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ISSUE 9 | October 2008
THIS ISSUE
Bush Kids Taste Trades 1Workshops 2Student Profi les 3Staff Profi le 4Scholarships 5Library Chatter 7Our Voices 7Secondary School Visits 8 Indigenous Support 10Staff Contacts 11Contact Us 12CDU Library Survey 13
BUSH KIDS GIVE TRADES TASTER THUMBS UPMany students from the far reaches of Central Australia are now more familiar with vocational careers thanks to a recent one-day trades taster in Alice Springs.
More than 60 students from 10 communities made the often long journey to attend Try-a-Trade, an annual event hosted by Charles Darwin University (CDU) and backed by local industry to allow students to sample a range of trades.
They were kept busy planting seedlings, developing multimedia, tuning engines, welding, cooking and changing tyres, among many other activities.
This was the fi rst time bush students have experienced Try-a-Trade, which is now expanded over two days to cater for both regional and metropolitan students.
Try-a-Trade is a joint initiative of Career Advice Australia, the Northern Territory Government’s Department of Education and Training, Group Training and CDU.
It has been established as a leading trades taster expo in the region and is conducted across CDU campuses in Alice Springs, Casuarina and Palmerston.
Alice Springs based senior vocational education and training (VET) adviser Lyle Mellors said vocational training was an excellent pathway for many young people.
“It’s great to see the local community get behind this event because we all realise the need to inspire young people to learn and give them as much assistance as possible,” Lyle said. “We are delighted to see so many regional schools and their communities make the big effort to attend this day and to help the future generation seek out exciting careers in trades.”
Alpurrurulam Community School support offi cer Irene Toby said the 14 hour round trip was worth it for her students.
CDU carpentry lecturer Andrew Fitness shows Canteen
Creek student Shane Dixon surveying basics.
2 ISSUE 9 |October 2008
“The girls have enjoyed it so far, learning about the different trades and they really liked hearing about the health training,” she said.
Her comments were echoed by CDU Indigenous Academic Support lecturer Lorraine St Clair, who said the day provided a great opportunity for her to meet remote students and staff.
“It was very benefi cial to provide them with information about the programs and assistance offered by the Indigenous Academic Support Unit,” she said.
(RIGHT) CDU mechanic Cliff Glover shows Papunya School
student Nicole Stevens car engine basics.
BUSH KIDS CONTINUED ...
LANGUAGE WORKSHOPS
To all staff with higher education (HE) students who are struggling with English language skills, why not take part in an ESOL Workshop.
As part of LearnLink support programs the Offi ce of the Academic Language and Learning Facilitator is now offering FREE ongoing ESOL workshops.
Aim ─ for students: The aim of these workshops is to support students enrolled in HE programs who want to improve their English language skills. The main aim is to transfer new skills to students’ written projects so that constructing sentences and paragraphs won’t be such a struggle for them.
Aim ─ for staff: Over time as students’ written language skills improve, written submissions will be clearer to read and assess.
Content: The content of the workshops will include all grammar structures with a focus on written English. It will be made relevant by using students’ current written projects to practise each new structure.
Attendees: The workshops are on campus so are appropriate for internal students ─ international or domestic. They are also appropriate for English native speakers who may have missed foundational grammar skills at school.
WORKSHOPS TO HELP STUDENTS AND STAFFSchedule: The program consists of two 1.5 hour workshops each week. There are two programs running parallel in an attempt to suit all students’ schedules.The program will extend over a semester and will then recycle. It is acceptable for students to join at any time.
WRITING SKILLS WORKSHOPS
To all staff with HE students who are struggling with organising an academic essay, why not try a Writing Skills Workshop. As part of LearnLink support programs the Offi ce of the Academic Language and Learning Facilitator is now offering FREE ongoing Writing Skills Programs.
Aim ─ for students: The aim of these workshops is to support students enrolled in HE programs who want to improve their results in written academic English. The main aim is to make new skills transferable to students’ written projects so that interpreting the question, structuring the essay, and keeping it relevant won’t be such a struggle for them.
Aim ─ for staff: It is expected that the students’ skills will improve quite dramatically after the three-session program, and as a result, written submissions will be clearer to read and assess.
