starting@UWs

staff and CampUses ...................................................................... 4Contacts ................................................................................................. 4Senior Staff of UWS ............................................................................... 4Campus Maps and Transport ................................................................ 4Parking ................................................................................................... 4Food ....................................................................................................... 5Campus Accommodation ...................................................................... 5Child Care Centres ................................................................................. 5Emergency and Security ........................................................................ 5Emergency Wardens .............................................................................. 5

it and CommUniCation .................................................................. 6Staff ID Number and Staff Card ............................................................. 6Login and Password ............................................................................... 6Email ....................................................................................................... 6Voice Mail ............................................................................................... 6Service Desk .......................................................................................... 6 IT Help/Service Desk Icon ..................................................................... 6Computers and Equipment .................................................................... 6

finanCe, reCords and poliCies ................................................ 8Financial Delegation ............................................................................... 8Credit Card ............................................................................................. 8Invoices .................................................................................................. 8Travel ...................................................................................................... 8 Records and Archives Management Services ....................................... 8Policies ................................................................................................... 9

WelCome to the University of Western sydney (UWs)

STR

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Contents

UWS aspires to be a university of international standing and outlook, achieving excellence through scholarship, teaching, learning, research and service to its regional, national and international communities, beginning with the people of Greater Western Sydney. We aim to provide a contemporary education that builds successful lives and careers for our students and graduates, and conduct research that speaks to the development of urban and rural regions, the new economy, cultural life and professional development.

UWS has long been identified as a ‘University of the People’. We value the contributions made by our staff and recognise that they underpin the enablement of our mission and values. The University is culturally diverse, with over 2,500 staff and over 35,000 students drawn from Australia and around the world. We are proud of the rich texture of

history, knowledge and skills that the UWS community possesses. As a member of this community you will have the opportunity to contribute to the development and growth of a dynamic university.

Each staff member of UWS serves a vital role in contributing to UWS’s core functions.

In your first weeks and months of employment it is important to get to know the University environment and culture. Induction and orientation at UWS provides information and resources to ensure a smooth transition to a new organisational culture and environment. We have developed information and resources to help equip you in your transition to working at UWS.

• Induction Checklist

• UWS Orientation

• Starting@UWS Booklet

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hr and pay.........................................................................................10Leave Forms, Payslips and Staff Online ................................................10Time Sheets ..........................................................................................10Pay .........................................................................................................10Superannuation ....................................................................................10Salary Sacrificing ..................................................................................11Staff Agreements ..................................................................................11

employment serviCes ..................................................................12Equity and Diversity Services ................................................................12Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services ......................................12OH&S Services .....................................................................................12Employee Assistance Program .............................................................12Complaints Unit ....................................................................................13Staff Benefits ........................................................................................13Staff Awards .........................................................................................13

Career and skills development ............................................14Professional and Skills Development ....................................................14MyCareer Online....................................................................................14Compass – Performance Planning and Development ..........................14Orientation .............................................................................................14Core Knowledge Modules ....................................................................15Courses for Academic Staff ..................................................................15Managers Guide ....................................................................................15

teaChing and researCh sUpport ...........................................16Library ...................................................................................................16Teaching Development Unit ..................................................................16Foundations of Learning and Teaching .................................................17Office of Research Services .................................................................17Register of Research Activity ................................................................17Graduate Supervisor Register ...............................................................17Intellectual Property ..............................................................................17

soCial aCtivities ............................................................................18Staff Social Club ...................................................................................18Staff Giving ............................................................................................18

aboUt UWs ........................................................................................19About UWS ...........................................................................................19Reconciliation Statement ......................................................................19UWS Mission, Vision, Beliefs and Values .............................................19Strategic Plans ......................................................................................20Structure ...............................................................................................20History ...................................................................................................20

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ContaCtsUWS provides many ways to find people and keep in touch at UWS. Some of these are listed below:

