MGSE staff news

University influenza vaccination program

The 2021 influenza vaccination schedule will begin in mid-April. Eligibility criteria and booking information is available on the program website. For any enquiries contact ohs-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au.

Guide Dog in training

You'll soon see an adorable and professional guide dog in training traveling around campus. A Seeing Eye Dog can have a significant and meaningful effect on the quality of life for people who are blind or have poor vision. Puppies are cared for by a caregiver for 12-15 months as they learn basic skills and socialise. This is a critical component of assisting someone who requires a guide dog to live a more independent life.

Errol belongs to Vision Australia and was born on 25 January 2021. He is a brilliant boy but has sharp teeth and is still learning his manners. His vaccinations will be complete on 13.06.21. His carer/handler, Neha Singh, is a PhD candidate at MGSE and works from the 2nd floor of 100 Leicester St.

As per Victoria Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals Act 1994 7 (4) Exemptions for guide dogs: Despite anything in any other Act or subordinate instrument a visually impaired person, hearing impaired person or person training a guide dog may, at all times and in all places, be accompanied by a dog kept and used, or trained by him or her as a guide dog.

Neha will be Errol's trainer or handler and will take him everywhere with her, including all places at The University of Melbourne.

Please keep the following in mind when you see Errol and his handler around campus:

Errol is working when he is in his vest. This is true even when he is just lying next to his handler.
Don't touch, talk, or otherwise distract him while he is wearing his vest.
The high-pitched squeal we let out when we see his cuteness will distract him from his work. Please keep that in check too.
When out of his vest, he can play just like any puppy. However, even if he is not wearing his vest, the handler will decide what kind of
interaction is appropriate at a given time and communicate it to you. Please follow her instructions.
If the handler says no when you ask to pet him, please don't be offended.
If you do not want any interaction with him, please let the handler know.
Never give him any food unless the handler asks you to.
Don't allow anyone to tease or abuse him. Allow him to rest undisturbed.
Ask the handler to correct his errant behaviour or trespassing.
Get in touch with the handler if Errol has any accidents.

Be patient with him and the handler. They are both new at this job.
Contact singns@student.unimelb.edu.au or 0487 987 606 with any questions or concerns.

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) resources

A suite of #NRW2021 digital resources were recently published by Reconciliation Australia for use across email, Zoom, and other platforms.

To view all #NRW2021 digital resources, visit the NRW poster and resource web page.

Survey: Academic resilience during COVID-19

Last chance to complete a very short online survey to identify one strategy that has helped you manage your academic work during COVID-19. Complete the survey here: http://bit.ly/acad_resilience

Survey closes 30 April 2021.

ARC Publication: Understanding Students with Additional Needs as Learners

Led by Professor Patrick Griffin and Dr Kerry Woods, 'Understanding Students with Additional Needs as Learners' explores critical issues in the measurement of skills development within a growth mindset for students with additional learning needs.