About the project
The intention of the project is to establish the key factors involved in long-term university-community relationships through which mutual benefits can be meaningful, impactful, and sustained. The Orange region has been selected as one that represents an untapped area of growth and opportunity which PACE could fulfil for the mutual benefit to the communities of that region and the University.

Get involved
If you have a prior and/or current relationship(s) in the Orange region, you are invited to share your knowledge and offer recommendations regarding the establishment and management of a whole of region partnership, or any other information you might consider relevant (eg. including any interest in being a part of such an approach).

To participate or for more information contact pace.science@mq.edu.au.

Last week, representatives from eight countries came together to discuss how collaboration between the University and the international not-for-profit sector can contribute to solving some of the world’s greatest challenges. Macquarie staff met with 18 PACE International partners to discuss ways to strengthen their partnerships and create change in many contexts across the world.

“Macquarie has delivered the PACE International Program in partnership with Australian Volunteers International for the past five years,” says Allison Simons, Associate Director, International Programs. “In 2016 we will take a much stronger leadership role to further deepen and develop partnerships with organisations internationally to better deliver sustainable outcomes for our students and partners.”

The week-long event gave partners the opportunity to broaden their relationship with the University and connect with academics and unit conveners to forge new relationships. “It also opened up new areas for collaboration, with some partners particularly excited to develop PACE activities in disciplines such as dance,” says Allison.

Allison explains the week has resulted in greater clarity of the strategic direction of the PACE International program and the role Macquarie plays in managing relationships with partners and designing new PACE activities.

“It’s events like this that lead to innovative and exciting new PACE activities for our students that will make significant contributions to helping our international partners drive long term social change in different parts of the world,” says Allison

A highlight of the week was the PACE T talk, ‘Global Social Change – How Universities Can Contribute’ which provided further opportunity for local and international partners to connect with each other.

“Our partners’ response to this very special session was incredibly positive, and we were all encouraged to believe many worthwhile opportunities exist for us to collaborate together to help build more resilient societies,” says Allison.

Macquarie’s pioneering approach to transformative learning has long been recognised – from the days when flexible study patterns were first introduced, to today, when the impact of the PACE program on the field of work-integrated learning is stronger than ever.

“PACE has come a long way since its early days when there was low awareness of the program and lots of confusion surrounding its operation and mission,” says Lindie Clark, Academic and Program Director (PACE). “Now, four years on PACE is a very different offering, sitting right at the heart of Macquarie’s ground-breaking work in transformative learning.”

Lindie says more than 15,000 students have been through the program since its inception and over 1300 partner organisations now offer PACE activities.

“The program is key to Macquarie’s role as a training ground for new generations of audacious world citizens and community leaders,” she says. “It’s a true manifestation of our nurturing culture where students are encouraged to be the best they can be, and to actively shape the issues defining the future of humanity.”

PACE will be on show at the all-staff exhibition on Thursday 24 September, to showcase areas of institutional achievement as the program nears full implementation in 2016. Hear firsthand from members of the PACE teams about the great work being accomplished including:

• scope and scale when fully implemented next year
• research projects
• International program’s new direction
• expansion of paid internships
• advancements in curriculum support for academic staff
• latest developments in the PACE Disability Action Plan
• specific wins within and across faculties.

The exhibition will also feature a PACE pop-up film studio where you can share your perspectives and ask questions of the team, so consider your questions now.

Already have a question, idea or a grand plan in mind?
Share them now and the team will be ready and waiting for you on the day.

Event details
When: Thursday 24 September
Time: 8.30am – 12pm
Where: Macquarie Theatre foyer

The broad goal of the PACE Development Grant Scheme is to encourage the expansion of the number of appropriate opportunities for students to engage in PACE in local and regional settings.

For details regarding the funding parameters, eligibility and selection criteria and application information, please download the PACE Development Grant Scheme 2015 Guidelines and complete the online application form which are available from the PACE Website.

Applications should be lodged by 5pm Thursday 27 August via the online survey form.

The winners were chosen from more than 4500 students who undertook local, regional and international activities with our 1200-plus partner organisations.

PACE Academic and Program Director Lindie Clark, explains the prizes were awarded for outstanding accomplishments in mutually beneficial outcomes.

“The level of achievement in the 2014 submissions was so high that a total of 13 winning activities were chosen, including both individual and group work,” she said.

