UFT E-News 2012 #21 (8 June)

This week at UFT
1. Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday
2. First Semester Examinations
3. DML Library Saturday Opening Times

4. Extensions

UFT News
5. Second Semester Enrolments
6. Monica Melanchthon Welcome
7. MCD University Faculty Research Day
8. Diary Marker
9. Change to issuing of Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)

Other items of interest
10. EarthSong Annual Symposium: Celebrating the Antarctic.
11. Ethos Conference
12. Mission Studies Network
13. Invitation to Book Launches
14. Residential Scholarship Program
15. Mabo Decision

This week at UFT
1. Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday – Monday June 11
The UFT Office will be closed for the public holiday. There are no exams on this day.

2. First Semester Examinations
First Semester 2012 Examinations Timetable
Exam week commences Tuesday 12 June to Thursday 14 June 2012. Students with written examinations should consult the examination timetable, available on the UFT noticeboards and at http://uft.edu.au/content/exam-timetables. Rules for the conduct of examinations are available in the MCD University of Divinity Academic Conduct Policy, at http://www.mcd.edu.au/policies-procedures. Please allow sufficient time to arrive for the start of your exam.

3. DML Library Saturday Opening Times

The DML library will be open on the following Saturdays in Semester 1, between 1.00pm and 5.00pm: June 9.

4. Extensions
Students who seek an extension up until the 15 June may negotiate one with the lecturer in charge of their unit. Extensions beyond this date can only be approved by the UFT Dean. Applications must be submitted on the Dean’s Extension form, available from http://uft.edu.au/content/uft-forms. Applications will only be accepted if they are submitted prior to the 15 June. Normally a Dean’s Extension will not be granted for more than two weeks. Please note that ALL requests for extension should be accompanied by written evidence (e.g., medical certificate, letter).

UFT News
5. Second Semester Enrolments
Students are welcome to enrol in units for second semester at any time, or to vary their existing second semester enrolment. Please contact the UFT office to discuss your course, or (for existing students) submit a Change of Enrolment form available from http://www.mcd.edu.au/coursework-forms. Second semester enrolments will close on 16 July 2012, however students are encouraged to make any changes to their enrolment early to avoid delays.

The UFT has a mid year intake for new students, if you know of someone who is interested in learning about study options at the UFT or wishing to enrol for second semester please encourage them to contact the UFT office before the end of June for more information or email the registrar Margaret Tropea .
Flyers providing information and details on second semester units are available from the UFT/CTM reception for mid year entry into the BTheol, GradDipTheol and MDiv.

6. Monica Melanchthon Welcome
On Friday 1 June, it was good to see students and staff of the UFT, other MCD University staff, and of course many linked to the UCA Centre for Theology and Ministry, in the Wyselaskie Auditorium for a service of welcome to Monica Melanchthon as a member of the CTM staff. Representatives of the Lutheran Church welcomed Monica (she is an ordained Lutheran), and the Dean welcomed Monica on behalf of the UFT and MCD University. We look forward to the richness Monica will bring to us by her presence and through her teaching.

7. MCD University Faculty Research Day
Teachers never stop learning, and learners never stop learning to learn. On Wednesday 6 of June, over 50 of the MCD University’s Academic Staff gathered to shape their skills and widen their horizons in the area of research. Returning to address the gathering at CTM, Vice Chancellor Peter Sherlock joined with Director of Research Mark Lindsay and Darrell Guder, visiting from Princeton Seminary, to encourage shared research, nurture research skills development, and share ideas and opportunities for further research. UFT Faculty Dorothy Lee and Katharine Massam each presented on the day. We aim to be teachers who keep learning, and who contribute not only to our classes, but to the wider intellectual and public discourse.

8. Diary Marker: The UFT Indigenous Issues Group is planning a visit to the Koorie Heritage Trust (http://www.koorieheritagetrust.com) in the city on Saturday 11th August at 11.00 am. All members of the UFT community and their friends are welcome. Further details as the time approaches.

9. 
Change to issuing of Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) and Financial Supplement statements from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). 

Some HELP and Financial Supplement clients will no longer automatically receive a statement of account in June from the ATO. However, a statement can be ordered at any time during the year by phoning the ATO on 13 28 61 between 8.00am and 6.00pm, Monday to Friday.

