
Have you visited Viva Engage yet?
News 11 JuneViva Engage is here. Access it easily via Microsoft Teams.
13 June 2018
Share
A message from Canberra Campus Dean Associate Professor Patrick McArdle.
I hate the cold. I know it is odd for someone who lives in Canberra but I really hate the cold. I have well insulated and heated housing; excellent clothing to keep the winter at bay. In truth, I have avoided being involved in the CEO Sleepout for a number of years. My conscience got the better of me a few years ago and I nominated to do it but had to withdraw due to work and family commitments – I had tried hadn’t I?
Well, in 2018 the diary is clear, there appears to be no valid reason that I should not do this… and, truth to be told, the horrible wet and freezing conditions that people endured in 2017 has shamed me into participating. I have been generous with donating to this cause in the past, but I have known in the marrow of my being that I have been squibbing.
Australia is a rich country and Canberra is among the richest parts of the country – statistically the entire jurisdiction is effectively high SES. However, homelessness is a problem and a growing one. More people are living rough and, especially in winter, the services available are just inadequate. Something has to be done to address this and I need to be part of the solution or else, I am part of the problem.
Recently an ACU researcher told me of a project she has been working on with the ACT Government looking at the incidence and experiences of homelessness among 12 – 15 year olds in Canberra. I said to her, please tell me that the study ‘failed’ because there were no candidates available to be included? Alas no, there were people and unfortunately agencies indicated they could easily find many, many more if required.
The CEO Sleepout raises money for St Vincent de Paul’s work to combat and ameliorate homelessness and poverty. The funds go to meet real and tangible need. If any of the relatively small amount that I and people like me can raise can assist even one child, one family who are homeless this winter, then overcoming my own distaste for the cold will be worth it.
Vinnies has set a national target of just over $6 million dollars. Thus far $2.5 million has been raised. The website illustrates how small to medium amounts of money can make a real difference - $55 feeds a family for a day, $205 dollars relocates a person sleeping rough to a homelessness service; $500 prevents a family from being evicted.
Families in Australia are doing it tough at present – low wage growth, high youth and over 50s unemployment, together with rising costs of living. However, the people Vinnies works with, the cause of human dignity that they seek to address, are those with the most urgent and intractable needs in our community.
I have no doubt that on 21 June (the longest night of the year) that I will be cold, uncomfortable and a little bit miserable. Next day I will go back to my comfortable life and the warmth. Many of those who this effort is trying to assist may never have that opportunity without the assistance of those with some cash to spare.
If you are in a position to donate or you know someone who can, the donation page for my efforts is https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/patrickmcardle
Winter is coming but together we can make a difference.
Viva Engage is here. Access it easily via Microsoft Teams.
The library is supporting the ACU Historical Children’s Book Collections 2025 Fellowship. It is an opportunity to conduct research on our historical collection of children’s books, located at St Patri...
A new Adjunct and Honorary Titles Policy and Procedure has been approved and is now in effect at ACU.
Teaching staff are encouraged to check their units have been correctly linked to their names for the Student Evaluation of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys in upcoming teaching periods.
On 24 June ACU will transition to the new EBSCOhost. This will result in a new look and feel across some of our most popular databases. Learn more about the changes and what action may be required of ...
Include an additional survey item in the Student Evaluation of Learning and Teaching (SELT) survey for units that are offered in ACU Online Term 2 (202536).
Advance your career in teaching and learning with the Graduate Certificate in Higher Education. Enrol by 22 June to get started in Professional Term 5.
ACU has three student modules: the Academic Integrity, Respectful Relationships, and Protecting our Children modules. Semester 1 students must complete their modules by 1 July to access their results ...
The Student News and Events bulletin is sent to all students, nationally, and includes a broad cross-section of news, announcements, events and stories from across the university. The May edition is o...
Please be aware of the following changes to payroll processing dates.
A message from the Chief Operating Officer Patrick Woods.
As part of Student Administration's commitment to service excellence, AskACU will be running on-campus re-enrolment drop-in sessions in July, while CMAS enhancements will improve information available...
Say goodbye to Workplace and hello to Viva Engage. Learn about our new community structure and all-staff community.
An update from the Executive Dean of Law and Business Professor Andrew O'Neil.
A reminder to all academic staff that the mandatory Notice of Intent, for those intending to apply for promotion in the 2025 round, must be submitted by 11.59pm this Friday (30 May).
Expect a few email notifications as we prepare to welcome you to Viva Engage next week.
Include an additional survey item in the Student Evaluation of Learning and Teaching (SELT) survey for units that are offered in Professional Term 4 (202547).
Register for these 15-minute sessions to learn more about the variety of online researcher profile platforms and what is involved in setting up, linking and updating your profile.
ACU is developing a new Education and Student Success Plan to ensure our university continues to provide a high-quality, student-centred learning experience. Find out how you can contribute to the pla...
Lecturers-in-charge can make a direct determination of Poor Academic Practice (PAP) for students who engage in minor forms of academic misconduct. Learn why they can be valuable to staff and students.
Visit Service Central to access Corporate Services.