On-line tutorials are also accessible on the CDU website at http://www.cdu.edu.au/allsp/online-tutorial.html
3 ISSUE 9 |October 2008
STUDENT PROFILES:
Name: Eleanor Majid
Course: Tertiary Enabling Program
Birthplace: Thursday Island, North Queensland
Origins/Language group: Malay, British, Chinese and Torres Strait Islander
Why study at CDU?: To achieve a degree and better employment
Likes: Walking on the beach, watching sports, listening to classic and Country music, fi shing and sewing
Dislikes: Inconsiderate people
Favourite food: Seafood, steak and chocolate pecan pie
Favourite movie/music: Last of the Mohicans, Country music
Favourite sport: Basketball, American football and baseball
What person would you like to meet?: Oprah and Martha Stewart
Who or what inspires you?: Florence Nightingale
Eleanor MajidRowan McDonald-Price
Name: Rowan McDonald- Price
Course: Tertiary Enabling Program
Birthplace: Carlton, Melbourne, Victoria
Why study at CDU?: New location with less distraction from family and friends
Likes: Positive people, drawing, comics, computer games, running and weight training
Dislikes: Negative people and situations, dramas and politics
Favourite bush tucker: So far, I guess crab meat
Favourite food: Pizza, chicken, turkey and pasta
Favourite movie: The Crow, The Dark Knight
Favourite music: Timbaland: Shock Value
Favourite sport: AFL (Go the Cats!)
What person would you like to meet?: The future me, so I can learn from his mistakes
Who or what inspires you?: Me, realising I can change and create a more positive future that will not only affect me but those around me
Ambition/Aspirations: Complete my degree and a PhD
4 ISSUE 9 |October 2008
STAFF PROFILE: VIKI MILLERHi, my name is Viki-Ann Miller (nee Trend).
I grew up in Alice Springs and have three brothers and three sisters from my biological family and two brothers and six sisters from my adopted family, the Campbells.
I went to school in Alice Springs and Brisbane, where I met my husband of 30 years Tony, who was born in England and raised in Adelaide.
We have a son Kane, 30, a daughter Shana, 24, and two grand-daughters Niesha Ann and Taylor Jane who were both born on July 29, 2008.
We have just returned to Australia from the United Kingdom where we were on a working holiday for 16 months. We travelled to Italy, France, Germany, Scotland and Wales and had a great time but knew it was time to come back home when the “grannies” were due and the cold weather was getting to us.
I was employed with the Commonwealth Government for 19 years and worked at the Australian Taxation Offi ce, Department of Defence and Centrelink.
In the Department of Defence I was employed as a personal assistant to the Commander of the RAAF Base and at Centrelink I was employed as a remote customer service offi cer. I resigned from Centrelink in February 2008 so that we could continue our travels.
I am very passionate about Indigenous issues and have travelled a lot to Northern Territory communities to help them access the correct information to make decisions that affect them.
I have a Certifi cate IV in Small Groups Training and Certifi cate IV in Offi ce Administration.
I am a sports fanatic and enjoy playing hockey and basketball. I started playing hockey in Alice Springs at the age of six and basketball at the age of 10. I play hockey for the Brown Eyed Girls at the Alice Springs Masters where we have won three gold medals since participating in this event.
I am passionate about my sport and have held the positions of coach, NT Vets hockey co-ordinator, events co-ordinator and many others.
My favourite food in Darwin is fresh crab and fi sh and when I am in Alice Springs it is kangaroo.
My favourite sayings are “what now brown cow” and “whatever”.
I am so glad to be back in this great country of ours and to be in the great, warm weather again.
IASU receptionist Viki Miller
5 ISSUE 9| October 2008
SCHOLARSHIPS INDIGENOUS TUTORIAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME (ITAS)With access to qualifi ed 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 try and fi nd 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 manage your time • and plan your studyhelp you get the most out • of your study experience to reach your potential.
ITAS Tertiary Tuition may be approved for:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait • Islander students who are enrolled in a formal training programan eligible student’s formal • course of studyup to two hour per week • per subject and up to fi ve additional hours in total during exam preparation breaks.
For more information, contact Tracy Sariago on (08) 8946 6479.
AUSAID
Three Undergraduate Scholarships are available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through any Australian University, in any discipline, and are available in the fi nal year of tertiary study.
The scholarships provide a monthly allowance, payment of fi nal year Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS), payment of compulsory course fees, payment of student union fees and a text book allowance.
Awardees are expected to undertake a minimum of two weeks’ paid work experience in AusAID during the break between semesters. Once their studies are completed, awardees can take up permanent employment with AusAID as a graduate in Canberra. These scholarships are offered each year subject to budget.
Applications close on November 1.
For further information contact (02) 6206 4545.
