T   + 61 7 4631 2941                           F   + 61 7 4631 2625
   E   business.experience@usq.edu.au

W  www.usq.edu.au/business/currentstudents   

  ISSUE: 03
FEBRUARY, 2007  
   
In This Issue

What’s On
Orientation - It Rocks!
Accounting/Fraser Coast/First Year Students
Semester One To Do List
The Circus is Coming
Nominate for Faculty Board
Update your Personal Details
USQ Celebrates in 2007
Soap Box
Alumni
Staff Profile Feature
A Helping Hand
Acronyms & Terms
Graduating Students
Do you need help with study?
Tips for New Students
Farewell Professor Mason
Useful Links
Employment
Business Bargains
Faculty of Business Scholarship Winners
Techno Tip
 
Groups and Clubs


USQ COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT GROUP
Meeting fortnightly, 12 noon-1pm Wednesdays in the Quad, Toowoomba Campus
Email:  usqceg-owner@yahoogroups.com

USQ DEBATING SOCIETY
Email:  usqdebating@hotmail.com

HOPE - Householders Options To Protect the Environment PH Frank 46392135  Email:  HOPE_Toowoomba@yahoo.com.au

BPM - Baby, Pram and Mum Exercise Classes  PH 4631 1588
 
 
Important Other Newsletters


 
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’.
 

Nominate now for

Faculty of Business Board

Student Representative

Faculty of Business Nominations are called to fill (1) Postgraduate and (1) Undergraduate vacancy.

Representatives of Faculty Board automatically become members of Faculty Assembly. 

 Nominations will be accepted from both external and on-campus students however no financial reimbursement of costs to attend meetings is available.
 

Nomination Form

Closing Date

23rd March, 2007


DO SOMETHING GREAT FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR FELLOW STUDENTS!
 
    top

 

 

 

 

What's On
  February
Sunday 18 Highfields Aquatic Centre trip for new International students.  Free.  Bus departs 2pm from the Allison Dickson Bus shelter.
PH:  46312882
Thursday 22 Bush Dance for new International students from 7pm.   Steele Rudd Dining Hall.  Free.  PH:  46312882
Friday 23 Lunch time BBQ in the quad for all International Students from 12 midday. 
PH:  46312882
Sunday 25 Lunch Time BBQ in the quad for ALL Students (Domestic and International)
Monday 26 9.30am Free Business Brekky & Info Sessions, "Buzi-Beans' Coffee Place, Palm Court, Toowoomba Campus.  Live Music. Details at link below.

Need to change a Tute time?
Faculty staff available to assist 10-11am - K Block Labs
Tuesday 27 9.30am FoB Heritage Scholarship Presentation and Morning Tea.  Free Band. All Business students welcome.  "Buzi-Beans' Coffee Place, Palm Court, Toowoomba Campus.

Need to change a Tute time?
Faculty staff available to assist 12 -1pm - K Block Labs
Wednesday 28

9.30am Free Business Brekky & Info Sessions, "Buzi-Beans' Coffee Place, Palm Court, Toowoomba Campus.  Live Music. Details at link below.
O Week Party - USQ Club
DJ & Giveaways 'til 4am
Wednesday 28 Arvo Kickback - USQ Club,
4-6pm,Live Music and Karaoke.
  March
Thursday1
/Friday 2		 Arvo Kickback - USQ Club,
4-6pm,Live Music and Karaoke.
Thursday 1
 		 Tight Ass Thursday - USQ Club, Pool Comp, XBox 360, Jukebox.
Friday 2
 		 'The Accidents' - Live - USQ Club 'til 3am
Friday 2
 		 Semester Three Results
Released 4pm
Sunday 11 Sonnets at Breakfast Botanical Gardens, Gourmet Picnic Breakfast, 7am.  Bookings PH: 46311111
16-25 Peace Festival, Warwick
Email: info@peacefestival.org.au
WEB www.peacefestival.org.au
Thursday 29 USQ Graduation Ceremony, 7.00pm Singapore
  April
Sunday 01 USQ Graduation Ceremony,
4.00pm Kuala Lumpur
Saturday 28 USQ Graduation Ceremony for all Business Graduates, 10.00am Clive Berghofer Recreation Centre, TWMBA
   
top

 

 

'Cirque de Business'
is coming!

