Note from Brenda
Dear Faculty Colleagues,
I acknowledge the important work in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at present and offer support and respect to you all as you work on development and opportunities for growth and improvement. The process is important and I value the hard work you are all doing.
I am so thankful and respectful for the chance to work alongside you every day. It was significant that in your very busy work schedules, so many of you chose to make the effort and share Wednesday’s graduation with our students and their families. More than 50 professional and academic colleagues from all Schools and the Institute of Koorie Education attended a happy and brief ceremony which celebrated 8 PhDs, a third PhD for the Institute of Koorie Education, and about 300 other graduates.
Given how much sadness there is in our world in so many areas at present, it was an honour to sit with you and you signaled your commitment to education as the future for our community. It was humbling to have so many colleagues simply acknowledge the achievements of others.. as well as your own. I do know many others were there in mind and spirit but could not be present for very good reasons.
On a further positive note I congratulate everyone who has contributed positively to the experiences of students at Deakin. The recent report on Student Experience indicates Deakin continues to improve in the eyes of students. Many of our disciplines are reported as having strong increases in positive student experience and satisfaction. While the report indicates some clear areas for improvement, which I know everyone is working on, it is worth taking a moment to acknowledge your hard work and great outcomes. Thank you again. This information will be passed through your areas as it becomes more available.
I know some of you think I only have hard news to share with how we are travelling as a Faculty, but the Faculty overall has experienced a very good T1 and now that we are heading toward a new recruitment period please do take a break while you can, book some leave, kick back and do some of the other things on your list. Of course many of you are busier than ever with recruitment and course development, research, conferences etc. I do hope they are fulfilling and rewarding. And so as not to disappoint, it is important that I do let you know that we should all watch for the Higher Education Reforms and their impact on your area and Deakin as a whole if they are confirmed. I expect they will have a very significant, and potentially negative impact, across the Faculty. But for the moment please take a bow for your success.
I am sure many of you have attended the VC mid-year forums and I met with Warrnambool colleagues last week and we continue to work on plans for a successful future. I am planning meetings for all staff at Geelong and Burwood as follows and hope you can come, ask questions and contribute to the future ideas and success of the Faculty.
Geelong: Thurs 20th July 9.00 – 10.00 Knowledge Room Institute of Koorie Education
Burwood: Fri 21st July 11.00am – 12 noon BCC – please see reception
Thank you sincerely.
Brenda