06 February 2012

RMIT Update - No. 05/2012, 06/02/2012

Read about the single sign-on project, course requisites policy, TAFE orientation, professional development for this year, free group fitness classes and more…

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Project updates

Single sign-on project update

Information Technology Services (ITS) is continuing to migrate RMIT's web-based applications to the RMIT Central Authentication Service (CAS).

CAS allows authorised students and staff to access multiple web applications after they log in with their RMIT ID and password. This is also referred to as single sign-on.

The following applications will be migrated in February:

• Equity
• Program Guides
• Document Tracking System
• My research
• eRecruitment
• Special Consideration
• Apply International

A confirmed migration date will be communicated shortly. In the meantime, please refer to CAS FAQs for further information.

[Source: Clement Lee, Project Manager, Information Technology Services]

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In brief

Comment on the course requisites policy

An amended version of the Course Requisites policy is open for comment on the Draft Policies web page until Monday, 20 February.

The current policy was developed in 2001 at the time of the Peoplesoft student system implementation. School and College staff were consulted on the draft replacement policy in relation to decisions for the SAMS upgrade project, and it was developed by a working group chaired by the Academic Registrar, comprising TAFE and higher education nominees from each College.

It will allow for certain requisites to be enforced through the upgraded SAMS system from next year, in contrast to the current situation where these can only be administered manually by Schools.

Although the policy currently stands alone, it is intended to incorporate this policy within the streamlined Program Architecture/Design policy to be developed this year.

[Source: Dr Maddy McMaster, Academic Registrar]

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IT Service Desk hours of operation

The IT Service Desk provides assistance to all staff and students with information technology and audiovisual queries. It has now resumed its standard hours of operation as follows:

• 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
• 8.30am to 4.30pm Saturday

In addition, the IT Service Desk will provide face-to-face support in each of the following locations:

• Swanston Library 9am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm Monday to Friday
• Bundoora Library 9am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm Tuesdays only
• Brunswick Library 9am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm Wednesdays only

The above hours will apply until 30 November, when the hours of support will be altered to reflect the non-peak period. For further information, go to the IT Service Desk web page.

[Source: Debra Raca, Manager, IT Service Desk]

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Performance Workplans have transformed

The 2012 Performance Workplan was launched online via ESS to all fixed-term and continuing staff last month. To assist you in the objective setting phase, you have the choice to:

• Watch an e-learning simulation
• Read a technical or resource guide
• Attend a drop-in lab

Check the webpage for further information. Please discuss any queries regarding the Performance Workplan and related policies, with your line manager in the first instance or contact the MyPerformanceMyCareer team.

[Source: Lisa Flaherty, Human Resources]

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RMIT Audiovisual: ready for action

RMIT Audiovisual provides a range of audiovisual facilities and support services to the City, Brunswick and Bundoora campuses. In preparation for the start of the teaching year, we have undertaken preventative maintenance in more than 800 venues, and to 7,000 items of AV equipment.

Staff are encouraged to make any bookings for Lectopia as soon as possible, to secure the service. To help our AV Support team continue to offer the best possible service, our technicians will encourage users to provide feedback about their AV experience.

As an added incentive, all AV users who complete the survey will go into a monthly draw to win a double movie pass. For more information, go to the Audiovisual web page or contact the IT Service Desk.

[Source: Brian Clark, Information Technology Services]

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The year's first Get Connected event

The first Get Connected event for this year will be held on Thursday, 16 February. The Vice-Chancellor will officially welcome new staff to RMIT, and will share her thoughts on our history and future directions. You will also hear from other senior leaders on a range of topics about working at RMIT.

It's a great opportunity to gain insight into RMIT's history, culture, values and strategic direction, build a better understanding of our operations and structure, familiarise yourself with the range of services available to staff and meet other new staff and start to build networks across the University.

To avoid disappointment, please get in early by registering your place or contact Jasmin Barker on 50740 for more information.

[Source: Jasmin Barker, Human Resources]

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Compliance education

The new Compliance Education web page can now be accessed through the Staff page under Essential Resources. This is another improvement to make it easier for staff to locate and access mandatory online training modules. Be sure to visit the new site and bookmark for future reference.