Staff Directory The staff directory provides information for the University community and those who have specific interest in reaching individual staff members of UWS. It is a publicly available, searchable directory of staff at UWS — you may search for any information stored in the directory (names, room numbers, etc.) Who Does What Directory To assist you in finding who does what in our administrative offices, we have compiled a ‘Who Does What’ directory. The directory provides details of the administrative responsibilities of staff in Units, Schools and Centres across the University. Most pages on the Who Does What directory require a UWS login. Staff Profiles All staff have a profile on the UWS website. The profiles, particularly for academics, showcase valuable information including contact details, areas of expertise, research

interests and supervision, community engagement, publications, qualifications, awards and committees. The staff profiles homepage also includes a search function to locate academics, research supervisors and media experts. Expert Directory People, including journalists looking for expert comments, can search by expertise keyword, name of expert, or click on a letter to see a list of areas of expertise. At this stage, the UWS Expert Directory does not contain all available experts at the University. The Expert Directory is publicly available. E-Update E-Update is a daily news site for both business and social/non work specific announcements. The site can be accessed from the Staff Portal page and staff members can subscribe to receive a daily news update by email subscription to their UWS email address. Staff may submit announcements, which are approved before posting on the site. Events at UWS The events diary is an information service, which allows staff to record UWS events.

Staff may suggest events for inclusion on the calendar. Submissions are sent to the UWS media unit for approval before they are posted on the web. Users can subscribe to a weekly events newsletter that is issued every Monday via email.

senior staff of UWsThe senior officers of UWS are listed on our webpage with a link to their contact details. Photos of the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor can also be found at www.uws.edu.au/about_uws/uws

CampUs maps and transportThe University of Western Sydney has six campuses in the Greater Western Sydney region and provides public campus maps for each. These maps include flat PDF maps and an interactive Google maps site.

Additionally, UWS provides guides on getting to the campuses via all transport options including public transport.

parkingUWS campuses are restricted parking areas. UWS operates a paid parking system

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on all campuses, with the exception of Nirimba Education Precinct, Blacktown campus, which is governed by a community title. All vehicles parked on a UWS campus must, in accordance with the UWS Parking and Traffic Policy, display a valid UWS parking permit on the lower, driver’s side windscreen/dash.

Pay and Display one day parking permits are available from the permit machines located in the parking areas of each UWS campus. Additionally, staff may purchase annual and half year parking permits –General Yellow, Communal Blue, Dedicated Red and Dedicated Red with Bollard parking permits.

foodFood Services at UWS are provided by UWSConnect on each campus. UWSConnect provides a directory of food services on campus.

CampUs aCCommodation UWS provides affordable, high quality accommodation that gives a rich and balanced living and learning environment. It ranges from residential halls to townhouses, cottages and units. Staff and students

are encouraged to choose a form of accommodation that suits their lifestyle.

Child Care CentresThe University of Western Sydney has childcare centres with places for the children of staff and students on five campuses.

» Bankstown campus » Campbelltown campus » Hawkesbury campus » Nirimba Education Precinct, Blacktown

campus » Penrith campus

emergenCy and seCUrity Campus Safety and Security aim to provide a safe and secure campus. Security Officers are available to escort staff and students to their building or car if needed. Security also offers first aid in an emergency. Any incidents of theft, assault, damage to property or suspicious activity should be reported immediately to Campus Safety and Security and your Supervisor.

In an emergency call UWS Security (all campuses) on 4736 0300. From a UWS

land line call 2300 (UWS Security) or 000 (Police, Fire, Ambulance). You can also call 112 from your mobile.

Security Office

» Bankstown 9772 6331 » Campbelltown 4620 3131 » Blacktown 9852 4001 » Hawkesbury 4570 1177 » Parramatta 9685 9169 » Parramatta (Westmead) 9685 9749 » Penrith (Kingswood) 4736 0431 » Penrith (Werrington) 4736 0431

emergenCy Wardens Each building at UWS has a warden trained in evacuation procedures. Please familiarise yourself with the nearest emergency exit and where the building gathering point is located. Occupational Health and Safety Office (OHS) provide training for the Emergency Wardens. For course availability see: www.uws.edu.au/staff/pdu

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staff id nUmber and staff CardYour staff identification number is issued by the payroll system after you have provided all your pre-employment documentation including the acceptance of your offer, your bank details, and your tax declaration form. Your supervisor should be able to provide you with your staff number when you commence working at UWS or you can contact your Recruitment Consultant.

