Charles D'Aprano Memorial Scholarship - Swinburne University of ...

The Charles D’Aprano Memorial Scholarship
Information for Applicants 2013
Background
The family and friends of the late Charles D’Aprano have given Swinburne University of
Technology their generous support and patronage in the form of a Scholarship. Charles
D’Aprano began his career as lecturer in 1971 in the newly formed Italian Department of
Swinburne College of Technology. He contributed to the foundation of VATI (Victorian
Association of Teachers of Italian) and actively supported the teaching of Italian in Victorian
secondary schools. His greatest area of interest was in teaching Italian history, politics, the
history of Italian migration to Australia and Italo-Australian literature.
The Charles D’Aprano Award is a prize administered in conjunction with the Italian and
European Studies section of the Faculty of Business & Enterprise (Swinburne University of
Technology) and is designed to recognise and encourage academic achievement and leadership
qualities. Its purpose is to assist a visionary student of Italian Studies to pursue their interest in
a related area in Italy.
Purpose / Area of Study
The aim of the scholarship is to provide opportunities for Swinburne students of Italian Studies
to pursue their studies and/or research activities of their choice in Italy. The scholarship is
designed to promote enthusiasm and creativity and encourage individuals to extend their
interests in Italy and the Italian culture.
Benefits
Every two years, one scholarship ($2,000) will be awarded. This amount will be awarded in
two parts: the first ($1,000) at the Faculty Prize Ceremony immediately following the decision
of the Selection Committee; the second ($1,000) will be given after the recipient has delivered
the Seminar / Presentation.
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Subject of Study
The only restriction to the study/research topic is that the scholarship recipient must pursue
research related to contemporary Italy and its culture. After the study or research has been
carried out, the recipient of the award will be expected to deliver a seminar/ presentation of the
findings within twelve to fifteen months of the award being granted.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
1. Be enrolled at Swinburne University of Technology in an award course studying or having
studied Italian Language and Culture as part of their course as at the closing date for
application at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
2. Be an Australian citizen or have permanent resident status.
3. Not be in receipt of another equivalent award or scholarship.
Selection Criteria
The following criteria will be used as a basis to determine to whom the award will be given:
1. Completed a major or in the process of completing a major in Italian;
2. A defined program or a research plan on a relevant topic of Italian culture to be undertaken
in Italy;
3. Demonstrated talent and future promise as a communicator of ideas;
4. Talent and future promise specifically in the chosen area of study or research;
5. A deep and realistic commitment to the Italian and European Studies program at Swinburne
University of Technology;
6. An altruistic passion to make a substantial contribution to the benefit of others on return
from their study in Italy. This should be combined with an ability to carry out effective
public communication of the results of the program undertaken in Italy at appropriate
times, such as in a seminar or presentation for staff and students which must be delivered
within twelve to fifteen months of the award being granted.
Evaluation: Program or research plane (30%), Personal Statement (20%), Commitment to
Italian Studies (20%), Academic merit (15%), Demonstrated talent (15%).
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Selection Process
Possible selection committee would include: Head of the Faculty of Business or nominee, coordinator
of the Charles D’Aprano Scholarship, one staff member from Italian and European
Studies, a representative of the Charles D’Aprano Foundation. The University may also
consider it desirable for the selection committee to include an Italian community
representative. It is recommended to keep the Selection Committee composition small and
readily accessible.
The Committee will make a recommendation to the Charles D’Aprano Award Incorporated.
The Selection Committee reserves the right not to award a prize if no suitable applications are
received.
Timeline
Applications open: 1 February 2013
Applications close: 31 March 2013
Winner announced: TBA (first instalment of $1,000 awarded)
Seminar / Presentation: TBA (second instalment of $1,000 awarded)
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Scholarship Conditions
Upon completion of the study period in Italy the student is to give a presentation at a suitable
function to be open to students, staff and others. The talk / presentation is to demonstrate what
the student has achieved and the benefits of the Award. The member of staff responsible for
the scholarship will make contact with the recipient soon after his/her return and arrange a
suitable time and date for the presentation.
The scholarship will be terminated or the second instalment withheld at the option of the
University upon any of the following events occurring between the time the scholarship is
awarded and the seminar / presentation given.
• The student discontinues their studies.
• The student fails to undertake the program research in accordance with the
requirements of the scholarship.
