la trobe staff exchange program overview and application form 2015
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Staff Exchange Program 2015
In the interconnected and globalized environment in which we operate, there is increasing awareness and appreciation of the value of an international experience for employees, particularly those working within higher education. Whilst many staff have the opportunity to participate in international conferences as part of their role, all too often, visits are brief, interaction is limited and opportunities for development and learning are restricted. The costs associated with sending staff on such visits are also prohibitive, particularly considering timeframes in‐country. With this in mind, combining an international conference visit with a more meaningful exchange/placement has the potential to expand upon the value of such an experience, whilst providing multiple benefits for both participants and host institutions. Participants can gain new skills, motivation, perspectives and an expanded network, whilst host institutions gain a temporary staff member who can provide a fresh outlook and insight into the programs and services they provide. Based on the success of a trial in 2014 (involving staff from Otago University, NZ and the University of Brighton, UK), Accommodation Services, La Trobe University will again be offering and hosting a staff exchange program. The program will provide an opportunity for staff working within the student housing sector/student engagement field to combine attendance at the Australasian Association of College and University Housing Officers Conference (AACUHO) in April 2015 in Brisbane (or other conference of interest) with an accompanying placement/exchange opportunity within Accommodation Services, La Trobe University, Melbourne. An appropriate reciprocal conference and placement term would be dependent on the location of the visiting staff member’s institution. Two positions will be available to international staff members in 2015 based on the following conditions. Requirements: Commitment from host and partner institution for reciprocal exchange opportunity scheduled in
in conjunction with relevant international conference (for example AACUHO, ACUHO‐I, ASRA, CUBO, AMOSSHE etc.)
Provision of accommodation and selected meals during the program by both institutions Arrangement of visiting schedule including opportunity for networking, informal dialogue,
shadowing, cultural exchange activities, and option of pre‐determined relevant project(s).
Eligibility for Involvement:
Any staff member, regardless of role (Residential Education/Life, Facilities Management, Administrative, Senior Management etc.) would be considered so long as they could demonstrate value from the experience.
The staff member from the host and visiting institution are not required to be from the same field. Outcomes of the Exchange: Professional and personal development opportunity for visiting and host staff and housing
operations Enhanced international networking and collaboration opportunities
Opportunity to review and explore operating practices through insight and perspective of visiting staff member
Formal reporting and evaluation process at conclusion of conference and placement opportunity Promotion of the staff exchange through AACUHO Student Residences Management Journal/
other publications as deemed appropriate Responsibility of Host Institution: Offer of accommodation on‐campus for the duration of the conference and placement Breakfast and dinner throughout the program Provision of a 7 – 14 day placement opportunity shadowing colleague(s) in a similar position with
the option of management of a pre‐determined project(s) (exact duration to be negotiated) Possibility of arrangement of visits to other institutions in host country as deemed appropriate Determination of an appropriate host manager/placement supervisor for the visiting staff
member Design of a formal schedule for the visiting staff member including opportunities to network with
host staff, formal meetings and project work, and cultural exchange activities after hours and weekends.
Responsibility of Visiting Staff: Completion of an application/expression of interest process to participate in the exchange with
determination of suitability and final selection by host and partner University. Active participation in the conference and placement schedule at the host institution Completion of a formal report (in collaboration with placement supervisor) outlining and
providing an opportunity to highlight learning, outcomes, application to role and housing operations.
Organization and payment of international and domestic flights, conference registration, meals not specified, personal expenditure and other miscellaneous activities not listed.
Important Dates for 2015 Program:
Date Activity
2 Feb Application from Visiting Staff/Institution to Accommodation Services, La Trobe University
9 Feb Selection of Staff (if multiple applications). Selection would be made on the basis of the value of the exchange for the staff member and their field of expertise. Discussion regarding return visit conference opportunities and placement dates.
6 March Formalization of draft schedule for visiting staff member, confirming dates of stay. Including project work, meet and greets, cultural exchange activities.
April AACUHO Conference & Placement (dates TBA in discussion with Visiting and Host Institution)
April – end 2015 Determination of appropriate conference and placement dates for Accommodation Services, La Trobe Staff based on discussion with Visiting Institution.
As appropriate Reporting and Evaluation of Exchange Program by staff involved.
Australian Exchange Manager Contact: Laura Burge
Residential Education Manger, La Trobe University [email protected], +61 3 9479 1072
Staff Exchange Program 2015
Accommodation Services, La Trobe University Application Form
Department/ University Details
Department
University
Contact Person
Title
Phone
Applicant Details
Name
Position Title
Overview of Duties
Phone
In addition to completing the application form, the Applicant must provide:
1. Supporting letter from appropriate Supervisor/ Head of Department 2. Resume
AUSTRALIAN VISIT DETAILS Proposed Host Conference:
Conference
Dates
Internship Preferences:
Preferred Dates
Areas of interest/ projects/ desired learning outcomes (e.g., Residential education/life, student engagement, administration, student services, management etc.)
Applicant should provide responses to the following questions:
1. Reason for wanting to apply for the exchange program
2. Benefits to be gained from involvement in the exchange program (both for the host and visiting university). What contribution would you provide?
RETURN VISIT DETAILS Suggested Conference for Return La Trobe Staff Member:
Conference
Dates
Due Date for Submission to Laura Burge ([email protected]): 2 February 2015