FOBWatch

T + 61 7 4631 2941	F + 61 7 4631 2625
E business.experience@usq.edu.au	W http://www.usq.edu.au/business/student/current.htm

ISSUE: 05

MAY, 2007

Update Your Personal Details

Do you know someone who did not receive this newsletter? Do you sometimes feel out of the loop? Perhaps we haven’t been able to contact you about important events? Why not take a moment to update your personal details now at USQConnect/USQAdmin then click on ‘My Contact Details’.

Important Other Newsletters

For Fraser Coast Students:
'Fraser Coast Student Newsletter'
For First Year Students:
'The First Year Experience'
For Accounting Students:
'acCOUNT'

New Business Student Club

Be involved! Have your say!

Read-on, get involved and take advantage of social and learning-enhancement events organised.

Business Student Club Meeting

When: Wed 23 May 12noon L209

FREE PIZZA, WRAPS, CHIPS, FRUITS AND SOFT DRINK

The students of the Faculty of Business are starting up an ALL NEW student club and we’re excited about getting you involved to tell us what you want to do! The club is going to be run by students, for students, with the continued support of University staff. We’re interested in a social aspect for the club, opportunities for people in the industry to visit and speak with you about what life’s like in the real world, as well as having some involvement in Open Day and O-Week activities.

Check out our brand new website, or email Lee-Ann Lim, Will Bassett or Rosie Cronin for more information.

C U There!

Changes to Faculty Structure

Since early 2003 the Faculty has been actively reviewing its organisational structure as well as its internal committees, program portfolio, research profile, teaching and learning structures, all with the aim of enhancing the capacity for the Faculty to respond to changing circumstances as well as promoting a higher level of integration in all aspects of the faculty’s operations. In addition, an external review of the Faculty was also conducted in late 2006 whose recommendations, accepted by University council, closely aligned with many of the developments that the Faculty was seeking to implement.

As a result of these reviews, the Faculty moved in 2 April 2007 from its existing 7 departmental structure to a new 4 school structure comprising:

School of Accounting, Economics and Finance
School of Information Systems
School of Law
School of Management and Marketing

The new school structure complements the Faculty’s strategic direction and the 2007-11 Strategic Plan, and is commensurate with the Faculty’s recent moves to streamline the programs offered and to achieve a natural and close alignment between the External Review’s recommended groupings of cognate academic disciplines in the Faculty and it’s newly endorsed more streamlined suite of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. All of these changes have been predicated on a number of focused concerns, one of which was to provide the most appropriate, quality-assured and efficient academic programs to its students. The benefits of this recent major re-engineering in the Faculty can be expected to increasingly flow to students from 2007 onwards.

What's On

Term Two - Toowoomba Campus
Monday	Beading/Jewellery Making, 6.30-7.30pm, May 14th-4th June, CBRC, $70/Term
Tuesday	Muay Thai, 7.45-8.45pm, May 8th - June 12th, CBRC, $44/Term
Wednesday	Ballroom Dancing, 7.45- 8.45pm, May 9th- June 13th, CBRC, $44/Term
Thursday	Photography, 5.30-8.30pm, 17th May, CBRC, $55
May
Wednesday 16	A Musical Kaleidoscope, 1.05pm, USQ Concert Hall, Free, PH 4631 1134
Thursday 17	Tight Ass Thursday, USQ Club til late.
Friday 18	Bundy Rum Promo, USQ Club til 2am
Saturday 19	Warwick Pentath-Run, Races 1-3
	Celtic Banquet, Feasting, Dancing & Entertainment, Irish Club, $40/pp, PH 0437 026 424
	Gold Coast Graduation Ceremony
Sunday 20	Warwick Pentath-Run, Races 4 & 5
Wednesday 23	Business Student Club Meeting, L209, 12pm, Free lunch and soft drink afterwards.
	International Student Pre-Departure Workshop, 1.30-4pm, Allison Dickson Theatre
	Health Day - Toowoomba Campus. Activities and stalls in the Quad and R Block Mall and a QLD Jersey to give away.
	Cello Recital, 1.05pm, USQ Concert Hall, Free, PH 4631 1134
	State of Origin Night at the USQ Club, Toowoomba
	Last date to change nominated Exam Centre
Saturday 26	Sydney Graduation Ceremony
Wednesday 30	USQ Concert Band & Student Ensembles, 1.05pm, USQ Concert Hall, Free.
	Traffic Light Party, USQ Club, Toowoomba
June
Saturday 02	USQ & Community Children's Festival, USQ TWMBA Quadrangle, Student Volunteers required! Email: samantha_akabusybee@hotmail.com We Need You!
Monday 11	Queen's Birthday Public Holiday
Wednesday 13	USQ Piano Studio, 1.05pm, USQ Concert Hall, Free, PH 4631 1134
Mon 18-Fri 29	Semester One Examination Period

