Bill's Blog - Welcome to the July issue of Micro-Byte

With the first half of the year already over, there are only a few remaining months to achieve the goals we set for 2013.

A number of events and ceremonies have already been held, with more marked on the calendar for the approaching months.

We've recently celebrated our scholars at Ourimbah Graduation where three students were awarded with Faculty medals.

The outstanding efforts of our academic staff were recognised through the June round of promotions and we've just welcomed students who have entered through mid-year enrolments.

Over 7000 potential students will be visiting our Ourimbah and Callaghan campuses next month during Open Days. These events are the beginning of a student's university experience and we will be showcasing our Faculty's strengths and diversity at both events.

It is an interesting time for the tertiary sector as the Vice-Chancellor emphasised in the budget update last month. With a recent change of government leader and a potential change in government approaching, this could mean further changes and impacts for higher education.

In the meantime, we must continue with our initial strategies and simply wait to see what the future will bring and what these changes may mean for the University as a whole. One of our key focuses at the moment is to become a more responsive environment for students and the community.

As you would have noticed, the first stage of the new website has been rolled out with Faculties and Schools to follow later this year. This issue also shows just a few examples of how our staff and students are making the most of opportunities for experience and exposure, which is crucial to raise our profile.

Competition between university institutions is growing. It is now more important than ever that we continue with our achievements to ensure our University is recognised for research outcomes and student experience.

I ask you to continue your hard work as we begin semester two. Please contact microbyte@newcastle.edu.au if there is anything you would like to share with us over the coming months.

Best wishes,
Professor Bill Hogarth
Pro Vice-Chancellor