Nucleus vol 1, no 2 by Nucleus

FREE

MOOCs NTEU STRIKE ACTION Free Speech in the University

NUCLEUS Vol. 1, No. 2, Mar 2013

Contents Welcome to the second issue of Nucleus, brought to you with pride - from the university, for the university. We hope within these pages you find something to intrigue you, something to inform you, and something to connect you with the UNE community. We are humbled by the responses to the first issue, and so glad it has made such an impact. Producing it from the beginning was such an insular experience that having people know the paper, suddenly, is exceptional. Walking through uni and seeing people carrying it, reading it; seeing you go past our office, stop, look, pick it up, discover it: what that creates, for us and for you, is hard to describe. The extent of Nucleusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reception and feedback have been very exciting and somewhat daunting. We hope that first issue set the bar high. We put it together in an old hairdresserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s salon in a deserted university campus, with no ground under our feet and no infrastructure in place, a few magpies and a few crazy people yelling out across empty courtyards to keep us company. Now the swell has begun to pick up and whilst the three black hairdressing sinks still adorn our office, we now have encouragement, even contributions, from many of you. What has become evident in the process of putting this issue together is the enormous input already being given by you and your fellow students. Throughout the process of production, this issue has shaped and changed as more articles, ideas, contributions and reports have come from far, from wide, and from close to home. We, the captains of this crazy ship, are moved along in our endeavours by the words that flow from you, and the experiences that you share with us. This is YOUR paper, and what it becomes is up to you. Be involved, be critical, and be aware of the fraternal body of students, lecturers, staff and countless other friends around us. Happy Nucleus! - The Editors 2

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- Editorials - Letters to the Editors - MOOCs - Enterprise Bargaining at UNE - Capitalism with a Cause - Feature: Free Speech in the University - University Bucket List - Clubs & Societies - The Seventh Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche visits Armidale and UNE

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- Profiles - Environment: Gaseous Concerns of an

Agrarian Economy

- Arts Pages

facebook: www.facebook.com/NucleusUNE email: editors@nucleus.org.au website: www.nucleus.org.au post: P.O. Box U1, UNE Armidale NSW 2351 Cover Art by Jason Quast

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the staff of the Nucleus or UNEG. If you have an issue with an item published in the paper, write a letter and we will be glad to print it. All contributions must include name and contact details. Ensure that all contributions contain nothing that may be considered sexist, racist, discriminatory, violence provoking, or plagiarised. We assume our readers can tolerate a degree of satire and the odd swear word, but anything containing unnecessary profanity will not be published. Publication is always at the discretion of the editors. All content is published under the Creative Commons By 3.0 license. Refer to website for license information.

chase the Tattersall’s Hotel and a joint venture with the Armidale Ex-Services Club to build the Belgrave Cinema. All this, while still facilitating more than $600,000 investment in on-campus cultural services and amenity.

Considering my countless appearances – most less than flattering - in the former Neucleus student magazine when I was CEO of the UNE Union, I feel honoured as Chancellor of the University of New England to be invited to write a foreword for the newly returned Nucleus. Certainly, it is wonderful to see in the return of the ‘student rag’ a sign of a resurgent student representation at the University, promoting and building the on and off-campus experience.

It wasn’t all good times though and I still recall when we put the price of coffee up in the union facilities, a special general meeting was called with the primary agenda item, to “sack the warden’. I survived that meeting despite the 499 to 1 vote - when I asked my lone supporter why, he happily informed me, ‘Sacking is too good for you!’ It was an extraordinary apprenticeship that has served me well in my role as Chancellor as well as in politics and I recommend the experience to any like-minded UNE students. I fondly remember many student leaders, presidents of the union and hard campaigners, who have since gone on to roles of responsibility in community and corporate Australia and internationally.

My experience at the UNE Union, where I spent 20 years starting as a kitchen hand and finishing as CEO, Since the Federal Government removed compulsory my time on the UNE Council and most recently as fees the student union has struggled to survive, but Chancellor all lead me to hope we are reentering the now those dark times are over and the reintroduction days of strong student engagement. of the fees opens up new opportunities to re-engage. Speaking as Chancellor of the University, it is my great I was appointed as Warden of the Union (CEO) in hope shared by the UNE Council, to have a strong and 1991. Those were the heady days of student politics, cohesive student representative body - well informed particularly as some federal politicians were pursuby the Nucleus - in order to promote a better dialogue ing an agenda to remove compulsory student union across the University. I believe that the best decisions fees, which they eventually achieved. Our objective UNE has made over the years, were when the stuto counteract this was to reduce our reliance on comdents and all stakeholders were actively involved in pulsory fees and build the union’s financial base. those processes and may that continue to be the case. We undertook significant extensions to the Union - Richard Torbay, UNE Chancellor Bistro, now The ‘Stro. We brought back a lot of food and beverage services around the University and embarked on two very ambitious projects – to pur-

At UNE the SSAF is the way back for student fraternity Despite initial fears of students, UNE has not treated the SSAF as consolidated revenue; I am sure some sectors of the university do not see what the fuss is about. From a student perspective we’re talking about a big chunk of money. From a university point of view we’re talking about a very small change. The fact is it is and remains student money, to be spent on additional student amenity. UNE students may be, with good reason, frustrated at how long it is taking to roll out student amenity after the introduction of the Higher Education Student Services and Amenity Fee (SSAF) last year. At UNE there was simply no precedence for delivering additional student amenity. An attempt to deliver the services provided by the former UNE student union has failed largely on the basis of having no empathy for what university is about and being disconnected from any student voice. The Student Representative Organisations (SRO) have struggled to rebuild a representative voice in this environment. Rebuilding the student voice as culture is a three-year process, and as we have been eight years with voluntary student unionism, the student culture has been lost. Prior to 2012 we had a stop-start student representative voice. The SRO are trying to build, in a void, a student voice that gives us credibility. The past is the legacy we’ve got to deal with; it is the future that is going to matter to UNE students.

SSAF committee would only agree to the use of SSAF funds for capital works if the university could clearly demonstrate the benefit to all student groups, including UNE’s large external cohort. I see SSAF as the way back for student fraternity and amenity. It’s a really important part of building back what was lost after VSU (Voluntary Student Unionism). In 2012 UNE collected approximately $2.4 million from UNE students. Second trimester elections hampered UNE consultation with student representatives. We have found SSAF allocations a slow process, largely to do with making sure we get this right, and the lack of UNE precedent. UNE has been very clear on working through the process, making sure we are consulted, and are listening to our concerns. Some of the SSAF projects being rolled out are an additional independent student advocate; return postage for library borrowing; rail and air transit for students attending intensive schools; and the return of the student newspaper. These are the low hanging fruit that address large cohorts and endeavour to provide amenity in line with the welfare focus of the SSAF survey. It is worth noting that universities underwrote student services in the years between VSU and SSAF. At UNE therse were largely squandered in the wrong places, not delivering the desired outcomes. The continuing disintegration of student fraternity and the completely isolatiion and loss of the student voice was the result of VSU at UNE. I believe the university administration should look outside of this university to find best practice for dealing with administration of SSAF; its vision is clouded by past history. Universities are or should be places that value diversity and develop inspired leadership. UNE students should be assured that the student members of the SSAF committee are committed to ensuring projects are delivered equitably and are making a difference.

