Teaching & Learning Connection

Hi Everyone!

I would like to introduce myself. My name is Kim Heberley and I am the Project Assistant for the New England Award (NEA). This program will be of interest to staff who want to:

1. Recruit student volunteers for events/committees/leadership/mentoring positions
2. Advertise extra-curricular training/seminars/work experience to a large student body
3. Encourage students to participate to enhance personal and professional skills to complement their chosen study areas.

If you require volunteers or need an activity advertised I can email registered NEA students to offer such opportunities to them.

Further information about the program is below and on the NEA website at www.une.edu.au/nea or you can contact me directly by emailing nea@une.edu.au or phoning 02 6773 5190.

Best wishes,

Kim Heberley.

What is the New England Award (NEA)?

The NEA program rewards UNE students for extra-curricular achievement and community participation. Once students meet specific program requirements, they receive formal recognition by being awarded either the New England Certificate or the New England Award. This formal recognition illustrates to potential employers that students are high achieving, proactive and well-rounded graduates.

How does the program work?
The NEA program works on a point system. Eligible roles and activities are worth a number of points towards the NEA allocated according to time involved and the follow-up required. Proof of attendance is required for activities. All activities and skills developed are recorded in an online portfolio. Once students have gained 1000 points, they may choose to receive a New England Certificate. Honours, postgraduate and undergraduate students with a CREDIT Grade Point Average may choose to continue in the program to receive a New England Award at graduation.

What types of activities are recognised by the program?
Recognition is given for extra-curricular training, activities enhancing professional development and participation in the university and/or wider community.

The program encourages students to take up opportunities such as:

• Volunteer Work
• Committee Membership
• Leadership Positions
• Extra-curricular Training/Learning
• Student Mentoring Programs
• Student Associations and Clubs
• Leadership in Sport
• International Exchange
• Work Experience (Paid and Voluntary)

Why should students register for the program?
Participation in the program helps to develop the types of personal and professional skills and attributes sought by employers. Other benefits for students include:

• Networking/meeting people
• Keeping active/balancing lifestyles
• Broadening horizons
• Developing a portfolio of achievements
• Making the most out of their UNE experience
• Topping up their CV with an award.

Students studying internally and externally are eligible to register provided that they have two or more semesters left of their degree. However, it’s best for students to register in their first year so that they have the duration of their degree to complete the program requirements. There is no penalty if students join but do not complete the program requirements.

Further information:
Further information about the program and how students register is found on the NEA website. Questions can be directed to the NEA Project Assistant, Kim Heberley, by email or by phone 02 6773 5190.

Natalia Tobin, Helen Pendreigh, and Debby O'Brien

The Academic Skills Office (ASO) is a smart option for students who want to succeed in their studies. We provide academic support for external and internal students throughout the year. ASO learning advisers offer 30 minute consultations in person, by phone and online to both on- and off-campus students on a wide range of topics related to academic writing and study skills. UNE’s international students can benefit from individual and group consultations run by advisers with specialist training in working with students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. International students can also participate in on-demand, discipline-specific study groups.

Lecturers, please note that you can request that ASO set up a study group for your international students if you feel that they require additional help with academic literacy. ASO also run regular ‘Writing for Success’ workshops during the semester, both on campus and by videoconference to the UNE Access Centres, to assist students with aspects of academic writing such as essay structure, academic style and referencing. During intensive schools, we run additional workshops and have extended hours for one-to-one and group appointments.

The ASO also have a comprehensive web presence. From here, students and lecturers can access the popular ASO fact sheets on study skills, academic writing and referencing or work through interactive writing and study skills exercises. The ASO Learning Centre is located on the ground floor of the Dixon Library. Advisers are available between 10am and 2pm, Monday to Friday. Consultation bookings are essential Monday to Thursday, but on Fridays students can pop in or phone us for a short session. Our fact sheets are also available in hard copy on a dedicated stand in front of the ASO Learning Centre.

To find out more about the ASO resources for academic staff and students, to register for a workshop or to book an appointment, please visit our website at www.une.edu.au/tlc/aso

These workshops are open to everyone. Some new members of academic staff may be required to complete the series as part of their probationary conditions.

• Supporting students
  This workshop will provide an overview of the academic and learning support available for students at UNE.

  Venue and time: TLC Seminar Room, Wednesday 11th February, 9.30 – 11.00.

• Managing groups and group work 
  This session takes up the issues of dealing with groups and group work in the contexts of blended, online and face-to-face teaching.
  Venue and time: ODU Training Room, Thursday 12th February, 2.00 – 3.30.
• Copyright for educational purposes

  This session addresses copyright issues as they apply to learning and teaching.
  Venue and time: ODU Training Room, Friday 13th February, 9.30 – 11.00.

• Assessing for learning 
  Participants will have an opportunity to explore the principles behind assessment and consider their implications for what is assessed as well as how and when assessment takes place. 
  Venue and time: TLC Seminar Room, Tuesday 17th February, 9.30 – 11.00.
• Online learning design
  In this session, we consider a number of different models for online teaching design.
  
  Venue and time: TLC Seminar Room, Tuesday 17th February, 2.00 – 3.30.

Elective sessions

Any one of the following:

• Blackboard CE 6 online teaching essentials
  Tuesday 3rd February, 9.30 -12.30
  Wednesday 11th February 9.30 – 12.30 or 1.30 – 4.30
  Friday 13th February, 1.00 – 4.00
  Venue: C34 2.17
  (ITD Computer Lab 1 – 1st Fl, ITD)
• eSubmission and Turnitin
  Wednesday 18th February, 1.30 – 2.30
  Venue: C34 2.17 (ITD Computer Lab 1 - 1st Fl, ITD)
• Effective online discussions (Blackboard CE 6)
  Wednesday 18th February, 9.30 – 11.00
  Venue: C34 2.17 (ITD Computer Lab 1 - 1st Fl, ITD)

  Thursday 19th February, 9.30 – 11.00
  Venue: C34 2.49 (ITD Training Room - 1st Fl, ITD)

For further information about the program, please contact me Catherine Clarke, ext. 3395.

To register, contact Kerryn Reeves, ext. 2339.