Associations and Groups

USQ Community Environment Group, Terry 0400 654 293 or E: usqceg-owner@yahoogroups.com

USQ Volunteer Program, Franciska PH 4631 2794 or E: eckard@usq.edu.au

The Inklings, USQ Literature Society, Wednesdays 3pm, Japanese Gardens

USQ Debating Society, E: usqdebating@hotmail.com

Student Profile

Kho, Guan Ann, Malaysia
Bachelor of Information Technology

I wish I could be there in Queensland studying and mingling with other international students but someone has to work to pay off the course fee (that would be me I guess). I am the one and only student enrolling for this course in college locally. No course mates and no lecturers. I work from Monday to Sunday 9am till 10pm. I use my available time to study and do coursework.

I am currently living in the capital of Sarawak, that would be Kuching city. I am currently working as a project-based web developer. I am also work as freelance photographer covering several local events. I am given the priority to manage my own time and work.

As for being a distance learning student, I am registered with the local college here, SEGi College. They have a decent library and facilities. Not to mentioned the people working there are helpful in any case.

Another case of studying in Malaysia, the biggest problem I get while doing distance learning is broadband trouble. I experienced a very stressful problem last semester when the broadband wasn't consistent for months! It became worse when the Taiwan earthquake broke the undersea cables. During that time, it was very crucial time as I need to get on to the study desk and I need internet to do my research and study. I am sure most Malaysian student will experience that.

So my daily routine would be get the project done as soon as possible, follow the study schedule in the introductory book to keep up. That is basically what my life has been since I started taking the course. Will have to hold on to it till I finish my degree. I am very sure it be something worth doing for at the end of the day.

Should you wish to write to Guan Ann the email is: limecity@gmail.com

LIKE TO INCLUDE YOUR PROFILE IN FOBWATCH?
We'd love to hear from you! Please email: business.experience@usq.edu.au

Enrol Now for Semester Two

If you haven't already done so, all continuing undergraduate and postgraduate students are encouraged to enrol now for Semester Two (and three) to ensure enrolment in their required courses.

Continuing and Professional Education single subject non-award students should also enrol now for semester 2 or 3.

Noticeboard

Free Legal Advice

Advice is available to USQ students and staff either on-line, by telephone or face to face with a lawyer from Meibusch Munro Maguire.

Call USQ Student Guild Members Services on +61 7 4631 2491 or 1800 076 301

Getting Out of Debt

USQ Student Services recommends the following websites for students in financial crisis:

Lifeline Financial Counselling
Debt Sux Fact Sheets available on debt traps relating to mobile phones, sharing a house, credit cards, cars and insurance.

For Budgeting try:

USQ Budgeting
Centrelink Financial Services
Money Minded
Know Your Money
Australian Investment & Securities Commission
(Fido's Student Money Quiz)

Or contact USQ Student Services for personal advice and counselling.

Student Representative
Faculty of Business Board

A vacancy still exists for student nominees for Postgraduate Representation on the Faculty of Business Board.

Nominations will be accepted from both external and on-campus students however no financial reimbursement of costs to attend meetings is available. Meeting attendance can be arranged via phone hook-up if required.

Ed's Note: Kate Higgins (Toowoomba), successfully nominated for the undergraduate position as Faculty Board representative. Kate was seriously injured in a car accident over the Easter break. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kate and her family, along with our best wishes for her speedy recovery.

Nomination Form

DO SOMETHING GREAT FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR FELLOW STUDENTS!

Healthier Universities Program

Fresh Mind - Healthy Body - Free Spirit

HUP is a university based health promotion program that aims to promote the adoption of healthier behaviours among university students. HUP addresses a range of lifestyle factors experience by young people. These include nutrition, alcohol, smoking, physical activity, drug awareness, mental health and injury.

Places to turn to when you need a helping hand....

