Social inclusion champions recognised
On 17 April 2013, Professor David Copolov had great pleasure in hosting the annual Vice-Chancellor’s Social Inclusion Awards, attended by more than 100 staff and students.
CEO of Oxfam Australia, Dr Helen Szoke, provided the keynote presentation.
"There is acknowledgment that many in the University work hard to build a culture where they feel they can participate. This is the heart of social inclusion and indeed, from my perspective, it is the heart to human right approach," Dr Szoke said.
"Diversity is the one thing we have in common and we should celebrate it every day and that is what today is about."
The Social Inclusion Awards recognise the efforts of staff and students who contribute significantly to the University’s commitment to social justice and human rights.
The Chancellor, Dr Alan Finkel, congratulated all nominees.
"Since 2009, the ultimate responsibility for improving our performance in social inclusion has rested at the very highest levels of the university with the Vice-Chancellor and the senior management team," Dr Finkel said.
"But, as you all well know, universities are people, strong-willed individuals. So, the direction from the senior management can easily remain a dead letter unless committed, talented staff are there to breathe life into it. It is exactly those kinds of people that we will be honouring today."
Awards were presented to:
Mr Lloyd England, Student Experience Manager, Faculty of Law, developed and implemented the Ambassador Program, which trains community-minded law students in leadership skills. In addition, Mr England took the lead in the PASS program in which he instigated the hiring of low SES students as leaders. Mr England was also the member of the National Steering Committee for R U OK? day for implementation in Australian universities.
Dr Lucie Joschko, Research Coordinator, Access Monash, designed an online tool to allow prospective students who have experienced disadvantage to estimate the bonus points available to them under the Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS). This resulted in an immediate and significant impact: 4000 hits during Change of Preference with SEAS applications increased by 12.7 per cent in the 2012-2013 admission period.
Ms Elizabeth Knight, Careers Education Consultant, Employment and Careers Division, consistently demonstrated commitment to the inclusiveness of students with disability. Ms Knight created an online Moodle career resource that provided strategies to overcome barriers faced in the workplace. In addition Ms Knight conducted seminars for Monash staff to consider issues when arranging field placements.
Ms Charmain Caroto, Personal Assistant, Office of the PVC South Africa, was instrumental in developing the Christmas in November program for children from disadvantaged homes, often without proper food and clothing. This program had expanded to the surrounding local communities. Professor Colleen Lewis collected the award on behalf of Ms Caroto.
Ms Bronwyn du Rand, Community Engagement Coordinator, Monash South Africa, initiated and led the development of the Monash Krishna Khetia Library (MKKL), established in honour of an exceptional student who volunteered and tutored at the Saturday School. Ms Du Rand wrote proposals and initiated partnerships, working closely with all stakeholders. Where previously there was no library, the MKKL provides four schools and a homework centre with thousands of books. Professor Colleen Lewis collected the award on behalf of Ms Du Rand.
Mr Stephen Davey, Executive Director, Facilities and Services Division, is a long-standing diversity and inclusion champion, instituting best practice. Mr Davey was responsible for the accessibility appraisals of the built environment across all Victorian campuses, the introduction of the Women at Facilities and Services (W@FS) to address the under-representation of women in the division, and the introduction of the Refugee Traineeship program. Mr Wayne Brundell collected the award on behalf of Mr Davey.
Associate Professor Karen Hapgood, Ms Chloe Priebee, Ms Lilyanne Price, Mr Shaun Price, Ms Shyama Fuad, Ms Shar Campbell-Smith and Ms Christelle Schang collaborated to provide over and above support to student Ms Thanh Huynh Nguyen, who experienced difficult personal circumstances. In Anne Deveson’s book Resilience, she observes that it takes a community to raise a child. As Thanh describes it, it took a university community to raise a student. This support helped improve the foundations of Thanh's life academically and personally, assisting Thanh to complete her studies and pursue her PhD. Thanh is working towards a research career.
Visit the Diversity and Social Inclusion website for more information.