ISSUE 10 | November 2008ISSUE 14 | April 2009

THIS ISSUEIndigenous Student Ambassador Program 1Student Profile s 2About Campus 4Hints & Tips for Assignments 5Time Management Workshops 6SunningHill Bursary 6Printing Top Up 7Tutor Assistance Available 7Law Cadet Required 8Library Chatter 9How IASU can help you 10Our Staffing Team 11Contact Us 12

INdIgENoUS STUdENT ambaSSador ProgramThe Indigenous Academic Support (IAS) Unit of Charles Darwin University receives requests from other sections of the university and stakeholders within the community to facilitate participation by CDU Indigenous students in events and activities. Further, IAS receives offers of assistance from CDU Indigenous students to be involved in events and activities to promote educational goals. Thus, the IAS decided to establish the Indigenous Student Ambassador Program (ISAP) to facilitate the participation of students in events and activities in a manner that ensures that these students are appropriately recognized for their contribution to the community and the university. In doing so, the IAS ensures that ISAP participants are also appropriately insured.

The objectives of the ISAP are

• To promote CDU as a good place to study

• To promote high achieving students as role models in the community

• To provide high achieving students with the opportunity to serve their community and undertake voluntary activities to promote higher education

• To provide high achieving students with the opportunity to undertake voluntary work that will later assist them in preparing resumes when they seek employment

• To ensure that student volunteers are appropriately recognized for their contribution and covered by appropriate insurance.

Gurinbey is now calling for volunteers from the Indigenous student cohort who would like to participate in the program. Students must meet the following selection criteria:

• Students must identify as Indigenous and be 18yrs or over.

• Students must be currently enrolled as a student at CDU and demonstrate a solid record of grade achievement.

• Students must be willing to undergo a police check. ISAP will pay for the cost of a Police Check to be undertaken.

• Students must provide the names and contact details of 2 personal referees who will be contacted by the program manager.

• Students must provide a copy of their semester timetable at the beginning of each semester, to include any ITAS tutoring times.

Students who are accepted into the Indigenous Student Ambassador Program will be provided with orientation training, and will receive an annual statement recording their volunteer activities, which may be used when applying for scholarships, employment etc.

Importantly, volunteers are covered by CDU public liability insurance when they are undertaking voluntary activities on behalf of the university.

If you are interested in receiving further information about the Indigenous Student Ambassador Program or lodging an application, please contact your local Indigenous Academic Support Lecturer or the Program Manager, Cheri Williams on 8946 7763 or cheri.williams@cdu.edu.au

The program will be launched in late April 2009.

2 ISSUE 14 | April 2009

FavoUrITE QUoTES

I HAVE A DREAM - SPEECH by MARTIN LUTHER KING JNR

“…I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character…”

BARACK OBAMA’S INAUGURAL SPEECH – 20 JANUARY , 2009

“…We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves…”

wHaT advIcE woUld yoU gIvE SomEoNE wHo lIvES IN a rEmoTE arEa wHo IS coNSIdErINg STUdyINg?

My advice is if you want to study talk to someone at CDU and you can study in a way that suits your lifestyle. I believe that studying after hours is a good way to get qualifications if you have a full-time job. Don’t give up on study if you really want to achieve – talk to someone to help you fit it into your life!

STUdENT ProFIlESamoNE SallIk

coUrSE

Recently completed Cert IV in Business and looking at undertaking further study in Frontline Management as well as Business (Financial Management) with CDU.

STUdyINg: wHEN dId yoU STarT?

I started my studies with CDU in 1999 whilst completing my Yr 12 at Tennant Creek High School. I have studied various topics including Tourism, Business Administration and now a Cert IV in Business!! I travelled to QLD and completed an apprenticeship in Metalliferous Mining and Processing Operations (Open Cut).

I still enjoy studying as I enjoy the extra challenge!!!!

wHErE arE yoU From?

Tennant Creek

wHy STUdy aT cdU?

CDU External Studies suits my lifestyle at this particular time as I can do my studies after working hours and when my son is asleep! Best of all I don’t need to go away from home – I can do it at anytime I am available.

lIkES

Spending time with my son – watching him grow and become a unique individual.

Fishing and Travelling outside of the Territory

dISlIkES

The different stereotypes that women are compared to.

FavoUrITE Food

Curry Chicken.

3 ISSUE 14 | April 2009

STUdENT ProFIlEdamIEN SmITH

coUrSE

Bachelor of Engineering

wHErE arE yoU From?

Born in Darwin; family comes from Darwin and Fitzroy Crossing, Western Australia

wHy STUdy aT cdU?