[Source: Jasmin Barker, Human Resources]

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Welcome breakfasts for TAFE students

Coming up this week as part of Orientation 2012 are our two welcome breakfasts for TAFE students:

• Brunswick campus
  Tuesday, 7 February - 7.30am to 9am in the courtyard area of Building 514
• City campus
  Wednesday, 8 February - 7.30am to 9am in O'Grady Place, at the Orr Street entrance to Building 57

These events will be a great opportunity for TAFE students to get to know each other, find out about the clubs and services available for them at RMIT, and to fuel up for the day with a healthy, tasty breakfast.

Please encourage your students to make the most of Orientation 2012 and come along to a breakfast event. For more information on all activities available for students during orientation check out the staff orientation website and point students to the student orientation website to find out more about what's on offer.

[Source: Fiona Ellis, Director Student Services and Chair, Orientation Steering Committee]

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Lynda.com hits the University Library

Lynda.com is now available both on campus and off. This great resource provides video training courses in areas like animation, audio and video editing, software development, photography, and graphic and web design.

Lynda.com also offers training in popular creative software such as PhotoShop, Illustrator, Flash, Garage Band, Final Cut Pro, and iMovie. You can use it to brush up your skills in Excel, Access, PowerPoint - or professional technology tools like Drupal, Pro Tools, Ruby on Rails, C Programming and HTML 5.

The resource also has information about the creative process, including documentaries about artists, filmmakers, and designers, offering professional advice and inspiration.

The service is available to all RMIT students and staff. When you first access Lynda.com, you are prompted to create a personal profile, which allows you to access its full range of features.

The Library blog has a good introduction to Lynda.com, including how to locate it on the Library website.

[Source: Rowan Mangan, RMIT University Library]

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Health cover for international students

RMIT's preferred Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international students, Medibank Private, is increasing its on-campus support to RMIT international students this year. A Medibank representative is available to assist students with their OSHC claims and membership enquiries at the following locations.

In addition, RMIT staff members who are current Medibank members will also be eligible for a corporate discount on health insurance. Visit the Medibank representative on campus for more information. New enquiries are welcomed.

Date: Wednesdays
Time: 11am - 2pm
Venue: Building 22, Level 1, Info Corner, City campus

Date: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays
Time: 11am - 2pm
Venue: Building 210, between the cafe and the library, Bundoora campus

Date: Thursdays
Time: 3pm - 4pm
Venue: Building 514, level 1, near the Hub, Brunswick campus

Date: Wednesdays
Time: 2pm - 3pm
Venue: Building 36, Level 1, Student Lounge, RMIT English Worldwide (REW)

[Source: Julia Hoon, RMIT International]

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Myki applications and renewals for April

New applications and renewals for 365-day myki passes require you to apply a month in advance. We are currently taking applications and renewals for April, so requests need to be in by Thursday, 1 March.

If you are renewing your application, you need to email the Commuter Club with the following:

• Your name
• Commuter Club myki pass number (please note all myki renewals now require you to advise your Commuter Club myki pass number so your pass can be uploaded with your new 365 days)
• Zone required
• DOB
• Home address (include postcode)
• Home or mobile number or email address
• Request for name to be printed on myki pass (Yes/No)

Further information is available online or phone Teagan Adams on 50600.

[Source: Teagan Adams, Human Resources]

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DevelopME 2012 - Professional development programs for staff

DevelopME is RMIT's professional development portal. It is a one-stop-shop of development opportunities for academic, professional and TAFE staff supporting organisational, team and individual learning. Explore professional development opportunities in the developME calendar. DevelopME provides diverse solutions across eight core curriculum themes to help you identify training and development based on your area of interest.

[Source: Mary Makarucha, Human Resources]

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Platform Technologies News

The latest edition of Platform Technologies Research Institute's newsletter - Platform Technologies News, is now available. It features the achievements of our researchers and HDR students from October to December last year. If you would like to be included on the distribution list, please email.

[Source: Petra Van Nieuwenhoven, Platform Technologies Research Institute]

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Privacy in networked places

Dr danah boyd will give a talk on young people and privacy on Thursday. Dr boyd is a Senior Researcher at Microsoft Research, a Research Assistant Professor in Media, Culture, and Communication at New York University, a Visiting Researcher at Harvard Law School, and an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of New South Wales.

Title: Privacy in networked places - a talk by danah boyd
Date: Thursday, 9 February
Time: 3.30pm - 5.30pm
Venue: Kaleide Theatre, Building 8, Level 2, City campus
RSVP: Angelo Tardio, phone 52847

[Source: Wendy Little, School of Media and Communication]

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Free RMIT Gallery events

RMIT Gallery invites you to join us for the following public programs associated with the exhibition: Sensorial Loop: 1st Tamworth Textile Triennial, which opens this Friday, 10 February. The following free events explore new directions in textiles. Bookings essential: 51717.