BHP BILLITON INDIGENOUS MBA SCHOLARSHIP
The Melbourne Business School (MBS) recently launched the BHP Billiton Indigenous Master of Business Administration (MBA) Scholarship.
This scholarship, valued at about $70,000, covers all MBA tuition fees and also provides a living allowance.
Applications close on October 31.
Contact the MBS admissions offi cer Amanda Cranwell via email at [email protected] or telephone
(03) 9349 8112.
CPA PROGRAM INDIGENOUS SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME
Certifi ed Practising Accountants (CPA) Australia is offering 10 CPA Program Indigenous Scholarships to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to meet the educational requirements for CPA status.
The scholarship will entitle holders to:
exemption from enrolment fees for • CPA Program segments, workshops related to the CPA Program, and examinations for the duration of the scholarship (this does not include transport to and from workshops or examinations, or professional development activities)
fi rst year free membership to CPA • Australia at an associate level (including fee for admission as new member)
encouragement and assistance • in identifying employment opportunities.
Applications close on October 31. Contact Sarah Sweatman on
(03) 9606 9811 or email
6 ISSUE 5 | June 20086 ISSUE 9 | October 2008
SCHOLARSHIPS CONTINUED ...NATIONAL ARCHIVES SUMMER SCHOLARSHIPS
At the time of taking up their scholarship students must be enrolled in, or plan to enrol in:
the third or fourth year of an • undergraduate degree
an undergraduate honours • degree
a graduate diploma•
the fi rst year of a postgraduate • Masters or PhD degree.
The fi eld of study should include a major in 20th century Australian history, politics, social studies or a similar subject.
The scholarship includes a weekly stipend of $300 for six weeks, accommodation for six weeks and a return economy airfare to Canberra.
The closing date is in October each year.
Further information and application forms available on www.naa.gov.au or contact Anna Hussar on (03) 9905 2009.
Mail can be sent to Summer Scholarships Scheme, National Archives of Australia, PO Box 7425, Canberra Mail Centre ACT 2610, via email [email protected] or contact (02) 6212 3990.
THE NEVILLE BONNER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (HONOURS)
This scholarship is available to an undergraduate Indigenous student undertaking their Honours in politics, political science, government, political geography, political history, political anthropology or political economics at any Australian university.
Applications from students in any subject area that is broadly consistent with an interest in politics will be accepted.
The scholarship is worth $17,609 per annum and recipients will also have their HECS paid upfront. Applicants need to provide copies of up-to-date academic progress and academic referees’ reports with their application.
The fi nal decision will not be made until confi rmation of entry to the Honours year of study.
Applications close in October each year.The application form can be downloaded from
http://www.anu.edu.au/cabs/scholarships/index.html
For further details contact Karen Holt on (02) 6125 2825, on fax (02) 6125 852, or [email protected].
THE ROBERT RILEY SCHOLARSHIP
The Robert Riley Scholarship Program supports young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 25 years or under who are studying law, human rights and juvenile justice. The Foundation for Young Australians initiated the program in 1996 to honour the late Robert Riley, who was a passionate advocate and tireless campaigner for justice and human rights within Indigenous communities.
The four $5,000 scholarships are awarded according to the individual recipient’s ability to fulfi l the aims of the program and the future benefi ts they will bring to their community. Consideration is given to individual merit and need and takes into account whether the recipient has other funding. An Indigenous selection committee will choose the successful recipients.
Applications close in November each year.
Contact the Foundation for Young Australians on 1800 252 316 or go to http://www.youngaustralians.org
7 ISSUE 9| October 2008
LIBRARY CHATTER OUR VOICESBlack Words was founded in 2006 by the Australian Research Council, through the Linkage Infrastructure Equipment and Facilities scheme and AustLit partner universities to redesign and reorientate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Writers subset. It is the most authoritative, accessible and up-to-date website for the discovery of information about Indigenous writers, writing and storytelling in Australia. In 2006 the subset came under Indigenous control, allowing Indigenous writers, storytellers, academics and researchers to determine the look, content and scope. Black Words will be maintained by Indigenous researchers and indexers at partner universities or organisations.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are the traditional keepers of their oral history, we are the custodians presiding over Indigenous Australian literature, each time we translate black words onto white paper we are reclaiming an integral piece of our heritage, culture and language. We canvass an essential and signifi cant position on the vast Australian literary landscape, infusing contemporary and ancestral values through all genres including but not restricted to: fi ction, non-fi ction, biography, autobiography, poetry, academic, short stories”. Yvette Holt, poet.
