MGSE staff news

Update on COVID-19

MGSE Return to Campus Update

  • With the removal of the cap on office workers, in line with 1 person per 2sqm, we can now welcome all MGSE staff back to campus. Staff are still required to book a workstation for the days they plan to attend campus. Staff should discuss return to campus and optimal work arrangements for individuals and teams with their supervisors. The existing University policies on flexible working arrangements remain in place and must be agreed to by an individual's supervisor/manager.
  • The deadline for returning equipment to campus has been extended until after Easter to Monday 12 April.
  • There are known issues with UniWireless that the network's team are working through. Please report UniWireless issues to IT. If it's your first time back on campus you will need to accept the Wireless Terms of Use again. The ethernet connection is working without issue.
  • Masks are no longer mandatory indoors or in retail settings (including Union House). Individuals will still need to carry one with them and still wear it on public transport and in rideshare vehicles. There may also continue to be some areas on campus where masks are necessary.

The most current information on MGSE’s Return to Campus can be found on the MGSE Intranet.


Campuses open for business

Campuses are ready for increased staff and student numbers in line with government regulations as of Monday 29 March. At Parkville, extra seating and food and beverage offerings will be available in Union House, North Court and South Lawn as well as the Choose to Reuse Plate Program. Remember to scan the QR codes and maintain COVIDSafe practices.

Digital Taskforce Update

Congratulations to Associate Professor Mark Selkrig who is the successful applicant for the leadership position of Director, Digital Engagement. In this role Mark will operationalise the digital strategy for MGSE in collaboration with other MGSE leaders.

As a result of Mark undertaking this role, the Course Coordinator MTeach (Secondary) leadership role will become available.  Expressions of Interest for this leadership role will be called for after Easter.

Mark will commence as Director, Digital Engagement on 1 May 2021, following the appointment of a new Course Coordinator MTeach (Secondary).

University influenza vaccination program

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

Sustainability update

Sign-up for the MGSE Go Green team

Green Impact is now open. Sign up to make a positive change for the planet in 2021. Both students and staff can join this inclusive and supportive program that helps you to take ownership of your environmental impact by making simple, sustainable changes at the University and at home. You can form a team with your colleagues and sign up on the Sustainability website. Join the MGSE Go Green team as we go for gold in 2021.


2021 Sustainability calendar

Download the digital Sustainability Calendar to view University sustainability events, international sustainability days, University holidays and important dates, and monthly sustainability tips. Staff can install the calendar as a desktop wallpaper on their computer and add it to their Outlook calendars.


Choose to Reuse Plate Program

The Choose to Reuse Plate Program has reopened for 2021. Ask your retailer for a reusable plate, bowl, mug or cutlery set the next time you buy a drink or meal from Union House to reduce waste on campus. Cleaners wash used dishes in an industrial dishwasher, so all reusable items are clean, sanitised and safe to enjoy your lunch from.

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.

IT updates

ServiceNow upgrade to Quebec in May

The University's ServiceNow platform is being upgraded on the evening of Friday 28 May. The upgrade will be a technical upgrade providing like-for-like functionality, plus any new functionality that is mandatory and cannot be disabled. More details to provided soon. Other new functionality available with the latest version will be switched on later.


Staff printing outage

Staff printing will be unavailable from 7am - 8.30am on Wednesday 7 April. This outage is necessary to enable upgrades to the University's IT infrastructure. Please don't attempt to print during this outage period. For support, please contact the Service Centre via the Staff Hub to log a ticket and chat online, or call 834 40888.

Library Updates

Item 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 from Friday 9 April. Visit the Returning to Campus page for more information.


Feedback on library subscriptions considered for cancellation

Scholarly Services titles being considered for cancellation from our library collections this year are available for academic review. For more information and list of Education titles visit the Feedback form and send in your submission by Friday 30 April.

Melbourne Theatre Company subscription offer

MTC is a department of the University, so staff are eligible to become subscribers and access  a range of exclusive benefits, including discounted tickets. The 2021 seasons features six exciting productions including new Australian works, international hits, spectacular classics and more.

International Women's Day webinar recording

A recording of the headline webinar event from International Women's Day, 'Choosing to Challenge: Building gender diversity in non-traditional disciplines' is now available for those who missed it. The webinar was introduced by the Vice-Chancellor and chaired by Professor Julie Willis.
The expert panel features Professor Aleks Owczarek (Science), Associate Professor Fiona Jenkins (ANU) and Professor Elaine Wong (FEIT).

Reopening of the Islamic Prayer Space

The Islamic Prayer Space (Musallah) has re-opened under COVIDSafe conditions. If you had access to the Musallah before the pandemic you will not need to fill out a new form to attend. For staff without previous access who want to use the prayer space please seek swipe access via the form.

Student outreach and referral

If you are concerned about a student's level of engagement, welfare, or you think they might benefit from early intervention or pastoral care, please refer them for an outreach phone call. Any student at any level may be referred and staff can refer students all year round.

Make subject readings interactive

Faculties from across the university are using Perusall to engage their students in readings and discussions. Learning Environments has brought together some of these practices.

SecondBite program extended - volunteers required

The free meals program has been extended to 1 July, and there is a call out for more volunteers to hand out frozen meals to students. Shifts run Monday to Thursday and you can choose a two hour (1.30-3.30) or one hour (2.00-3.00) shift. All volunteers can receive free parking in Uni Square carpark on the day of your shift. For further enquires contact b.manson@unimelb.edu.au.

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.