ACUMA Inc.: the Association representing campus service organisations in Australia & New Zealand Higher education news • February 2010
ACUMA Incorporated: Higher education in the press in February 2010
Beds full at new UNSW village Pacific students' interest deal helps Steven Joyce's crack down on student loans not received well Sydney University expands sex-assault policy Uni student dies after falling down stairwell during Orientation Week Students rally to defence of their associations Christopher Pyne has no credibility with students Peter Mandelson calls for two-year courses International education rules strengthened ISSUES: Youth Allowance; Unique Student Identifier; Intensive employment assistance for retrenched workers Uni boosts foreign student accommodation Funding cut to overly political student body University of Ballarat student union collapses Regional unis plead to Senators about youth allowance Senate pressed over fears of uni drop-outs Funding cut to overly political student body International students 'to be protected' Almost $50,000 for Adelaide to celebrate young Muslim Australians Time running out for Coalition on Youth Allowance Come on Down NZ: Fee policy attracts foreign PhD students Govt plans to tighten student loan scheme Students face financial crunch Full-fee students may miss out on internships $40m for teachers’ professional development in ICT Making a difference - UWA Guild & Volunteering WA Failing Massey students face expulsion Doorstop transcript from the Southern Cross University Gold Coast Campus Seek appoints Denise Bradley as independent director NZ: Government promises education reforms Knowledge economy at what cost? Otago polytechnic CEO wants subcommittee for staff and students Cloud email’s Australian thunderstorm The University of Western Australia 3D Art & Design Challenge Save now for future education Labour concerned over tertiary shake up Issues: Youth Allowance Australian University Sport Newsletter Relaunched Australian University Sport YouTube Channel Film gives Brisbane 'the edge' over rival cities Skilled migration shake-up Coalition Senators delay ESOS legislation again More protections for students resisted Newcastle Uni to establish international college Call for international education post Hi-tech exam cheating increases says Ofqual Universities Australia seeks $881m more in funding Sociologist investigates attacks on overseas students Students in 'limbo' after college collapse College collapse leaves thousands stranded Unis take heart in enrolment numbers Higher Education Revolution on track Fresh blow for Indian studies
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ACUMA Inc.: the Association representing campus service organisations in Australia & New Zealand Higher education news • February 2010
Beds full at new UNSW village The Sydney Morning Herald March 01 2010 WITHIN four weeks, a newly opened 1000-bed complex at the University of NSW was booked out for this academic year. Full article: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/beds-full-at-new-unsw-village-20100228-pb6n.html Pacific students' interest deal helps Manawatu Standard via Stuff.co.nz February 27 2010 Changes to student loan legislation could ease financial pressure on Pacific Island students returning home who now qualify for interest-free loans. Full article: http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/3382356/Pacific-students-interest-deal-helps Steven Joyce's crack down on student loans not received well 3News - New Zealand February 27 2010 Students are warning the newly-appointed Tertiary Education Minister to be cautious over plans to cut loans for failing students. Full article: http://www.3news.co.nz/Joyces-crack-down-on-student-loans-not-receivedwell/tabid/423/articleID/143879/Default.aspx Sydney University expands sex-assault policy The Sydney Morning Herald February 25 2010 THE University of Sydney vice-chancellor, Michael Spence, has unveiled new powers for taking action against any student or staff member involved in sexual assault and harassment allegations for the start of O-Week celebrations. Full article: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-university-expands-sexassault-policy-20100224-p3ly.html Uni student dies after falling down stairwell during Orientation Week The Age February 25 2010 A university student has died after falling down a stairwell during Orientation Week at La Trobe University. Full article: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/uni-student-dies-after-falling-down-stairwell-during-orientationweek-20100225-p4b7.html
Locked Bag 1333, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia ABN: 56 168 491 622 Tel: +61 3 6324 3935 / Fax: +61 3 6324 3670 / admin.acuma@acuma.org.au / www.acuma.org.au
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ACUMA Inc.: the Association representing campus service organisations in Australia & New Zealand Higher education news • February 2010
