The program includes initiatives aimed at assisting with the professional development of academic and professional staff across the University.

Promoting SCU's Women

This initiative recognises the important role that diversity in general and women in particular play in progressing the strategic initiatives of the University.

The objectives of the Network are:

• To support and develop women staff (academic, research and professional staff);
• To encourage women to consider careers in management and leadership;
• To increase the representation of women in senior positions at SCU;
• To facilitate key introductions and networking amongst women.

Target Group: The network is open to women at all levels across the University and is of special interest to those women aspiring to senior and leadership roles.

Format: Regular sessions including lunch with a mix of internal/external speakers. Each session has a theme of relevance to supporting and advancing women.The forums provide an opportunity for women staff to hear from interesting and inspirational speakers, connect and network with colleagues, exchange ideas on topics that are of interest to women in the workplace and discuss development and support opportunities for women staff. The structure for each forum includes presentations from internal and external key speakers followed by a facilitated discussion, providing women staff with the opportunity to provide input and feedback on issues relating to the promotion and support of women at SCU.

Networking Forum Lunchs will be held at:

• Gold Coast and Tweed Heads (Beachside) on Wednesday 23 May, from 12.00pm to 1.30pm in Room A.29
• Lismore on Wednesday 1 August, from 12.00pm to 1.30pm in the Zest Function Room, Campus Central
• Coffs Harbour on Wednesday 31 October, from 12.00 to 1.30pm in Room A1.27
• All times will be AEDT

Promotion Workshops for Women Academic Staff

Workshops are held annually in June to provide information on the academic promotions process and provide a forum for women staff to gain information from a number of staff including those who have recently experienced the process. The workshop also provides opportunities for mentoring.

The workshop will be via video conference on Thursday 7 June from 9.00am - 10.30am at:

• Lismore (Room 1.06A)
• Riverside (Level 3 Meeting Room)
• Beachside (Room A3.16)
• Coffs Harbour (Room A1.20)

SCU Mentoring Program for Women

The mentoring program is one of a range of initiatives targeted at academic and professional women staff with the aim of attracting, supporting and developing women staff across the organisation.

The program's objectives are to:

• provide developmental support;
• assist in identifying career gaps;
• assist in identifying opportunities;
• foster collaboration;
• provide ongoing support networks for staff;
• prepare staff for taking on challenges ;
• enhance individual capabilities.

Staff Mentoring for Women Program Sessions to be held on each campus at:

• Riverside on Tuesday 3 April, in Level 1 Seminar Room at 11.00am-12.00pm
• Beachside on Tuesday 3 April, in Room A1.29 from 1.00pm-2.00pm
• Lismore on Wednesday 4 April, in Level 1 Meeting Room, F Block from 1.00pm-2.00pm
• and Coffs Harbour on Wednesday 11 April, in Room A1.27 from 1.00pm-2.00pm

and via video conference on Thursday 9 August between 1pm - 2.00pm in:

• Lismore in Room 1.06A
• Coffs Harbour in Room A1.20
• Beachside in Room A3.16
• and Riverside in Level 3, Meeting Room

"I can honestly say that everything I have learnt about being an academic- whether it is teaching, researching or supervising- I have learnt from mentors, all of them generous people, women and men who have gladly given their time and wisdom for my personal and professional benefit. Such collegial relationships continue to be the most satisfying and rewarding aspects of my university life." Dr Kath Fisher, Southern Cross University.

"Participating in the SCU Mentoring Program for Women provided me with an opportunity to meet with a colleague on an informal basis in a supportive, constructive and collegial environment. My Mentor was not only generous with her time but also her advice. I found talking to a colleague from another Faculty provided me with a new perspective on old issues such as the development of a career pathway and increased my confidence to pursue new possibilities" Tess Boyle, Lecturer,School of Education, Gold Coast Tweed Heads.

For further information about the mentoring program please contact Cathy Burton,Equity & Diversity Officer, email: cathy.burton@scu.edu.au

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