You should obtain a staff card when you commence work at UWS. You will need to provide photo ID such as your Driver’s Licence and your staff number. Your staff number will be printed on your Staff Card, which you can obtain from a Student Central office.

Your Staff Card requires a head photograph that will be taken by Student Central staff when you request your card. It is recommended you call ahead to ensure your details are available and that a card can be printed.

The Staff ID Card allows you to borrow books from the Library and access specific buildings, which require card access. Contact Campus Safety and Security to activate your card for building access.

login and passWordUWS requires a login and password for the Staff Intranet and other corporate services. The account is known as your MyUWSAccount. The account is a secure, managed environment for providing a username and password which provides access to UWS Information Technology (IT) services based on a person’s role and their information system needs.

Your MyUWSAccount password must be updated every 90 days or less. The

MyUWSAccount system will send you reminders via your UWS email address.

emailAll staff has access to a free UWS email account, for business purposes. However, the account is not created automatically. Complete the User ID and Services Request form and fax it to the Service Desk to have your email account created.

The Exchange email service for staff has high functionality, including collaboration tools such as shared calendars and public folders. Email is accessible off-campus via Outlook Web Access. Windows users use Microsoft Outlook to access their email on campus.

Please note: Service Desk staff DO NOT give out details of email and network logins to persons other than the account ‘owner’.

The UWS Email Policy, IT Acceptable Use of Resources Policy, and other relevant policies apply.

voiCe mailUWS will supply a voice mailbox for each extension, as required. Dial 5444 and enter default security code 0000. Follow the instructions of the tutorial to change your security code, name your box and record your greetings.

serviCe deskUWS provides an IT Service Desk to assist you with any technical difficulties you might encounter. In order to assist you the Service Desk Operator will ask you some questions to determine the problem. In many cases, the operator will be able to resolve the issue immediately. If the operator cannot resolve the problem, they will log a job to a campus support team, or to a more specialised ITS

team to investigate and resolve, depending on the nature of the problem.

IT Service Desk Hours of Operation are Monday to Friday – 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. Alternatively, you can use the IT Self Service Desk (opens in new window) to self log IT issues 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.

it help/serviCe desk iConAll users of standard UWS Windows based PCs have an IT Help Service Desk icon on their desktop. The icon is a quick link to this page and provides an alternative method of contacting the IT Service Desk and finding IT-related information and services. From the icon you are able to quickly access the IT Self Service Desk, IT Fact Sheets, forms, password assistance, and IT contact details.

CompUters and eqUipmentYour supervisor will have arranged a computer and software for your use when you start.

All UWS IT equipment and software is obtained through ITS’ Information Technology Procurement team (ITP). ITP provide help and advice for all IT related purchases, and will obtain quotes/prepare purchase orders for your Unit’s approval. Standard computers are supplied with Windows, Microsoft Office, and more. Contact the ITP team on ext 7ITP (7487) or 9678 7487.

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finanCial delegationSome positions have authority to spend money. To find out if you have financial delegation and what areas or functions your delegation covers, use the Search Register. You must also read the Delegations (Administrative) Policy carefully to understand how to exercise your delegation.

Most appointments to positions will be picked up in the Delegations Register as part of the normal approval and amendment process. However, you should check to ensure that your appointment is being processed, by contacting the relevant staff in your School or Unit.

Credit CardYou may have financial delegation via a credit card.

The UWS Corporate Credit Card is an alternative purchasing and payment mechanism to invoicing that improves payment performance, simplifies clerical processes, and provides more effective cash management, and in many cases,

better service delivery. The card system is specifically designed for, but not restricted to, high volume but low value (less than $1,000) transactions and to assist staff members who travel on behalf of the University.

invoiCes At UWS, invoice processing occurs via a program called Basware. The system enables invoices to be imported or scanned and electronically forwarded to UWS staff for coding and approval via an automated workflow process.

travel UWS Travel arrangements are processed via the UWS Travel Portal. All UWS travellers must complete an electronic travel approval form (known as ‘e-TAN’) for travel that requires an overnight stay or airfare, via the UWS Travel Portal. This system allows automated workflow approval. You must not proceed with finalising booking arrangements until formal approval has been received.

reCords and arChives management serviCesRecords and Archives Management Services (RAMS) is responsible for implementing consistent records management programs throughout UWS and providing advice, assistance, guidance and training to all staff.

