
Senate election for academic staff
News 19 FebruaryNominations are now open to appoint two members of our academic staff to the university Senate for a term ending in 2028.
19 September 2017
Share
A message from Chief Operating Officer Dr Stephen Weller:
Dear colleagues,
As part of a commitment to providing a safe environment for our staff, students and visitors, ACU has been making improvements to Critical Incident Management practices over the past 12 months. A range of initiatives have been implemented to ensure that an effective response can be mobilized at ACU campuses during an emergency.
As part of this work, the University has liaised with experts from RiskLogic to review ACU’s Critical Incident Policy and Procedures. The Policy has been updated to maintain best practice, and is available to view on the ACU Policy website.
Security infrastructure: Providing a safer work and study environment through more lighting, security patrols, a network of CCTV cameras, access control, intruder alarms, plus better signage and wayfinding messaging.
One-touch emergency help: The SafeZone mobile app has been introduced for all ACU students and staff. SafeZone gives immediate access to emergency assistance if needed, and can help emergency services to locate you quickly. Download SafeZone to your smartphone at www.safezoneapp.com SafeZone can connect students and staff directly with services such as ACU Security during any incidents on campus, and send you emergency notifications. You can also use SafeZone to notify ACU Security if you will be working alone on ACU premises, or after hours.
Incident Response Group training: ACU Campuses in Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Strathfield and North Sydney each have an identified Incident Response Group. Led by the Campus Associate Vice-Chancellor or Campus Dean, each group has undertaken critical incident training.
Scenario exercises: The Incident Response Groups have also participated in simulations of critical incident scenarios, to build capability and confidence and to practically examine reactions and road-test planning measures. Scenarios included: Gas Leak, Explosion, and Assault on Campus.
Guidance for all staff: An online staff training module is being finalised, which will give you the knowledge of what to do if any type of minor or major incident occurs. All staff will be required to complete this training.
Guidance for students: Student online training is also being developed.
Systematic review processes: A timetable has been established for the review of emergency process and procedures, including inspections and testing regimes and evacuation drills and exercises.
Respect Now Always campaign: In line with Universities Australia’s ‘Respect Now Always’ campaign, ACU’s Critical Incident Policy has been updated to provide clarity for dealing with sexual assault and harassment incidents, including:
- A distinct incident category for Sexual Assault and Harassment, and
- Specifying the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Student Learning and Teaching as the Incident Lead.
While safety and security is vital at an organization–wide level, it is equally important for each of us to take responsible steps to ensure a safe environment for everyone. I encourage all staff to support these initiatives by downloading the SafeZone app , to ensure that you can receive prompt assistance during an emergency.
For more information on emergency and security services at ACU, visit the ACU website.
Nominations are now open to appoint two members of our academic staff to the university Senate for a term ending in 2028.
You’re invited to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates and participate in the upcoming graduation ceremonies held in Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney.
A message from Vice President Fr Anthony Casamento csma: I encourage you to attend the Welcome Ceremony on your campus in the first week of March. Join us as we mark the beginning of the academic year...
Meet Associate Professor Niusha Shafiabady - one of ACU's remarkable female scientists
ACU Library’s Research Engagement team are running their Research Essentials skills sessions again in 2025. Reserve your place to learn more about research data management.
We're streamlining access to library resources based on student feedback.
Get ready to embark on an exhilarating journey into the mysterious world of enrolments. Register now for upcoming Semester 1, 2025 enrolment information sessions.
The Stakeholder Engaged Scholarship Unit (SESU) is now accepting expressions of interest for research projects from organisations supporting people experiencing disadvantage.
ACU Library’s Research Engagement team are running their Research Essentials skills sessions again in 2025. Register now.
Service Central phone support will be extended and available from 8am to 5:30pm from Monday 17 February to Friday 14 March, to support ACU staff as they begin Semester 1.
Yesterday was International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be hearing from some of ACU’s remarkable female scientists to learn about their paths into science. This ...
ACU Library was due to transition to the new EBSCOhost user interface on 4 February. Based on feedback, EBSCO has delayed the migration until July 2025.
A message from Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise), Professor Abid Khan: A warm welcome back to all our ACU colleagues with best wishes for the new year.
The library provides access to most of the resources you will come across in your teaching and research, including newspaper articles, images and videos. Make it your first stop for all your informati...
The library has expanded its support for affordable learning.
Congratulations to ACU Honorary Professor David Runia who was named a Member of the Order of Australia in this year’s Australia Day honours.
During the first week of February every year we celebrate World Interfaith Harmony Week.
The Centre for Education and Innovation (CEI) is offering six one-hour professional development sessions to prepare academics for the start of Semester 1. Register for the webinars here.
A message from the Executive Dean of Theology and Philosophy, Professor Richard Colledge: A new year provides opportunities to nurture what has been planted, and bring buds to bloom.
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Council has been established to guide ACU’s adoption of AI in its teaching, research and engagement, and to influence good practice with university partners and stakeh...
Visit Service Central to access Corporate Services.