It's hot, it's new and it's the place to be on

Tues March 6

Free Lunch:  from 12.15pm

Action:  12.45-3.00pm

 

 

at the Clive Berghofer Rec Centre, Toowoomba Campus

Meet New Friends
(or bring some with you)

Have Fun!
Learn New Skills

Want to try something out-of-the-box?  Have you laughed this week?  If not, you'll have many chances at 'Cirque de Business'.  Circus professionals from Brisbane's 'Circa'  will conduct group training (& laughing) sessions in this delightful, challenging and contemporary art form.

Doesn't matter if you're bashful or shy, turn up, have FUN & you'll find out why!!

All Faculty of Business students are welcome to attend as participants or spectators.  It's OK to change your mind and join in once you get there!

Strictly Limited Numbers.  Pre-registration strongly recommended via FoB Reception, 4th Floor, L Block, or, take your chances and register on the day.

Proudly arranged for your enjoyment by USQ Faculty of Business - Supporting your Success!

 


Difficult to describe, impossible to forget!
 
   
 
USQ Celebrates


On the 2nd February,1967 the Queensland Institute of Technology (Darling Downs) officially opened in Toowoomba, with 140 foundation students, a Principal, eight full-time and five part-time academics, and five support staff.

The Queensland Institute of Technology (Darling Downs) later became the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), and we officially commemorate 40 Years as a higher education institute.

This is a significant milestone for the University and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for contributing to our current success.

Recently I also took the opportunity to thank more than 200 founders at a gala dinner and Welcome to Country on the Toowoomba Campus.

As part of this event, USQ graduate, Jenny Woodward, presented the ABC News and weather report from the Quadrangle!

During 2007, the 40th Anniversary committee will also be extending an invitation to you to attend events throughout the year.

This is a very significant year for USQ and I look forward to celebrating with you  throughout this year all that has been achieved over the past 40 years.  

Professor Bill Lovegrove
Vice Chancellor
 
Do you have family, friends, neighbours or workmates who have studied or worked at USQ?

Contributions of photos, stories and any other relevant items are invited from all past and present students and staff.  These will be included in various displays, publications and events during 2007. Check out the website for more detail.
      top
       
       

 

Orientation - It Rocks!

Orientation is an event to help you and other first-year students settle into university life and celebrate the beginning of the academic year.
Orientation includes both academic and social activities designed to introduce you to the various student support services.

The majority of activities and presentations are held during Orientation Week: Monday 26 February to Friday 2 March.

During Orientation Week you can attend the Official Welcome, enjoy the music and barbecues, go to your degree information sessions, and find out essential information about getting started, computing systems at USQ, the Library and much more…

We’ve found that the students who make friends and are willing to become involved in the many new experiences that campus life offers are often those who gain the most satisfaction from the
time they spend at university.

 
 

More Information on Orientation...
   
USQ Information  www.usq.edu.au/orientation
All students, all campuses
   
Faculty of Business Information www.usq.edu.au/orientation/meetings/
toowoomba/default
Specifically for Toowoomba Campus Business Students
   
International
Students		 www.usq.edu.au/orientation/
meetings/default
   

 
Orientation for Australian
Distance Education Students

Orientation Meetings are held at the beginning of Semester 1 and Semester 2 for all external students. The meetings are designed to provide practical advice on how to succeed in distance learning and to answer your questions. They also provide the opportunity for you to meet USQ staff and other students in your region studying at USQ. 