As one of the ten members of a committee advising on distribution of Student Services and Amenity Fee revenue, I understand that students generally want it here and now. As frustrating as it is for me as undergradu- - Dave Mailler, UNEG President ate president, I cannot dismiss the reality of where we are at the moment. The student representatives on the

Student Advocacy: Where we are at and where we need to be It is somewhat depressing that I feel the need to start this piece by explaining the system of student representation at this university and it is indicative of why we need to change it. Currently the Undergraduate Guild of New England (UNEG) and the Postgraduate Association act as sister organisations that represent the students to the university and support/balance the undergrad and postgrad students that sit on Council and the Academic Board. Despite the overarching framework we face some serious problems. Other than the newspaper we have no way to contact our membership unless we get permission to use the email system. Our constitution is a dog’s breakfast, meant to restrict actions as opposed to facilitate them, and lacks clarity. Finally and most importantly we have no financial autonomy. All of these obstacles have all led to successive dysfunctional boards and the loss of all organisational memory about student advocacy. So this is where we are at and when I think about it for too long I get upset.

dations for the proper utilisation of SSAF for students. The university has recognised this and is helping to find solutions. In conjunction with Legal and Governance and UNE Council we have plotted a way forward that the Board believes will solve most, if not all, of the problems that student advocacy at this university faces. It seems to us that the formation of a single student organisation is the way forward. A cohort-based board, with sub-committees formed by the different cohorts, be they postgrads, undergrads, external, international or internal, will advise their representatives on the board of the issues and concerns that various parts of our student body face. This will also reduce administrative duplication and make the case for recurrent funding from the university more palatable, essential should the SSAF disappear. Proper governance of one board will be easier, especially when an executive assistant is employed and can retain organisational memory softening the learning curve of new student leaders. So this is where we think we need to be.

BUT we need the approval of our membership! On the 21st of March at 6:00 p.m. in Arts Lecture Theatre One we are holding a Special General Meeting to vote upon the proposal to move to a Single Student Organisation. I encourage, implore and beg you to be there and help the board make an informed and legitimate decision. SO BE THERE! If we don’t get this right we risk giving future and It isn’t all bad however; the UNEG board has gotten the current students of UNE less opportunity and a poorer newspaper through and has made significant progress to- tertiary experience and that this board won’t abide. wards re-establishing some capacity and organisational memory. But these factors combine to make any changes - Josh Osborne, UNEG Vice-President slow and difficult, especially as the board tries to lay foun-

From an External

who actually understand the stress and excitement of being an external student. Sometimes the people nearest and dearest to you really don’t get it, and that’s ok. It’s isolating at times but the beauty of studying externally includes the following: that it offers the flexibility that many on campus degrees can’t; some courses are only offered at UNE (e.g. Pharmacy); convenience to get a degree and still work; it’s cost effective; portability; you can fine tune your time management and organisational skills; lots of student support services.

I’ve been an external student at UNE for quite some time now… enough to experience Course Rules changes and emailed assignments to e-submitted assignments. I’ve been fortunate enough to attend some Intensive Schools where I’ve met a few other externals and lecturers Studying externally, it’s not the right fit for some but it cerwhich have been a highlight. tainly is for me and my little family. The thing about being external is finding a good support network, a group of like-minded and equally busy people

- Sikiki Lloyd, External Student Mums@UNE President

Letters to the Editors Dear Staff and Students,

Dear Editors,

Welcome to another new year at this venerable institution of Learning. On behalf of Management, I would like to congratulate the entire university community on the successful introduction of trimesterisation, which has resulted in a 27% increase in student unit flowthrough, 32% increase in UNE profits and only twelve nervous breakdowns of staff and students. Following the float of the academic dollar, we are now trading at 12.7 on the intellectual stockmarket, up 3 points from July 2011.

Just a quick reflection from an old bird!

However, the sector still retains some unnecessary costs. In particular, you will see on the UNE Statistics site, which no doubt most of you visit daily, that there are 748 administrative staff to only 544 academic staff, and this ratio has been growing. A more efficient processing of student units will occur with a further 100% reduction of academic staff, and the introduction of duodecemesterisation. That is, twelve semesters of one month each, marked via a complex computerised system which judges essays and exam papers on the length of words used (smaller being better), and the frequency of the terms ‘profit’ and ‘privatisation’ (more being better, as in the real world). Students can tweet in their answers (no more than 30 words) while driving or from anywhere in the world. N.E. sought of Eengleesch iz axeptible. Or you can upload a two-minute YouTube clip or video streamed live from your i-comb, on the topic of your choice. The Education Faculty with its old fashioned communistic bible-based notions of ‘leading the Israelites out of the wilderness’ will be replaced with a new faculty – Training for Integration into the Corporate World. Disciplines such as Archaeology, History, Natural Resource Management, Philosophy, Peace Studies, Linguistics and Politics are ludicrous extravagances, as indeed is the whole Arts faculty with its dangerous insistence on teaching students to question and think. It will be replaced with a Faculty of Industrial Pig Farming, and a Faculty for Making the Reimbursement Process Incredibly Bureaucratic and Requiring Frequent Courses. We intend also to phase students out of the university system, as many of them are young, smelly and troublesome. If you have any queries about these decisions and their implementation, please do not hesitate to put them in writing and send them in triplicate to our Faculty-Utilising Knowledge Youth Unit (F.U.K.Y.U.), located in East Azerbaijan, where they will be given due consideration and/or read out for our amusement at pool parties. Warmest regards, (Mrs) Agnes Clutterbuck, Dip.So, DFC, KBE Senior Pro-Vice Executive Administration Officer, Faculty-Utilising Knowledge Youth Unit 6

It was this time 34 years ago that I arrived at UNE as a seventeen year old, having just completed high school and leaving home for the second time in my life (this occasion being my own decision), to discover what Uni life was all about. I unpacked a suitcase of light, summery frocks, no winter gear and no idea of the four seasons or in which order they flowed throughout the year! Going from Darwin where we really only knew about ‘The Wet’ and ‘The Dry’ (generally no rain or big rain), to cold Armidale was a bit of a shock. The first week was spent swapping most of my clothes for jeans, warm shirts, Ugg Boots, thick socks and ‘Desert Boots’ (remember them?!). The next few years of my life was absolutely wonderful - Uni and UNE was all that (and more than) I hoped it would be. The course was great as were my co-students and the staff in all the faculties and services such as Dixon library. (There used to be a rumour that the turnstile counter recorded more students entering the library than leaving it!) Radio UNE was a favourite haunt and I always treasure the experience of learning to be a radio DJ way back when we recorded tapes and carts (cartridges). Computers were nowhere to be seen except over in the Rural Science Building where we sometimes went and watched in awe as it churned out pages of concertina folded printouts that meant very little to me. Earl Page College provided more than just Residential accommodation because the friends I made through being involved in the JCR, College events, O week and other activities were a great influence and I still remember the fun we had, the learning we did and the achievements that everyone gained. When controversies arose, we marched down the main street shouting our messages and then enjoyed a few drinks at the New Englander or Railway or whatever other pub happened to be close by! Student Rep Council meetings always provided thought provoking debates and quite a good dose of entertainment, however, I often used those experiences to later on Chair meetings, record minutes and teach students over the years about how to conduct a meeting. Last year I re-enrolled at UNE in a Master of Nursing course and have often reflected on the fact that our first day as an undergrad is the start of a long journey that is never travelled alone, but instead is quite like a snowball that picks up many extras along the way. We enlighten and encourage many others to make the most of educational and vocational opportunities and gain all they can through the journey of life. Thank you UNE and all the other Uni’s, for providing rich learning experiences for everyone forever. Cheers, Leanne.

