Nominations are now open for the 2024 UQ Awards for Excellence. These annual awards are a great opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication of your colleagues and give them a chance to take home a monetary prize. There are 7 award categories: community; innovation; service; reconciliation; diversity and inclusion; mental and physical health, safety and wellness; and leadership. Nominations are open until midnight on Friday 14 June.
Expressions of interest (EOIs) are now open to present during Teaching and Learning Week (Monday 28 October – Friday 1 November). The theme for this year is Future Ready. UQ staff are invited to share their knowledge and experiences in line with these 3 sub-themes: UQ’s future student cohorts, preparing students for the future, and shaping UQ’s teaching and learning future. EOIs will close at 9am on Monday 17 June.
As part of UQ’s IT security improvements, ITS has introduced Windows Hello for Business (WHFB). Staff now have the option to enable WHFB's advanced authentication technology to log into their Windows devices. WHFB improves useability, by allowing you to sign into your device using a PIN or biometric data (such as facial or fingerprint recognition) instead of a traditional password.
Keen to introduce more sustainable practices into your workspace? UQ Sustainability is running free online training sessions on Tuesday 14 and Thursday 16 May. These 2-hour sessions will help you to improve recycling, reduce energy and water consumption, and purchase more environmentally friendly products in your office or lab.
Limited spaces still available for Cyber Security Risk Management in-person training on Monday 20 May. With cyber security threats on the rise, now is a good time to boost your cyber savviness. Learn more about cyber security at UQ and enrol in training sessions by scrolling down to the Training section of the Stay Cyber Safe webpage.
UQ is once again taking part in The Push-Up Challenge in 2024. Each participant is challenged to complete 3,249 push-ups between Wednesday 5 June and Friday 28 June to raise funds for Lifeline and shine a light on mental health. If you're not a fitness pro, there's also options to complete half the number of push-ups or substitute push-ups for an alternative exercise. You can go solo or sign up as a team of up to 10 staff members. Registrations are now open.
One outcome of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse was the establishment of the National Redress Scheme (the Scheme). The Scheme provides support to people who have experienced child sexual abuse within Australian institutions prior to 2018. To ensure appropriate support is provided to anyone who may have experienced historical child sexual abuse at UQ, the University has voluntarily joined the Scheme. Support can be provided by applying to the Scheme directly.
UQ is implementing a new email security protocol called DMARC (Domain Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance), designed to protect you against imposter emails and ensure your messages are delivered without interruptions. If you are an email system owner, applications to have DMARC applied to your system immediately are now open. From late 2024, email services that do not use DMARC will be quarantined and emails sent will be undeliverable.
Did you know UQ has mandatory suppliers for some of our goods and services? Our ‘where to buy’ guide has information about commonly purchased goods and services, like software, printing, custom services and photography. View the guide and learn more about purchasing for UQ on our procurement webpage. You can also subscribe to the UQ finance newsletter Our bottom line to stay informed about procurement and other financial updates.
UQ recently introduced new electronic time sheets via the MyAurion system for HEW 1 to HEW 7 professional staff and professional research staff. The Human Resources team is holding online information sessions throughout May where you can learn more about the new time sheet system. You can also find MyAurion reference guides on the Systems Training Hub.
If injury is impacting your exercise or your ability to play sports, see a sports and exercise physiotherapist at the new UQ Sport and Exercise Injury, Participation and Performance Clinic (UQ-SPRINT). UQ staff and students, as well as their spouses and dependents, receive a 15% discount on clinic fees.
UQ has released The Queensland Commitment Roadmap, detailing 58 strategic actions UQ will take to achieve equitable access to education by 2032. The roadmap clearly defines how we will continue to work in partnership with government, communities and donors to make this a reality. The actions outlined also overlap with the recommendations from the recently announced Australian Universities Accord.
