Postgraduate profile

Ruth Gresham

M. Philosophy candidate, School of Humanities and Social Science

Discipline: Social Work
Faculty/Division: Education and Arts
Email: Ruth.Gresham@uon.edu.au

Current research

Optimising the international experience: The repatriation of Saudi Arabian female graduates.
Supervisors: Professor Mel Gray and Dr Jill Gibbons

Abstract: This study explores the experiences of Saudi Arabian women as they complete postgraduate studies in Australia and return home. The main purpose of this research is to investigate the personal and professional impact of international sojourns on international students, and to identify useful strategies that facilitate repatriation. 

Employment history at the University of Newcastle:

  • Department of School Education (DET) / University of Newcastle - 1991 - 1996
    • Coordinator Homelink Program; Regional Advisor Homelink Program
  • University of Newcastle - 1997-2010
    • Coordinator, International Programs, Family Action Centre; Coordinator International Student Care Program; Manager Community Services (Int'l); Manager Community Programs (Int'l); Manager Student Support; Manager Community Relationships (Int'l).

Publications relevant to current research: 2008-2010

Gresham, R., and Walsh, J. (2008). Building bridges - Building understanding for Muslim students in social and learning environments. JANZSSA, 32, 28 - 39.

Gresham, R., and Walsh, J. (2010). Connecting, networking, integrating: Enriching the relationship between international Muslim students and academic staff in health areas. Focus on Health Professional Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 11(3), 52 - 61.

Walsh, J., and Gresham, R. (2010). Engaging with diversity to build understanding: Promoting interactions to enhance learning. The International Journal of Diversity in Organisations, Communities and Nations, 10(3), 261 - 272.

Gresham, R., Clayton, V. (2011). Community Connections: A program to enhance domestic and international students' educational experience. Journal of Higher Education, Policy and Management, 33(4), 363-374.

Conference presentations relevant to current research: 2008 - 2010

Gresham, R., Walsh, J. (2008). Connecting, networking, integrating: Enriching the relationship between international Muslim students and academic staff in health areas. Paper presented at the ISANA Conference, Auckland.

Walsh, J., Gresham, R. (2008). Building understanding for Muslim students in social and learning environments. Paper presented at AIEC Conference, Brisbane.

Gresham, R. (2009). Prevention, collaboration and innovation: Enhancing the student experience. Paper presented at the AUIDF Workshop, Newcastle.

Gresham, R. (2009). Intercultural inclusion on campus: Enhancing interactions between international and local students. Paper presented at the Transitions and Transformations Workshop at the AIEC Conference, Sydney.

Walsh, J., Gresham, R. (2010). Engaging with diversity to build understanding. Paper presented at the Diversity Conference, Belfast.

Awards and recognition:

  • 2006 Vice - Chancellor's Award for General Staff Excellence, the University of Newcastle.
  • 2008 Australian Government, Department of Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC).
    • Recognition of the project, 'Crossing bridges and strengthening harmony: Building greater understanding with Muslim Australians' as one of nine projects from across Australia that built on social cohesion, harmony and security.
  • 2008 Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning (ALTC), the University of Newcastle.
  • 2009 - Australian Education International (AEI).
    • Program examples of good practice in assisting international students to integrate with Australian students and the wider community.
  • 2009 - Citation from the Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC).
    • Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning. For sustained leadership in promoting engagement with cultural differences in academic and social environments to enhance learning outcomes for Muslim students.
  • 2011 - Faculty Education and Arts, School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
    Award for paper, Community Connections: A program to enhance domestic and international students' educational experience. Published in the Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, 33(4), 363-374.