Convenient, close to home and good support system

lIkES

Going to the gym; going out and socialising

dISlIkES

Rude and inconsiderate people

FavoUrITE bUSH TUckEr

Goanna

FavoUrITE Food

Subway

FavoUrITE movIE

Australia

FavoUrITE mUSIc

Anything with a beat

FavoUrITE SPorT

Rugby League and AFL

wHaT advIcE woUld yoU gIvE SomEoNE wHo IS coNSIdErINg STUdyINg?

Make sure you complete the pre-requisites of maths and physics before you consider Engineering.

UNITEd world collEgE (aUSTralIa) ScHolarSHIP For yEar 11 or 12 INdIgENoUS STUdENT

The Lester B Pearson United World College of the Pacific in British Columbia in Canada is offering a scholarship to an Indigenous student to complete the International Baccalaureate commencing in August 2009 and finishing in May 2011.

Applications are due in by Thursday 9 April 2009.

More information is available from the UWC Australia website at www.uwc.org.au

4 ISSUE 14 | April 2009

aboUT camPUS

Spotted enjoying the Student BBQ on Friday 27 March 2009.

Right: Daniel Ayoub (Bachelor of Arts) and Mark Motlop (Batchelor of Commerce).

Below Left: Mark Polain (Bachelor of Creative Arts and Industries) and Jessie Risk (Bachelor of Arts).

Below Right: GianCarlo David (IAS Admin Leader) cooking up a smoke storm!

5 ISSUE 14 | April 2009

HINTS aNd TIPS For aSSIgNmENTSMany of you will be well underway with assignments and reports. You may find this list of directive words useful in working out what it is that the lecturer wants you to do in answering the question. Always seek clarification from the lecturer if you are not sure what is expected of you. You can waste a lot of time and effort with little result if you do not understand the nature of the question. Keep this list for future reference.

Analyse Show the essence of something by breaking it down into its component parts and examining each part in detail.

Argue Present the case for and against a particular proposition.Compare Look for similarities and differences between propositions.Contrast Place the two propositions in opposition to each other to show the differences between them.Criticise Give your judgement about the merit of theories or opinions about the truth of facts, and back

your judgement by a discussion of evidence.Define Set down the precise meaning of a word or phrase. Show that the distinctions implied in the

definition are necessary.Describe Give a detailed or graphic account of the characteristics of the subject.Differentiate Show the difference between two things by determining their distinctions.Discuss Investigate or examine by argument, sift and debate, giving reasons for and against.Enumerate List or specify and describe one by one.Evaluate Make an appraisal of the worth of something, in the light of its apparent truth or utility. Include

your personal opinion, supported by evidence.Explain Make clear, interpret and account for in detail.Explore Thoroughly inquire into a topic by examining and analysing every aspect of it.Illustrate Explain and make clear by the use of concrete examples or by the use of figure diagrams.Interpret Bring out the meaning of, and make clear and explicit; usually also giving your own

judgement.Investigate Search, study and carefully survey all areas of the subject.Justify Defend or show adequate grounds for decisions or conclusions.Outline Give the main points or general principles of a subject, omitting minor details, and emphasising

structure and relationship.Prove Demonstrate truth or falsity by presenting evidence.Relate Narrate or show how things are connected to each other and to what extent they are alike or

affect each other.State Specify details fully and clearly.Summarise Give a concise account of the chief points or substance of a matter, omitting details and

examples.Trace Identify and describe the development or course of history of a topic from some point or

origin.

6 ISSUE 14 | April 2009

SUNNINgHIll bUrSary oPENS doorS For INdIgENoUS STUdENTS

Indigenous students enrolled at Charles Darwin University have been given a boost following a $30,000 donation from the Melbourne Community Foundation to establish the Sunning Hill Bursary. The donation of $10,000 annually for three years will provide Indigenous students enrolled at CDU the capacity to access financial assistance of up to $500.

Coordinator of CDU’s Indigenous Academic Support Unit, Roz Anderson said the purpose of the financial assistance was to help students to continue and/or enhance their studies. “Funding of this nature is essential to encourage and promote post-secondary education to our Indigenous student body and will play a crucial role in ensuring that Indigenous people can access improved employment opportunities,” she said.

Funds may be used to purchase special course requirements, assistance to attend relevant conferences/seminars, and unexpected or one-off expenses that cannot be met by any other income source.

To apply for funds, students must complete an application form and lodge it with the staff of the Gurinbey Indigenous Academic Support Unit. For more information, and to obtain an application form, contact Gurinbey on 8946 7413 or email iasureception@cdu.edu.au

HElP For STUdENTS

TImE maNagEmENT workSHoPSTime Management workshops for Undergraduate students were held at both Gurinbey and Akaltye Centres in March. 8 students took advantage of this free workshop in Alice Springs and 11 students participated in Darwin.