UWS uses a records and document management software system called TRIM. It allows the capture and management of paper documents and electronic documents onto files created in TRIM. TRIM manages both paper and electronic documents within files created by TRIM Coordinators in your business unit. TRIM integrates with standard software packages such as MS Word, Excel and Outlook to effectively manage electronic documents including email. When you create documents or receive them you can place them on a file and register them in TRIM. This allows much greater control of documents and assists in effective management and prompt retrieval.

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TRIM is part of the UWS Standard Operating Environment and is delivered to your desktop through the Run Advertised Programs in your Control Panel. Whilst TRIM is available to all UWS staff, you will not be able to save records to TRIM until you have completed TRIM training.

The University Archives is the official repository for inactive University records having long-term administrative, legal, scientific, research or historical value. The archives may also include professional and personal records/manuscripts of members of the University staff, student organisations and the community, donated to the University for preservation and use.

UWS also has a unique and exciting collection of documents and memorabilia dating from the beginnings of the Hawkesbury Agricultural College in 1891 through to the present day.

poliCiesUWS has adopted an integrated and consultative approach to the development of policies and their review. The provision of online commentary on draft policies and documents via the UWS Policy Document Development System is one feature of this.

The UWS Policy Document Development System is an online database containing all University-wide policies, procedures and guidelines. The purpose of this database is to provide ready access to information and links relevant to policy considerations and to enhance the quality of UWS policies generally.

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leave forms, payslips and staff onlineUWS provides Staff Online, a portal for staff which allows quick access to leave balances and other HR and professional development requirements. The login and password are your MyUWSAccount details.

Supervisors have access to leave and staff development records for staff in their unit for approval and leave rostering purposes. Personal DetailsStaff Online allows you to update your contact details yourself. The update occurs automatically.

Employment DetailsYou can view your employment history via Staff Online.

LeaveBefore you proceed on leave, you must complete a leave request online or via a paper-based Leave Request form and obtain the approval of your supervisor.

You must use Staff Online to request leave when:

a) the leave is for whole days b) the period of leave is of a single type c) you have access to a computer.

When you request annual leave using Staff Online, Staff Online will automatically notify your supervisor that an application requires approval.

In all other instances fill out a paper form and give it to your supervisor for approval before sending to Staffing Services in the Office of People and Culture.

PayslipsYour payslip is in electronic format and can be downloaded via your Staff Online account when a salary payment is due to you.

Career and Professional DevelopmentStaff Online provides links to MyCareer Online, which allows you to manage your career and professional development.

time sheetsAll general staff at the University up to and including Level 9 staff are required to fill in a timesheet. A copy of your timesheet must

be signed and given to your supervisor to be kept on file.

Any leave taken should be noted on your timesheet. However, leave must be submitted and approved separately.

payYou will be paid fortnightly (every second Thursday) into the bank account you nominated in your pre-employment documentation. To access your pay information and personal details log onto Staff Online.

Pay dates are listed on the UWS website along with a summary of salary rates schedules from the UWS Enterprise Agreements.

If you would like to change the banking account you would like your salary or wage paid into, fill in the form on Staff Online and forward to Staffing Services.

sUperannUationIt is a condition of employment at UWS that all new employees are required to become members of UniSuper unless they

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are members of the old NSW State Super schemes, SSS and SASS, immediately prior to joining the University.

The type of UniSuper membership is determined by the terms of appointment. Those who are initially appointed for a period of two years or more, and whose contracted hours are 50% or more of full-time hours will receive 17% employer contributions and the standard rate of member contributions is 9% of after-tax salary.

salary saCrifiCingSalary sacrifice (sometimes referred to as salary packaging) allows an employee to receive part of their salary in the form of benefits which reduces PAYG tax. The University pays for particular benefits on your behalf from your total gross wage, rather than you paying for the benefits from your net wage.

