ANU Agent Newsletter
Issue II - April, 2009
Welcome to the bi-monthly update for ANU's agent representative network.
FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR'S DESK
"The Australian National University is proud to be ranked amongst the world’s best universities in research and education, but we never forget that this high standing is built on the success stories of many people…"
Read more in the latest issue of ANU Reporter >>
new in 2009: master of neuroscience
The Australian National University is pleased to announce a new Master program in neuroscience.
This degree is open to both domestic and international students and is designed to provide theoretical and practical knowledge of modern concepts and methodologies in neuroscience research. In a rapidly evolving field this course offers students a competitive advantage by being taught by neuroscientists who are themselves, world leading researchers. The degree suits students who already have an undergraduate science degree but wish to upgrade their qualifications or wish to move into neuroscience from a related field. To be considered for admission to the program, students require a sound academic record in an appropriate science degree.
The Master of Neuroscience is delivered as a one-year full-time program. It is anticipated that a second year (Honours) will be available in 2010 subject to University approval.
Applications are due by 1 April for Semester 2 2009 and by 1 November for Semester 1 2010.
STUDY ONLINE... ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT
From 2009, the Crawford School of Economics and Government is offering more flexibility in learning. Commencing in Semester 1, 2009 the Graduate Certificate in Environmental Management and Development is offered both on-campus and fully on-line (by distance).
The Graduate Certificate in Environmental Management and Development is designed to meet the needs of those professionally engaged in government and other policy-related organisations or activities and wish to extend their understanding of key approaches to environmental management and development.
The Certificate provides students with a range of opportunities for advanced investigation of the analytical skills, public policies and practical tools required for advising on key environmental management and development issues such as biodiversity conservation and climate change.
Options to complete courses intensively are also available which means students may mix and match their course delivery (ie. complete some courses by distance and then attend the university for short periods of time (eg 2-3 weeks) to complete an intensive course).
The Master of Climate Change will also include some on-line delivery options for a select number of courses.
NEW IN 2009: MASTER OF ISLAM IN THE MODERN WORLD
The ANU Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies (Middle East and Central Asia) has introduced a new degree in 2009: the Master of Islam in the Modern World (MIMW). The program has been designed to
• Provide detailed understanding of the complex and diverse issues that are common to Muslim societies across the world; and
• Develop critical methods for the study of the modern Muslim experience.
The degree will be focused on modern Muslim societies, including Muslims in minority situations; and be trans-regional in its coverage. The importance of the Islamic world, and the need for dispassionate study of it, are central to this program. Radical movements have captured world attention, but Muslims face a variety of concerns and challenges that have a formative influence on their individual and collective identities and the stability and future direction of their societies. Indeed, issues of globalisation, development, democratisation, educational reform, and women’s and minority rights are all topical and important and will be highlighted in this program.
The study of modern Muslim societies is naturally interdisciplinary. The Master degree will draw mainly on social scientific approaches but also seek to integrate these with historical and Islamic studies approaches to societies of the modern Muslim world, and deal with several areas — Middle East, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia – rather than be narrowly focused on one. It would also provide coverage of Islam in Australia.
The Master of Islam in the Modern World will be run under the academic stewardship of Professor James Piscatori, Deputy Director of CAIS. Professor Piscatori is one of the world’s leading authorities on political Islam and the politics, history and international relations of the Middle East.
ANU CONGRATULATES DODSON ON NATIONAL HONOUR
The Vice-Chancellor of The Australian National University congratulates Professor Mick Dodson on being named Australian of the Year for 2009.
Professor Dodson has been Director of the National Centre for Indigenous Studies at ANU since the Centre was established in 2005.
During that time he has worked to advance indigenous rights on the national and international stage, as well as continuing his research into aspects of human rights and international law.
"We applaud the selection of Professor Dodson as Australian of the Year, and are proud to count him as one of our academic leaders," ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Chubb said.
"He has tirelessly combined advocacy, diplomatic and academic roles. He has overcome prejudice and blazed pathways for Indigenous Australians. His record is an outstanding example of the high value we place on combining scholarly research with public engagement. For all these reasons we celebrate him and his achievements."
Professor Dodson was the first Indigenous lawyer admitted to the Victorian Bar and the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission's first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner. He participated in drafting the Native Title Act (1993) Cth, the legislative expression of native title rights recognised in the watershed Mabo case.
He was a pivotal part of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and the Bringing Them Home Report, both of which remain highly influential documents that triggered legal reform, heralded a shift in the nation's awareness of its past and led to an acknowledgement (and recently a formal prime ministerial apology) for the policies of forced removal of Indigenous children from their families.
At the international level, he campaigned to put the human rights of the world's Indigenous peoples on the United Nations agenda and participated for over a decade in bringing the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to fruition.
As the current community representative for the Pacific region at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Professor Mick Dodson continues his vital service to the Australian community and especially to Indigenous peoples, and home and worldwide.
Contacts: Jane O'Dwyer, ANU Media Office 02 6125 5001, 0416 249 231
EVENT REPORT: INTERNATIONAL ORIENTATION WEEK
Each year, the ANU International Orientation program welcomes a large intake of new international students to the Australian National University. Our extensive orientation program helps students settle into student life at the ANU and introduces them to their new life in Canberra. A range of activities is available to make the transition to the ANU as easy as possible.
Meet and Greet service: by signing up for this complimentary service, one of our experienced students is there to collect new students from the Canberra airport.
Campus tours: tours are run by for new students and are a fantastic way to discover ANU’s beautiful campus.
Canberra bus tour: a visit to Parliament House, shopping at the local Fyshwick markets and a chance to see kangaroos on the way to Mount Ainslie.
Orientation Day: a full day of information sessions and market stalls for new students to collect all necessary information about the ANU community and to ask questions.
Welcome Bush Dance and Dinner: a great success each semester and the best way for new students to socialise in an informal setting, and of course to learn some traditional Australian dances.
We would like to wish a warm welcome to all new students and thank you for the very positive feedback on the International Orientation Program.
POLICY UPDATE: ENGLISH LANGUAGE
After a significant review period, The Australian National University has released its newly developed English language policy. Significant updates include considerations of citizenship, language of previous study and the provision of English language proficiency waivers (in highly exceptional circumstances).
It is hoped that this new document will provide ANU agents with a better understanding of the policies relating to evidence of English language proficiency and assist you in counselling prospective students.
scholarship: anu college of business and economics
The ANU College of Business and Economics offers up to 5 undergraduate, partial tuition fee sponsorship scholarships each semester to excellent students applying for single or combined programs that include the Bachelors of Actuarial Studies, Commerce, Economics, Finance or International Business. The scholarships are awarded on the basis of senior secondary or pre-tertiary academic results.
Application Deadlines
DIAC Assessment Level 3 and 4 citizens: Closed
DIAC Assessment Level 1 and 2 citizens: 15 June
ANU NEWS IN BRIEF
ANU Celebrates Earth Hour 2009 >>
ANU Partners with Engineers Without Borders >>
Official Opening of Kinloch Lodge >>
ANU Researcher on Solar-powered Air-conditioning >>
International Media Meet at ANU >>
ANU Graduate Bound for Oxford >>
ANU Innovation Winners Launch “Receipt Revolution” >>
STUDENT RECRUITMENT AND INTERNATIONALDIVISION OF REGISTRAR AND STUDENT SERVICES |
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