For more information go to http://www.austlit.edu.au/specialistDatasets/BlackWords
Kaye Henderson Casuarina Library
I recently attended an Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) talk at the Northern Territory Library which was given by Dr Loriene Roy, the immediate past President of the American Library Association.
Loriene spoke about a program of which she is director called, “If I can read, I can do anything : a national reading club for Native American children”.
This is a very interesting program with the goal “to encourage Native children and community members to read for pleasure and inter-generational reading in the Native community”.
Further information can be found on the home page at http://www.ischool.utexas.edu/~ifi can/index.html
Other publications I would like to highlight include:
Craven, Rhonda, and Wilson-Miller, James. Deadly Australians. Lindfi eld, N.S.W., Scholastic Australia, 2003. Located at Casuarina Campus Library 920.00929915 CRAV
“To Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people ‘deadly’ means successful, great, outstanding. Deadly Australians are people who are cool, people to look up to. The people in this book are all outstanding Indigenous Australians. They are deadly.” [Source: book cover]
The following people are profi led: Bronwyn Bancroft, Fabri Blacklock, Uncle Charles Moran, Darlene Johnson, Jimmy Little, Linda Burney and Charles Davison.
Collie-Holmes, Melinda. Down River: the Wilcannia mob story. North Tamborine, Qld.: Kargaru Productions, 2008. Located at Casuarina Campus Library 782.421649 COLL
“In August 2002, the song ‘Down River’ became an overnight hit. Five boys, aged 8─12, had recorded their own rap lines in a simple didgeridoo beat and it struck a chord in the hearts of music lovers across Australia.” [Source: book cover]. This book is the interesting story of their journey, illustrated with colour photographs and 47 pages long.
Well worth a read!
8 ISSUE 5 | June 20088 ISSUE 9 | October 2008
SECONDARY SCHOOLS VISITIn September staff from the Indigenous Academic Support Unit (IASU) visited a number of remote schools throughout the Central Arnhem and Roper River regions.
The purpose of the visits was to give presentations on the IASU and the support services on offer to students who enrol in vocational education and training (VET) and higher education programs with CDU.
On 3 September, Natalie Ellis and Cynthia Coyne were warmly welcomed at the Barunga Community Education Centre (CEC) by Principal Anita Camfoo. After the presentation Anita helped the students engage in discussions with the IASU members about study options and the need to plan for the future. School support staff Christine Camfoo and David Shields also joined in the discussion.
It was a very positive experience and Natalie and Cynthia were impressed with the response from students and staff. After the school visit the staff
Indigenous Academic Support lecturer Natalie Ellis gives her presentation.
helped community members with course enquiries and discussed study progress with mature age students currently enrolled in CDU courses.
After lunch the IASU team travelled to the Wugularr CEC in Beswick and received a warm welcome from Principal Sue Hearnden and teaching staff Alicia Holt and Robbie Fuller.
The students enjoyed the Indigenous Academic Support Promotional DVD and were happy to have photographs taken with the team. After leaving the school Natalie and Cynthia visited other community members to discuss their study and progress.
The next morning Cynthia and Natalie travelled to Bulman about 310km north east of Katherine.
Unfortunately when they arrived the principal informed them the visit had been cancelled, so they did not get to see any students. However, they caught up with several community members regarding business studies.
Cynthia and Natalie said the trip along the Central Arnhem Highway was very enjoyable and it was great to meet with the school students and see so many mature age students studying with CDU.
Roper Bar crossing
9 ISSUE 9 | October 2008
SECONDARY VISIT CONTINUED ...
Two weeks later on 16 September the IASU team of Natalie Ellis and Kathy Arbon set off again to visit remote schools. This time they travelled down the Roper Highway to visit Jilkminggan, Minyerri and Ngukurr CECs.
On the IASU team’s arrival at Jilkminggan the teacher, Jess Goegan, was not aware of the planned visit but was happy for them to give a presentation. Indigenous teacher’s assistant Doreen Morton helped the team engage with the students. They discussed many things including the programs on offer at the Katherine campus.
After Jilkminggan the IASU team travelled to Minyerri CEC. Principal Neil Gibson welcomed Natalie and Kathy and introduced them to the teaching staff of Lynda Duckett and Vicki Carter.
Unfortunately the senior students were undertaking VETis programs at the time so they could not meet them.
However, the team was invited to do a presentation to the middle school students. Natalie and Kathy said there were a large number of students and they were very responsive and had a lot of questions regarding the courses they were interested in.
They said it was really great to see so many happy faces and they were disappointed they didn’t schedule more time in the community.