Approved salary sacrifice options include: » Standard and additional superannuation

contributions » On Campus Child Care » University Car Parking » Novated Motor Vehicle Leases » Laptop/notebook computers (used

primarily for work purposes) » Connect Fitness

staff agreementsUWS has two Enterprise Agreements for staff – one covering Academic staff employment and one covering Professional staff employment.

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eqUity and diversity serviCesEquity and Diversity work in partnership with staff, students and the wider community to promote inclusive practices across the University. Equity and Diversity services target staff and students from groups who have been traditionally under-represented in tertiary education and employment.

Equity and Diversity run a number of activities and programs at UWS which focus on informing staff and students of their equal opportunity rights and responsibilities and the promotion of inclusive practices.

aboriginal and torres strait islander serviCesUWS aims to be an employer of choice within Greater Western Sydney for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, to attract, retain and support them so that UWS is a place where they will choose to further their careers.

We have in place six strategies to achieve the organisation-wide implementation of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment and Engagement objectives.

1. Increase participation rates and employment with the objective of at least 2.5% representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees across the University;

2. Ensure UWS has the ability to meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People as an ‘Employer Of Choice’;

3. Develop leading strategies and help shape the national agenda;

4. Redress, through affirmative action in employment, past disadvantages;

5. Create a work environment that is free from discrimination, promotes an understanding of culture and is culturally respectful and inclusive; and

6. Build and develop a positive working relationship with the community and relevant stakeholders to ensure the improvement of employment outcomes.

The Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment and Engagement contributes to enhancing both the staff and student experience. The Office is a representative voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and potential employees at all levels as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ‘rising stars’ and alumni at UWS including undergraduate Cadets, Early Career Academics and Researchers.

Please note: any UWS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employee who has not previously identified as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person in his/her employment records, can update their details through Staff Online by completing the Equal Opportunity Survey in the personal details section.

oh&s serviCesThe Occupational Health and Safety Unit aims to assist management and staff to establish an atmosphere and culture within the University that will encourage every person to work in a safe manner and to care for the health and safety of other people and the environment.

The University expects all employees to be pro-active in the implementation of its OH&S policy, procedures and guidelines so that unnecessary legal, financial and personal costs can be avoided. All UWS Staff are required to complete the OH&S Online Training Modules which are accessed via Staff Online. The modules are as follows:

» Module 1 – OHS Orientation » Module 2 – Risk Management » Module 3 – Office Safety » Module 4 – Manual Handling

employment serviCes

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employee assistanCe programThe Employee Assistance Program provides professional advice, direction and support to staff on a wide range of issues.

» UWS Employee Assistance Program Policy

» Access Programs Australia

Complaints UnitThe UWS Complaint Handling and Resolution Policy explains how the University of Western Sydney deals with all types of complaints from staff, students and the public. It covers complaints about unfair and/or disrespectful actions or decisions, as well as complaints about bullying, discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, vilification and victimisation.

In addition to the policy, links to legislation, UWS policy, procedures and guidelines and other electronic publications are available under Associated Documents. A number of attachments are provided to assist and guide individuals through the process including:

» flowcharts that map out the complaints resolution process

» checklists that can be used to step through each of the complaint resolution avenues.

Contact the Complaints Resolution UnitStaff within the Complaints Resolution Unit are happy to advise you in relation to your rights to bring your complaint forward for resolution.

staff benefitsAs a UWS staff member you have access to a number of staff benefits. Some of the benefits on offer to staff include:

» Travel insurance discounts » Commonwealth bank corporate package » Bupa corporate health cover » NIB corporate health cover » Car hire discounts » Computer software and hardware

discounts

Flexible Work Options for our People Options such as transitioning to fractional appointment with full-time superannuation benefit for a fixed period and late career transitioning via post-retirement contract.

staff aWardsUWS has a range of awards, scholarships and other educational support available to staff including:

» Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence awards » Vice-Chancellor Professional

Development scholarships:• 7 x $2,500 scholarships for

professional staff and• 7 x $2,500 scholarships for

academic staff• 2 x $2,500 scholarships for

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff

Postgraduate course scholarships for staff – reduced fees to study any UWS Postgraduate course.

Staff Education Support Allowance – up to $2,000 per annum for approved study support.

