March 9, 2006

Message From the Rector Academic Language and Learning Unit On Monday 27 February, the new Academic Language and Learning (ALL) Unit at UNSW@ADFA was launched. The purpose of the ALL Unit is to enhance the student learning experience at UNSW@ADFA by providing students with opportunities to develop their academic skills and master academic language and literacy strategies. This process will enable students to clarify their academic expectations and ultimately allow them to achieve their academic potential. UNSW@ADFA has a strong history of providing academic skills support for students. The ALL initiative has put into place a network of coordinated support activities from across the five academic schools. Our aggregated failure rates at UNSW@ADFA are approximately half those of other GO8 Universities and we can attribute this achievement in part to our student support mechanisms. Through consolidation and coordination of effort, more students will be able to achieve their potential”. Brigadier Brian Dawson, the new Commandant of ADFA also attending the launch congratulated the team on the initiative and said “this unit will be a very valuable adjunct to the academic development of the midshipmen and officer cadets at ADFA”. The ALL Unit’s programs are available to students at all levels including research students and the unit will work collegiately with staff on academic skills issues. Ms. Fiona Cotton, the ALL Unit Convenor said “we are addressing students’ needs in the academic language and learning area by providing short courses and workshops, one on one consultations and online guides and learning resources”.   UNSW@ADFA Reception - Wednesday 26 April All University staff would have received an invitation from the Vice-Chancellor to attend the UNSW@ADFA Reception on Wednesday 26 April 2006 from 5.00pm to 6.30pm in the Officers' Mess. As the Vice-Chancellor said in the invitation, the Reception will be a great opportunity to celebrate the many significant achievements of UNSW@ADFA and for you to meet the senior management of the University. I encourage all staff to attend and look forward to seeing you there. Professor John Baird Rector   Reminder: Campus Newsletter published fortnightly Please note that the UNSW@ADFA Newsletter will is now operating as a fortnightly newsletter. If you have any suggestions as to the usability or content of the Newsletter please send to newsletter@adfa.edu.au. Please keep the items coming.

RESEARCH & RESEARCH TRAINING OFFICE REPORT

ISISWR-3…now read on….

The Research and Research Training Office (RRTO) is privileged to be involved in a number of activities revolving around some astonishing research undertaken at UNSW@ADFA. The third International Symposium on Interdisciplinary Shock Wave Research (ISISWR) which was held on campus on 1-3 March was one such event. The Symposium was hosted by the School of Aerospace, Civil and Mechanical Engineering and UNSW@ADFA, and featured internationally renown researchers and their most recent work. The RRTO has previously written about Shock Wave research and we are continually blown away (sorry!) by the spectacular photographs which consistently erupt from Dr Kleine’s office. But hearing about the application of shock wave research to development of ‘..a laser induced water jet device applicable to the revascularization of cerebral thrombosis..’(Takayama) defied description. The local organising committee and Dr Kleine are to be congratulated on this most successful conference.

ASA Conference at ADFA

The RRTO is really into acronyms this week! The Astronomical Society of Australia (ASA) is the professional organisation of astronomers in Australia. The UNSW@ADFA will this year be hosting one of the principal activities of the society, the Annual Scientific Conference, held in July of each year to bring together astronomers from around Australia (and sometimes New Zealand). In conjunction with this annual scientific conference, the ASA sponsors a winter school for postgraduate students each year: this year the Winter School will be held at Batemans Bay with the theme ‘The Future of Astrophysics – the next few years and beyond’. Postgraduate student Sean Farrell from the School of Physical, Environmental and Mathematical Sciences (PEMS) is already well into preparations for this event (just ask anyone in the Research and Research Training Office!).

More success from the Rector-funded Summer Scholarships program

The Rector-funded Summer Scholarship program has been a resounding success. Aside from the benefit of raising awareness about the diversity of research undertaken at UNSW@ADFA, the students thought so highly of this campus that they have already made enquiries about postgraduate research opportunities.

