Hunter's Best

Impressive artwork donated to University of Newcastle

Source: University of Newcastle

An impressive artwork measuring over six metres long has found a new home in the University of Newcastle's Conservatorium.

Skyspace by Australian artist Ms Virginia Cuppaidge has been donated to the University by award-winning children's author, Ms Libby Hathorn.

University staff honoured for teaching excellence

Source: University of Newcastle

Five University of Newcastle academics have been recognised for their exceptional record of advancing student learning, educational leadership and contribution to teaching.

They have been named winners of this year's Vice-Chancellor's Awards for Teaching Excellence and Learning Support after being nominated by colleagues and students. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Kevin McConkey, said the awards would be presented at graduation ceremonies being held this week.

"Each recipient has made a significant contribution to enhancing the quality of teaching and learning at the University of Newcastle. All winners are well-deserving of these awards and I pass on my appreciation and congratulations to them."

University of Newcastle - University academics named among best teachers in NSW

Source: University of Newcastle

Five University of Newcastle academics will today be dubbed among the best teachers in New South Wales.

Associate Professor Frans Henskens, Dr Tracy Levett-Jones, Ms Katherine Lindsay, Dr Josephine May and Dr Dianne Osland will receive the esteemed Quality Teaching Awards (QTA).

The awards are given to teachers who demonstrate a commitment to excellence and student achievement. They will be presented this evening by the State Minister for Education and Training, John Della Bosca.

The University teachers are being recognised for initiating a Gifted and Talented Program in engineering; influencing student learning in nursing; implementing new feedback mechanisms for assessment items in law; convening one of the largest first year history courses in Australia; and developing students' understanding of the cultural and aesthetic values of literature.

Council and University to work with private sector on major redevelopment of City Precinct

Source: Newcastle City Council

The creation of a vibrant cultural and educational precinct in the Newcastle central business district is one step closer, with Newcastle City Council and the University of Newcastle inviting the private sector to get on board.

This weekend Newcastle City Council and the University of Newcastle will advertise nation wide to seek industry proposals for the redevelopment of prominent Council owned sites located within the Newcastle Civic and Cultural Precinct.

Another record for University funding - $10 million in Discovery Grants

Source: The University of Newcastle

The University of Newcastle has received a record $10.3 million from the Australian Research Council (ARC) under the highly competitive Discovery Projects Scheme.

Thirty-one projects have received funding, including investigations into transforming greenhouse gases, flotation technology for the minerals industry, cognitive thinking, digital communications, research theses, and carbon storage in plants.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Barney Glover, said the funding was an increase of $2.5 million on last year.

Newcastle Uni ranks lower in 'educational experience'

Source: ABC Online

Newcastle University vice-chancellor Nick Saunders says he is not surprised at the institution's disappointing ranking in the latest Good Universities Guide.

Compared to previous years, the university, in the New South Wales Hunter region, had a higher ranking for research performance and for graduates' chances of getting a job.

But the rankings slipped in the categories of educational experience and student outcomes.

Professor Saunders says the survey is based on information from graduating students in 2005 and things have improved a lot since then.

"This was a very difficult year for the university, so I think it's not surprising that the students have rated their experience overall at the university down on previous years," he said. "On the other hand we've had an increase in our rating with regards to positive outcomes for graduates, like getting a job and starting salaries and the like, so that's a positive finding."