Internal Job Exchange program (for Professional staff) – gain professional and career development by temporarily exchanging jobs with a staff member of the same HEW level.

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Career and skills development

professional and skills developmentThe Office of Organisational Development provides activities that strengthen leadership and professional capability, enhance career development, support organisational change, and foster a collaborative learning culture. The activities include professional and career development courses, mentoring, coaching, academic leadership development programs, team development and planning, and internal consultancies.

Activities are grouped into:

» Orientation and Induction » Career Development » Organisational Knowledge and Policies » Leadership and Management

Development » Diversity and Wellbeing » Online Learning » Computer Software and Systems Training

myCareer onlineMyCareer Online is a portal accessed via Staff Online which allows you to register for

professional and skills courses, manage your work objectives and manage your career and development plan.

Staff who do not have access to online enrolment within Staff Online can enrol by completing a registration form (MS Word, 111Kb) and faxing this to 9678 7474.

Compass – performanCe planning and developmentUWS recognises the importance of career development and planning for its employees.

The Compass Program aims to provide you with the guidance, direction and support to navigate the various career pathways and development opportunities at UWS, and to help with the planning of your work aligned to the UWS Strategy and goals.

Compass is about having ongoing discussions with your colleagues and manager about your portfolio activities in Teaching, Research, Administration, Governance/Leadership/Engagement and the support and training needed to help you do your job.

Compass uses the MyCareer Online System to help keep your career development and work plans and activities on track and up to date. MyCareer Online (accessed through Staff Online) is also where you can enrol in workshops and courses at UWS.

orientationNew staff should attend the Welcome to New Staff Orientation sessions held at Frogmore House, Werrington North, Penrith campus. Enjoy a networking lunch and meet with other new and existing UWS staff. The two hour session provides an overview of UWS, its mission and values, governance and organisational structure, key policies, employment conditions, staff benefits and services available. In addition, new staff should complete the mandatory online Orientation for New Staff. These sessions complement the induction sessions provided by the school or unit.

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Core knoWledge modUlesAll UWS staff are required to complete the following online learning modules: » Equal Opportunity Online 1 & 2

enhance and support a positive learning and working environment

» Getting Started with MyCareer Online learn to fully utilise and manage this system designed to support your individual career

» Getting Started with MyCareer Online for Managers manage this system to gain the best results for you and your team

» Introduction to Performance Planning and Development Online gain an understanding of the UWS performance planning and development process [COMPASS]

OH&S Modules update your training and ensure you satisfy compliance training by completing all the OH&S modules available, includes:

» OHS Module 1 – OHS Orientation » OHS Module 2 – Risk Management » OHS Module 3 – Office Safety

» OHS Module 4 – Manual Handling » OHS Module 5 – Hazardous Substances

and Dangerous GoodsStaff should complete other relevant training according to their role and responsibilities:

» Callista Fundamentals » MyStudentRecords (MySR) including

OSCAS » Oracle Financials » Privacy » TRIM Records Management.

CoUrses for aCademiC staffAll full-time Associate Lecturers and Senior Lecturers who are new to teaching should complete The Foundations of University Learning and Teaching (FULT) program which the Teaching Development Unit (TDU) offers twice a year. The key concepts taught in the program are student-focused teaching, constructive alignment and reflective practice. Contact TDU on Ext 2069 or email foundations@uws.edu.au

The Library provides support and training in Turnitin, Citing Resources, EndNote 10 and

Refworks. More information is available on the UWS Library website.

managers gUideThe Managers Guide to UWS site provides an overview of the University, its governance and management structure and other useful information including a list of key contacts, the Position Description for the Head of School and their role and responsibilities, the Code of Conduct, Delegations of Authority, UWS Guidelines on Commercialisation, list of UWS Policies, and Induction Plan and Checklist for Managers.

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teaChing and researCh sUpport

libraryThe Library is the major provider of scholarly information resources and services to the UWS community. The UWS Library system comprises seven libraries across each of the campuses, with professional staff in each Library providing information and assistance in accessing and researching information. The Libraries are open all year, including evenings and weekends as well as most public holidays. A virtual service, Information Central, provides responses to email and telephone queries and offers online chat with a professional librarian throughout the Library opening hours.

