Innovative award scheme sees the distance

July 23, 2007

An innovative award scheme at the University of New England that has strengthened links between UNE students and the Armidale community is set to extend such links to communities throughout Australia.

The New England Award (NEA), introduced at UNE in 2004, recognises and rewards students' involvement in extra-curricular social, cultural, political, educational and sporting activities, and in casual employment (both paid and voluntary). A point system enables students to aim for the number of points they need in order to receive the award when they graduate.

The NEA was developed and implemented with a UNE Vice-Chancellor’s Strategic Initiative Grant to Robyn Muldoon, Manager of the University's Academic Skills Office. Ms Muldoon said that the NEA had successfully completed its pilot period and was set to become a core feature of "the UNE experience", available to all enrolled students from the beginning of Semester 2 this year.

"The NEA has, until now, been available only to internal students," she said. "As of Semester 2 this year, however, it will be available to students studying at a distance. It is envisaged that external students who undertake extra-curricular learning and training, and who also contribute to their local communities through voluntary service, will be interested in participating in the NEA program." Information about how to register is available on the NEA Web site: www.une.edu.au/nea.

"Research into the outcomes of the NEA indicates that it encourages the development of well-rounded, highly skilled and articulate graduates who are in possession of attributes, attitudes and human qualities that are highly valued by employers," Ms Muldoon said. "In reflecting on the benefits of their NEA activities, students most frequently mention aspects of personal growth and development such as increased motivation and a growing sense of responsibility and achievement. Secondly, they mention the acquisition of skills in areas such as leadership, teamwork, time management, and communication.

"Feedback from employers suggests that the award is a welcome initiative and marks recipients as possessing the qualities of highly desirable employees and exemplary citizens."

Marty Branagan (pictured here), who received the NEA along with his PhD in October 2006, is one of 57 graduates to have received the award since its introduction in 2004. Dr Branagan earned his NEA points through his involvement – both paid and voluntary – with the New England Regional Art Gallery, the New England Art Society, the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place, the Armidale Environment Group, the UNE Centre for Peace Studies, and TUNE! FM (UNE's student radio station).

Other community organisations that have supported students to gain extra-curricular experience relevant to the NEA are Lifeline, the Lions Club, the Salvation Army, the RSPCA, Oxfam, Armidale Girl Guides, St John Ambulance, the National Trust (Saumarez Homestead), and local church groups. Local organisations that are interested in hosting UNE students as volunteers are encouraged to contact the NEA Manager, Robyn Muldoon, on (02) 6773 2836 (rmuldoon@une.edu.au).

"The concept of the NEA is innovative and ground-breaking within Australia," Ms Muldoon said. "It demonstrates UNE’s commitment to value-adding to the student experience, and to helping students develop skills that will prepare them for the workplace. UNE is keen to build further links with its communities through the NEA."

THE PHOTOGRAPH of Marty Branagan displayed here, taken on his graduation day, expands to include the Vice-Chancellor of UNE, Professor Alan Pettigrew.

Posted by Jim Scanlan at July 23, 2007 05:12 PM