In the last Newsletter we advised that Mr Liam Prince, summer school student from UWA worked on a paper about the role of the Internet and 'weblogging' in the transformation of public discourse in post-Soeharto Indonesia. Liam undertook his scholarship in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and presented a seminar titled "Building Blogs" of a new Public Discourse?: Weblogging in Indonesia. His supervisors speak very highly of his work and are very pleased that Liam is considering coming back to UNSW@ADFA to undertake his postgraduate studies.

On 27 February two Summer Scholarship students from the School of Aerospace, Civil and Mechanical Engineering (ACME) presented seminars on their work conducted under the supervision of Dr Rik Heslehurst. The students waxed eloquent on the benefits of their scholarships and the friendliness of staff and students during their stay. The students - Sophie Wong and Roxane Jacobs - informed the Research and Research Training Office (RRTO) they were keen to return to UNSW@ADFA, and the momentary concern we felt on hearing they were working on Scarf Repair and Composite Materials was very short-lived. (Apparently not everyone is into fashion accessories.…)

Abstract: Scarf Repair Lay-up Orientation Study: Sophie Wong
The aviation and marine industries have evolved two different scarf joint configurations. The aviation configuration, which has the smaller ply laid in first followed by sequentially larger plies, is believed to possess greater strength. The marine scarf joint configuration has the largest ply laid in first with sequentially smaller plies following. The marine scarf joint configuration is reported to be more easily fabricated and allows for flatter surfaces after sanding. This project experimentally tested both configurations to determine if there are any noticeable differences in strength.

Abstract: Bearing Strength of Composite Structures: Roxane Jacobs
In the field of composite materials one of the least understood properties is that of bearing strength. The use of composite materials in high strength marine structures is increasing. A significant proportion of the structures are mechanically fastened together and the manufacturers of marine structures have little knowledge of the bearing strength of their designs. This project further develops a simple method of measuring bearing strength in marine composite structures and will provide some preliminary design analysis tools for the development of bearing strength predictions. Based on structural testing undertaken in 2004 the project develops a design stress analysis approach and compares the results with documented test results and coupon testing.

Faculty Seminar Series:..note for your diaries

The 2006 Faculty Seminar series was given a great kick-start on 7 March by Professor David Lovell speaking on 'The Global Democratic Revolution'.
Despite the fact that there was literally ‘standing room only’ (well, we do think that being perched on the counters around the room counts as ‘standing room’), the real success story is the seminar series itself. The series gives researchers and research students the opportunity to find out what other researchers are doing across this campus and also provides opportunity for networking (the wine and nibblies ain’t bad, either…).
The next Faculty Seminar will be held on 11 April. The topic and venue will be advertised in the next Academy Newsletter.