The Library’s print monograph collection totals nearly 1,000,000 items with over 66,000 serial titles and 90,000 e-books. Most print items can be requested for delivery between campus libraries. A document delivery service can obtain items not held in the UWS Libraries, in support of teaching, learning and research.

A UWS Staff ID Card facilitates borrowing from all UWS libraries.

teaChing development UnitThe Teaching Development Unit (TDU) is an academic development and e-learning service unit. The unit supports the key directions outlined in the UWS Strategic Plan for Learning and Teaching 2009 – 2011, through supporting university strategic priorities, partnership work with Schools/Colleges and cross-institutional projects.

TDU works collaboratively with academic staff in Schools on projects negotiated around specific objectives such as assessment practices or improving the quality of flexible learning. The unit also provides formal learning and teaching programs (such as Foundations), customised sessions, clinics, workshops and a range of online and independent learning resources. The Quality in Learning and Teaching (QILT) website showcases exemplars in learning and teaching at UWS.

TDU manages the e-learning system, known as ‘virtual UWS’ or vUWS to students and staff, and provides staff

development and a comprehensive support service, which is integral to the optimal use of e-learning technologies by students and staff.

foUndations of learning and teaChingThe Foundations program is divided into three modules that run over two semesters, and is equivalent in workload to one unit at the Master level. It is offered twice each year. The program must be completed within 18 months of joining the University, by all new full-time teaching staff appointed at the levels of Associate Lecturer, Lecturer, and Senior Lecturer.

The key concepts taught in the program are student-focused teaching, constructive alignment and reflective practice. Staff develop expertise in how to actively engage their students in learning, including how to successfully plan and align their teaching. They learn that they can continue to develop their teaching through reflection on what works and why, and by engaging in scholarship of learning and teaching.

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offiCe of researCh serviCesThe Office of Research Services provides an integrated suite of services supporting the University’s research effort. Research Services seeks to link UWS research expertise in collaborative research with business, industry, government, community organisations and other universities.

The Office of Research Services supports the University’s research effort through the development of contracts and agreements, assistance with negotiations, and maintenance and provision of research information; research policy, implementation and development; development and implementation of research training initiatives; development and administration of postgraduate research scholarships; monitoring and promoting ethical research practice.

Research Services communicates news, funding opportunities, information for higher degree research candidates and their supervisors via newsletters and emails delivered directly to staff.

register of researCh aCtivity

The University invites all new academic staff to join the Register of Research Activity. This document provides background on the Register and information about how to ensure your research activity is acknowledged. UWS is proud of the productivity of its research-engaged staff and is committed to supporting both its productive and emerging researchers in a strategic manner.

gradUate sUpervisor registerThe University invites new academic staff to join the Graduate Supervisor Register.

At UWS, we believe the quality of higher degree graduates is related to the quality and intensity of supervision. Accordingly, the University has implemented measures to support best practice supervision and to respond to new research and literature informing research training. Please visit the web at www.uws.edu.au/research/ors

for more resources supporting research supervisors at UWS.

intelleCtUal propertyOur academic community operates in a culture that recognises the value of commercialisation to both the community and industry. The team develops and delivers training in IP to UWS staff and students and engages in commercialisation initiatives.

UWS Innovation works closely with inventors to develop an intimate knowledge of their research directions and commercial potential, thus enabling both research and commercialisation goals to be achieved.

The team also facilitates the provision of external access for researchers and industry to the University’s cutting edge research equipment.

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soCial aCtivities

staff soCial ClUbBecoming a member of the Staff Social Club provides special benefits such as attending End-of-Year functions, Mid-Year functions, events organised on each campus by the respective campus committees such as morning teas or lunches and discounted purchases such as theatre tickets and craft show tickets.

Permanent staff members are encouraged to take advantage of the fortnightly payroll deduction. Staff who are not permanent employees of UWS, and other ‘affiliated’ persons, are most welcome to join us.

staff givingUWS Staff Giving is our workplace-giving program, providing you with a simple, tax effective way to make a difference to our community. Through UWS Staff Giving you can make automated, regular donations from your pre-tax salary to support UWS students and our charity partners. You will receive immediate tax benefits for your gifts and 100% of your contribution will be directed to the cause of your choice.Through UWS Staff Giving, our staff are helping to provide scholarships for UWS students and also support our charity partners, including Oxfam Australia,

Northcott Disability Services, RSPCA NSW and The Salvation Army.