MOOCs

ver the last year, MOOC (massive open online course) has become the new education buzzword. Or buzzwords. Or anagram. Whatever. The basic premise is in itself nothing new. Education has been delivered via correspondence for over a century and the MOOC concept is not too far removed.

So what is it? It is a course that is open (free, well sort of) and accessible via the internet. And they’re huge, in more ways than one. Some of the finest educational institutions in the world are offering MOOCs. Stanford, Harvard and closer to home, Melbourne University. The attention the concept is garnering is massive (sorry). Last year Stanford University had 30,000 participants register for their Mathematics offering. Only 1015% end up fulfilling the course requirements and paying a nominal fee to have their efforts certified. Which when you think about it, is very similar to what we get. Only with gowns. With participating institutions practically giving away their product (the cost of certification is often a fraction of the cost of traditional tuition) and such low rates of completion, it’s natural to question why so many institutions are climbing on board. There are a couple of key points that may go some way to explaining the exponential growth in MOOCs. I’m no economics student1. But the fact that the cost of providing an online course is significantly cheaper than traditional tuition, would certainly be a factor. The huge audience that has expressed interest in participating and ultimately

paying would be another. This provides the incentive for the institutions to refine their delivery and provide an exceptional online learning experience.

It could be seen as cynical to suggest, as it has been, that these fine bastions of higher learning are providing open coursework in pursuit of revenue. But it is revenue that provides for investment Their capacity to do so is enhanced by in excellent facilities. It provides addithe online learning environment. It al- tional learning resources and it provides lows for the collection of data around for innovation in research. It has the pothe way that students interact with the tential to attract world-class talent to a platform, and engage with the learning university. All of these factors contribmaterials. This data is used to refine ute in the creation of a fertile ground in the delivery of the course. Although the which scholastic achievement flourishes. quality of the teaching is only one factor that influences a student’s success, I’ll still be annoyed if with all these extra it has potential to dramatically improve students it means I don’t get my assessthe number of students who go on to ment back until the week before exams successfully complete the course. And if though. And don’t get me started about you’ve completed the course, you’re go- the possibility of MOOCs undermining ing to pay for that certificate, aren’t you? my own degree. At least we won’t have to worry about getting a park. UNE has an enviable position in entering the market. It has pioneered the delivery of distance education programs. - Mark Jongebloed As such it has experience in the delivery of similar courses, which is likely to result in a more refined approach. It is also offering a unique value proposition. The course features add-on tutoring and Editors’ note the potential to have credit recognition should the student go on to a more tradiThe University of New England tional, structured program of study. launched the first units of its MOOC equivalent, “UNE Open”, in late FebEffectively, UNE is offering an immerruary 2013. The first units become sive marketing experience that segues available in Trimester 2, with enrolinto a alternate pathway to tertiary study. ment free and tutorial support and Students are able to select courses of inexaminations carrying a fee. terest and assess whether they it’s a step in the right direction for them. It showThe MOOC debate is one that will cases UNE’s expertise in the delivery of no doubt continue strongly, and distance education, and the support and here responses are, as always, encamaraderie the online environment has couraged. the potential to provide.

I failed ECON 101 at another institution. Suffice to say, much of my reasoning might be, like, totally flawed. 1

Enterprise Bargaining at UNE:

NTEU Industrial Action

he National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) has announced recently that they will be taking industrial action at universities across Australia in response to stagnated re-negotiations of casual and permanent contracts with University boards. The NTEU announced in January that they would hold a ballot to determine what kind of action would be taken, with possibilities ranging from bans on responding to emails, to a 24hour strike. UNE Vice-Chancellor Jim Barber responded to the January ballot announcement in a release to staff on January 30th, denouncing possible strike action, saying it was “unfortunate that the NTEU leadership feels the need to resort to oldstyle confrontational tactics like this”. He also accused the NTEU of painting university management as a “faceless enemy” by referring to them as “management”. “ ‘Management’ is not at war with you and we don’t need strike action to convince us that these are tough times for universities.” he said, calling for “cool heads and good will on both sides” in order to reach an agreement.

The ballot was announced after 9 months of enterprise bargaining negotiations, with most of the points proposed by the NTEU receiving no response or flat refusal from the university. Including a proposal to implement targets for employment of indigenous people to reflect their proportion in the population, which according to the NTEU’s enterprise bargaining update for March 2013 received the response “We won’t be agreeing to the targets”.

ble to vote, approximately two thirds of the remaining members at UNE voted for the above actions.

In Sydney, staff members at the University of Sydney staged a 24-hour strike on Thursday the 7th as part of the nation-wide industrial action. NUS President Jade Tyrrell commented on the significance of the strike, saying, “Given this strike is the first of its kind at the university in a decade and it’s in the first week of semester, it is clear the staff feel st On February 21 a motion passed to act they have no other choice.” on two of the possible actions: “Bans on working in excess of a 37.5-hour week The less dramatic action being taken at for academic staff and a 35-hour week UNE may not be enough to bring about for English language teachers (or pro a significant response, suggests Tim Batrata for part-time)”, and, “Bans on allo- tin. “We can hope, I suppose, that this cating more than 20% of total workload might work, but we feel that it will probto administration duties for academic ably take more severe forms of action to staff, and, bans on working more than get the management to see reason.” 15 hours per week on administration and non-teaching duties for English For more information on the industrial language teachers.” Which, as NTEU action, visit Branch President for UNE Tim Battin http://www.universitybargaining.org. points out, amounts to staff “working au/ the hours we are paid for and no more”. - Stu Horsfield With 15% of NTEU members out of the New England area at the time and una-

Capitalism with a Cause When you think of the phrase ‘social enterprise’, thoughts of a blue bird and Mark Zuckerberg may come to mind. However, the phrase goes past companies such as Facebook and Twitter to describe ones that operate with the objective of addressing social and environmental issues. This can be anything from providing children from impoverished countries with shoes, providing access to clean water, to giving small businesses around the world loans so that the owners can support themselves. This goes further than businesses selling organic products which are better for the environment, with social businesses introducing their social and environmental action as their bottom line.

Activism in Business is not a New Idea

are working to increase energy efficiency and reduce pollution in developing countries.

Despite the recent spike in these businesses, the idea of social enterprises is not a new one. In fact, Enactus (for- In fact, often social enterprises consider economic, somerly known as SIFE, or Students In Free Enterprise) cial and ecological issues – the triple bottom line. was established with at its core in 1975. To this day, around 1600 universities around the world, including our own UNE, compete based on their efforts for the Capitalism vs Activism betterment of society through entrepreneurial action. Let’s take a step back for a minute and address a few Arguably the godfather of the idea of social businesses questions that may be burgeoning in your mind. is Muhammad Yunus. And how do we know that people thought his ideas were good ones? He won a No- Aren’t businesses inherently bad for the environment, bel Prize for applying them in 2006. Starting Grameen driven mainly for profit? Can Capitalism and Charity Bank, ‘the bank of the poor,’ in 1976, Yunus provides really be integrated together? While some individua line of microcredit to the very poorest people under als may think of only profit, it can be difficult to know realistic and easy terms. It is often difficult in a lucky where draw the line. How much profit should a social country such as Australia to remember that being poor business gain from their activities? If a business is gendoesn’t mean not being able to afford the next console erating millions of dollars of profit and only contribor computer, but not being able to afford food and shel- uting a small portion of this to their social cause, then ter. there will inevitably be some backlash from the public.