Students rally to defence of their associations TEU Update - New Zealand February 25 2010 Student associations around the country have launched a campaign to stop the passage of a Roger Douglas-sponsored bill that proposes to remove universal membership of student associations Full article: http://www.teu.ac.nz/?p=5633 Christopher Pyne has no credibility with students Media Release: The Hon Julia Gillard MP February 25 2010 The Government today has condemned Opposition Education spokesperson Christopher Pyne for saying he knows better than Vice-Chancellors about students’ needs and is once again calling on him to pass the Youth Allowance bill so 150,000 students can be paid scholarships. Full article: http://www.deewr.gov.au/Ministers/Gillard/Media/Releases/Pages/Article_100224_161502.aspx Peter Mandelson calls for two-year courses The Times Online - UK February 12 2010 The two-year programmes would cover the same content as the traditional degree but with a week’s holiday at Christmas and Easter. The three-month summer break would be contracted to two weeks. Those who go to university having just turned 18 would graduate before they reach 20. Full article: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/education/article7023058.ece International education rules strengthened Media Release: The Hon Julia Gillard MP February 23 2010 The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, today welcomed the strengthening of rules for education providers of international students by requiring all colleges to re-register under new, stronger criteria by the end of 2010. Full article: http://www.deewr.gov.au/Ministers/Gillard/Media/Releases/Pages/Article_100223_162748.aspx ISSUES: Youth Allowance; Unique Student Identifier; Intensive employment assistance for retrenched workers Interview transcript: The Hon Julia Gillard MP February 24 2010 FRAN KELLY: The reforms you’re trying to get through include changes to the eligibility criteria for the full independent Youth Allowance. Now the Coalition and Steve Fielding say this will penalise thousands of country students. Do you accept that many country kids will be worse off because of these changes? JULIA GILLARD: Absolutely not, Fran, quite the reverse. Our student income support package is about getting dollars where they’re needed the most, particularly into the hands of low and middle income Locked Bag 1333, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia ABN: 56 168 491 622 Tel: +61 3 6324 3935 / Fax: +61 3 6324 3670 / admin.acuma@acuma.org.au / www.acuma.org.au
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ACUMA Inc.: the Association representing campus service organisations in Australia & New Zealand Higher education news • February 2010
families and as a general rule, people in regional and rural Australia earn less than people in the big cities. And the current system is one where we have evidence of students who are living at home in metropolitan Australia in households earning $200,000 or $300,000 a year and they’re getting Youth Allowance while country kids miss out. Full article: http://www.deewr.gov.au/Ministers/Gillard/Media/Transcripts/Pages/Article_100224_122653.aspx Uni boosts foreign student accommodation AAP via The Sydney Morning Herald February 23 2010 Monash University is building on-campus accommodation to house 1700 foreign students in their first year of study in Australia to provide them with greater security. Full article: http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/uni-boosts-foreign-student-accommodation20100223-os2g.html Funding cut to overly political student body The Australian February 23 2010 A SYDNEY university is believed to be the first in the country to cut back and control funding to its student council for playing too much politics. Full article: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/funding-cut-to-overly-political-student-body/story-e6frg6n61225833202492 University of Ballarat student union collapses The Courier February 23 2010 THE peak body representing students at the University of Ballarat has collapsed because of a lack of funding. The university's student association has battled financial problems for the past 18 months and no student elections were held last year. Full article: http://www.thecourier.com.au/news/local/news/general/university-student-unioncollapses/1759243.aspx?storypage=0 Regional unis plead to Senators about youth allowance ABC Rural February 23 2010 Regional universities are urging Senators to pass changes to youth allowance, when the bill returns to the Upper House tomorrow. Full article: http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201002/s2827778.htm
Locked Bag 1333, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia ABN: 56 168 491 622 Tel: +61 3 6324 3935 / Fax: +61 3 6324 3670 / admin.acuma@acuma.org.au / www.acuma.org.au
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ACUMA Inc.: the Association representing campus service organisations in Australia & New Zealand Higher education news • February 2010
Senate pressed over fears of uni drop-outs The Australian February 23 2010 UNIVERSITY vice-chancellors have written to every senator urging support for Labor's youth allowance, amid fears poor students will have to drop out on the eve of the academic year. Full article: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/senate-pressed-over-fears-of-uni-drop-outs/storye6frg6nf-1225833202599 Funding cut to overly political student body The Australian February 23 2010 A SYDNEY university is believed to be the first in the country to cut back and control funding to its student council for playing too much politics. Full article: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/funding-cut-to-overly-political-student-body/story-e6frg6n61225833202492 International students 'to be protected' NineMSN.com.au February 22 2010 International students will be better protected from unscrupulous education providers under new laws passed by parliament. http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=1015814 Almost $50,000 for Adelaide to celebrate young Muslim Australians Media Release: The Hon Kate Ellis MP February 22 2010 Member for Adelaide Kate Ellis today announced Federal Government funding for a project to build the skills and education of local young Muslim Australians. http://www.deewr.gov.au/Ministers/Ellis/Media/Releases/Pages/Article_100222_103412.aspx Time running out for Coalition on Youth Allowance Media Release: The Hon Julia Gillard MP February 22 2010 The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, today reminded the Parliament that 150 000 students across Australia are in limbo as the Youth Allowance Bill languishes in the Senate. Full article: http://www.deewr.gov.au/Ministers/Gillard/Media/Releases/Pages/Article_100222_161309.aspx
