MGSE staff news
Update on COVID-19
MGSE Return to Campus update
- The cap on office-based workers on campus has increased to 75 per cent. Staff need book a workstation for the days they plan to attend campus.
- The worker bubble requirement has also been lifted, allowing staff to move between floors and buildings to meet in person. More AV-enabled spaces have been made available for staff teaching online, from campus
- The University has advised workstation equipment (excluding laptops) needs to be returned to campus by Thursday 1 April. If any staff are unable to physically bring their equipment back to campus, please contact Olivia Stocks.
- Kwong Lee Dow Building is now publicly accessible 7am-7pm Monday-Friday, including the informal study spaces for students. More information for students attending campus is on the Coming to Campus page.
- Our libraries, including Giblin Eunson Library, will be opening up project rooms and recording pods to students for bookings. A quiet discussion space will be trialled in Baillieu Library (ground floor north) in response to student requests for a space where they can log in and participate in their online tutorials while on campus. The library site is updated as services change.
The most current information on MGSE’s Return to Campus can be found on the MGSE Intranet.
High demand on the Service Centre: how you can get help faster
The Service Centre is responding to the phased return to campus and the start of semester with extra support. The Centre operates 7.30am-7.30pm on weekdays and 9am-5pm on weekends. For the best experience, use chat, log a ticket online or avoid the 9am and lunchtime peaks.
11 Barry Street front desk reopening
The 11 Barry Street front desk is now open for walk-up support between 8.30am and 5pm on weekdays. All services are again available in person, including help with IT, facilities, credit cards and staff ID cards. The front desk team will continue offering their services over the phone, by mail and online for staff working remotely.
Equipment for your home workspace
The University has worked with its preferred suppliers to allow staff to purchase equipment directly at University-negotiated rates. These purchases may be claimed as tax deductions.
COVIDSafe social links
The University's Communications and Marketing team have put together a 'Stay home if you feel unwell' video on social media. Feel free to share these videos across your social media channels:
Embed links:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/COjJtT2lzkk
Embed: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/COjJtT2lzkk" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
UoM central social links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/21591025194/posts/10165294166070195/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CMOH3frsVYl/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6775233854992195584
Twitter: https://twitter.com/UniMelb/status/1369468156884975618
Digital Taskforce Update
Padlet license available
The University now has a Padlet license and staff can request an account by logging a ServiceNow ticket.
While University support resources are still to come, MGSE LMS users have been invited to join a Padlet community of practice. See Tip # 24 on the MGSE LMS Support community Tip of the Week feature for more details.
EOI - members of the MGSE Diversity & Inclusion Sub-Committee
Expressions of interest due Friday 19 March
MGSE staff are invited to submit an expression of interest to be a general member of the Diversity & Inclusion Sub-Committee. There are at least two positions available, including at least 1 casual staff member.
Staff who are interested in applying can email Susie Reay with a 100-200 word answer to the following questions by Friday 19 March:
- Why do you want to be a part of the Diversity and Inclusion Sub-Committee?
- What skills and expertise do you bring to the diversity and inclusion portfolio?
The Diversity & Inclusion Sub-Committee provides advice and makes recommendations to the MGSE Executive on the formulation of local policy, procedures and activities relating to MGSE staff and students on matters of diversity and inclusion.
A key goal of the committee in 2021 is the development of a diversity and inclusion strategic agenda for MGSE. The Sub-Committee would value and appreciate input from a diverse cross-section of MGSE staff, and thus to broaden MGSE representation and participation the Committee membership is being expanded.
Please contact Jessica Gerrard if you have any questions. For the committee's terms of reference, visit the Diversity and Inclusion Sub-Committee page.
MGSE Footy Tipping Competition
Join by Thursday 18 March
All MGSE staff are welcome to join this year's Footy Tipping Competition. If you would like to join the competition visit the MGSE's Footy Tips page and click on 'Join Comp'. Alternatively you can visit the official Footy Tips site and click on the 'Play Now' button to either login or create a new account. You can then search for the 'MGSE 2021' competition and join.
For those who already have an account
If you have an existing account, but haven't played in a couple years, you can re-activate your existing account or create a new one.
It costs $25 to join, after you join the competition please deposit this money before Thursday 18 March to:
Account Name: Stephanie Watson
BSB: 063 141
Account Number: 1035 8996
Note: Please enter your surname in the description field, not ‘Footy Tipping’
There will be money prizes for the best tipper every few weeks. At the end of the season, the top three tippers will also receive a monetary prize. Once everyone has joined the comp, Stepahnie will advise the exact prize money. Please feel free to invite family, friends or anyone in the broader community who may wish to be part of the fun.
U21 Photo competition now open
U21 staff and students are invited to share photos for the Images of Hope competition. The closing date for the competition is Monday 29 March. Participants are asked to share an image of the affirmation, kindness and optimism seen or experienced during COVID-19 for an exhibition at the U21 AGM/Networking event held in May.
UoM Early Childhood Education Services 2021 waiting list
UoM's Early Childhood Education Services 2021 applications are open. There are currently vacancies across the 3-4 year old rooms in addition to places in the funded four-year-old-kinder program (two day minimum bookings apply). Forms and information are available online. Please complete and return the form as soon as possible to be considered for vacancies. Contact childcare-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au for further enquiries.
Research Centre Annual Reviews
Download the annual reviews from the Assessment Research Centre, Melbourne Centre for the Study of Higher Education and the Centre for Program Evaluation.
Library Updates
Item collection and return service is ending
During Stage 3 and 4 restrictions, the University facilitated the collection and return of items from/to campus for staff members with a special courier service. Given the easing of restrictions and phased return of staff to campus, the courier service is coming to an end.
Grace period for library loans
With all University libraries open from 1 March, automatic renewals of library items have now ceased. You can renew your items and check the latest due date on your borrowing record. A grace period is being applied between 1 March to 1 April to allow you time to return your items, so you won't be fined during this period. For further enquiries email: library-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au
Medley Hall meeting space
Medley Hall is a venue available to staff to hire for meetings, staff planning days, presentations and functions. Find out more on the Venue Hire page or contact medleyhall-info@unimelb.edu.au for more information.
Do you know a high school girl interested in programming?
University of Melbourne students are teaming up with the Girls' Programming Network to mentor high school girls in coding. The Network is a volunteer organisation that runs free one day workshops showing students how to program games, websites and much more using basic programming concepts. If you know a suitable high school student please share information about the program. Contact Monica Duggan for any further enquiries.
MU Sport updates
School holiday program resumes in April
Melbourne University Sport's school holiday program will resume for the April school holidays. Running between 7-16 April, MU Sport have a range of activities to keep kids busy. With spaces strictly limited due to COVID-19 requirements, sign up today to secure a place in the program. Contact James Parington for further details.
Sport and fitness is back on campus
With expanded opening hours, new group fitness classes and more court hire options, there are plenty of ways to stay active through programs offered by Melbourne University Sport. Free classes and trial periods are available for staff. Contact Peter Walker for more information.
New student precinct project
Compass Rose is a new online creative arts exhibition exploring the University's students' connection to campus through virtual art, video and word as part of a joint partnership between the Precinct and curatorial partner, New Wave.
Submit a story idea for Pursuit
Pursuit is the University's multimedia content site. The stories, videos and podcasts on Pursuit reinforce the University's reputation as one of the world's leading research and teaching institutions.
Visit the Staff Hub to learn more about writing for Pursuit. You can find the Pursuit style guidelines and more about the process of getting a story published. If you have a story idea, please contact Genevieve Costigan.