Alcohol and Drugs: www.drugs.health.gov.au,
www.alcohol.gov.au, www.adin.com.au

Smoking: www.oxygen.org.au, www.feelinggood.com.au

Counselling Help Lines: www.reachout.com.au, www.lifeline.org.au, www.beyondblue.com.au, www.sane.org

Soapbox

WHY, WHY, WHY?

...were 23% of all Faculty of Business FAILS for S1 2006 for non-submission of assessment?

Of these,

41.4% of students did not sit the exam
37.8% of students did not complete ANY assessment

COST TO OUR STUDENTS?

Up to $137,700 for postgraduate students
Up to $303,800 if they were Law Students
Up to $259,470 other undergraduate students

This is half-a-million dollars financially committed by Faculty of Business students for one Semester without achieving even one positive grade!

Help us to help you. Email your comments to: business.experience@usq.edu.au

Continuing Undergraduate Scholarship - Semester Two

This Scholarship is being offered in Semester Two for Continuing Full-Time Undergraduate Business Students, who are located in the Toowoomba region and available for work experience at the McConachie Stedman offices located in Toowoomba.

The scholarship is a joint effort between
McConachie Stedman Accountants of
Toowoomba and the USQ Faculty of
Business and is valued at $1,500.

Detailed information regarding Eligibility,
Selection Criteria and Application
Processes is now available.

Applications close: Monday 28 May, 2007

The McConachie Stedman Scholarship is a wonderful opportunity, and can potentially lead to future employment through the McConachie Stedman Graduate Program.

We're Feeling Warm and Fuzzy

... because this is what our students say!

"Thank you for your assistance with my exemption requests. I did not expect they would be dealt with in such a quick and efficient manner. This a refreshing approach from what I am used to from my previous university where they took a top-down, non-consultative approach to matters like these
This may be how every student gets treated, which is great because as places at universities become more competitive, students will look towards places that have better customer (student) service. " (Ben)

"Thankyou for your assistance throughout my application - I can be high maintenance at times! I would like to formally pass on my appreciation for the service you have provided me, it was outstanding but I do not know who to send it to." (Gavin)

"I would like to thank USQ for providing a wonderful learning environment and assistance throughout my studies. I always recommend your university to colleagues who are interested in external studies as I feel that your university has the best programs on offer from any university, globally." (Andrew)

Thanks for the "Thanks"!

Do you need help with study?

A series of learning skills workshops are offered in the first nine weeks of the semester at the Toowoomba campus. Sessions are held on Wednesdays and repeated on Thursdays (and Fridays, if required). Please note exceptions to some scheduled times due to public holidays.

Workshops and seminars that are designed to assist students to succeed at university are also offered at Fraser Coast and Springfield.

Useful Links

USQ Guild Second Hand Text Books
USQAssist
Studying by Distance Education
Regional Liaison Officer (RLO) Network
Distance Education Services by the Student Guild
Employability Workshops and Graduate Attributes
Academic Learning Support (Free)
New resource webpage for student assignment preparation
USQ Career Mentoring — developing relationships for the future
USQ Student Guild Social Activities
Distance Education - Outreach Services
Faculty Guide to Policies and Procedures
Youth Allowance and Austudy
Free Counselling, Careers & Employment, Accommodation, Financial, International Student and Disability Assistance

Postgraduate News

The Dean, Prof Allan Layton has just
initiated the first scholarships for postgraduate
coursework degrees in the University.

For the Faculty of Business Postgraduate
Equity Scholarships students can
demonstrate financial hardship and
provide information about personal
circumstances that influence their study.
Students should maintain good academic
standing.

The DBA has been restructured as a
manager's alternative to a more research intensive PhD degree. It aims to develop your
knowledge, skills and attitudes as a senior
manager.

The DBA program builds on your
previous MBA degree studies. Information
for selection in 2008 has been released.

Professor Ronel Erwee
Director,
USQ Australian Graduate School of Business

Postgraduate Equity Scholarships

The Faculty of Business will offer ten postgraduate scholarships for on campus or external students enrolling in any postgraduate degree program offered by the Faculty in Semester 2, 2007. Applications are now open.

Low Motivation?

At times throughout their university life students may find themselves lacking energy and drive. You may find it difficult to get out of bed; struggle to focus on assignments; or perhaps struggle to simply find the motivation to start your reading and learning. This is an experience with which many students struggle.

Solutions
The following web-based resources can be a useful starting point to overcoming low motivation:

USQ’s ALSOnline explores the types of motivation and how to get motivated
University of South Australia provides a highly structured comprehensive site dealing with motivation
University of Minnesota Duluth provides some useful information on goal setting
University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota has created the Study Guides and Strategies web site that consists of a seven-staged process for responding to low motivation.