Locked Bag 1333, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia ABN: 56 168 491 622 Tel: +61 3 6324 3935 / Fax: +61 3 6324 3670 / admin.acuma@acuma.org.au / www.acuma.org.au
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ACUMA Inc.: the Association representing campus service organisations in Australia & New Zealand Higher education news • February 2010
Come on Down The Toronto Sun February 21 2010 Australian tourism officials hope to convince Canadian university and college students of the benefits of spending a year Down Under after graduating this spring, saying the experience could improve their future job prospects back home. Full article: http://www.torontosun.com/travel/international/2010/02/21/12967341-sun.html NZ: Fee policy attracts foreign PhD students University World News February 21 2010 International enrolments in doctoral programmes have grown six-fold at New Zealand universities this decade. But domestic students still account for the majority of PhD candidates. Full article: http://www.universityworldnews.com/article.php?story=20100219130536770 Govt plans to tighten student loan scheme Stuff.co.nz - New Zealand February 20 2010 The interest-free student loans policy will be changed, with the Tertiary Education Minister admitting it was "a political call" to back it at the 2008 election. Full article: http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/3351909/Govt-plans-to-tighten-student-loan-scheme Students face financial crunch The Otago Daily Times February 19 2010 Thousands of students face mounting financial pressure this year because the Government was not quick enough to help them find summer jobs, New Zealand student union co-president David Do says. Figures obtained by The Star reveal a 65% increase in the number of students receiving the Student Hardship benefit this summer compared with a year ago. Full article: http://www.odt.co.nz/on-campus/university-otago/94249/students-face-financial-crunch Full-fee students may miss out on internships The Australian February 20 2010 MEDICAL schools have warned a $1.6 billion deal by Australian governments to support clinical training -- including a guarantee of an intern place for medical and nursing graduates -- could blow a hole in their finances by excluding overseas fee-paying students. Full article: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/health-science/full-fee-students-may-miss-out-oninternships/story-e6frg8y6-1225831970664
Locked Bag 1333, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia ABN: 56 168 491 622 Tel: +61 3 6324 3935 / Fax: +61 3 6324 3670 / admin.acuma@acuma.org.au / www.acuma.org.au
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ACUMA Inc.: the Association representing campus service organisations in Australia & New Zealand Higher education news • February 2010
$40m for teachers’ professional development in ICT Media Release: The Hon Julia Gillard MP February 18 2010 The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, today announced a $40 million initiative to help ensure teachers and school leaders receive comprehensive training in information and communication technology (ICT). Full article: http://www.deewr.gov.au/ministers/gillard/media/releases/pages/article_100218_130817.aspx Making a difference - UWA Guild & Volunteering WA University of Western Australia News February 18 2010 In an Australia-first, tertiary students have partnered with a major volunteering organisation to set up a volunteering hub at The University of Western Australia. Full article: http://www.news.uwa.edu.au/201002182177/media-statements/making-difference Failing Massey students face expulsion Manawatu Standard - New Zealand February 1 2010 Failing Massey students are at greater risk of expulsion as the university cracks down on under performers. About 110 extra students face exclusion from Massey University this year, accounting for a 10 per cent rise. Full article: http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/3348082/Failing-Massey-students-face-expulsion Doorstop transcript from the Southern Cross University Gold Coast Campus The Hon Julia Gillard MP February 17 2010 ISSUES: Opening of Southern Cross University’s new Gold Coast Campus; Education Revolution; Youth Allowance; Tony Abbott’s IR policy; National Safe Schools Framework. Full article: http://www.deewr.gov.au/Ministers/Gillard/Media/Transcripts/Pages/Article_100218_080124.aspx Seek appoints Denise Bradley as independent director The Business Spectator February 15 2010 Online job advertising company Seek Ltd has appointed former University of South Australia vicechancellor Emeritus Professor Denise Bradley AC as an independent director. Full article: http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Seek-appoints-Denise-Bradley-as-independentdirect-pd20100215-2P2RV?OpenDocument&src=hp8 Locked Bag 1333, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia ABN: 56 168 491 622 Tel: +61 3 6324 3935 / Fax: +61 3 6324 3670 / admin.acuma@acuma.org.au / www.acuma.org.au