If you lodge your return via:
• e-tax http://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/pathway.aspx?sid=42&pc=001/002/014> - you can take advantage of the pre-filling option which includes HELP and Financial Supplement balances. The ATO will then work out your compulsory repayment.

• a tax agent - the information relating to your HELP and Financial Supplement balances will be available through the Tax Agent Portal.

For more information about HELP and Financial Supplement debts go to www.ato.gov.au/higheredloans

Voluntary repayments -
HELP voluntary repayments of $500 or more receive a 5% bonus on the payment. If you pay off your entire debt and the amount is less than $500, you may still receive a bonus.

There are several ways to make a voluntary repayment. For information about voluntary repayments go to HELP and Financial Supplement - voluntary repayments 








Other items of interest
10. EarthSong Annual Symposium: Celebrating the Antarctic.
This year’s celebration promises to be a feast for the heart, mind and senses, opening up the magnificence of Earth’s southernmost continent. Almost twice the size of Australia, about 98% of Antarctica is covered by ice approximately 1.7 km thick (wikipedia). Join us in uncovering some of her mysteries through word, image and sound. Friday 29th June 7.30 – 9.30 pm, Saturday 30th June 10.00 – 3.00 at the Treacy Centre, 126 The Avenue, Parkville. Visit the website for full program details: http://earthsong.org.au/

11. Ethos Conference
Friday 29 - Saturday 30 June. Romans Remixed: Gospel, Culture and Empire--and Finding the Way Home
Keynote Speakers Brian Walsh and Sylvia Keesmaat, co-authors of Colossians Remixed: Subverting the Empire. Multiple Saturday afternoon workshops
Information and to register: http://www.ea.org.au/Ethos/Ethos-Overview/Events/Remixing-Romans.aspx
Tel: (03) 9890 0633 or Email: Enquiries@ea.org.au

12. Mission Studies Network
Tuesday 17 July 12.30-2pm. Discuss Jonathan Ingleby's Beyond Empire: Postcolonialism and mission in a global context. Goold Room, Pastoral Centre, St Francis' Catholic Church, cnr Lonsdale and Elizabeth Sts, Melbourne. (Bring lunch, tea and coffee available) All welcome, just turn up. Inquiries Ross Langmead

13. Invitation to Book Launches

- John Cowburn SJ ‘The Problems of Suffering & Evil’
Launched by Dr Christiaan Mostert
Wednesday 18 July 2012 at 5.30pm for 6pm start
Jesuit Theological College 175 Royal Pde Parkville 3052
RSVP Tel (03) 9341 5800 or email : dmann@jtc.edu.au

- Kevin Giles’ latest book, “The Eternal Generation of the Son: Maintaining
Trinitarian Orthodoxy.” Thursday 26 July at 8 pm at St Michaels Church, cnr of McIlwraith St and MacPherson St North Carlton (Mel. 29 J14) Chair: Professor Barry McGaw.
Speakers: Dr Denise Cooper-Clark – what is this book about?
Dr John Capper – why is this book important?
Supper to follow. Kevin Giles (Th.D.) is a former vicar of St Michael’s, North Carlton. Known internationally for his published works on ministry in the apostolic age, the doctrine of the church, women in leadership and gender equality, the doctrine of the Trinity, and in Australia for many practical publications in support of parish ministry.

14. Contact is being made to introduce the Residential Scholarship Program at Vaughan Park Anglican Retreat Centre, Auckland, New Zealand. Former Vaughan Park Scholars from overseas and New Zealand may be seen at the web site. For information please see http://www.vaughanpark.org.nz/?sid=168. Enquiries are welcome. Marion Nickerson – Administrator - Vaughan Park Anglican Retreat and Conference Centre
Tel: 09 473 2602. On line Enquiry Form: http://vaughanpark.org.nz/?sid=17
On line Booking Form: http://www.vaughanpark.org.nz/
www.vaughanpark.org.nz

15. Mabo Decision: This Sunday marks the 20th anniversary of the High Court Mabo decision, which recognised the unique rights that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to land and waters according to traditional laws and customs. The tele-movie Mabo will premiere on June 10 at 8:30pm on ABC1. It traces the life of Eddie from a young man through his courtship and marriage and the handing down of the historic high court decision.