Counsellors
The counsellors at Student Services are trained to assist students who are struggling to be motivated. The lack of motivation may be a function of the course that you are studying and/or a lack of interest.

Lack of motivation may be a result of a physical illness or depression; or may be as a result of significant events in your life that are draining you of energy and strength. Student Services can assist you in working through these issues to increase motivation and your drive to succeed.

Thinking of Dropping Out

Can't keep up? Work/Family Demands? Time Poor?

There are alternatives! We are here to help.

TALK B4U WALK!

Postgraduate Email
or PHONE: +61 7 4631277
Undergraduate Email
or PHONE: +61 7 4631 2413

Academic Staff On-Air

Did you know that our Academic staff do more than teach? Writing and presenting papers is an integral part of academic life. The Faculty of Business pride ourselves on the quality of our staff. Here are some of their achievements:

ABC Southern Queensland, April 4, University of Southern Queensland lecturer Dr Peter Phillips discussed the significance of the Reserve Bank decision not to raise interest rates.
ABC Southern Queensland, May 9, Dr Geoff Cockfield, Deputy Dean, interviewed regarding the Federal Budget.
ABC Southern Queensland, March 13,
Dr Geoff Cockfield, Deputy Dean, interviewed regarding Queensland's Water Commissioner Report.

A Helping Hand for Students

Ever struggled with knowing how to set out assignments correctly; presentation; referencing; and knowing what to do generally in terms of studying and sitting for exams?

Why not check out the highly recommended (by students) Communication Skills Handbook.

Student Profile

My Name is Christian Erdmann and I am currently involved with my last course towards my MBA degree. I am located in Germany, near Munich. I very much appreciate the possibilities provided by USQ, I have been able to have my own rhythm during my studies at still being incorporated in a class. The lecturers were all eager and willing to provide help. However I experienced several problems. Some of them were private, I am in my mid – thirties, and I am working day and nightshifts at a hospital as a male nurse. Time has been very valuable to me, and it sometimes was hard to find the regularity needed to learn adequately. The other problem I experienced was the fact, that I had no possibility to exchange doubts, questions and ideas with others face to face. Especially the courses with calculus were hard for me, no one could tell me, when I was about to get something wrong into my head. I also felt awkward to share these doubts or questions online, like it was much more difficult to express and explain. So far I wish you all the best for your studies. If anyone wants to contact me: hcher@web.de Kind regards from Bavaria Christian
Budget Allocation Delights University
By Rebecca Vonhoff, Toowoomba Chronicle
In Peter Costello's first Budget, he wrenched massive amounts of funding from universities. But more than a decade later, the Treasurer reversed his previous actions, instead allocating much of the 2007 Budget to tertiary institutions. The irony was not lost on University of Southern Queensland Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bill Lovegrove, who was "delighted" by the prominent placement of universities in Mr Costello's speech. He also said he was "shocked at the scale" of the Budget allocation. "I think both parties leading up to the election are recognising universities are the foundation of the future for our economy," he said. The Government will kick off the new Higher Education Endowment fund with an initial $5 billion funded out of the 2006-07 budget surplus toward buildings, and research infrastructure. Universities would also receive an extra $768 million over four years as part of a $3.5 billion education spending plan called Realising Our Potential. About $557 million of this would simplify university funding and give universities extra money for key disciplines in areas of skills shortage, while $211 million was to help universities respond better to student demand. There would also be an extra 3500 commonwealth scholarships to help students from poor and rural backgrounds to go to university.

Need Help with Exams?

The USQ Learning and Teaching Services Unit (LTSU) has recently updated its Exam Preparation on-line help pages.

Ease your nerves - check it out!

Business Bargains

1 Room for Rent, 4 Bdrm House, 2 minute walk to USQ Toowoomba, $85/week, Phone: 0413 504 187 or 0402 762 025

Check out the USQ Student Guild Classifieds

LIKE TO INCLUDE YOUR ITEM IN BUSINESS BARGAINS?
Student submissions welcome. Please email: business.experience@usq.edu.au

40 Films in 40 Nights - Springfield

Australian stars of the silver screen will come to life at USQ Springfield in the coming months as the campus celebrates USQ’s 40th anniversary with 40 Films in 40 Nights.