The next day Kathy and Natalie travelled to Ngukurr CEC. Principal Ric Eade welcomed them but the senior secondary teacher had double-booked the visit with another visiting group and the senior female students were not given the option to attend the team’s presentation.
Kathy and Natalie still had the opportunity to meet the senior boys, middle school students and their teachers Candy Catrell and Amar Belbin. After the presentation there was a general discussion forum.
Special mention must be made of Hazel Farrell, who has been the relief teacher at Ngukurr CEC for more than 30 years. Hazel has eight children and many grandchildren; two of her grandsons were in the group the team visited.
Ngukurr has been very fortunate to have such a respected Indigenous woman who has provided student support in the community for many years.
Students in the classroom at Barunga.
Ngukurr CEC relief teacher Hazel Farrell
is a great asset to the community.
10 ISSUE 9| October 2008
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 fi nish 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 practise and develop their seminar presentation skills in an informal academic setting; disseminate and discuss their postgraduate research methods and fi ndings; gather information for their research; and develop important community and academic networks.
Cultural Competence Training
The IASU facilitates the delivery of Cultural Competence Training to CDU staff. This is a compulsory professional development activity for all academic and general staff.
Indigenous Cultural Celebrations
Signifi cant 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 education and training • (VET) 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 fi nding 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 student • newsletter.
11 ISSUE 9 | October 2008
Roz AngelesCoordinatorIndigenous Academic Support Ph: 8946 [email protected]
Natalie EllisIndigenous Academic Support Lecturer Ph: 8973 [email protected] Students
Tracy SariagoCoordinatorIndigenous Tutorial Assistance SchemePh: 8946 [email protected]
Divino FernandezReceptionistPh: 8946 [email protected]
Cynthia CoyneIndigenous Academic Support LecturerPh: 8946 [email protected] & Research Students
Kathy ArbonIndigenous Academic Support LecturerPh: 8946 [email protected] & Humanities, Architecture, Trades, Access & Enabling
Betty Ah KitIndigenous Academic Support Lecturer Ph: 8946 [email protected] Knowledge, Education, Information Technology & Trades
Georgie WaltonIndigenous Academic Support LecturerPh: 8946 [email protected] Business & VET
Veronica McClinticIndigenous Academic Support LecturerPh: 8946 [email protected], Nursing, Aged Care, & Science
Cheri WilliamsIndigenous Academic Support LecturerPh: 8946 [email protected], Social Work, Pharmacy & Languages
Sharon SpencerIndigenous Academic Support LecturerPh: 8959 [email protected] Alice Springs students
Lorraine St ClairIndigenous Academic Support LecturerPh: 8959 [email protected] Alice Springs students
Yvette CarolinIndigenous Academic Support LecturerPh: 8946 [email protected], Social Work, Pharmacy & Languages
OUR STAFFING TEAM FOR 2008
Viki MillerAdmin Offi cerPh: 8946 [email protected]
12 ISSUE 9| October 2008
CONTACT USFOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Gurinbey at Casuarina campusThe Indigenous Academic Support area is located at Blue 2 and includes a range of staff offi ces and facilities for students.Contact Divino Fernandez on 8946 7413.
Duwun at Palmerston campusIndigenous Academic Support at the Palmerston campus is located within Administration in Building A. Contact the attending IASL on 89467860.
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.
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 [email protected] and receive our monthly newsletter via email.
General EnquiriesCharles Darwin UniversityGurinbeyBlue, 2, Casuarina campusCasuarina NT 0909Phone: 08 8946 7413Fax: 08 8946 6064Email: [email protected]: 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, CDU’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 benefi cial 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 Unitthe appointment of a Dean • of Indigenous Research and Education with specifi c 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 fl exible teaching methodologies • that cater for remote and rural communities teaching Yolngu Matha • language at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
13 ISSUE 9 | October 2008
CDU LIBRARY SURVEY
I’d like you to take some time to complete the attached survey. The Charles Darwin University (CDU) Library is committed to developing library services that are appropriate to all our clients, including Indigenous students. We are keen to fi nd out how you feel about the current library services and what we can do to improve them. The survey is completely anonymous.
Please complete the survey by the end of October, and return it via any of the following ways:
hand in the completed survey to the service desks located at • Casuarina, Palmerston and Alice Springs campuses
hand in the completed survey to any Indigenous Academic Support • Centre located at Casuarina (Gurinbey), Palmerston (Duwun), Katherine (Yangan.garr) or Alice Springs (Akaltye)
send by email to: • [email protected]
post to Ruth Quinn, CDU Library, PO Box 41246, Casuarina NT 0811.•
Thank you for your time.
