
A message from Professor Andrew O’Neil
News 28 MayAn update from the Executive Dean of Law and Business Professor Andrew O'Neil.
05 April 2023
Share
In celebrating the 2023 ACU Autism Inclusion Awards, Autistic students have praised three educators for their ongoing commitment to making their tertiary education experience a success.
Associate Professor Xiaoying Qi from ACU's School of Arts (Melbourne) and Dr Gareth Wearne, Senior Lecturer for the National School of Theology (Strathfield) have been named joint winners of the 2023 ACU Autism Inclusion Awards. Dr Carmel Turner, Lecturer in the School of Education (Brisbane) has also received a Highly Commended award.
The judging panel recognised Associate Professor Qi for providing individualised support to a student that demonstrates both commitment to student outcomes and genuine respect for autistic people as individuals with a meaningful contribution to make; and Dr Wearne for providing an environment and culture in which neurodivergent students feel supported in their challenges and celebrated for their successes.
Associate Professor Qi said she was delighted to be a recipient of the Award.
"Inclusion of individuals with autism in mainstream social and educational settings challenges conventional 'disability' and 'the other' approaches of autism and promotes an 'able' and 'us' approach," Associate Professor Qi said.
Dr Wearne said it was important to make the learning environment supportive for all students.
"It's moving to learn that neurodiverse students feel safe and welcome to participate fully in my classes. I fully believe that making our units more inclusive spaces makes them better for all students," he said.
The student who nominated her said Associate Professor Qi made a conscious effort to include him in classes, and to accommodate his autistic sensory challenges.
"I often had to take breaks, either lying down in the room or taking a walk outside to ameliorate overload, and these behaviours were accepted as part of my self-regulatory and additional support needs."
"I felt a sense of belonging in her classes and was treated with understanding and respect just like any other student."
The student who nominated Dr Gareth Wearne commended his ability to acknowledge that many students struggle with aspects of university.
"Gareth acknowledges that some people struggle with some things and respects that, but also lets those students have a go at the thing they struggle with without making a big fuss," the nominating student said.
"In saying that, he also tells students when they have done a good job and how they did a good job."
The Awards, now in its second year, encourages autistic members of the ACU community to nominate a non-autistic ACU staff member who has made the university more inclusive for neurodivergent people.
The Autism Inclusion Awards is an initiative of ACU's Autism Awareness-Acceptance-Appreciation Week, held this year between 27 March to 2 April.
Autistic advocate and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research Impact) Professor Sandra Jones said universities could be challenging places for autistic people to learn and work.
"Autistic students are underrepresented in university; in Australia, only 8 per cent of autistic adults have a bachelor degree or higher. Autistic people are also underrepresented among university staff, despite many having skills and personal qualities that make them ideally suited to education roles. Those who are employed are often reluctant to disclose due to the risk of stigma and discrimination," Professor Jones said.
"It makes a profound difference in the experience of autistic staff and students when educators and professional staff make a conscious decision to welcome and embrace their autistic colleagues and students.
"I want to congratulate Associate Professor Xiaoying Qi, Dr Gareth Wearne and Dr Carmel Turner for their concerted efforts in making ACU a safe, inclusive and supportive space for our autistic students and staff, like myself.
"Your ability to listen, acknowledge, support and address the needs of autistic people makes you wonderful autism allies and role models for your colleagues."
For more information about ACU's autism initiatives please visit acu.edu.au/autism
An update from the Executive Dean of Law and Business Professor Andrew O'Neil.
Expect a few email notifications as we prepare to welcome you to Viva Engage next week.
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...
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).
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.
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.
You're invited to join your Campus Community of Learning Advancement - a professional learning community focused on collaborative workplace learning.
A message from the Executive Dean Faculty of Education and Arts Professor Mary Ryan.
The Semester 1 2025 Student Evaluation of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys will close on 29 June. Students say they are more likely to complete the surveys if they are reminded in class and unders...
ACU librarians have recently begun using Rayyan for screening and collaboration. It is a free alternative to Covidence that can assist with systematic review workflows. Read more about Rayyan and othe...
The Academic Board Digest from meeting 02/2025 held on 15 April 2025 is now available.
Tomorrow, 15 May, is International Day of Families. To celebrate, let’s hear from ACU staff member Martina Donaghy about how flexible working has helped her manage care for her young daughter after re...
Student Advocacy Service is running an information session designed to provide staff with a clearer understanding of the scope of support available to students.
Explore the future of assessment with Interactive Orals. We’ll be joined by expert, Danielle Logan-Fleming to share valuable insights into this transformative model and its impact across disciplines.
A message from the Executive Dean of Health Sciences Professor Suzanne Chambers.
Academic promotions provides an opportunity to recognise and reward your achievements at your current level of appointment that warrant promotion to the next academic level. Register to attend an info...
Advance HE is offering free webinars on Student Success and Advance HE Fellowships in May and June as part of their Australasian Member Benefit Series.
Recent cyber-attacks on Australian organisations have highlighted the need to protect yourself online. Learn more about infostealers and what you can do to stay safe.
As artificial intelligence tools become part of everyday academic work, questions around copyright are more important than ever. This workshop on 22 May will focus on the copyright implications of usi...
Visit Service Central to access Corporate Services.