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ACUMA Inc.: the Association representing campus service organisations in Australia & New Zealand Higher education news • February 2010
NZ: Government promises education reforms University World News February 14 2010 Universities look set to benefit but students could face a tougher financial support regime after the government announced that education would be one of its priorities for reform this year. Full article: http://www.universityworldnews.com/article.php?story=20100212125207224 Knowledge economy at what cost? The Age February 15 2010 Last week The Guardian reported that British universities face huge cuts. Thousands of staff will be axed, campuses and programs closed and there is the spectre of higher fees. How long before Australian universities face the same scenario? Full article: http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/politics/knowledge-economy-at-what-cost-20100214-nzdl.html Otago polytechnic CEO wants subcommittee for staff and students TEU Update - New Zealand February 11 2010 Otago Polytechnic, like other New Zealand’s other 19 ITPs, is preparing to cut its non-ministerially appointed councillors down to just four. The Otago Daily Times reported this week that CEO Phil Ker was recommending a “hybrid” system, with one or two continuing to be nominated by local Maori, and two or three people appointed using a skills-based system. Full article: http://www.teu.ac.nz/index.php/2010/02/otago-polytechnic-ceo-wants-subcommittee-for-staff-andstudents/ Cloud email’s Australian thunderstorm Delimiter.com.au February 09 2010 On 11 January this year, Macquarie University issued a statement that left Australia’s IT industry in no doubt as to how the institution felt about its ageing in-house email systems. Full article: http://delimiter.com.au/2010/02/09/cloud-emails-australian-thunderstorm/ The University of Western Australia 3D Art & Design Challenge YouTube.com http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dame2q6mcPg
Locked Bag 1333, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia ABN: 56 168 491 622 Tel: +61 3 6324 3935 / Fax: +61 3 6324 3670 / admin.acuma@acuma.org.au / www.acuma.org.au
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ACUMA Inc.: the Association representing campus service organisations in Australia & New Zealand Higher education news • February 2010
Save now for future education Stuff.co.nz - New Zealand February 11 2010 Babies don't come cheap, least of all if baby's future holds a tertiary education. Parents and prospective students hoping to avoid a big bill might want to do their homework. Full article: http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/3316273/Save-now-for-future-education Labour concerned over tertiary shake up TVNZ via One News - New Zealand February 10 2010 The government is preparing the ground to scrap the fee cap at tertiary institutions, put restrictions on who can study and tell institutions what subjects they can teach, Labour Party tertiary education spokeswoman Maryan Street says. Full article: http://tvnz.co.nz/politics-news/labour-concerned-over-tertiary-shake-up-3356181 Issues: Youth Allowance Radio Interview Transcript: The Hon Julia Gillard MP February 04 2010 JULIA GILLARD: I can understand that students are going back in a dreadful environment of uncertainty. We can only give them certainty when we get the legislation through the Senate. Full article: http://www.deewr.gov.au/Ministers/Gillard/Media/Transcripts/Pages/Article_100205_143339.aspx Australian University Sport Newsletter Relaunched February 2010 http://www.unisport.com.au/newsletter.asp Australian University Sport YouTube Channel YouTube.com http://www.youtube.com/user/playunigames Film gives Brisbane 'the edge' over rival cities The Brisbane Times February 05 2010 The company behind a new promotional film aimed at encouraging international students to come to Brisbane says it was not made in response to the negative publicity surrounding attacks on Indian students in Melbourne. Full article: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/film-gives-brisbane-the-edge-over-rival-cities20100205-ni84.html
Locked Bag 1333, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia ABN: 56 168 491 622 Tel: +61 3 6324 3935 / Fax: +61 3 6324 3670 / admin.acuma@acuma.org.au / www.acuma.org.au
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ACUMA Inc.: the Association representing campus service organisations in Australia & New Zealand Higher education news • February 2010
