Newcastle University vice-chancellor Nick Saunders says he is not surprised at the institution’s disappointing ranking in the latest Good Universities Guide.

Compared to previous years, the university, in the New South Wales Hunter region, had a higher ranking for research performance and for graduates’ chances of getting a job.

But the rankings slipped in the categories of educational experience and student outcomes.

Professor Saunders says the survey is based on information from graduating students in 2005 and things have improved a lot since then.

"This was a very difficult year for the university, so I think it’s not surprising that the students have rated their experience overall at the university down on previous years," he said.

"On the other hand we’ve had an increase in our rating with regards to positive outcomes for graduates, like getting a job and starting salaries and the like, so that’s a positive finding."