Congratulations to our 15 Minute Challenge champions. 548 UQ staff, including 81 teams, took part in this year’s 15 Minute Challenge – a 6-week competition promoting daily exercise. The team Slimming Gang (pictured) from QAAFI and IMB took out first place, with a phenomenal average of 3,308 minutes exercise per team member. BELInternational (from the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law) came second, followed by ITS Flex Force (Information Technology Services) in third, and MUScle MUSCULUS (UQ Biological Resources) in fourth. There were also multiple individual award winners.
UQ's bullying and harassment prevention and response course supports supervisors to understand their obligations under anti-discrimination, harassment, and anti-bullying legislation. It also outlines how this legislation applies in the workplace and how to effectively respond to discrimination, harassment and bullying. Supervisors can register to attend the next training session, held at St Lucia on Wednesday 29 May.
The Open Course Scheme offers UQ staff a chance to observe outstanding teaching firsthand. Ideal for staff working in teaching and learning, it provides insights into innovative practices. A recent participant said "I found the engaging style and constant active work provided great learning opportunities. This scheme has allowed me to learn beyond my own courses and experience new and unique approaches I had never seen or considered."
Do you want to embed career development and employability opportunities into your course or program? UQ's Career Development team offers a range of face-to-face workshops, online modules, and My Career Adviser, an online flexible career development and employability learning resource. Join a virtual drop-in session on either Tuesday 21 May (1–2pm) or Thursday 13 June (10–11am) to find out more information. Semester 2 requests close on Sunday 16 June.
Entries are now open for this year’s Australasian Green Gown Awards. Sustainability initiatives, from academic courses to operational improvements, are eligible for awards. Categories include environment, climate, social impact, student engagement, and diversity and equity. UQ has a long and proud history with the awards. In 2023, we were a finalist and a winner for 2 projects. Find out more on the Green Gown Awards website or contact the UQ Sustainability team for tips on entering the awards.
The northern platform at UQ Lakes bus station, and the adjacent pedestrian pathway to access Eleanor Schonell Bridge, are now open. Buses will operate under a new stop layout, with support staff and signage on site to assist passengers. Minor construction works will continue and Stop A remains closed to allow testing of a pilot Metro vehicle. The Brisbane Metro at UQ Lakes station is expected to open to the public from late 2024.
The Campus Pharmacy at St Lucia is now open at a new location in Building 4 on Staff House Road. The pharmacy operator and operating hours remain the same – Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 7pm and Saturday from 10am to 3pm. You can search for ‘pharmacy’ on the UQ St Lucia map to view the new location.
Face-to-face training around managing unconscious bias is now available, and you can register on Workday. This new Capstone course will provide you with practical strategies to help you address and manage unconscious bias in workplace decision-making. Staff must complete the online introductory course around unconscious bias before they register for the new Capstone module. The introductory online training can be accessed at any time, and the next face-to-face class will run on Tuesday 21 May.
The UQ Food Drive is now open at our St Lucia campus. Members of the UQ community are invited to donate non-perishable, unopened foods that have a minimum 4-week shelf live. Donated food will directly support the UQ Union’s welfare programs for students experiencing hardship, including Kampus Kitchen and grocery hampers. Donations can be brought to the UQ Union building at St Lucia, opposite the Lolly Shop.
Don’t miss out on ITaLI’s new generative AI workshop series, exploring AI and digital learning practices. These sessions provide insights and interactive experiences to show you how AI can enhance your work and teaching. Multiple sessions of these 3 workshops are being held throughout the year, so you can attend as many as you like.
Registrations for the Ally Workshop 2024 are now open. This workshop will qualify you as an official UQ Ally and member of the Ally Network. Develop a basic understanding of LGBTQIA+ issues and knowledge that will assist you in your role as a UQ Ally. The Ally Network provides a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for staff and students.
Changes to parking are now in effect at St Lucia, Herston, Dutton Park (PACE) and the Toowong office. A reminder that staff who use hourly or daily capped parking must enter their staff ID in the 'My profile' section of the CellOPark app to access staff rates. Changes to permit rates are automatically applied.
Volunteer for a UQ research study
Get involved in UQ research by volunteering for a wide range of studies. Your participation may be vital to solving medical mysteries or answering important research questions.