Standing: L to R Cheri Williams; Makisha Tilmouth; Kelly Leonard; Lorraine St Clair; Sharon Donnellan Seated: L to R Marlene Chisholm; Joelene Liddle Absent from Photo: Christine Sevallos; Steven Sawry; Robyn McInerney and Greg Cusack

7 ISSUE 14 | April 2009

With access to qualified tutors and CDU’s supportive study environment, the Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ITAS) is designed to help you get through your studies.

Over Semester 1, 2008 the ITAS program supported students from Alice Springs, Armidale, Brisbane, Darwin, Katherine, Nhulunbuy, Palmerston, Sydney and Tennant Creek. No matter where you live, we will do our best to find a tutor for you in your region.

Tutorial assistance will help you to:better understand what is expected of you in regard • to your assignmentshelp you to manage your time and plan your study• help you to get the most out of your study experience • so you can reach your full potential.

ITAS Tertiary Tuition may be approved:for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who • are enrolled in a formal training programfor an eligible student’s formal course of study• for up to 2 hours per week per subject and up to 5 • additional hours in total during exam preparation breaks.

For more information, contact Tracy Sariago via email on tracy.sariago@cdu.edu.au or telephone 8946 6479.

TUTorS avaIlablE To aSSIST yoU Now

PrINTINg ToP-UP aSSISTaNcE

CDU students have to pay for their printing costs in all computer labs. Printing costs are 13c per sheet and students must supply their own paper.

Every student receives an allocation of $10 credit on their printing account at the beginning of the semester.

The Indigenous Academic Support Unit understands that having to pay for printing may disadvantage some students and, to ease the financial burden, offers to provide Indigenous students with a top-up credit in their printing account.

To receive a top-up credit of $25 you must be an Indigenous student currently enrolled at CDU. Current VET students may request one $25 top-up per semester. Undergraduate and postgraduate students may request two $25 top-ups per semester. Requests for additional top-ups may be considered in exceptional circumstances and must be requested in writing. Printing top-ups are available for legitimate student work only, not for your personal use and you may be asked to justify your request.

Top-up credits are not automatically allocated to students; you must apply for them. To apply for a top-up credit you need to send an email request to GianCarlo David, stating your name, student number and the course you are enrolled in. GianCarlo’s email address is giancarlo.david@cdu.edu.au

HElP For STUdENTS

8 ISSUE 14 | April 2009

law cadET rEQUIrEd

The NT Legal Aid Commission is an independent statutory body aimed at providing legal advice and assistance to people according to our guidelines.

Our Charter is to ensure that the protection or assertion of the legal rights and interests of people in the NT are not prejudiced by reason of their inability to:

• Obtain access to independent legal advice;

• Afford the cost of appropriate legal representation;

• Obtain access to the Federal or Territory legal systems; or

• Obtain adequate information about access to the law and legal system.

THE PoSITIoN

The National Indigenous Cadetship Project (NICP) is an Australian Government initiative that improves the professional employment prospects of Indigenous Australians. It links Indigenous tertiary students with employers in a cadetship arrangement involving full-time study and work placements.

The NT Legal Aid Commission is a registered employer under the NICP and has a vacancy for a Law Student Cadetship within our service. It is anticipated that the Cadetship will commence by July 2009.

ExPrESSIoNS oF INTErEST

Interested candidates need to register with the NICP on their website at https://www.nicp.deewr.gov.au/ by 15 April 2009. When registering, please ensure that you nominate the NT Legal Aid Commission as a preferred employer and the NT as a preferred location for employment.

For more information please contact Fiona Hussin at the Commission on 89993000 or fiona.hussin@ntlac.nt.gov.au

9 ISSUE 14 | April 2009

lIbrary cHaTTEr lIbrary ToUrS The IASU in conjunction with the CDU Library provided two group tours for Indigenous students at the commencement of Semester 1, 2009.

Kaye Henderson, Librarian and dedicated support officer for the School of Australian Indigenous Knowledge Systems and School of Trades conducted the Library tours.

Students were introduced to the library environment and staff, the different sections and purpose of each of the three library levels, how to search the catalogue, how to manage your library account, photocopying and printing access, tutorial and group discussion areas, seminar rooms and how our ITAS tutors can access these areas and the special collections room.