Hosted by Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) Professor Sherman Young, the event included an inspirational presentation by Anne-Marie Elias, initiator of The Collective NSW, who discussed the four important considerations observed by PACE to affect positive social change in the community, including connecting with people, collaboration, innovation and courage.

Students also responded on film to the many skills, observations and initiatives they had gained throughout their PACE activities, thanks to the leadership shown by their academic advisors, unit convenors, partner organisations and colleagues.

Some of the winning activities included producing a film showcased at the PUKAÑAWI Human Rights Film Festival, a mentoring program for refugees from Darfur, and involvement in cutting-edge scientific research on the Huntsman Telephoto Eye project with the Australian Astronomical Observatory.

Visit the PACE Prizes webpage for a full list of the 2014 winning activities, including  a video of the event.

“The awards night is one of the most inspiring and enjoyable tasks in my role,” said Lindie. “The selection process for the prizes consistently draws together an extraordinary list of achievements by PACE students, staff and partners in activities locally, regionally and internationally, and 2014 did not fail to impress.”

Below our PACE students share their stories.

Congratulations to all our award winners.

The implementation of initiatives from Our University: A Framing of Futures continues in 2015 with a number of projects completed with many others making steady progress.

2014 concluded with the inaugural University Annual Conference and the launch of the Macquarie University Business Model Competition – a pilot initiative to support the development of student business ideas at Macquarie – and 2015 has commenced with steady progress of our strategic initiatives.

Strategic focus areas
The Executive Group identified a number of strategic focus areas for this year including our Academic health enterprise, the international college and the new City Campus at its February Executive Retreat.

Shared Identity
The Shared Identity project launched the University’s new brand narrative and visual identity to the public earlier this year. Key achievements include the re-skin of the university’s web presence, brand training for more than 750 staff, students and suppliers, and collaboration across the campus to deliver over 800 brand compliant pieces of collateral.

New Director for the Centre for the Health Economy
In February, the University welcomed industry expert Dr Henry Cutler as the new Director of the Macquarie University Centre for the Health Economy. Dr Cutler’s focus is on economic research into the National Disability Insurance Scheme, health financing, mental health, workforce, eHealth, aged care, medical R&D and medical technology. In addition, the Centre will provide much-needed economic evaluation resources for many research projects across the campus.

Business Process Improvement Initiative (BPII)
BPII ‘Lean’ is now an established part of how we operate and improve our processes at Macquarie with a steady stream of new processes being reviewed through the Rapid Improvement Process.

Learning and Teaching Green Paper
Released last month, the Learning and Teaching Green Paper was made available for discussion, encouraging staff to engage with its ideas to inform and develop the University’s Learning and Teaching Framework. Staff are invited to register for the upcoming Learning and Teaching Green Paper town hall meeting Tuesday 9 June.

Excellence in Research for Australia
Last month also saw the successful certification and completion of our 2015 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) submission with results to be communicated later this year. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Sakkie Pretorius says the ERA team are now involved in producing a post-ERA discussion paper aimed at improving and streamlining our processes for future ERA rounds.

Repositioning PACE
The strategic initiative ‘Repositioning PACE’ is now complete, with a key outcome of a more effective and accurate representation of PACE (Professional And Community Engagement) as a differentiating driver of choice for the University. The goal of full implementation of PACE in 2016, which will see all new undergraduate students completing PACE as a degree requirement, is on track. When fully implemented, PACE will connect more than 8000 students each year with one of over 1300 PACE parners.

2015 Annual Conference
Planning for the 2015 Annual Conference is underway with intention to build upon the success of 2014’s inaugural event, and continue to build momentum around the University’s strategic priorities.

Keep up-to-date with current Framing of Futures strategic priorities, initiatives and news.

The PACE Development Grant Scheme encourages the expansion of the number of appropriate opportunities for students to engage in PACE in local and regional settings.

Potential projects might include (but are not limited to): partnership development, activity development, development / evaluation of innovative modes of PACE unit delivery e.g. multi-student, cross-faculty projects, online delivery, on-campus delivery.

Projects must be tied to accredited or nominated PACE Units.

In 2015 there are two specific foci for these grants:

• Applications that align with the Learning and Teaching Strategic Framework Green Paper.
• Applications that develop opportunities for students to engage in PACE in regional, remote and rural settings.

Note: although there are two foci in 2015, applications that meet the broader goal outlined above are also encouraged.

