Dean's Report

This week I returned to the campus for the first time in many months and it is terrific to be back, quiet as it is. The University’s vaccination requirement policy came into effect last Friday, which means all staff and students will need to be vaccinated to visit the campus. Any staff or students who are planning to visit during November will need to submit their vaccination information through a Service Now form. For those of you continuing to work fully from home, it is recommended that you submit your vaccination information one to two weeks before coming to campus for the first time, to allow time for the validation team to process requests.

Return to campus

The University has been working hard to update a raft of information to assist with the return to campus. The COVID-19 Guide for Educators has been updated and provides specific information about face-to -face teaching on campus. As international travel slowly resumes, please acquaint yourselves with the University’s travel advice, insurance coverage and the necessary University approvals. All University travel must be booked through UniTravel: this will ensure access to location information, emergency assistance services and provision of travel insurance in accordance with the University’s travel insurance policy.

Staff updates

It is my great pleasure to announce that Dr Lisa McKay-Brown was the successful applicant for the senior leadership position of Assistant Dean Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) and she will start this role on 1 January 2022. I’d like to thank Associate Professor Jessica Gerrard for her tireless leadership in this role since 2018, and her focus and commitment to continuing to develop an inclusive environment for our students and staff.

In other leadership news I am delighted to announce the MGSE promotions to Associate Professor from 1 January 2022:

Staff member

Centre/Academic Group

Dr Daniela Acquaro

Educational Leadership

Dr Jenny Chesters

Wellbeing, Policy & Pathways

Dr Jeanne Marie Iorio

Early Childhood Education

Dr Jeana Kriewaldt

Artistic & Creative Education

Dr Lisa McKay-Brown

Learning Interventions

Dr Jon Quach

Centre for Program Evaluation

Congratulations to these staff on their well-deserved success and I also acknowledge the significant effort of those who were not successful this year.

Acting Dean arrangements

I have been pleased to hear of MGSE staff utilising the University’s new recharge leave and prioritising wellbeing. I cannot overstate the importance of taking this leave as we all deal with the strain and exhaustion of living through the pandemic. To this end I will be taking the next week off (15 – 19 November) to have a holiday with my wife before heading into this last busy part of the year. I will be leaving MGSE in the capable hands of Janet Clinton (15 -17 November) and Sandra Milligan (18 – 19 November). My thanks to them both.

Jim