INTrodUcINg kayE

Hi all,

By now most of you will be well underway with readings and starting assignments. The Library is a very useful place for these activities.

lIbrary ToUrS

I encourage all students to come on a library tour; this is a great way to help you find your way around the library. You will learn where and how to borrow a book, how the printing and photocopying works, where the computers and quiet study areas are, plus you will have lots of opportunities to ask questions about the library. Please contact your ITAS coordinator or myself to arrange a time for a tour.

rEFErENcINg

When writing your essays don’t forget to reference correctly. The library has a page to help you with your referencing.

http://www.cdu.edu.au/library/LILL/referencing.html

INTErESTINg bookS

Elders : wisdom from Australia's indigenous leaders. Forewords by Mandawuy Yunupingu and Lowitja O’Donoghue; photographed and recorded by Peter McConchie. Cambridge; Melbourne: Cambridge University Press, 2003.

“This book is about Indigenous peoples and their traditional and contemporary ways of living. Each chapter describes an important aspect of tribal life and the elder speaks on behalf of the tribe explaining rituals they hold to and what understanding of the world they have.”

Source: Libraries Australia. Held at Casuarina Library 305.89915 ELDE

Shaw, Bruce Our heart is the land: Aboriginal reminiscences from the Western Lake Eyre basin. Canberra, A.C.T.:Aboriginal Studies Press , 1995

“Collection of the histories of men and women living in and around the Lake Eyre Basin; religious life; living off the land; United Aborigines Mission; Finniss Springs Mission Station; Oodnadatta; employment; health; daily life; race relations.” Source: Libraries Australi

Held at Casuarina and Alice Springs libraries 305.89915094238 SHAW.

Kaye Henderson

Phone: 8946 6759

Email: kaye.henderson@cdu.edu.au

10 ISSUE 10 | November/December 200810

How caN INdIgENoUS acadEmIc SUPPorT HElP yoU?

INdIgENoUS acadEmIc SUPPorT SPEcIal INITIaTIvESIndigenous Alternative Entry

This program is designed to assess the academic potential of students, where the planning of appropriate study pathways can lead to enrolment in Higher Education (undergraduate) courses.

Indigenous Orientation

This program is designed to familiarise students with the facilities available at CDU and orientate them to university life when they enrol in either Vocational or Higher Education courses.

Secondary School Visits

The Secondary School program provides students with information about university and the courses available at CDU. Through this program students are encouraged to consider CDU as their university of choice should they wish to continue onto tertiary studies when they finish school.

Indigenous Taste of Uni

This program has been designed to ensure Indigenous students’ smooth transition from high school into university courses that will provide pathways to furthering their education and to developing their career opportunities.

CDU Indigenous Postgraduate and Research Seminar Series

The Series supports Indigenous postgraduate and research students at CDU by providing them with the opportunity to practice and develop their seminar presentation skills in an informal academic setting; disseminate and discuss their postgraduate research methods and findings; gather information for their research; and develop important community and academic networks.

Indigenous Cultural Celebrations

Significant cultural events are observed annually. The IASU organises activities and events on campus, as well as participating in Indigenous cultural celebrations in the community.

The IAS team provides high level support and assistance to Indigenous students studying at CDU through:

Provision of specialist orientation programs for new Indigenous students.•

Assistance with enrolment applications and course information.•

Provision of academic support and referrals for tutoring from the • Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ITAS), through which individual or group tutorial assistance can be arranged.

Access to a well-appointed Indigenous student common room, computer • lab, tutorial room and large undercover seating area with fans and lights at Casuarina campus. Excellent student facilities are also available at Palmerston, Katherine and Alice Springs campuses.

Assistance with top-up printing costs for Vocational Training & Education • (VTE) and Higher Education (HE) students.

Referral to support agencies (e.g., counsellors) and information and • assistance for accessing other services on campus (e.g., Support & Equity Services, which also includes access to disability services).

Assistance with finding suitable accommodation through North Flinders • International House, Mission Australia or Aboriginal Hostels.

Provision of information about scholarships and other opportunities that • become available for students from time to time, as well as assistance with the preparation and submission of scholarship applications.

Provision of advocacy support (e.g., helping to deal with study problems, • scholarship payments, access to Centrelink/Abstudy, etc).

Regular visits to schools and community organisations to talk about study • options and educational and career pathways available at CDU.

Preparation and broad email distribution of monthly Indigenous Academic • Support newsletter.

