Year 2001 - University of Canberra

UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2001
8
steve
byrne
‘The support and warmth of my fellow
students, who were all so diverse yet
so kind to each other. The intelligence,
humility and support of the Community
Development staff is unbelievable and
something I’ll be missing until I come
back for more,’ is how Community
Development graduate, Steve Byrne,
describes his course.
Since graduating Steve has taken up a
position as a Youth Outreach Worker with
YWCA AXYS Youth Services. The service
provides health and personal support
groups and community projects for
young people. Steve says his job involves
developing, conducting and evaluating
the groups on a range of issues affecting
young people, such as school hassles,
schooling, drugs and alcohol, sex and
sexuality, and being a young man.
When Steve began his studies in
Community Development he knew he’d
finally found what he was looking for.
‘Community Development fosters critical
thinking and encourages you to think
outside of mainstream fields. This degree
has a good name in the workplace due
to its emphasis on the integration of theory
and practice. The strong practical element
meant I wasn’t just learning from books,’
Steve says.
‘UC isn’t so big you get lost in it. It’s young
so it’s growing constantly. Canberra is a
cross between the country and the city.
When things get too intense you can go
out bush. When you want to do city stuff
you can go to clubs and bars.
At university Steve became active in a
life outside study. ‘I was secretary of
the Community Education Group. I was
also voluntarily involved in community
organisations outside UC such as Mental
Illness Education and Youth Line. This
enabled me to have a rich social life which
meant my life didn’t revolve around study.’
STUDENT PROFILE
Council membership
Council membership changed significantly during the year. Ms Jacqui
Burke resigned on her election to the Legislative Assembly. The Chief
Minister appointed new members, Ms Dawn Casey, Ms Frances
Hinton, Ms Joycelyn Morton and Mr Sam Wong for three year terms
until 2005 when the terms of Mr Ian Mackintosh, Mr John Radik,
and Dr Suzanne Rickard expired. Terms of Mr Michael Rosser,
Ms Anne Trimmer and Dr Hugh Watson were extended by the
Chief Minister until 11 July 2003. During the year elections were
conducted for undergraduate and postgraduate student members,
and two staff members of Council. Mr Brett Jones was elected as
undergraduate student member and Mr David Marsden-Ballard
was elected as postgraduate student member for a one year period
until 26 September 2002.
Ms Alison Langley was elected as general staff member, and
Associate Professor Felix Stravens was elected as senior academic
staff member for a two year period until 26 September 2003.
Legislation
Council made the following statute during the course of the year:
> Courses and Awards Amendment Statute 2001