• The student is no longer enrolled at the University or
• The student is suspended or excluded from the University or subject to any form of
disciplinary proceedings.
Scholarship Administration
The Italian languages academic responsible for the scholarship notifies the Business
Development Group (BDG) or equivalent who organise the FBE Annual Prize Ceremony of
the winner of the scholarship immediately the decision is made. The Prize Ceremony
Committee arrange for the FBE portion of the Scholarship ($1,000) to be available to be
awarded to the winner at the ceremony held in May, and arranges the invitation to a
representative of the D’Aprano Family to attend the ceremony and present the scholarship.
Should the Prize Ceremony not be held, the scholarship may be awarded in a different event.
The Italian languages academic arranging the returned student’s presentation contacts the
D’Aprano Foundation to receive the D’Aprano Family contribution of $1,000.
Guidelines For Applicants
The following documents must be submitted by applicants:
1. An applicant should be able to demonstrate his/her responsibility as a student, with an
academic record that shows his/her commitment to Italian Studies.
2. Referees should be chosen carefully. Applicants will be required to nominate three
referees, at least one of who should be an academic referee outside of Italian and European
Studies.
3. The curriculum vitae provides the applicant an opportunity to include details about
him/herself, which, if included in his/her Statement, might appear trivial. It helps the
Selection Committee form a balanced view the applicant. The curriculum vitae should
include information about any awards and prizes he/she may have received at school and
prizes, employment record, scholarships and other distinctions he/she may have earned at
University that might not appear on his/her academic transcript.
4. The Applicant’s Statement is an important document. Not only does the Selection
Committee have to consider what an applicant’s referees have to say about them as an
applicant, it also has to consider very carefully what the applicant has to say about
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himself/herself. For example, what have been the major influences on the applicants’ life,
what drives him/her, why he/she has chosen a particular path, what are his/her plans for the
future, and so on. A statement is a very personal thing. It should reflect the applicant's
views and aspirations and, certainly, the applicant should avoid writing what he/she thinks
people want to hear or read - Selection Committees are very good at separating fact from
fiction!
5. Presentation of Applicant’s Statement is important and it should be easy for the
Selection Committee to read. Typing should be one-and-one-half spaced and the statement
should not exceed 1,000 words. As with curriculum vitae, fonts smaller than 12-point
Times should not be used.
6. Academic transcripts. Only original transcripts will be accepted - copies should not be
submitted. Most universities now show marks on academic transcripts, or offer the choice
of "marks" or "no marks". Where the applicant’s university offers a transcript showing
marks, the official transcript enclosed with his/her application must be one that shows
marks for each subject (except, of course, where the only grade possible for a subject is a
"Satisfied Requirements", or a similar grade).
Application Procedure
The SSLP will call for applications at a nominated date. To apply for a Charles D’Aprano
Award the following documents must be submitted:
1. Enrolment acceptance form
A certified copy of confirmation of enrolment in an undergraduate or postgraduate course
or research position at Swinburne University of Technology.
2. Personal Statement
A personal statement, not exceeding 1,000 words, which demonstrates to the Committee,
the commitment, energy, drive, ambition and overall suitability to be awarded a
scholarship. Past academic, social or personal achievements may be included.
3. Curriculum Vitae
A curriculum vitae to demonstrate to the Committee the applicant's current and previous
qualifications, employment history, skills and achievements that they will bring to the
Scholarship.
4. Referees
Three written references addressed to the Chair of the Selection Panel, Charles
D’Aprano Award are to be submitted independently of the application. A combination of
referees should be chosen from academics, employers, (potential) investors, mentors or
people who are well respected in the community.
5. Closing date
Applications must be received by Friday 5pm at the end of Week Three of Semester One in
the year of application.
6. Submission details
Applications should be addressed and submitted as follows
By mail Charles D’Aprano Memorial Scholarship
c/- Dr Simone Battiston
Faculty of Business & Enterprise H23
Swinburne University of Technology
PO Box 218, Hawthorn VIC 3122
In person Hawthorn Campus
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Business and Arts Building
Room BA1112 – Dr Simone Battiston – (03) 9214 8051
Note
Applicants who are short-listed will be required to attend an interview. Notification of the
outcome of applications will be sent to all applicants once the Selection Committee has
selected the scholarship recipient.
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