The main difference between charities and social enterprises is that often charities depend on donations to The Current Worldwide Movement survive, whereas social businesses generate their own Today’s advancements of the internet and social me- sources of income. The moderate profits are then used dia have seen Muhammad’s idea explode with organ- to further their activist objectives. isations such as Kiva.org allowing the average person to lend relatively small amounts of money to budding So, if you’re atudying at UNE to start your own busientrepreneurs from developing countries. Some business, remember that it’s possible to make a living whilst nesses have even adopted the ‘1:1’ rule. That is, for helping to change the world. every one product of theirs bought, they will donate one to a person in need. For example, ‘Toms’ shoes was - Joanne Fernandez catapulted into the spotlight after revolving around this idea. If tackling environmental problems is more your cup of tea, organisations such as Envirofit International 9

Free Speech in the A by Prof. Graham Maddox

Parrhesia

In the original democracy of ancient Greece, part of the lifeblood of democracy was bound up in the notion of parrhesia, the ability to speak about anything and everything. There were no libel laws, and that of course could cause problems.

“...given what democracy says about the contingent nature of government, expressing dissent is a vital part of having a democratic community.”

As a political scientist, my focus is on democracy. A democratic state is founded on a body of citizens who are autonomous, and accorded the full dignity of their humanity in equal measure. They are free to the extent that their freedom does not encroach on the like freedoms of others. They are held to own the government that rules over them, and have the right to choose their rulers. They also are able to take as big a part in governing themselves as is practical. Democracy implies that no government is good enough to rule indefinitely, so each government is held to be temporary, and subject to revision or replacement by the citizens. We insist on having an opposition to help ‘keep the government honest’, and to prepare a team ready to take over as the alternative government. Among the bulwarks of a democracy is a society that allows people to act freely, and to associate freely with others. The chief defence against tyranny is the existence of groups, associations and societies, and even the meeting of people in casual groups on street corners or in coffee shops. In such company people are free to talk about anything, and often enough, to criticize the government of the day. 10

It is right that we have them, because lies about people can cause great damage, ruining reputations and inflicting personal hurt. In ancient Athens, malicious gossip about the saintly but often misunderstood philosopher, Socrates, probably led to his execution by the state. (We should also note that modern libel laws are often exploited by the rich and powerful to crush all questioning of their activities.) Yet being party to the government of our country, we all have an interest in discussing our politicians, and learning from each other about their activities and about the opinions our fellow citizens hold about them. Governments often fear the views of those they govern, and sometimes try to quell the desire of people to gossip about their leaders. That way lies the path to tyranny. It would be an exaggeration to say that we have approached tyranny in this country, but we

University

few years ago, Vice-Chancellor Ingrid Moses declared UNE to be an ‘open’ university, and enumerated several ways in which ‘open’ was to be understood. For a long time, however, government-imposed and locally adopted practices have cramped the style of universities, especially as they endeavour to be truly ‘open’.

have had our share of miscreant behaviour among our politicians. It would have been good if those ministers of the former Labor government of New South Wales who had engaged in corrupt behaviour had been talked about more openly. If more people had known about their tendency to cheat, it may have made it less likely they would get away with it at the time.

The Importance of Dissent

The Howard federal government took some policy decisions that were highly questionable. We all know now that the excuse for America’s invasion of Iraq was based on a lie, and our government, which followed them, knew it was a lie, because their own advisers told them so. There was also the case when they denigrated asylum seekers for allegedly throwing their children overboard from the leaky vessel in which they were travelling. They continued to perpetuate the falsehood even after they knew that the report of ‘children overboard’ had been a mistake. There were many other instances of questionable decision-making, and the Howard government systematically tried to stop people from criticizing, or even discussing, their activities. This

sorry story was meticulously documented in a book by Clive Hamilton and Sarah Maddison called Silencing Dissent. Yet given what democracy says about the contingent nature of government, expressing dissent is a vital part of having a democratic community. When democrats say that their preferred society rests on a multiplicity of different groups and associations, universities emerge as among the most important institutions independent of government. This should be fairly obvious, because the very nature of the university is to

brought universities under close government control. We were told that whether we liked it or not, the university was a business that had to be managed along The Purpose of Universities business lines. We do not deny the imPlato founded the first ‘university’, the portance of business to our economic Academy, in ancient Athens. Its sole health, but anyone can see that the busipurpose beyond the obvious education ness of business is the quest for profit, of the young was the search for truth. which is more than likely to be at odds This has been at the centre of university with the objective search for truth. Relife ever since, at least till Australian uni- search funding was tied to national benversities hit their crisis in the Dawkins efit, more often than not meaning benefit ‘reforms’. The purpose of the reform to the government of the day that dewas on the face of it noble — to pave fined ‘national objectives’. Research prothe way for people from all walks of life posals falling outside the government’s interests were ridiculed in parliament.

tween government and opposition forces.

“...universities are civic institutions with responsibilities not only to their own internal communities and the government of the day, but also to the wider community, regardless of the political currents flowing at any one time.” evolve new ideas, to question old ones and where appropriate, replace them. At a more intense level — to a higher degree — the university should generate the very kind of open, questioning discussion that our democracy requires in the wider community. This intensity may result in sharper criticism that, even without malice, may wound and harm reputations. As long as criticism is not personal attack, penetrating criticism is the hallmark of what a university does. When I was a classics student, I was astonished at the number of times scholars, in criticizing others’ work, would say that this or that interpretation was ‘absurd’ (stupid?). Clearly scholarship requires developing thick skins. Thick skin is needed for the openness of a university that engages in the cooperative search for truth, an idea at least as old as Plato. His ‘dialectic’ meant that the propositions people put up should be tested with questioning, and replaced by better understandings until even better interpretations were supplied. This dialectic serves as a model for democracy itself, emulated in the conversation be-

The consequence of government-enforced business management in universities was to undermine open-ended free enquiry, and it constricted discussion about management practices. We were in danger of becoming a ‘closed’ university. The very thought of denying appointments to people who are outspoken in criticism, or who compose satirical verses gently obscured in the Latin language, is an outrageous contradiction of the nature of a university. The epidemic has been long and widespread. In 2000 a book by Melbourne academics called Why Universities Matter was accepted for publication by Melbourne University Press, but was then suppressed by the University’s management. It was a foolish move, because their very action provoked other publishers to queue up to get the book. It was snapped up by Allen & Unwin. Two of the authors in that book, Simon Marginson and Stuart McIntyre, reminded us that the universities are civic institutions with responsibilities not only to their own internal communities and the government of the day, but also to the wider community, regardless of the political currents flowing at any one time.

to enter university study. Yet the Hawke government, of which John Dawkins was a member, promoted a new type of academic elitism based on economic prosperity. Removing a former Labor government’s free tuition policy, they argued that graduates were likely to acquire positions with salaries higher than most other jobs, and so the user had to pay for the individual privilege, subsidized where necessary by repayable student loans. The older Australian universities were established at the time our colonies were seeking independence, and the undoubted aim was to provide a social benefit: to build up an educated population ready to found vigorous, self-governing states. The Hawke government caused a switch to private endeavour that undermined the idea of an educated society, even of ‘the clever country’ that Hawke The rebirth of Nucleus in its new spellcrudely wanted to promote. ing is much to be welcomed. It is my At the same time they forced universities hope that it will engender a renewed into a close relationship with Austral- spirit of open discussion and informed, ian business, abolished the independ- constructive criticism in the University. ent funding body, the Commonwealth Tertiary Education Commission, and 11

FOR ALUMNI ...