Ruth Quinn
Director Library and Information Access
Charles Darwin University
HELP US IMPROVE THE CDU LIBRARY
14 ISSUE 5 | June 200814 ISSUE 9 | October 2008
A. Demographics
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
1. Are you?
Male Female
2. Age?
16-17 31-35
18-20 36-40
21-25 41-50
26-30 Over 50
3. What was the highest level of school you attended?
Year 9
Year 11
Year 10
Year 12
None of the above
4. What course are you enrolled in at CDU?
____________________________________________________________________________________________
5. As a student, which campus do you use the most?
Casuarina
Alice Springs
Palmerston
Katherine
None of the above
6. If you are an external student, do you use any of the following CDU centres?
Jabiru
Nhulunbuy (Gove)
Tennant Creek Yulara
Didn’t know they existed
Don’t use any of these centres
7. How long have you been a student at CDU?
Less than 1 year 3 years
1 year More than 3 years
2 year
B. CDU Library Use
We’d like to know how you use the CDU Library, both face-to-face and on-line:
8. How did you fi nd out about the library?
Word of mouth
Tutors/Lecturers
Brochure
IASU
Campus tour Walking past
Other
_____________________________________________
9. When did you last visit a campus library?
Within the last day
Within the last semester
Within the last week
Within the last year
Within the last month
More than a year ago
I have never visited (please write your reason below and skip to question 18 on the last page)
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
CHARLES DARWIN UNIVERSITY LIBRARYSURVEY OF INDIGENOUS STUDENTS 2008
15 ISSUE 9 | October 2008
10. What was your fi rst impression of the library’s physical appearance?
Friendly
Unfriendly
Other (give details below)
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
11. What did you usually do when you visit the library? (Tick any that apply)
Participated in a library tour
Borrowed an item
Used the library catalogue
Used a computer
Looked for an item on the shelves
Searched the Internet
(book/article/video/newspaper etc.)
Asked for help
Consulted with a liaison librarian
Socialised with friends
Attended an Information literacy class
Used the printers
Used the Special Collections
Quiet study
Used a seminar room
Used the photocopiers
Used the multi-media machines
Worked on a group project with others
Other (give details below)
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
CDU LIBRARY SURVEY CONTINUED ...
12. When you visit the library do you: (Tick all that apply)
Come with friends?
Have places you prefer to study?
Where? ______________________________
Come at a particular time?
What time? ______________________________
Stay for a certain period of time?
How long? ______________________________
Other?
Please explain: ______________________________
13. What did you think of the library service last time you visited?
Excellent Not very good
Good Poor Average
14. If you have used the library’s website, please indicate why (Tick any that apply)
To use the library catalogue
To use InterLibrary Loans
To use other libraries’ catalogues
To use CrossSearcher
To recommend a resource for purchase
To use online databases
To fi nd information about opening hours
To use the AskUs service
To book a library tour or workshop
To locate a liaison librarian
To fi nd out about the library services
To fi nd a staff member generally
16 ISSUE 5 | June 200816 ISSUE 9 | October 2008
CDU LIBRARY SURVEY CONTINUED ... I have never used the library’s website
Other (give details below)
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
15. What did you think of the library’s website?
Excellent Not very good
Good Poor
Average Never used
16. Do you use any other library services apart from CDU’s for your studies?
No
Yes – which ones and why?
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17. What kind of information do you fi nd most helpful in your current studies? (Tick all that apply)
Internet (Google, websites etc.)
Books
Journals, magazines None of the above
18. In your current studies, who do you prefer to ask for help to fi nd information (tick any that apply)
Your lecturer or tutor
Researchers in the fi eld
Fellow students
Friends and family
Library staff
Others (give details below)
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C. Service Improvement
19. Please tell us how to improve our services
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
20. Please feel free to make any other comments in the space below
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
Thank you for your feedback
Please complete the survey by the end of October, and return it via any of the following ways:
hand in the completed survey to the service • desks located at Casuarina, Palmerston and Alice Springs campuses
hand in the completed survey to any Indigenous • Academic Support Centre located at Casuarina (Gurinbey), Palmerston (Duwun), Katherine (Yangan.garr) or Alice Springs (Akaltye)
send by email to: • [email protected]
post to Ruth Quinn, CDU Library, PO Box 41246, • Casuarina NT 0811.