The meetings are held in major centres in Queensland, Lismore, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne
 

  Attending Orientation will help you:

  • get to know your campus, and access resources and services
     

  • make new friends, meet other students and staff
     

  • better understand your degree, academic expectations and assessment requirements
     

  • understand USQ computer systems
     

  • use the library and buy text books
     

  • celebrate your achievements– you made it!
    top
     

 

 

Noticeboard
 

 
*New* USQ Alumni Website


The development of the USQ Alumni website, is the first step in achieving our objective of reconnecting with as many alumni as possible. We now have a formal mechanism for USQ graduates to make contact and register their interest in becoming more involved with their
University.  If you have friends, neighbours or relatives who are USQ Graduates, please encourage them to register.

 
Alumni


Congratulations!


Atul Khare who completed his MBA as well as a Masters in Leadership (Transdisciplinary) at USQ has been appointed as Indian veteran of United Nations Operations in Timor-Leste by Secretary-General Kofi Annan.


 
Feeling Isolated?

We would love to hear from our Distance Education Students
 
We have recently asked Distance Education Students how we can help them feel less isolated.  Their responses indicated that hearing the trials and tribulations of other Distance Education Students was helpful.
Why not share your story? Please send 200 words about yourself  and an electronic photo to (if possible) to:
 
Graduating Students

Students expecting to graduate upon release of S3 2006 results can expect to receive a complementary copy of their official academic record through the mail upon release of S3 results together with a graduation package. Our graduation department will commence sending these out to students approximately one week after results are released. For further info check out the graduation website.

 
Soapbox


WE HAVE BIG SHOULDERS!

Why not tell us about what really bothers you about your experience at USQ?


Email: business.experience@usq.edu.au

 
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.
   
top

 

 

Useful Links
 
 
Tips for New Students
 
  • Expect significant changes in your life, your attitude and in your relationships with family and friends
     
  • Build a strong support network with other students and your family
     
  • Meet people at university
     
  • Get organised early, and manage your time
     
  • Attend classes
     
  • Ask questions
     
  • Maintain your social life, keep a balance
     
  • Use the University's support services available from Student Services
     
  • Set goals and reward yourself for achieving them
     
  • Ask for help if you need it!

 That's right!  It's OK to ask for help.     Afterall, it keeps us out of mischief!
 
Goodbye & Good Luck
 Prof. Rosalind Mason

It is with great sadness that we farewell Professor Rosalind Mason as she takes up a new position as Professor and Head of the School of Law at QUT.

Rosalind commenced casual work at the DDIAE in 1983 and then full time employment as a lecturer in 1988. She is currently Professor of Law and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Business.

She is considered a friend to many, and will be a great loss to the Faculty.

 
    top

 



Semester One To Do List

There will be numerous things for you to do over the next eight weeks as you commence your journey.

1. Attend an orientation meeting

2. Go to USQConnect, and check USQAdmin. Are your enrolment details and contact information correct? Change your password.

3. Enrol in courses, if you haven't already done so

4. Order and purchase textbooks, if required

5. On-campus
Get your lecture and tutorial times and book into classes, if necessary.

Off-campus
Check on delivery of study materials and check if residential school is offered.

6. Obtain a USQ student ID card.

7. Register with the Library.

8. Know how to get help and check out USQAssist.

9. Pay your fees by the semester due date.

10. Start planning for the semester:


 

March 6th - Be There!

  
A (free) helping hand!


Did you know?...

The Learning and Teaching Support Unit (LTSU) is there to help all students.

When you need encouragement or advice.
If your studies are getting you down.

LTSU assists both staff and students to make the learning experience the best it can be for all students both on-campus and external.

Where is it? S Block, Level 2 and 3

What is offered?

  • Orientation workshops
     

  • One-on-one tutoring sessions

How to contact us? Phone 0746312751

Email Email Learning & Teaching Support Unit

Visit  LTSU Reception, Level 2, S Block

Orientation workshops

A series of workshops are run at the start of each semester to help students adjust to the university culture. These workshops cover topics such as
note-taking, note-making, reading and writing at university.

One-on-one or small group tutoring sessions

Students can book sessions with an LTSU tutor for assistance with mathematics or academic language in any course. This service is available to external and on-campus students, post-graduates and undergraduates. Sessions with external students are generally conducted over the phone or by email. Sessions are available each day.
Topics that are covered include
paragraph development, writing an introduction to an essay, sentence structure.