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Staff Bulletin The Newsletter will now be published on a fortnightly basis. If you have something you would like to contribute, please download and complete the submission form and email the information to newsletter@adfa.edu.au by 12 noon on the Wednesday prior. The website will be changed to reflect Fortnightly news rather than weekly as show above. NEXT PUBLISHED CAMPUS NEWSLETTER THURS 22 MARCH 2006. CARPARK 91 - ENTRY AND EXIT There have been a number of vehicles seen recently in Carpark 91 exiting from the 'No Exit' onto Tobruk Road.  All staff are reminded that this is an entrance only and is clearly marked as 'No Exit'.  Please use the correct exit which turns onto Kapyong Road at the top of the carpark. Laurie Olive, DFPP back to top UNSW@ADFA IT Discussion Forum The next IT Discussion Forum will be held on Thursday, April 20 at 2pm in Room 152, Building 15. The forum will address the issue of Email SPAM: what anti-SPAM measures are currently implemented at UNSW@ADFA, how well do they work and could they be improved? All of us are affected by Email SPAM. Here is an opportunity to have your say on this important issue. Everyone is welcome to attend. Enquiries to Dr. Stephen James, x88776, s.james@adfa.edu.au back to top The Asia-Pacific Seminar Series 13 March 2006 - SL1 Bldg 21 - 12.10 - 1.00 The mediation of publicness, or the Indonesianness of Reformasi By Dr Edwin Jurriens (HASS) 27 March 2006 - SL1 Bldg 21 - 12.10 - 1.00 Australians’ knowledge of Islam & Islam in Indonesia By Dr Kevin M Dunn - (PEMS) The Asia-Pacific Seminar convenors welcome suggestions for seminar speakers and topics. Please contact 2005 convenors: Minako Sakai (m.sakai@adfa.edu.au), Glenn Banks (glenn.banks@adfa.edu.au), Paul Tickell (p.tickell@adfa.edu.au) Website: http://www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/hass/APSS/Apss.html Enquiries: Taufiq Tanasaldy (apss@adfa.edu.au), tel. (02) 6268 8914 To be included into our mailing list, please email your email address to apss@adfa.edu.au back to top Unisuper Seminar's during Session 1, 2006 UniSuper members are invited to the following seminar to be held at UNSW@ADFA. David Prowse, Regional Coordinator of the UniSuper Education and Advisory Service will be presenting the seminars  To register for a seminar, please go to the website below, click on the nominated topic, select the ACT in the drop down menu, click on register. Registration of your attendance will ensure an accurate number of handouts are available. http://www.unisuper.com.au/resources/seminars.cfm Tuesday 14 March 2006 Lecture Theatre 9 1.45 pm – 2.45 pm Topic: Contribution Splitting If you are married, or in a de-facto relationship, you will now be eligible to take part in super contributions splitting, which gives couples the opportunity to more effectively share their superannuation benefits. This seminar will provide you with information relating to the process of super splitting between spouses and the associated benefits such as tax advantages. You will discover how placing all, or part, of your superannuation contributions into a spouse account can boost your combined retirement savings and achieve your retirement goals. The seminar will cover: •  What is contribution splitting? •  How it works •  Contributions that can and can't be split •  When can members split •  The UniSuper process to follow •  Questions Wednesday 12 April 2006 Lecture Theatre 9 1.45 pm – 2.45 pm Transition to Retirement If you are exploring your retirement options, this seminar will provide you with an alternative to leaving your job. From April 2006, UniSuper is giving members who have reached their preservation age the option to access a superannuation pension income as well an employment income. This Transition to Retirement is a government initiative that enables you to take some of your super in the form of a non-commutable income stream (a pension that you cannot cash in) without having to retire or finish work. This seminar focuses on the impact this approach may have on your retirement planning, retirement lifestyle, and final benefit. It explores the process involved with this strategy,including any relevant rules and regulations. The seminar will cover: •  Government Intent •  The Legislative Conditions •  The Application •  Examples of potential benefits •  Legislative Impacts •  Financial Strategies Tuesday 27 June 2006 Lecture Theatre 3 12.30 – 1.30 pm Topic: Contribution Flexibility (where members will be able to vary contribution levels, from 1 July 2006, within certain limits – more details when available)

Classifieds

The Newsletter is published each Thursday fortnight. If you have something you would like to contribute, please download and complete the submission form and email the information to newsletter@adfa.edu.au by 12 noon on Wednesdays.

For Sale

For Sale

Recycled Canberra Red Bricks great for paving or extensions etc. $1.00 each. Delivery available. Contact Richard 6241 1018

Lounge Suite in earth tones. Good condition. 2x2seater and 2armchairs. Call Vera extn 88112 or email e.berra@adfa.edu.au

Wanted

Looking for a Commencement Dinner ticket. If for some reason you end up with a spare or can't make it, please let me know and I ll purchase your ticket. John Parchem, UNSW@ADFA Post Graduate Student. Mobile: 04 0335 5238, Email: parchemjt@yahoo.com

Male academic seeks room to rent. Am at ADFA campus 2 (occasionally 3) nights per week during session(s). Looking for low cost accomodation to rent/share near ADFA. Minimum comforts required. If you have something, please leave a voice mail message on ext 88587 or e mail me: r.connell@adfa.edu.au

