Media Release
June 25 2008
UniSA makes service count for Australia’s military personnel
In
a move to support and acknowledge Defence personnel’s experience and
skills UniSA is introducing a new subject, Service Learning in the
Australian Defence Force, that will further support
ADF
servicemen and women studying for a higher degree.
Developed in partnership with the Defence Reserves Support - South Australia, the new subject will be available to all Defence personnel studying a higher degree at UniSA and is open to ADF students at other universities.
The elective subject will allow students to draw on their experiences in the forces as a basis for analysis and assignments related to key learning areas designed to measure competencies and graduate qualities.
UniSA Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Lee says the introduction of the new subject is an acknowledgement of the significant skills and experience that Australian Defence Force men and women bring with them when they commence study.
“This is a fairly unique approach to the idea of experiential learning because we want to use what is being experienced in the working lives of defence personnel,” Prof Lee said.
“By examining and reflecting on their experiences – deployments, emergency support service, special events - students will be able to research and report against a range of criteria including social responsibility, ethical practice, and international perspectives. Their studies will help them to form models for best practice in the future and help them to assess their personal and professional development through the lens of their practical ADF service.”
The new subject will be launched at UniSA’s City West campus on Thursday 26th June 2008 between 3.00pm and 4.00pm in the Kerry Packer Civic Gallery in the presence of the Governor of South Australia, His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce AC CSC RANR.
Chairman of the Defence Reserves Support Council, South Australia, Peter Summers OAM, said the new course was an exciting development for Defence service men and women who are taking on university studies.
“UniSA is a fine example of an organisation that brings an innovative approach to the ways in which it supports the Australian Defence Forces,” Summers said.
“Staff and students involved in ADF Reserve service have been acknowledged and supported by the university for many years through flexible work and study arrangements and now this new announcement of the special Service Learning in the Defence Force course shows a further acknowledgement of the importance of this partnership.”
Summers said the new subject would be an invaluable addition to regular degree studies because it would build personal confidence and breadth for the ADF students.
UniSA’s support for the ADF is longstanding and carries across
research and development, teaching and learning and through special work
and study arrangements for reservists.
Contact for interview
- Professor Peter Lee, Deputy Vice Chancellor, office (08) 8302 0154 email peter.lee@unisa.edu.au
Media contacts
- Michèle Nardelli office (08) 8302 0966 mobile 0418 823 673 email michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au
-
Allan Cole office (08) 8305 6427 mobile 0417 887 040 email
allan.cole@defence.gov.au