Remember, if you need assistance or advice with any academic aspect of your studies at USQ, we are there to help.

     
    top

 

 


Faculty of Business 2007 Scholarship Winners (New Students)

The Faculty of Business recently congratulated the recipients of its scholarships for 'commencing' students at a morning tea attended by students, their families and friends.

Each year, the Faculty of Business offers 10 (school leaver) Scholarships, each valued at $5,000 which are available to full-time on-campus students enrolling in any degree program offered by the Faculty (across each of USQ's three campuses).

The Canon Scholarship is valued at $8,000 and is available to undergraduate students commencing full-time on-campus study at USQ Toowoomba, and information technology students receive first preference. USQ acknowledges the generous contribution by Canon Australia, which is endeavouring to engage the Darling Downs region in their support of local communities.

Dean of the Business faculty, Prof Allan Layton, congratulated each scholarship recipient on their achievement and noted the wonderful opportunity which lies ahead for each of them as they progress through university studies. "It was great to welcome the students and their families to our campus and particularly note that many of them had travelled substantial distances to attend the presentation", said Marketing Coordinator, Erin White.

Congratulations to all!



Professor Allan Layton, Dean, Faculty of Business with the winners of the new student Faculty of Business Scholarship for 2007.

  
Faculty of Business (New Student) Scholarship Winners

Laura Bylett from Thornlands, Qld - Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business

Tegan Case from Greenmount, Qld - Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Business
 
Danielle Catalano from Park Ridge South, Brisbane Qld - Bachelor of Business

Colleen Duke from Glenvale, Toowoomba - Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Science
 
Katrina Gallagher from Bundarra, NSW - Bachelor of Commerce

Danielle Gillett from Moffatdale, Qld - Bachelor of Finance & Economics

Kate Higgins from Inverell, NSW - Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Science

Brock McIntyre from Toowoomba - Bachelor of Commerce

The following two students were also awarded a Faculty of Business Scholarship, but unfortunately could not attend the presentation:

Benjamin Honan from Toowoomba - Bachelor of Business

Samuel Walker from Cambooya, Qld - Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Science

Canon Scholarship

Belinda Plumb from Barcaldine - Bachelor of Business

 

More Information about Scholarship Opportunities
   
top
     

 

 

Acronyms & Terms

CAF – Commonwealth Assistance Form (for Commonwealth Supported Students)

CAN – Commonwealth Assistance Notice

TFN – Tax File Number

NWB – No Web Access

GPA – Grade Point Average

OS-HELP – is a loan scheme to assist eligible undergraduate students to undertake some of their course of study overseas

Census Dates – the last date for finalising students enrolment in a course. HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP debts are incurred and Student Learning Entitlement (where applicable) is consumed on census dates

USQConnect – is a generic term that applies to the web portal or gateway that gives you access to USQ's electronic systems and a variety of resources

USQAdmin – is a web self-serve facility for students to view and maintain their enrolment pattern, personal details, username and password, view results etc

USQAssist – is a web self-serve facility for you to find answers to common questions in your own time 24/7, ask a question and update your questions. USQAssist has been designed to provide fast, accurate support and assistance for USQ students and staff
 
Techno Tip

Podcasting is a way that USQ can automatically send you audio and video material to your portable device. To do this, you subscribe to the podcast by downloading a small piece of software that manages all of your podcast subscriptions. When connected to the Internet, the software searches for the latest edition of the program, and will download it to a folder on your computer, ready for when you next plug in your iPod or other portable device.

Further information about podcasting is available from Wikipedia or USQ's Distance Education Centre
 


The Shakespeare in Queens Park Festival presents “Sonnets for Valentines Day”.


Surprise the love of your life with 12 of Shakespeare’s Sonnets this Valentines day

Subscribe to the Sonnets for Valentines Day Podcast.
 
As this is a new service provided by USQ we would appreciate any feedback you might have for improvements.

