Dean's Report

COVID-19 and Business Continuity Planning

As the COVID-19 situation continues to unfold the University is working hard to respond as quickly and effectively as possible to a multitude of emerging issues. Business continuity planning is underway across the University, and at MGSE, as we review our existing continuity plans to ensure we are prepared to implement them if required. Our first priority is, of course, the health and wellbeing of our staff and students and we will continue to follow the advice provided by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services and the Australian Department of Health.

The University’s advice on business related international travel requires that travel is only undertaken where deemed essential (and in exceptional circumstances) and any MGSE international travel must have my approval. Travel to conferences, in most circumstances, is not deemed to be essential and UniTravel are well equipped to advise on cancellation options. I appreciate that the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 has created additional work for many staff and both students and staff have had to make significant adjustments to their plans. I thank you all for your ongoing professionalism, patience and commitment.


QS World Rankings

On a positive note MGSE has risen in this year’s QS World Rankings by Subject - we have been named number 1 in Australia for education (tied with Monash University) and number 12 (up from 14) in the world. This gratifying result is due to the hard work, expertise and innovation of MGSE staff and I am delighted to see us acknowledged in this way.


Associate Dean International and Engagement

The recent MGSE Executive Committee meeting endorsed the division of the current Associate Dean International and Engagement role into two separate Associate Dean roles to reflect the growing significance of each of these portfolios. Professor Lorraine Graham will retain the International component of her previous portfolio while the Engagement role will be offered as a new position on our Executive. Expressions of Interest are now open to academic staff at Level D and above until Friday 20 March and should be sent to mgse-hr@unimelb.edu.au. The new Associate Dean Engagement will oversee the engagement portfolio including the development of MGSE’s Engagement Strategy. This role will involve developing and sustaining relationships with MGSE’s key stakeholders and partners across the full spectrum of the education system and also with industry partners. I encourage eligible staff to apply for this important and rewarding role.


Deputy Dean

As communicated to staff earlier this week Professor Helen Cahill is stepping down from the role of Deputy Dean at the end of April after staying in the role, at my request, for longer than her two year appointment. Her loyalty, support and significant contribution to leadership at MGSE has been exemplary and I thank her for this immense contribution. We have taken this opportunity of transition to update the Deputy Dean role description with a renewed focus on Academic staffing and HR development, and to align a new Assistant Dean Staffing position to work closely with the Deputy Dean.  Applications for this position should also be sent to mgse-hr@unimelb.edu.au by close of business Friday 20 March. Both the Deputy Dean and Associate Dean Engagement will be eligible for a period of study leave at the conclusion of the two-year term.


International Women's Day and Harmony Day

On Monday we celebrated International Women’s Day with a morning tea at studioFive and my thanks go to Jessica Gerrard and Paula McAllister for organising this event and to Julie McLeod for her inspiring speech. These events, which bring MGSE staff together, provide occasions for us to celebrate what unites us and to take a moment away from our work lives to spend time together.

In the same spirit the Social Committee is hosting a Harmony Day lunch on Monday 23 March in the Frank Tate Room from 11.30am to 1.30 pm. All staff are encouraged to attend and bring a plate of food to share that represents your cultural background. Harmony Day celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity - from the traditional owners of the land to those who have come from across the world.


MGSE Footy Tipping

MGSE Footy tipping is back on again, join in the fun and if you were involved last year and can't remember the log in and password they can be reset. Any other enquiries about footy tipping can be forwarded to james.vassilopoulos@unimelb.edu.au.

MGSE Staff Dialogues

The new Staff Dialogues kick off next Thursday 19 March on Level 7 at 10.30am -  I’ll bring the muffins you bring your cup of tea or coffee.

Dates for March - April 2020

(second half of the year Staff Dialogues will be announced shortly)

LocationDateTime
Level 7Thursday 19 March10.30am - 11.30am
Level 8Tuesday 7 April10am - 11am
Level 5Thursday 9 April10am - 11am
Ground Floor & Level 9
(on the ground floor )
Tuesday 16 April2.30pm - 3.30pm
Level 6Tuesday 21 April10.30am - 11.30am
Level 4Thursday 23 April10.30am - 11.30am
Level 2Monday 27 April2.30pm - 3pm

Jim