Skilled migration shake-up The Age February 06 2010 THE federal government is set to overhaul Australia's skilled migration program, but industry bodies fear it will throw the flagging international education sector into further disarray. Full article: http://www.theage.com.au/national/skilled-migration-shakeup-20100205-nip5.html Coalition Senators delay ESOS legislation again Joint Media Release: The Hon Julia Gillard MP, Senator the Hon Kim Carr February 04 2010 The Coalition, the Greens and independent Senators have today voted to delay the passage of the Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Re-registration of Providers and Other Measures) Bill 2009. Full article: http://www.deewr.gov.au/Ministers/Gillard/Media/Releases/Pages/Article_100205_081307.aspx More protections for students resisted The Sydney Morning Herald February 04 2010 International students left out of pocket when their college goes belly up will be reimbursed for expenses beyond course fees - but not if the federal government can help it. Full article: http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/more-protections-for-students-resisted-20100204ng5b.html Newcastle Uni to establish international college The Herald February 04 2010 THE University of Newcastle is to establish an International College at Callaghan Campus that will create 200 jobs and bring an extra 1000 overseas students a year into the institution by 2020. University vice-chancellor Nick Saunders signed an agreement with private college operator Navitas yesterday. Full article: http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/newcastle-uni-to-establish-internationalcollege/1741893.aspx Call for international education post The Sydney Morning Herald February 03 2010 The Australian Greens have called on the federal government to appoint a parliamentary secretary for international education. Full article: http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/call-for-international-education-post-20100203ncuf.html Locked Bag 1333, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia ABN: 56 168 491 622 Tel: +61 3 6324 3935 / Fax: +61 3 6324 3670 / admin.acuma@acuma.org.au / www.acuma.org.au
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ACUMA Inc.: the Association representing campus service organisations in Australia & New Zealand Higher education news • February 2010
Hi-tech exam cheating increases says Ofqual BBC - UK February 03 2010 More than 4,400 people were caught cheating in last year's GCSEs and A-levels in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the exams watchdog says. Full article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/8493132.stm Universities Australia seeks $881m more in funding The Australian February 03 2010 UNIVERSITIES Australia is pressuring the Rudd government to immediately boost higher education spending by $881 million and has warned that any large-scale expansion of the sector could jeopardise quality. Full article: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/ua-seeks-881m-more-in-funding/story-e6frgcjx1225826089192 Sociologist investigates attacks on overseas students The Australian February 03 2010 AFTER 10 months of charged debate over whether attacks on overseas students are race-based, researcher Helen Forbes-Mewett wants to interview the assailants in an effort to get to the bottom of the issue. Full article: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/sociologist-investigates-attacks-on-overseasstudents/story-e6frgcjx-1225826089308 Students in 'limbo' after college collapse ABC News February 02 2010 Australia's reputation as an international education destination was dealt another blow today with the collapse of a group of companies which run English language schools nationwide. Full article: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/02/02/2808249.htm?section=justin College collapse leaves thousands stranded ABC Radio - The World Today February 02 2010 ELEANOR HALL: Australia's reputation as an international education destination was dealt another blow today with the collapse of a group of companies which run English language schools across Australia. Full article: http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2010/s2807781.htm
Locked Bag 1333, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia ABN: 56 168 491 622 Tel: +61 3 6324 3935 / Fax: +61 3 6324 3670 / admin.acuma@acuma.org.au / www.acuma.org.au
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ACUMA Inc.: the Association representing campus service organisations in Australia & New Zealand Higher education news • February 2010
Unis take heart in enrolment numbers The Sydney Morning Herald February 03 2010 UNIVERSITIES appear set to weather the storm of bad international publicity over attacks on Indian students. The latest data on student visa applications suggest vocational colleges will bear the brunt of the damage to Australia's reputation as an education destination. Full article: http://www.smh.com.au/national/unis-take-heart-in-enrolment-numbers-20100202-nb4r.html Higher Education Revolution on track Joint Media Release: The Hon Julia Gillard MP and Senator Kim Carr February 02 2010 Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, and Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, today advised the Parliament of the Rudd Government’s progress in Higher Education, just over one year on from the receipt of the Bradley Review into Higher Education and the Cutler Review of the National Innovation System. Full article: http://www.deewr.gov.au/Ministers/Gillard/Media/Releases/Pages/Article_100203_074540.aspx Fresh blow for Indian studies The Age January 30 2010 IN A fresh blow to Australia's overseas education industry, a minister has gained wide publicity in the Indian media after saying Indians should not go to Australia for studies. Full article: http://www.theage.com.au/national/fresh-blow-for-indian-studies-20100130-n4dr.html
Locked Bag 1333, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia ABN: 56 168 491 622 Tel: +61 3 6324 3935 / Fax: +61 3 6324 3670 / admin.acuma@acuma.org.au / www.acuma.org.au
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