Participation in UWS Staff Giving is completely optional and confidential.

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aboUt UWs

aboUt UWsUWS has over 2,500 full-time equivalent staff and over 37,000 students including more than 4,000 international students on five campuses throughout the Greater Western Sydney (GWS) area. GWS is home to approximately 1.8 million people.

Teaching campuses are located at:

» Bankstown (Milperra) » Campbelltown » Hawkesbury (Richmond) » Parramatta » Penrith (Kingswood and Werrington

South)

reConCiliation statementThe University of Western Sydney embraces the vision statement of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation which guides all its endeavours:

A united Australia which respects this land of ours; values the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage; and provides justice and equity for all.

UWs mission, vision, beliefs and valUesUWS aspires to be a place that brings positive change in the lives of its students and be a source of creativity and knowledge that is relevant and robust and which contributes to individual and community development.

The University’s place will be at the leading edge of knowledge, providing a contemporary education that builds successful lives and careers for our students and graduates. As a research institute, it will conduct research that speaks to the development of urban and rural regions, the new economy, cultural life and professional development.

Our Mission To be a university of international standing and outlook, achieving excellence through scholarship, teaching, learning, research and service to its regional, national and international communities, beginning with the people of Greater Western Sydney.

Our Vision Bringing knowledge to life in Greater Western Sydney though community and

business engagement with our learning and research.

What we Believe in » The primacy of the student experience » Environmental and social responsibility » A vibrant and inclusive intellectual

community » Opportunity and excellence » Being connected locally and

internationally » Valuing and rewarding our staff

Our Values UWS has a shared and explicit set of values that underpin all that it does:

» excellence and quality in all endeavours » scholarly rigour and integrity » equity of access and inclusiveness » collegiality and participatory decision-

making » academic responsibility and freedom » relevance and responsibility to our

communities » ethics and accountability

UWS represents these aspirations in its Mission, Vision, Beliefs and Values and

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visually connects them with the Strategic Plans in the Making the Difference Strategy.

strategiC plansEndorsed by the Board of Trustees, Making the Difference 2010–2015 is the cornerstone of UWS strategic planning and captures the key priorities to 2015. The Strategic Plan includes: focus areas for action, key performance indicators, and links to over 100 implementation projects. It is also linked to enabling plans (teaching and learning; research and community engagement) and to specific plans and KPIs for Divisions and Schools.

Key Areas of Focus 2010–15

1. Create a superior and engaged learning experience 2. Develop focused, relevant and world-class research 3. Build organisational and financial strength

Key Performance Indicators and Current Priorities

» Widening participation » Student retention

» Research outcomes » International students » Postgraduate students

strUCtUreThe University of Western Sydney is governed by the Board of Trustees and managed by the senior management team headed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Janice Reid AM.

UWS is structured into two divisions, each led by a Deputy Vice-Chancellor – the Division of Corporate Strategy and Services and the Division of Academic and Research. UWS comprises nine Schools, some of which are located over multiple campuses.

historyThe University of Western Sydney commenced operations on 1 January 1989 following the passage of the University of Western Sydney Act 1988. The University of Western Sydney Act 1997 came into force on 1 January 1998 and provided a more formal governance structure for the University.

In 2000, further amendments were made to the legislation resulting in a multi-campus structure for the University. In 2000, further amendments were made to the legislation resulting in a multi-campus university with unitary governance and management structures which is the University that serves the region and the nation today.

UWS has a unique and exciting collection of documents and memorabilia at the UWS Archive dating from the beginnings of the Hawkesbury Agricultural College in 1891 through to the present day.

The UWS community are invited to share their stories about the history of UWS via: www.uws.edu.au/office_of_public_affairs/submit_a_story

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University of Western SydneyLocked Bag 1797Penrith NSW 2751 Australiawww.uws.edu.au

ABN 53 014 069 881CRICOS Provider No: 00917k