2008 initiative - Life - Charles Sturt University

CSU NETWORKING
Networking and collaboration with CSU and external individuals and groups continues to be a key aspect of
EFPI operations. In addition to PEN, 2008 saw ongoing collaboration with Centre for Enhancing Learning and
Teaching (CELT), the Flexible Learning Institute (FLI), the Research Institute for Professional Practice, Learning
& Education (RIPPLE), the School of Community Health (where EFPI students are enrolled), the Centre for
Ministry/School of Theology and members of the Learning and Teaching Committee as well as schools,
faculties and sub deans in each of the four faculties.
EXTERNAL COLLABORATIONS
Key external collaborations and networking occurred with:
• Australian Collaborative Education Network (ACEN)
• Global alliances partnerships were established with colleagues at The University of Swansea and The Open
University in UK. (See p.17)
• Members of the World Association for Cooperative Education (WACE). A team of EFPI staff and students
attended and presented papers at the 2008 WACE conference in Sydney.
FOCUS FOR 2008‐9
Franziska Julie‐Anne Megan Wendy Stephen Joy Brett
Trede Tooth Smith Bowles Loftus Higgs Van Heekeren
In 2008 the regular roles of EFPI were combined with four major initiatives:
a) commencement of a teaching fellows program
b) global alliances
c) fieldwork education development
d) preparation for the 2009 Australian Universities Qualities Agency (AUQA) audit, particularly around Theme
2 “Professional Education and Practice‐Based Learning”.
In proposing this theme to AUQA Charles Sturt University (CSU) recognised the vital importance of professional
education and practice‐based teaching, learning and curricula to achieving the goal of CSU to provide quality
education for the professions (in the broad sense of producing graduates who professionally provide services
to Australian society and beyond). At the time that this theme (along with others) was nominated to AUQA for
negotiation of the second theme for the audit (alongside Theme 1 International Education), it was decided that
regardless of the theme selected, developmental work would proceed in all nominated themes as part of CSU’s
participation in continuous quality improvement (CQI) of education, research and scholarship at CSU. For EFPI,
in association with the Professional Experience Network (PEN), schools, faculties and divisions of CSU, the
Theme 2 activities became the focus of our CQI work for 2008, 2009 and progressing into 2010.
OPERATING STRUCTURE
The Institute operates within the portfolio of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Ross Chambers.
The operations of the Institute are managed by the Director and the EFPI Management Committee comprising
staff employed by the Institute and Dr Wendy Bowles from the Professional Experience Network (PEN),
providing PEN liaison. The Director and staff receive advice from an Advisory Board. (See Appendix 1.)
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