For more details regarding funding parameters, eligibility criteria, selection criteria and application information, please download the PACE Development Grant Scheme 2015 Guidelines and complete the online application form which are available from the PACE website.

Applications close 5pm Thursday 30 April via the online survey form.

Hale Adasal | PACE International Program Officer

How long have you been at Macquarie?
Almost two years.

What is your favourite thing about working at Macquarie?
Progressive University initiatives, and the campus surrounds.

Where is your favourite place to spend a spare five minutes at Macquarie?
By the lake, watching the ducks and meditating for a couple of minutes, or for as long as possible.

How do you get to campus?
I commute by train, five days a week from Gosford. Yes I know it’s so far away but I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.

What was your earliest childhood career aspiration?
I wanted to be a scientist, and a teacher.

If you weren’t a PACE Program Officer, what would you do?
I would be teaching Big History to high school students. But working with PACE I am able to combine my passions with my skills so I won’t be going anywhere in a hurry.

What are the biggest misconceptions about your profession?
I’m often asked if I’m a lecturer.

In your job, what question are you most often asked?
Students ask if they can participate in an international internship with a new partner with whom they have initiated a relationship outside our current partnerships.

What would you want to learn if given the chance to learn it instantly?
How to spontaneously combust at meetings.

Favourite film, book or TV show?
The ABC’s Q & A. It’s informative, allowing differing opinions to argue the reasons behind their views about relevant issues of the day. There needs to be more of it!

What is the one piece of technology you can’t live without?
I can live without technology, but I do rely on my mobile. It acts as a GPS, an alarm, and I can be instantly updated via emails and PACE Facebook pages by students when they are on international placement.

Something not many people may know about me is…
I have just embarked on the process to become a foster carer. I will be providing respite care to young people one weekend a month. This gives full time foster carers a break and allows the young person to spend a weekend with their ‘aunt’, which would be me!

If money were no object what you like to achieve?
Human rights and environmental justice. I would be able to commit full time, active engagement with community groups and individuals alike, raising issues and ways in which people have the power to make change – if we wait for everyone else to change the world then nothing will happen.

What were you doing before you started these questions?
I was reviewing our current overseas risk assessment processes and developing business processes to manage our new unit PACE 360. The ASQC committee resolved to create an interdisciplinary academic unit PACE360 available in winter and summer vacation 2015. This unit is the first undergraduate unit to be administered centrally by the PACE Hub, a requirement for students undertaking any international PACE activity that does not fit within the scope of discipline specific units currently offering a PACE international experience.

Read more about the PACE 360 unit and PACE international activities.

A short survey has been developed to help ensure the plan is both coherent and accessible. All feedback is required by Monday 15 September. Take the survey now

For more information contact Carolynne Paine (carolynne.paine@mq.edu.au) or Frank Siciliano (frank.siciliano@mq.edu.au ).

The PACE strategy is an initiative of Our University: A Framing of Futures.

Learn more about PACE.

The Y3A Mezze Cafe  buzzed with music, barbecue aromas, media students, staff and PACE Partners during the recent MAS350 PACE Partners Lunch.

More than 20 organisations who supervise media interns came to see the MMCCS facilities and learn more about the relationships between Macquarie, corporations and community groups through the PACE program.

They were treated to three live music performances, a tour of the Y3A production facilities, including the new Futures Lab, and a delicious Turkish lunch.

Dr Phyllis Sakinofsky, convener of the Media Internship subject, said that media students had to arrange their own placements. With over 100 students to place it is difficult for PACE and Dr Sakinofsky to establish ongoing relationships with this ever-expanding pool of organisations.

“Many of our partners are in the communication sector and understand the value of face-to-face contact and networking. While some of the outcomes of inviting them in may be intangible, the importance of establishing sustainable relationships cannot be under-estimated.”

A growing number of partners are from the not-for-profit sector where they have limited resources and skills. They were able to explore further avenues for working with PACE students across the university, as well as with academics in specific areas of research.

“We had a few partners and students speak about how working with a not-for-profit organisation taught them so much and impacted their values, something they had not anticipated at the outset of their internship. Contributing to small organisations enabled them to undertake projects that made a significant difference to others, and themselves.”

The event was funded by a PACE grant and it is hoped that this model will be followed by other departments in the future.

Learn more about the PACE experiences of our Faculty of Arts students.