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Upcoming Events

DATE	TITLE	VENUE
13 March	Asia Pacific Seminar Series	12.10-1.00 SL1
14 March	UniSuper - Contribution Splitting	1.45-2.45 LT 9
27 March	Asia Pacific Seminar Series	12.10-1.00 SL1
12 April	UniSuper - Transition to Retirement	1.45-2.45 LT 9
20 April	UNSW@ADFA IT Discussion Forum	2pm Rm 152 Bldg 15
19 June	Asia Pacific Seminar Series	12.10-1.00 SL1
27 June	UniSuper - Contribution Flexibility	12.30-1.30 LT 3

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FREE COMMUNITY LECTURES

UNISUPER SEMINAR DURING SESSION 1, 2006

Tuesday 14 March 2006
Lecture Theatre 9
1.45 pm – 2.45 pm

Topic: Contribution Splitting (1 hour)

Wednesday 12 April 2006
Lecture Theatre 9
1.45 pm – 2.45 pm

Topic: Transition to Retirement (i.e. the new rules allowing members to take some super and continue to work)

Tuesday 27 June 2006
Lecture Theatre 3
12.30 – 1.30 pm

Topic: Contribution Flexibility (where members will be able to vary contribution levels, from 1 July 2006, within certain limits)

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The Asia-Pacific Seminar Series

13 March 2006 - SL1 Bldg 21 - 12.10 - 1.00
The mediation of publicness, or the Indonesianness of Reformasi

By Dr Edwin Jurriens (HASS)

This presentation will be about publicness (as in public space/sphere, public values¹ and public media), a prominent notion in the Indonesian ideal of social and political reform, or Reformasi. By examining the ways in which publicness has been represented in the post-New Order media landscape, I will show the transnational dimension of its genealogy. I will not discuss the macro-level of immediate foreign financial support or ideological influence, but focus on the role of Indonesian intellectuals and activists in the field of the electronic media, particularly radio, as the mediators and re-creators of foreign ideas and practices. Concrete case-studies will inform my argument that Reformasi should be seen as a specific, simultaneously local and translocal, configuration of the migration of ideas and practices, and that its Indonesianness¹ should be problematised.

27 March 2006 - SL1 Bldg 21 - 12.10 - 1.00
Australians’ knowledge of Islam & Islam in Indonesia

By Dr Kevin M Dunn - (PEMS)

Abstract: Recent events within Australia, and outside, have drawn attention to Australians’ understandings, and mis-understandings of Islam. Results from a 2003 telephone poll (n: 1311) indicate that only one-fifth of Australians have a reasonable or better knowledge of Islam, and half knew a little about Islam. The sample was stratified for age, gender and state of residence. Males, middle-aged (25-49) and older respondents (50+) were much more likely to claim a fragmentary or better knowledge of Islam. By far the greatest variation in knowledge of Islam was between those with and without some tertiary education. The forms of respondent knowledge of Islam took the form of critique of Muslims, knowledge of Amal (key performances), or understandings of Iman (core theology). Forty-two per cent of respondents stated “they knew a few people who were Muslim”. Older respondents had lower rates of direct contact with Muslims, yet those Australians claimed higher rates of knowledge of Islam, this took the form of the critiques and stereotypes of Islam. A majority of Australians were aware that Islam was the faith followed by most Indonesians. A bare majority of respondents felt that Islam in Indonesia.

The Asia-Pacific Seminar convenors welcome suggestions for seminar speakers and topics.

Please contact 2005 convenors:
Minako Sakai (m.sakai@adfa.edu.au), Glenn Banks (glenn.banks@adfa.edu.au), Paul Tickell (p.tickell@adfa.edu.au)

Website: http://www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/hass/APSS/Apss.html

Enquiries:
Taufiq Tanasaldy (apss@adfa.edu.au), tel. (02) 6268 8914
To be included into our mailing list, please email your email address to apss@adfa.edu.au

 

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Office of the Rector
Phone: 02 6268 8701
Email: newsletter@adfa.edu.au

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