11 ISSUE 14 | April 2009

Roz AndersonCoordinatorIndigenous Academic Support Ph: 8946 6401roz.anderson@cdu.edu.au

Natalie EllisIndigenous Academic Support Lecturer Ph: 8973 8348natalie.ellis@cdu.edu.auKatherine Students

Tracy SariagoCoordinatorIndigenous Tutorial Assistance SchemePh: 8946 6479tracy.sariago@cdu.edu.au

GianCarlo DavidAdministrative LeaderPh: 8946 6485giancarlo.david@cdu.edu.au

Cynthia CoyneIndigenous Academic Support LecturerPh: 8946 6339cynthia.coyne@cdu.edu.auPostgraduate & Research Students

Kathy ArbonIndigenous Academic Support LecturerPh: 8946 6037kathleen.arbon@cdu.edu.auArts & Humanities, Architecture, Trades, Access & Enabling

Betty Ah KitIndigenous Academic Support Lecturer Ph: 8946 6640betty.ahkit@cdu.edu.auIndigenous Knowledge, Education, Information Technology & Trades

Georgie WaltonIndigenous Academic Support LecturerPh: 8946 7432georgie.walton@cdu.edu.auBusiness students

Veronica McClinticIndigenous Academic Support LecturerPh: 8946 7860veronica.mcclintic@cdu.edu.auLaw, Nursing, Aged Care, & SciencePalmerston students

Cheri WilliamsSenior Indigenous Academic Support LecturerPh: 8946 7763cheri.williams@cdu.edu.au

Lorraine St ClairIndigenous Academic Support LecturerPh: 8959 5411lorraine.stclair@cdu.edu.auAlice Springs Students

Yvette CarolinIndigenous Academic Support LecturerPh: 89467786yvette.carolin@cdu.edu.auEngineering, Social Work, Pharmacy, Languages

oUr STaFFINg TEam For 2009Ruby GibbsReceptionistPh: 8946 7413 ruby.gibbs@cdu.edu.au

Chris RotheryIndigenous Academic Support Lecturer Ph: 8962 0704 chris.rothery@cdu.edu.auTennant Creek students

Sharon DonnellanIndigenous Academic Support LecturerPh: 8959 5390sharon.donnellan@cdu.edu.auAlice Springs students

Emanuele TausingaIndigenous Academic Support LecturerPh: 8946 7432emanuele.tausinga@cdu.edu.auBusiness students

12 ISSUE 10 | November/December 200812

coNTacT USFor FUrTHEr INFormaTIoN Gurinbey at Casuarina campus

The Indigenous Academic Support area is located at Blue 2 and includes a range of staff offices and facilities for students.Contact Ruby Gibbs on 8946 7413.

Duwun at Palmerston campusIndigenous Academic Support at the Palmerston campus is located within Administration in Building A. Contact Veronica McClintic on 8946 7860.

Akaltye at Alice Springs campusLocated at rear of the Uni Info Shop.Contact Lorraine St Clair on 8959 5411.

Yangan.garr at Katherine Rural campusIndigenous Academic Support is located at the Katherine campuswithin the Library building.Contact Natalie Ellis on 8973 8348.

Tennant Creek campusIndigenous Academic Support is located at the Tennant Creek campus.Contact Chris Rothery on 8962 0704.

Regional and External studentsStudents living in the northern region of the NT or in other Australian states should contact the Gurinbey staff at Casuarina campus. Students living in the southern region of the NT should contact the Akaltye staff at Alice Springs campus.

To subscribe to the Indigenous Academic Support newsletter, please email IASUReception@cdu.edu.au to receive our monthly newsletter via email.

General EnquiriesCharles Darwin UniversityGurinbeyBlue, 2, Casuarina campusCasuarina NT 0909Phone: 08 8946 7413Fax: 08 8946 6064Email: IASUReception@cdu.edu.auWebsite: www.cdu.edu.au/iasu

cdU’S commITmENT To INdIgENoUS EdUcaTIoNThe Charles Darwin University Indigenous Peoples Policy provides the framework to manage activities that impact upon the Indigenous community of the Northern Territory. Given the unique demography of the jurisdiction, with nearly 30% of its population being Indigenous, and the future likelihood of an even higher proportion, the University’s engagement with the Indigenous community is a vital component of the economic and social development of the Northern Territory. This policy recognises the culture, history, uniqueness and diversity of the Indigenous community and commits to forging mutually beneficial relationships with the Indigenous community, built upon a foundation of trust and respect. CDU has a commitment to creating an organisational culture and environment conducive to Indigenous engagement and this includes:

The establishment of the • Indigenous Academic Support Unit. The appointment of a Pro Vice • Chancellor Indigenous Leadership with specific responsibilities across the whole institution. An Indigenous Employment policy. • An Indigenous Cultural • Competence Training program for all staff. A School of Australian Indigenous • Knowledge Systems dedicated to fostering and promoting research in Indigenous knowledge. Flexible teaching methodologies • that cater for remote and rural communities. Teaching Yolngu Matha • language at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.