Staff Forums, Networks and Conferences

Since 1998 Charles Sturt University has established a number of forums using a model in which staff whose jobs have elements in common are brought together for one or two day events. The program is prepared and coordinated by an organising committee comprised of staff in the relevant job category and is facilitated by a member of the Organisational Development Unit. Gradually as forums evolve, the facilitation is devolved to the members to become self managing groups.

The forums may be used by the formal committees of the University to broaden the consultation and participation processes of the University. The majority of the forums have a sponsor from senior management who is kept closely informed and who assists with progressing matters through the University committees.

Below is a summary of the forums that are currently supported by the Organisational Development Team.

Academic Liaison Officers Discussion Group
Professional Experience Network (PEN)
Admin Focus
Senior Executive Group Retreats
Senior Women's Forum
Committee of Heads of School
Senior Managers Forum
Course Coordinators Forum
TechTrade
Middle Management Forum
Vice-Chancellor's Forum (VCF)

Other Forums at CSU include:

Professorial Forum
Banksia Program (for women researchers)
Executive Director's Meetings

Academic Liaison Officers Discussion Group

This forum is for staff with a liaison function as a major part of their role.

Aims:

To recognise the critical role played by staff with a liaison role in providing a “one University” approach to customer service linking Divisions/Faculties and the University's internal and external clients
To foster networking and a sense of common understanding of the liaison role
To provide an opportunity for the University to assist this group to address their professional development needs

Admin Focus

Admin Focus is an internal conference for administrative staff held biennially. The first Admin Focus was held in 2000 and subsequently in 2002, 2004 and 2006.

Aims:

To recognise the significant contribution of administrative staff in office and support positions
To increase awareness and understanding of professional development topics that are relevant to administrative staff
To foster networking and a sense of community among administrative staff

Objectives:

To align administrative work and professional development needs for performance management planning
To reflect on and identify professional development needs for performance management planning
To maintain and develop the diversity of skills of administrative staff
To develop confidence, self-esteem and personal empowerment to enhance the ability of administrative staff to contribute to the University
To exchange ideas and discuss a broad range of relevant issues

Committee of Heads of School

Membership of this forum is open to all Heads of School and invited Associate Heads of School.The forum meets regularly via videoconference with a 2 day professional development conference held annually.

Aims:

To network and exchange ideas
Provide input to University, Divisional and Academic committees/working parties/panels on issues relevant to the activities of Schools;;
Collaborate in relation to teaching, research, administration and regional engagement for the benefit of their Schools;
Collaborate in relation to the resources and infrastructure provided for Schools;
Contribute to enterprise bargaining negotiations;
Clarify, discuss and negotiate in relation to the conditions of Heads of School; and
Foster and plan Leadership and Management Development for Heads of School and aspirant Heads of School.

Course Coordinators Forum

Aims:

To provide a forum to discuss the role and responsibilities and share practice as part of induction and development;
To identify key issues and develop strategies to effectively manage these issues and the position;
To engage in professional development opportunities, including course reviews and mentoring and leadership programs.

Program:

Course Coordinators Program.

Middle Managers Forum

Membership of this forum is open to General staff HEW Levels 7-9 and HEW Level 6 staff who have identified leadership role at CSU. The Middle Management forum will meet twice a year on each campus, and bi-annually as a full forum.

Aims:

To provide the opportunity to network and to learn from one another and, in so doing, build a stronger community of leaders within the University;
To identify professional development needs on a University-wide basis, and then provide advice to the University about the ways in which these needs can be met. To provide a forum to discuss the role and responsibilities and share practice as part of induction and development;

Middle Management Forum Website

Professional Experience Network

This is a forum for academic and administrative staff involved in student placements or field work that are part of the learning experience in many CSU courses. Forums have been held in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006.

Aims:

To promote the importance of the practicum component in the CSU academic program for the development of employable graduates
To acknowledge the contribution made by practicum coordinators at Charles Sturt University to this program
To create and foster alliances among practicum coordinators
To discuss common issues and develop strategies for solutions
To share innovations and efficiencies across Faculties

PEN Website
Click here to link to the Education for Practice Institute

Senior Executive Group Retreats

The overarching purpose of the retreat is to provide an opportunity for professional development through reflection for members of the Senior Executive Group at Charles Sturt University. The SEG meets once a year for two days to determine the purpose, effectiveness, appropriateness and to improve linkages within CSU, the Senior Executive Group will review their Terms of Reference and operating principles.

Senior Managers Forum

This is a forum for staff at Executive Levels 4 and 5 and may extend to include HEW 10. The Senior Managers will meet twice every year.

Aims:

To provide an opportunity for Senior Manager's to focus on the topics that interest them and to provide an opportunity for interaction with colleagues to discuss significant developments at CSU including identification of professional development needs on a University-wide basis for staff at this level.
The SMF can then provide advice to the University about the ways in which they can best be supported to address these identified needs. These meetings will also provide a link to the other Forums, the opportunity to network and to learn from one another and, in so doing, build a stronger community of leaders within the University.

Techtrade

TechTrade is an internal conference for technical, information technology and buildings and grounds staff. The conference began in 1998 as TechTrain modeled on the University of Technology Sydney conference. Subsequent events have been in 1999, 2001 and 2003.

During 2005 CSU hosted the 7th National TechNet Conference for technical staff in universities. The next TechTrade Conference will be held in November/December, 2007.

Aims:

To acknowledge the distinct contribution made by technical and trades staff at Charles Sturt University
To create and foster alliances among technical and trades staff
To raise the profile of technical and trades staff and explore options for personal development
To exchange ideas and discuss common issues
To raise awareness of new developments in their professional areas

Vice - Chancellor's Forum

Click here for information about the VCF.

Professorial Forum

Membership of this forum is for all Professors of the University (Level E Academic Appointments), excluding the Vice-Chancellor and Deputy, and Pro-Vice-Chancellors. The Professors meet annually in July with the University Council

Aims:

To provide advice and advocacy to the University on academic and strategic matters concerning the conduct and development of teaching and post-graduate supervision, research, and community and professional service;
To be a source of professorial nominees to serve on various University bodies including: Academic Senate; University Research and Management Committee; and selections and promotions to academic level D and E positions;
To act as a collegial forum for professors of the University; and
To advise on or participate in programs of professional development relevant to the exercise of academic leadership by Professors in the University.

Executive Directors' Meetings

Membership of thsi forum is open to the Executive Directors in Administration (Executive Directors, HR and Finance are included by invitation) . The Executive Directors meet three times per year to work collaboratively on issues with a business development focus. This meeting also serves as a professional development opportunity as they bring together staff at all stages of career development.