 

 

 

Staff Profile - Mark Silvester

Lecturer:  ACC1101   Campus: Toowoomba

  • Born, raised and schooled in Roma Queensland;
  • Studied Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting at USQ, graduating in 1993;
  • Completed Bachelor of Business (Hons) at USQ in 1993 and graduated in 1994;
  • Spent 1994-95 in Brisbane working in the Corporate Finance division of Coopers & Lybrand, a global accounting firm;
  • Returned to USQ in 1996 to undertake Masters studies, graduating with Master of Commerce in the year 2000
  • Married in the year 2000 (handy for working out which anniversary I’m up to!);
  • Became a father in May 2006 to Benjamin;
  • Enjoys: the outdoors; walking; golf; billiards; cricket; table tennis; cooking; reading novels, home brewing; general handyman and carpentry jobs; Teaching: first level accounting;
  • Favourite food: hmmm, tied between a curry and my wife’s lasagne
   
Business Bargains

For sale:

Mitsubishi Magna - 4 cylinders, 1991, Sedan, Red, A/C, Power Steering, Automatic, Service Records.  $3,200 PH:  0431 082 790

ADSL Modem/Router - 4 port switch, high-speed internet access with ADSL, SOHO Firewall Security with NAT Technology, VPN.  $45  PH: 0411 729293

Dumbell Set - Weider 20kg - $50 PH: 0411729293

Flash Drive - Pen Drive 256mb USB2.0 $12
PH: 0411729293
 

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

Toowoomba Campus:

Parkland Villas - Luxury Townhouse Accommodation, 3 big Bedrooms, 2 Storey, Furnished, Lock-up Car Accommodation. 
Walk to Uni.  $250-$300 per week. 
PH: Michael 0408 718136

3 Rooms for Rent - includes Austar, phone and broadband, no bond, 5 mins walk to Uni.  $80 per week.  PH:  Mel or Rog 0439 072704

Furnished Room For Rent - 3 bedroom house, fully furnished, A/C, very close to Japanese Gardens.  $70 per week.  PH:  0407 316 391 or 46357716

 
Employment
'Education Queensland will soon release an expression of interest for a full-time temporary position of OH&S Consultant ($2,569 per fortnight) based in Toowoomba. The initial period is to 14/12/07. Persons interested in receiving further information should email Alan Singleton at alan.singleton@deta.qld.gov.au.


Unless otherwise indicated, to view the following positions,  go to the USQ CareerHub website  Login using your USQConnect username and password.

AUD-305722J - Audit Assurance Cadet Professional (Lismore, NSW). Our Lismore office is seeking applicants who are currently studying in their first, second or third year at University with an interest in a career specialising in the area of Audit and Assurance

INC-559229J - Income Tax Preparer (Southport)  Are you interested in gaining hands on experience preparatory to entering the accounting field?

MAN-812608J - Management/Graduate Trainee (Hong Kong)   PCCW Limited is the largest and most comprehensive provider of communications services in Hong Kong and one of Asia's leading players in Information and Communications Technologies (ICT). We offer different types of trainee program for fresh
graduates to develop a long-term career up to senior management levels.

FIN-658292J - Finance Graduate Roles (NSW, Victoria)  As a finance manager you'll play a pivotal role implementing strategy and act as a business partner in driving growth.  In broad terms you'll aim to increase profitability by calculating the financial impact of business issues; from securing the best deal on raw materials to developing strategies for e-business.

INT-060518J - Intellectual Property Assistants (Osaka, Japan)  IP Assistants will help Attorneys to prepare & manage English language correspondence & documents, reviewing assignment documents, reconciling discrepancies in the various supporting title documents, verifying the accuracy of patent/trademark correspondence & records, docket management of patent and trademark cases, write case status reports & documents for attorney review. Candidates should have a Bachelor's Degree (any discipline). Japanese language proficiency NOT required.

   



The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are the author's views and opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of the University of Southern Queensland. All reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure that the content is accurate and complete.