The free event, open to the Greater Springfield community, will celebrate 40 years of Australian cinema.

Work Overseas

Have you ever thought about employment overseas? Perhaps one of these programs is for you?

Join the JET Program and discover Japan.
Teach in the UK with Hemisphere Education Services.
Work, travel and play in the USA with GlobalRecruitment.

Teach English in China
Are you Native English Speaker?
Australia City College offers you an opportunity of teaching English in China for 4.5 months via a structured program. By participating in this program, you have the chance to

* Gain international work experience
* Explore international career market
* Understand the business operation
in China
* Build your network in China
* Have a better understanding of the
oriental philosophy
* Gain credits towards TESOL
certificate IV

Call (07) 3818 2142 or email b.koshy@australiacitycollege.edu.au
for more information now!

United Nations Conference

Asia-Pacific Model United Nations Conference – July 2-6

The Asia-Pacific Model United Nations Conference (AMUNC) is the most prestigious model UN in this corner of the globe and this year will host approximately 500 students from all around the Asia Pacific region.

AMUNC 2007 will be hosted 2-6 July at The University of Auckland, New Zealand and guest speakers include Marise Payne, Senator for NSW, as well as NZ Minister of Defence, Phil Goff. AMUNC 07 offers debate and discussion on a variety of topics in 11 simulated UN committees, as well as workshops on such skills as networking and negotiation.

The conference also has a line up fabulous evening events including a boat cruise for delegates on Auckland’s beautiful Waitemata Harbour and an all-inclusive finale ball at one of Auckland’s premiere hotels.

AMUNC 2007 is your chance to meet and network with other aspiring university students from around the globe, as well as debate and deepen your understanding on a range of topics in international relations.

Don’t miss out! Registrations are open until 25 May.

USQ Celebrates 40 Years

Find out more about USQ's 40th Birthday celebrations; view cool old photographs and the events calendar.

Office 2007 & Vista Users

With the release of Vista and Office 2007, Course Leaders and Admin staff are coming across issues where students/staff who have recently purchased/upgraded computers to the latest version of Office, are sending assignments/documents that they have created in this new version. At this stage USQ does not support Office 2007 and students are asked to save their files in a previous version to enable us to view them.

To assist you in identifying which version you have, Office 2007 files have an extension .docx whereas previous versions have .doc as the extension.

Employment

CareerHub is the internet employment service for USQ Students. You can access casual, vacation, part-time and Graduate positions 24 hours a day. Simply log on using your student number and USQConnect password.

The following websites provide extensive careers and employment information for students about industries, potential employers, employment statistics and average salaries, as well as job advertisements for graduates and students.

USQ CareerHub Jobs

Accounting Undergraduates/Graduates - An established accountancy practices is seeking full time accountants for their offices in Southport and Maroochydore. The positions will commence in late June and would suit undergraduates or graduates. Accountia is recruiting for these positions.

Business & Commerce Graduates - The Defence Materiel Organisation is seeking graduates for their 18 month graduate program. Their graduate scheme consists of 3 six month work rotations which will be targeted to build on the skills you acquired during university.

All Graduates: The Department of Immigration and Citizenship is seeking graduates for their graduate program. Their graduate program consists of 10 months of development to provide a well rounded experience of the departments work.

AusAid Graduates - AusAid are seeking graduates to apply for their graduate program. If you would like to make a real contribution to the elimination of poverty and the promotion of sustainable development then a career in this department may be for you. Applications close on the 18th May.

Teach English in China - Do you want to gain overseas work experience? Are you enthusiastic about other cultures? Would you like to spend 4.5 months teaching English in China under a structured program? Please contact Australia City College.

Graduate Accountants (2) - Wagner Doyle Gordon Pty Ltd, Toowoomba are seeking one full time graduate accountant in each of their Charleville and Toowoomba offices. Emphasis on Taxation work and GST compliance. Email: Admin@Toowoomba.WDGPL.com.au

Recruitment Consultant - Toowoomba's busiest and most successful recruitment agency is currently seeking an enthusiastic and professional Recruitment Consultant. Contact HB Recruitment, Email: recruitment@hbpersonnel.com.au

Casual Positions

Biology/Maths Tutor required for Year 12 student in Toowoomba Area. Contact USQ Career Hub.

Solutions The following web-based resources can be a useful starting point to overcoming low motivation:

Solutions
The following web-based resources can be a useful starting point to overcoming low motivation: