ANU Agent Newsletter
Issue III - July, 2009
Welcome to the bi-monthly update for ANU's agent representative network.
From the Vice-Chancellor's Desk
New Arts & Social Science Undergraduate Degrees in 2010
Everyday English: A Great Program for New International Students
The Australian Commonwealth Privacy Act
New Program: Graduate Certificate in Economic Policy
Safety and International Students at ANU
An Important Note Regarding Payment of Deposits and Fees
ANU News in Brief
FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR'S DESK
"I had the great privilege of chairing the opening session of the recent International Scientific Congress on Climate Change in Copenhagen, which will feed into the CoP 15 meeting later this year that will see the world attempt to map a response to a changing climate. The depth and breadth of quality research presented at the Congress left me in no doubt of the need to find a solution, to take real action, to mitigate the impact that climate change will have on humankind..."
Read more in the latest issue of ANU Reporter >>
New Arts & Social Science Undergraduate Degrees in 2010
The Bachelor of Classical Studies allows students to select either a language specialisation, whether in Ancient Greek or Latin, or an Ancient History specialisation. This degree offers and educational breadth through a multi-disciplinary approach that incorporates history, language, literature, archaeology and art history.
The program will enable students to:
- Understand two of the ancient civilisations which were influential in shaping Western culture;
- Develop significant competence in at least one of the ancient languages; and
- Work with historical sources relevant to classical studies and archaeological and material evidence.
An important aspect of their training in this area will involve a period of overseas study allowing students to engage directly with at least one part of the classical world and to visit archaeological sites and key museums.
The Bachelor of Development Studies is a specialist degree with variations to the current program Bachelor of Arts (Development Studies).
This program will provide students with skills such as:
- The awareness of the theories and critiques of development; and
- A familiarity with practices of development and knowledge of developing countries, with the option to study a regional language.
Designed especially for students interested in pursuing careers in development, this program will include exchange and internship opportunities to sharpen engagement in the field.
The Bachelor of Professional Music Practice will prepare students to become broadly trained music professionals. The first of its kind in Australia, this program is designed for students who wish to study music and pursue careers in studio teaching, arts administration, festival management, community music administration, event management and a wide range of other music related careers.
This degree will train music professionals to work effectively and flexibly across the music industry. Admission to the program will be based on academic results the submission of a recent recording and portfolio.
Everyday English, a great program for new International Students
While international students do meet the University's academic English requirements, sometimes understanding "Australian English" can be a completely new experience.
To help new students adjust to life in Canberra and at ANU, International Student Services with the assistance of an experienced ESL teacher, Di Kosev, have devised an Everyday English group.
Everyday English is a series of relaxed and informal sessions designed to help international students:
- Practice their English skills
- Understand the "Australian" way of speaking
- Discover useful tips on how to participate in lectures and tutorials
The instructors of the program are all senior Australian students with a passion for helping newcomers to the University. First Semester saw more than 80 students happily engaging in 6 x 1 hour sessions each week.
As the program was such a success it is being further refined and developed to become a regular event on the University calendar.
The Australian Commonwealth Privacy Act
The University is subject to the provisions of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth.) and must comply with the 11 Information Privacy Principles prescribed by the Act.
The Australian Privacy Commissioner has prepared guidelines to the information privacy principals, however, please read on for a more simplified account of how these requirements relate to communication between ANU and our agents.
As representatives of the University, staff are only permitted to discuss an individual's application, personal details or academic progress where the individual has given express permission for a third party to act on their behalf.
Similarly, University staff are not permitted to disclose any information to a parent or any other family member without the express consent of the individual.
If you require any further clarification, please contact us.
New Program: Graduate Certificate in Economic Policy
The ANU College of Business and Economics is offering the Graduate Certificate in Economic Policy, a program developed to meet the demands of governments and the business community. The program provides a foundation in economic theory that is relevant to the analysis of issues in economic policy.
Designed for students without prior training in economics, the degree covers the core areas of microeconomics and macroeconomics to provide and understanding of the theoretical basis of economic policy analysis.
The Graduate Certificate in Economic Policy offers training in economics that can be applied at a variety of levels in business and government and can be completed in one semester of full-time study. It has also been designed to serve as a pathway leading to other ANU College of Business and Economics graduate degrees, such as the Graduate Diploma of Economic Policy and the Master of Economic Policy.
Safety and International Students at ANU
Anybody involved in international education would be well aware of recent concerns regarding the safety and welfare of international students in Australia.
While nobody can ever guarantee absolute safety, we do believe that at ANU we have some distinct advantages. In the first place, Canberra as the national and diplomatic capital of Australia tends to be both better educated and more internationally aware than most Australian cities. We maintain close links with the diplomatic community and are very quickly advised if there are issues that we need to address.
Secondly, we are by Australian standards quite a small university and tend to attract highly motivated, mature and aware students. Approximately one third of our students live on campus which allows a far greater integration of international and domestic students and our accommodation guarantee means that our younger and more vulnerable students are housed in University-approved accommodation.
Finally, we do take security very seriously: from the first day of orientation security information is provided to our students; our security service is readily available to escort students to and from their residences or cars; we operate a free shuttle-bus to and from our off-campus residences; and we regularly liaise with the police force and Australian Capital Territory authorities on international student issues.
Our experience to date is that Canberra is a safe and welcoming city. While it may not be quite as exciting as our more metropolitan neighbours it also lacks some of their disadvantages.
If you or your students have specific concerns or queries about safety at ANU, please contact us.
An Important Note Regarding Payment of Deposits and Fees
There have been a number of issues with cheques and bank drafts being dishonoured by the receiving bank in Australia. This is due to the fact that confirmation from the issuing bank has not been received in a timely enough manner.
To assist in streamlining the process, we ask that students ensure that their bank sends the required confirmation of issuance form to the drawing bank in Australia. This particular form is called an MT110 and the bank should be able to provide the student with a copy of the form.
A copy of this form should then be sent to the University along with the cheque or bank draft.
ANU NEWS IN BRIEF
Sod turning for ANU Climate Change Institute >>
ANU Student Wins Chinese Language Competition >>
Top International Judges Visit ANU >>
Prime Minister Opens New John Curtin School of Medical Research Building >>
New Telescope to Map our Skies >>
Reconciliation Flies High at ANU >>
Inspiring Ideas at Teaching Festival >>
ANU Art Student Wins US Tapestry Prize >>
For all the latest ANU news, please click here
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