Title: New Directions in Textiles|
Date: Friday, 10 February
Time: 10.30am - 12pm, includes morning tea
Venue: Storey Hall Conference Rooms 1 and 2 (The Green Brain), Building 16, Level 7
Presenters: TTT curator Patrick Snelling, Tamworth Regional Director Sandra McMahon with artists Michele Elliot, Cecilia Heffer and Michelle Hamer.

Title: Textile Futures: research and collaboration, teaching and technology
Date: Friday, 10 February
Time: from 2.45 pm, includes afternoon tea
Venue: Building 514 Auditorium, Brunswick campus
Panel: Patrick Snelling, Dr Juliette Peers, Cecilia Heffer, Emma Byrnes and Leanne Zilka.

[Source: Evelyn Tsitas, RMIT Gallery]

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Free lunchtime seminars

Do you have a mortgage? Are you paying too much tax? Do you want to grow and protect your wealth? Westpac Banking Corporation will be offering a series of free lunchtime seminars for RMIT staff this year, focused on wealth creation and debt reduction.

Westpac will have relevant senior staff available to chat with staff during and after the seminar. Free personal appointments will be offered to staff who want a more in-depth conversation.

As an additional benefit for RMIT staff, Westpac will be offering special rates on selected products and services. These will be available through any Westpac branch provided the first contact is through Delia Taylor, Bank Manager, 90 Collins Street, Melbourne.

Lunch will be provided, please RSVP online for catering purposes.

Date: Tuesday, 14 February
Time: 12.30pm - 1.30pm
Venue: College of Business, Building 108, Level 8, Room 24, City campus

Date: Wednesday, 29 February
Time: 12.30pm - 1.30pm
Venue: Building 207, Level 2, Room 1, Bundoora campus

[Source: Zara Hamon, Manager Enterprise Relationships, Enterprise Group]

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Green inventors

Sustainability is a key factor in successful and effective design. RMIT presents the "greenovations" of Industrial Design students who have developed environmentally sustainable designs that demonstrate ingenuity and originality. This clever quartet of students will introduce and demonstrate their inventions, one of which will be named the winner. RMIT's Green Inventors Event is part of the Sustainable Living Festival.

Date: Saturday, 18 February
Time: 2.30pm - 3.30pm
Venue: The Green House, Birrarung Marr, Yarra River
Cost: Free

The RMIT Green Inventors Event will be hosted by Bernie Hobbs, ABC science broadcaster and three panellists will judge the event, including RMIT's own Adjunct Professor Alan Pears from the Centre for Design and RMIT alumnus and former New Inventors winner Jen Macbride.

[Source: Craig Allen, Property Services]

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Free group fitness classes

To celebrate the launch of our new timetable we are offering two weeks of free classes to all RMIT staff from Monday, 6 February, until Friday, 17 February.

Get motivated with some of our new and unique classes, including Power Circuit, Swiss Ball, Yoga, Foam Roll, Body Balance and Capoeira. We have added some half-hour classes during lunch times to make it even easier to stay fit during work hours.

Classes are limited in number so please ensure you come on time to avoid missing out. Brand new participants will need to come 10 minutes early to fill out a quick medical form.

Have a look at the timetable and class descriptions online or come to reception for more information. All classes are free for City Fitness members. We look forward to seeing you at the gym.

[Source: Ivana Andres, RMIT City Fitness]

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How to contribute

Contributions to this newsletter must be sent as an unformatted email message with no attachments to rmit.update@rmit.edu.au before 2pm on Thursday for distribution on Monday. The word limit for contributions is 150 words. Do not send personal items, press releases, items that require uploading to the web or repeat articles. View Writing for RMIT Update guidelines (login required).

Only items that relate to the University's core activities will be published. To ensure RMIT Update is distributed on time, we cannot accept late contributions.

The deadline for the next edition, No.05 2012, is 2pm Thursday, 9 February for distribution on Monday, 13 February.

If you have any comments or queries, please email rmit.update@rmit.edu.au. RMIT Update is produced by Marketing and Communications (login required).

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Your thoughts, comments and suggestions will help us provide content that is relevant to you.

Please email your feedback to rmit.update@rmit.edu.au.

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Useful links

Other useful RMIT web sites are available from the staff essentials web page.

More news is available on the news for staff web page.

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