“Alumni” is the word we use for graduates and former students of the University and, given UNE’s global reach especially through distance education, we have graduates located within Australia and throughout the world. We have many alumni who are interested in helping current students through work experience opportunities, e-mentoring and financially supporting scholarships and prizes. Visit the alumni web site for more information or contact the Alumni Relations Officer Jennifer Miller, Ph +61 26773 3365.

For the chance to win a fantastic alumni umbrella, guaranteed to keep the rain off you if used correctly, submit your answers online to this short quiz. How well do you know your University? 1. In what year was the first regional university established in Australia? ------------------2. Which of these people are graduates of UNE? a) Douglas Daft-former CEO of Coca Cola worldwide b) Suzy Balogh-gold medal winner in trap shooting 2004 Olympics c) Bruce Tyrrell- chief executive of Tyrrell’s Wines, Hunter Valley d) A, B and C 3. Which UNE graduate is the current Chair of the UNE Foundation? ----------------------------------------------------4. Are UNE graduates members of the University’s Convocation? ----------------------------------------------------5. In what year will the first UNE/Newcastle Joint Medical Program students graduate?

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Addy’s On Marsh Addy’s on Marsh is one of the most successful little Restaurant/Takeaway businesses in the region. Offering fresh homemade Pizzas, Pastas & Risottos at very affordable prices people can afford to dine out or have yummy takeaways. Located across from The Whitebull on the main Highway, they provide dine in (BYO), takeaway and cater for special events. Addy, (Adam Moore) and crew have been serving Armidale’s discerning pizza lovers for nearly 3 years from their Gourmet pizza and Pasta Restaurant. As a young man himself he caters for the student population with his special deals & functions that he has provided over the years & is open to any new ideas from the student population & public. Check out our website www.addys.com.au to view the menu & what Addy’s is all about. Call us for College, Societies and club function quotes.

University Bucket List

by Ash Baker

Bucket list: List of things to do before you “kick the bucket”. Or in this case, leave university. There is a wealth of activities available to students attending universities and here is a broad bucket list of things which could contribute to your university experience. 1. Represent the University at the winter or summer ‘University Games.’ UNE participates annually in the Summer University Games, both the qualification rounds of the Northern Games and the National Games (which are held on the Gold Coast this year!) If you are interested in competing in a serious manner you may find netball, soccer, rugby or hockey the choice of the day, if you are going just for fun ten pin bowling is a viable option. The university also competes at the Winter Games in slalom, giant slalom, skiercross etc. Regardless of the choice of games it is a life experience not to be missed.

5. Play a sport. That’s pretty simple. It’s fun, helps fitness and sometimes if you step outside of your college/town boundaries you might make some friends you might otherwise never meet! 6. Participate in something way out of your comfort zone. It could be participating in the SFK competition acting on stage, it could be playing at an open mic night or joining a local boot camp. Who knows you might just find your calling right outside your comfort zone.

7. See live music. The ‘Stro offers some great nights 2. Try an overseas exchange, the university has hosting touring bands. Alternatively you could chase many exchange agreements accross the globe - for a bit your favourite singer/band across the country to festimore info check out the university website: vals and concerts. www.une.edu.au/imp/study/ 8. Go on holidays with your mates. Some people 3. Join a club. The only problem is there are far too say you don’t know people until you live with them, I many to choose from. There are a number of smaller think you don’t know people until you travel with them. clubs such as ‘The University of New England Women’s So grab your best mates and plan a trip out of town. Society’ which are an alternative from the traditional There are way too many great places to go but a bit of college/vocational clubs. sun and salt water is always a must for anyone who misses the sun during the Armidale winter. 4. Voluntary work/Community service. As University students we are a part of the incredibly privi- 9. Finish uni knowing that you never missed an leged few who have the opportunity to extend ourselves. opportunity. This may sound like a boring number for a Involving oneself in the community is a great way to bucket list. But once uni is finished and you leave behind contribute to the society in which you live. It could be that part of your life, you don’t want to feel as if you’ve something as simple as coaching a local sports team, missed out on something. volunteering at Tune FM or participating in the Earle 10. Insert your own challenge here. Page Coast Run to raise money for charities. 13

Clubs & Societies Mature Students’ Association MSA is there to foster and maintain mutual friendship and support among and provide a voice for UNE mature age students. One of the benefits is a dedicated MSA lounge to catch up, relax or get tea and coffee anytime. We have a kitchenette so whether it is a warm dry spot or quiet siesta away from the hustle join MSA.

David Mailler, MSA President msa@une.edu.au http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mature-Students-Association-UNE/108792089233461

Barbarians Rugby Barbarians - Major premiers of the 2012 New England Rugby Competition have commenced training Tuesday and Thursday nights at SportUNE, new players are welcome and can contact Harley at the St Kilda Hotel or attend training. Be Barbaric - Become a Barbarian.

Contact: barbarianrugby05@gmail.com St Kilda hotel- (02) 6772 4459

Armidale Basketball Association Basketball in Armidale is played indoors at The Den, located in the grounds of Armidale High School. There is a preseason competition during term 1, a main Winter Trophy Competition during terms 2 & 3, and a social competition during term 4. Forms are available early terms 1,2 & 4 from Armidale Sportspower, Struddy’s Sports or by contacting the Association. Contact: Judy Monaghan 67727771, 0417622859 Email: armball@bigpond.com www.armidalebasketball.sportingpulse.net www.facebook.com/armidalebasketball

UNE Landcare Working to improve the ecological health of riparian and bush lands on UNE property by protecting Endangered Ecological Communities; increasing the area, quality and linkages of native vegetation; and reducing weeds. Working bees Sunday 10 March, Sunday 14 April and Sunday 12 May.

Contact: Ellen Nyberg ellen@snelcc.org.au 02 6772 9123

ASPIRE

Armidale Students Promoting International Rights and Equality (ASPIRE) is UNE’s global health group. Our mission is to connect and inform University of New England students on all aspects of global health issues. Last year we were responsible for Red Party, the crimson ‘Stro night that advocated safe sex and HIV/AIDS awareness, with condoms to spare. Events this year include Red Party in second semester, Zonta International birthing kits morning in May and a multitude of other global health themed experiences. So watch this space and get global in 2013! This year we are affiliated with the Barbara May Foundation, so make sure to check them out at http://www.barbaramayfoundation.com/ ASPIRE on facebook and sec.aspire@gmail.com

International Women’s Day International Women’s Day (February 8th March) is an interesting day which is marked in a variety of different ways in different cultures. In parts of Europe it is like a combination of St. Valentines and Mother’s day; women receive gifts from their partners and children. Here in Australia it is viewed as a time to take special notice of women and issues that may affect them in particular. This year the official UN theme was “A promise is a promise: end violence against women”, and the theme according to internationalwomensday.com: “The Gender Agenda: gaining momentum”. For the UNE Women’s Society (UNEWS), it was an excellent opportunity to reach out to the university community and introduce ourselves. We held a free afternoon tea, and one of our members, Kate Wood, hosted a special on the UNE student It’s been an incredible experience being part of the creation radio station Tune!FM. of the women’s group. There has been so much positivity, so The turnout was good, and it was great to touch base with the many skilled and competent women willing to donate their wider community at UNE. For me it was a real eye-opener, to time and energy. At the afternoon tea it became clear that meet so many wonderful women with fascinating and diverse many of the issues we had been discussing were also of conbackgrounds. We hope to organise many more events like this cern to other women at the university. This is important to us throughout the year, which give women the opportunity to as we are the women’s group; we are not founded upon an ideology. It is important for us to represent the real women of this come together with a sense of positivity. university community, and to create events and campaigns that are relevant to this university. If you are interested in future UNEWS events in the future, becoming a member, or want to keep abreast of our activities, find us on facebook by searching “UNEWS” or “University of New England Women’s Society”. You can also email the management committee at managementunews@gmail.com. Milly Roberts, UNEWS President

Women’s Health Survey

The Australian Longtiduinal Study on Woman’s Health (ALSWH) is a Government funded project aiming to find out the effect everyday living has on health. The ALSWH recently attended the UNE O Day and the reception amongst students was positive. ALWSH is currently seeking women aged between 18 - 23 to contribute to a national young woman’s study, which has been running for the last 17 years. The survey takes about 20 minutes and all participants go in the draw to win one of 100 prizes, valued at $50 each.

http://alswh.org.au/survey/

Armidale and UNE Graced by a Visit by the Seventh Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche His Eminence the Seventh Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche arrived in Armidale on Guru Rinpoche, the 10th day of the lunar calendar, or the 20th of February 2013. The 10th day of the lunar calendar is considered an important day by Buddhists and His Eminence Rinpoche is regarded as the most important religious leader in Bhutan. At the airport, His Eminence was received by the offering of traditional Tashi khaddar (welcome scarves) by Bhutanese students and members of the Armidale Buddhists Centre.

His Eminence is one of the principal disciples of Guru Rinpoche, and has thousands of Buddhist followers in Bhutan, India, Nepal, Tibet, Taiwan and some western countries. He is the lineage holder of the Jang Ter (‘Northern Treasure’) tradition of Nyigmapa Buddhism and fosters intensive study of Buddhist philosophy as well as teachings from the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. On Thursday 21st February His Eminence the Seventh Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche joined Bhutanese students as the Guest of Honour to celebrate the birthday of the Fifth King of Bhutan, sometimes referred to as the ‘People’s King’. Held in UNE’s A1 Arts Theatre, the day’s program began with Bhutanese students singing the National Anthem, after which His Eminence Rinpoche offered a ceremonial scarf to a portrait of the King. The President of the UNE Bhutanese Student Association, Ms. Jambay Jambay, gave a short presentation on Bhutan, and the Rinpoche spoke to the Bhutanese students and other guests in attendance, teaching on the Ngongdro (Preliminary Buddhist Practices). In the afternoon he presided over the Tshokor, an offering for the benefit of all sentient beings. 16

As a teacher his Eminence is responsible for the care and training of the monks and nuns (both reincarnated and novice) at his own network of monasteries and religious colleges in Bhutan. He organises and conducts numerous sacred teachings, empowerments and oral transmissions at these monasteries and at other places in Bhutan and India. As a humanitarian the Seventh Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche works tirelessly to preserve and maintain the continuity of Buddha Dharma in Bhutan and beyond. He bears the responsibility of supporting more than 700 monks in eight monasteries, two meditation centres and numerous religious and charitable activities.

His followers have founded the Tshokey Dorji Foundation (www.tshokeydorji.org) which aims to share this Tiger Sangay, a member of the UNE Bhutanese Student noble responsibility and ensure the survival of monastic Association of Armidale, said â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were honoured to institutions in this highly materialistic world. have had the opportunity to receive His Eminence the Rinpoche as the Guest of honour on His Majesty the During his visit the Rinpoche was officially welcomed by Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Birthday,â&#x20AC;? and said that the event was also an both Armidale and UNE. Armidale Dumaresq Council opportunity for Bhutanese students to show their grathosted a civic welcome to honour the visit, with Mayor itude to the Armidale community for the hospitality and Jim Maher presented the Honorary Citizenship of Ar- friendship shown. midale to His Eminence. His Eminence thanked Armidale for the reception and honour and wished everybody Before leaving Armidale, His Eminence the Rinpoche present on the occasion well and said he will remember delivered various religious prayers and texts to Bhutaall in his prayers every day. UNE Vice Chancellor Profes- nese students and some members of Armidale Buddhist sor Jim Barber officially welcomed His Eminence to the Centre at Trevenna cottage, UNE. The people gathered university, at Booloominbah. Professor Barber said that had a rare photograph opportunity with His Eminence he was very happy to meet with his Eminence and for the Rinpoche which will be cherished. the inclusion of Armidale and the university in his tour program of Australia, saying that Bhutanese students are an important part of the university community. The - with thanks to Tiger Sangay Rinpoche thanked Professor Barber for taking good care of Bhutanese students and for all the supports provided towards their education and skill development.

Townies Commencement Dinner March 8th saw the very first Commencement Dinner for Townies. Held at the Armidale Club, the evening was an opportunity for UNE students living in town to get all dressed up to mingle and network. For Townie students looking for social opportunities, the Commencement Dinner was a welcome break from routine.

Guest Speaker Alex Dunn, a former editor of Neucleus, has a long association with UNE and with Townies. Now working in the Academic Skills Office (ASO), Alex also worked for many years at Student Support and has supported Townies since its formation. Alex spoke about each generation referring to their time at UNE as the university’s ‘golden age’. He urged the assembled Townies to be a part of building the current years as a golden age of our own. Involvement in student organisations and student media, Alex said, were key ways for all students to be a part of forming our legacy as a generation of students. These words were met with enthusiastic approval; as was dessert. After dinner, Townies partied on at the Club, enjoying the music of local band jug band “Jug Addicts”.

This was the first of three formal events for the year and its success has Townies already looking forward to the Townie Ball in May, a night which promises to be spectacular. - Kate Wood 18

Fun. Friendship. Celebration. Culture. Leadership.

AIA Buddy Program at O-Week

LEADERSHIP IS FUN.

BEGIN THE FRIENDSHIP. The 19th of February marked a great start of the year for us at Lifesaver Day. Our crew went far and beyond to set up a live international cooking show in the central courtyard. It was a great hit among the freshers, students and staff alike. Our exotic, mouth-watering and global delicacies ranged from the Maldivian cuisine, incredible Indian spices through to exotic Southeast Asian treats. On our menu were Maldivian MasHuni, Vietnamese Spring Rolls, Chinese Dumplings, African Ugali and Korean Kimchi just to name a few. They were all made on-site by a group of lovely international students who volunteered to be our cooks for the day. The international cuisines were also very interactive, enabling several lucky freshers the chance to help our cooks in making Indian Naan bread from scratch. Our stall was abuzz with life, international food and music from the start to the very end of the day until the last bite of the food was gone. The many new friends we made were splendid. It was sure to be a start of something to build upon for the years to come. All in all, it was an amazing day for everyone involved.

Who said being a leader is a painful job? Apparently not us! Or, at least that was what Adam F. Blakester of the Starfish Enterprises Network made us believe. It was a fun-filled, interactive and highly informative day at our Future Leaders Workshop on Saturday, 2nd of March. With a promising group of 30 Australian and international students gathered inside Room 104 of the Education Building, we explored leadership in cross-cultural contexts with active engagement and enthusiasm throughout the successful one-day workshop. It was impressive to see the new generation coming together, ready to take the world to a bright and better future with cultural understandings in mind.

for a night of unforgettable cultural celebration. The fun starts around 6pm at the Northern Courtyard of UNE, and the night will then flow continuously into an international themed Stro Night here on UNE campus! There will be an amazing collection of international food, music, performance, dance, film, workshop and many more! Save the date on your calendar because this event is definitely a must-go! So grab your family and friends, bring your date as everyone is welcomed to this event. Come and CELEBRATE THE CULTURE. let your senses explode in this incredible celebration of culture. Entry by gold Did you know that there are students coin donation. from over 60 nationalities here at UNE? Well, now you do! So, what do we do when such a massive cultural diversity gathers here in this small corner of the world? We celebrate of course! Come along to the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I Love Culture Festivalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on March 27

AIA Buddy Program. Connecting international students with domestic students of UNE since 2010. Find out more about us on www.facebook.com/AIABuddyProgram. 19

STUDENT PROFILE Bo Jiang (Jennifer)

Hometown: Kunming, Yunnan province, China Studying: Master’s of Teaching (Secondary)

Why did you come to Australia?

the involvement in Australian community and society is equally important for international students to enhance their experience. Although my study at UNE is much busier and harder than at the University of New South Wales, I accepted an endorsement from the former President of the Chinese Scholar and Student Association (CSSA) and was elected to be the President. I believe that it is an honour for me to create a ‘home’ for Chinese students, and able to help and support whenever they need it. I am a member of the Harmony Group, Postgrads and AIA Buddy Program, working collaboratively with these associations in international student welfare. I am also the education officer for the International Student Association (ISA) at UNE, in the belief that International Students deserve better services and treatment due to their massive contribution to the Australian economy.

Because I would like to improve my English, and most importantly, to gain different life experiences. I majored in English when I was at the university in China and I used to teach English in different language schools for many years as my part-time job. However, I realised if I would like to improve my English to a higher level, I should study and live in a country where English is the native language although I had a lot of foreign friends in my hometown and practiced English with them very often. After comparing with America, Canada and New Zealand, I eventually chose Australia as it prides itself in multiculturalism, and it is one of the most biologically diverse countries on the planet. In addition, I was also attracted by its more reasonable tuition fees of Uni and migration policy for all international students after gradMy active involvement into a variety of activities organuation regardless of different races. ised by UNE or other associations makes my life in this small town interesting and fulfilling. I believe that a positive attitude for our life and study would make us happy When did you first come to UNE? and satisfied no matter where we are. I arrived in Armidale on 21st July 2011, and started my study at UNE on 25th July. In July 2010, I arrived in Sydney from China and started my translation and interpreting studies at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). After the graduation, I came to Armidale and started my second Master’s study of Teaching Secondary at UNE due to my passion for teaching. Before I came here, I was warned many times by my friends living in Sydney that I might be very bored if I came here as Armidale is a small town in a regional area. However, when I got here, I immediately fell in love with this beautiful and peaceful town, where I found people are more friendly and helpful.

As an international student, I find I have to study harder than local students due to the inevitable difficulties of second language and culture. However, my efforts have been rewarded with good academic achievements and acknowledged by teachers. Apart from study, I believe that

STAFF PROFILE Nigel R. Andrew

Associate Professor of Entomology at the University of New England Nigel Andrew is the unit coordinator of Entomology (ZOOL220, Trimester 1) and Insect-Plant Interactions (ZOOL328/528, Trimester 2), both offered on- and off-campus this year. He also contributes to teaching first-year Biology (BIOL110, Trimester 1). Nigel is UNE’s resident entomologist, though he says he never actually planned to be an expert on insects as a student. Finishing school at age 17, and unsure what he wanted to be, he started a combined Arts/Science degree at the University of Wollongong studying the history and philosophy of science. In a class of around 60 students, Nigel claims he was fairly average in his grades, but in his third year of study several opportunities came up that changed his career. As an undergraduate, Nigel enrolled in a third-year science project that involved working with university academics to conduct field work to answer his own research questions (much like UNE’s flexible Science Report unit, SCI395). He also spent his holidays volunteering for lecPhoto: Yinika Perston turers conducting biological surveys on the NSW mid-north coast, collecting and sorting plant and animal samples, an experience which he not only found he enjoyed but which eventually lead to him building up enough skills to be paid to work on the surveys. Through his involvement, he began to discover the amazing microscopic world around us, and for his Honours project Nigel spent 2 weeks exploring the wilds of Tasmania and sampling microscopic critters living in the moss, in order to study their distribution along latitudinal gradients. In turn, shortly after finishing his Honours, his supervisor offered him a chance to work at the Casey Research Station in Antarctica looking at the distribution of invertebrates in the moss growing there.

‘The Potential Impacts of Climate Change on Insect Herbivores and Herbivory Along a Latitudinal Gradient’, spending two years travelling up and down the east coast from Batemans Bay in southern NSW to Cairns in tropical north QLD to collect his data. By studying latitudinal gradients (i.e. the changes in insects from north to south) he began to model the impacts that warmer climates could have on insect communities. Understanding this issue is hugely important as the millions of insect species in the world play essential roles in pollination, breaking down leaf litter, predating on plants, feeding birds and other predators, etc – all of which are essential for the environment and for agriculture. He came to UNE in 2005 to lecture, the year after finishing his PhD. As well as teaching units he was Convenor of Zoology at UNE in 2008 and 2010, and is currently a member of a number a number of committees and societies. In 2011 he was promoted to an Associate Professor, aged in his mid thirties. Presenting talks at conferences takes him all over the world including recent trips to New Zealand and the USA. He also continues to investigate the impact of climate change on insect physiology, heading the UNE Insect Ecology research lab and its cohort of students and assistants. This lab currently has a number of potential projects for any students willing to get involved and see where their initiative takes them. Nigel Andrew and his companions in the Insect Ecology lab have recently published work in the first volume of the open source (i.e. free!) journal PeerJ, available at https://peerj.com/articles/11/ Those interested in studying insects and zoology at UNE can study a Bachelor of Science and major in Zoology, or can study a Bachelor of Zoology – just check out the course unit catalogue. - Yinika Perston

Nigel switched to Macquarie University to carry out his PhD on Kelly Fuller on ABC New England North West has a ‘Creepy but Curious’ segment at 9:30 every Tuesday with Nigel and his fellow UNE lecturers Dr Tommy Leung (ZOOL329 Evolutionary Parasitology) and Dr Paul McDonald (ZOOL100 Principles of Zoology and ZOOL326 Animal Behaviour): http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2013/02/26/3698534.htm

Photo: Yinika Perston

ENVIRONMENT

Gaseous Concerns of an Agrarian Economy

When people think greenhouse gas, they usually recognise carbon dioxide as the root problem in artificially insulating the atmosphere. But methane is around twenty times as potent a cause of the greenhouse effect. And one cow can produce 250 to 500 litres in a day. Methane is a Good Gas to Stop Leaving Around

of it leads to oxidation of haemoglobin of the blood, causing methaemoglobinaemia. Methaemoblobin cannot carry oxyAlthough present (and emitted) in lower quantities than CO2, gen, which brings about anoxia and eventually death in the Methane (CH4) is the second most prevalent greenhouse gas animal. Needless to say, a negative outcome for both farmers that humans emit into the atmosphere. And according to UNE and the economy, not to mention the animal. Senior Lecturer Ian Godwin, methane emissions from livestock compose 15-20% of the total carbon output of Australia. Fortunately, methaemoblinaemia is treatable with a substance called methylene blue. In addition, because nitric oxide (yet It sits there, reflecting radiation from the sun that becomes another metabolite of nitrate) lowers blood pressure, reducing trapped in the atmosphere back down to earth at a higher rate the oxygen flow to tissues, the rural science community of the than the normal amount of carbon in the atmosphere. And UNE has successfully conducted trials with adrenaline (which humans are putting more of it into the environment than is raises blood pressure). being removed by natural means, by breeding artificially huge herds of cattle and flocks of sheep (and fossil fuel mining, and Livestock methane emissions can be reduced substantially, safely, and this has already been achieved in trials conducted landfills, but let’s address one thing at a time). at UNE. In addition, methane clears from the atmosphere a lot faster than other greenhouse gasses such as carbon dioxide, so a re- All this may seem like a small reduction in greenhouse gas duction in emissions will bring about an appreciable positive emissions, like a tiny step in addressing a leviathan problem. impact in a much shorter term than targeting other sources of But it is more than comforting that these problems are being the greenhouse effect. So what is the solution to this? Reduc- addressed by scientific institutions such as the CSIRO, and indeed, UNE, and that appreciable goals have been reached ing the market for livestock? Of course not. in solving the challenges that the industrialisation of farming Let’s use science. (SCIENCE!) have brought us, using evidence-based practices. This, combined with methane’s traits as a very low-toxic fuel (a whole other story) means we, as a society, might even stop releasing A Scientific Approach it carelessly into the sky. None of this is news, either; people have known that a) methane contains radiation absorbing carbon and that b) rumi- Hey, maybe you’ll even start saving your own methane. nant animals such as cows and sheep produce it in significant - Chris Myers quantities for literally centuries. The CSIRO and NSW Dept. of Primary Industries have been responsible for studies, for example, that breed in low methane-producing genetic traits in cattle. One way of approaching the issue is examining the diet of ruminants. Dietary urea is one progenitor of methane as a metabolic product of sheep and cattle. Replacing it with dietary nitrate has been shown, at this university, to substantially reduce emissions of methane. But nitrate is toxic at high levels- the nitrite ‘partial’ metabolite 22

‘Twas the Night Before Monday

J.M. Cochrane

’Twas the night before Monday, and deep in his dorm, A student was facing an impending storm. His paper was due on the very next day, And his weekend, it seemed, had floated away. His classmates were nestled all snug in their beds, But he lay awake filled with numerous dreads. This paper was worth more than half of his grade; That wouldn’t change, despite how he prayed.

Six weeks he did have, to get it completed. Six weeks, which in truth, had been most mistreated. He had once made a plan he’d intended to follow, But each day he’d decided to wait till tomorrow.

It seemed much more fun to spend time with friends. Who wants to hunch over with paper and pens? He thought that, just maybe, he’d work on the intro, But somehow wound up with drinks at the bistro. Movies and parties and walks in the park Had always seemed better than making a start On the paper that now whispered taunts in his brain. Oh, if only he could do it all over again!

He would never redo his silly mistakes. He’d fight through the boredom and old muscle aches To put thoughts to paper and write something astounding, And restart his future on much firmer grounding. But now it’s too late – he truly is screwed. He will have to prepare for the upcoming feud. So as he drifts off to the tune of defeat, He ponders his chance of a last-minute cheat…

Good luck and good study to everyone in 2013!

(in progress)

Cover Artist Jason Quast is a local artist from the Armidale area.

Lisa Mitchell, having released her second album Bless This Mess, and touring as a duo with keyboard player Robert Vasey, set the scene with her sweet voice. As the sky above the stretching vineyards hit dusk, Mark Seymour of Hunters and Collectors renown carried the crowd with his band The Undertow, before Paul Kelly and Neil Finn shared the stage, effortlessly intertwining with each other’s performances and repertoires, each even reproducing one of the other’s songs. As Paul Kelly described, they were to “morph into each other. Sometimes I will be Neil and sometimes he will be me.” His following rendition of Crowded House’s ‘Into Temptation’, shot through with a deep and moving vibe yet uniquely his own sound, was followed by Finn’s cover of ‘You Can Put Your Shoes Under My Bed’. Finn & Kelly were joined by relatives Dan Kelly on guitars and Elroy Finn on drums.

Saturday 9th March saw some of Australia’s most loved and legendary singer songwriters grace the stage at an outdoor concert held at Peterson’s Winery, just out of Armidale along Dangarsleigh Road. Some 7,000 people attended the 5-hour event with picnic rugs and camping chairs, set between the vineyards of the winery and surrounding Armidale hills. ‘I’m all for playing in the regional areas,’ said keyboard player Robert Vasey, himself from Forster, NSW, describing how important it is to include regional venues in these kinds of tours. He also noted that the Armidale venue had a greater turnout than other regional areas they had played such as the Yarra Valley, with both Lisa Mitchell and Mark Seymour doing signings that attracted long lines of enthusiasts. Local SES and Rural Fire Service volunteers ensured the large numbers were well organised. The night ended on a beautiful note, with Paul Kelly and Neil Finn bringing dancing and singing from the crowd in return for a second encore. A Day On The Green events have been held throughout NSW, Victoria, South Australia, and in New Zealand. For more information visit www.adayonthegreen.com.au

Love music? Need to find a media outlet to do a WORK300 Unit? Looking to gain some experience in Media, Communication or Journalism? Working on your New England Award or Duke of Edinburgh Challenge? TuneFM, Australia’s oldest university radio station, offers opportunities for both Internal and External students to volunteer in a wide range of roles. Contact us on tunefm@services.une.edu.au to register your interest.

Are you interested in Journalism? Are you looking for experience writing for a newspaper? Or are you just looking to improve your writing skills? Nucleus is looking for student writers to work with us on future editions. We’re looking for people to who could do one or more of the following; • Research and write pieces on news and events at UNE • Write column-style opinion pieces on topics relevant to students • Draw, paint, sketch, sculpt, cartoon, or generally “do art” related to upcoming stories, or pieces of your own inspiration • Write short stories, poetry, haikus, crosswords, or other creative word-oriented things for our Arts Pages

If you feel you would be interested in any of these things (and can work to a deadline), or don’t have any specific talents or dreams but just want to help out, drop by our office in the Union Arcade (opposite Campus Essentials [looks like a hair salon but isn’t]) or send us an email! We also accept anonymous submissions by post! Email: editors@nucleus.org.au Post: P.O. Box U1, UNE, Armidale NSW 2351 Deadline for contributions for Issue 3 is the 3rd of April We hope to hear from you soon!

GNSAD Nucleus is pleased to announce a revolution in journalism: The Gender Non-Specific Advice Device – or GNSAD. This revolution in journalistic technique is to Aunt Agony what your iPhone 5 is to your grandma’s stationary set, GNSAD is to Dear Abby what a modern motor car is to a sloth in roller skates. We’ve been working on its calculatorial capabilities for literally weeks and now its ready- spitting out the fast facts of life at NBN speeds. We’ve dialled the snark to 11 and loaded the memory stick full of relevance, so if you have a quandary a head-scratcher or any other social, moral or human difficulty who better to ask then the most up to date machine? ____________ My Prospective squeeze is a Christian, should I allow this to dissuade me from pursuing him? I think the fact that you have asked this question should instruct you in this matter. If you can’t see his personality behind his crucifix, don’t waste your time- or his. I love my pet rabbit very much, but he hates me and eats all my clothes. How can I make him love me? Rabbits are not capable of love, at least not in the way humans are. You can stop him chewing your clothes probably, Google ‘rabbit training’. My father in law came to stay many years ago. He was a man of few possessions. When he left a pair of underpants behind I put them away intending to give them back at some point. Unfortunately, he passed away before I had the chance to give back his underpants. Now I have had them in the cupboard for more than ten years, and I don’t know what to do. It feels too sad to throw them away, but I don’t think I would like anyone keeping my undies after I have died. Please help. A common custom to memorialise the birth of a child is to have their booties cast in bronze. Perhaps you could initiate a similar custom for memorialising the deceased by having the pants cast. My friend has terrible body odour, how can I tell him that he needs wear deodorant? Try “you need to wear deodorant”.