Staff Exchange Program 2016

Providing valuable and rewarding professional development opportunities, both for the organization and its employees, is becoming increasingly challenging within the higher education environment. Offering the opportunity for staff to attend conferences has long been a popular option, however, time in attendance may be brief, interaction can be limited, and opportunities for development and learning can be restricted. The costs associated with sending staff, particularly to international locations, can also be prohibitive. With this in mind, the combination of a conference and the arrangement of a more meaningful exchange opportunity provides the potential to expand upon the value of such an experience, whilst providing multiple benefits for both participants and host institutions. Participants can gain new skills, motivation, perspectives and an expanded network, whilst host institutions gain a temporary staff member who can provide a fresh outlook and insight into the programs and services they provide. Based on the success of a staff exchange program in 2014 and 2015, involving staff from Otago University (NZ) the University of Brighton (UK) and University of Wolverhampton (UK), Accommodation Services, La Trobe University will again be offering and hosting a staff exchange program. Open to all Australian and international staff working within student housing in higher education, the program will provide an opportunity to combine attendance at the Australasian Association of College and University Housing Officers Conference (AACUHO) in April 2016 in Sydney with an accompanying placement/exchange opportunity within Accommodation Services, La Trobe University, Melbourne. An appropriate reciprocal conference and placement term would be dependent on the location of the visiting staff member’s institution. Two positions will be available to individuals (based internationally or at other domestic institutions) in 2016 based on the following conditions. Requirements:

Commitment from host and partner institution for reciprocal exchange opportunity scheduled in in conjunction with relevant conference (for example, AACUHO, ACUHO-I, ASRA, CUBO, AMOSSHE etc.)

Provision of accommodation and selected meals during the program by both institutions Arrangement of visiting schedule including opportunity for networking, informal dialogue,

shadowing, cultural exchange activities, and option of pre-determined relevant project(s).

Eligibility for Involvement:

Any staff member, regardless of role (Residential Education/Life, Facilities Management, Administrative, Senior Management etc.) would be considered so long as they could demonstrate value from the experience.

The staff member from the host and visiting institution are not required to be from the same field. Outcomes of the Exchange:

Professional and personal development opportunity for visiting and host staff and housing operations

Enhanced networking and collaboration opportunities

Opportunity to review and explore operating practices through insight and perspective of visiting staff member

Formal reporting and evaluation process at conclusion of conference and placement opportunity Promotion of the staff exchange through AACUHO Student Residences Management Journal/

other publications as deemed appropriate Responsibility of Host Institution:

Offer of accommodation on-campus for the duration of the conference and placement Breakfast and dinner throughout the program Provision of a 7 – 10 day placement opportunity shadowing colleague(s) in a similar position with

the option of management of a pre-determined project(s) (exact duration to be negotiated) Possibility of arrangement of visits to other institutions in host country as deemed appropriate Determination of an appropriate host manager/placement supervisor for the visiting staff

member Design of a formal schedule for the visiting staff member including opportunities to network with

host staff, formal meetings and project work, and cultural exchange activities after hours and weekends.

Responsibility of Visiting Staff:

Completion of an application/expression of interest process to participate in the exchange with determination of suitability and final selection by host and partner University.

Active participation in the conference and placement schedule at the host institution Completion of a formal report (in collaboration with placement supervisor) outlining and

providing an opportunity to highlight learning, outcomes, application to role and housing operations.

Organization and payment of international and domestic flights, conference registration, meals not specified, personal expenditure and other miscellaneous activities not listed.

Important Dates for 2016 Program:

Date Activity

1 Feb 2016 Application from Visiting Staff/Institution to Accommodation Services, La Trobe University

8 Feb 2016 Selection of Staff (if multiple applications). Selection would be made on the basis of the value of the exchange for the staff member and their field of expertise. Discussion regarding return visit conference opportunities and placement dates.

7 March Formalization of draft schedule for visiting staff member, confirming dates of stay. Including project work, meet and greets, cultural exchange activities.

April AACUHO Conference & Placement (dates TBA in discussion with Visiting and Host Institution)

April – end 2016 Determination of appropriate conference and placement dates for Accommodation Services, La Trobe Staff based on discussion with Visiting Institution.

As appropriate Reporting and Evaluation of Exchange Program by staff involved.

Australian Exchange Manager Contact: Laura Burge

Residential Education Manger, La Trobe University L.Burge@latrobe.edu.au, +61 3 9479 1072

Staff Exchange Program 2016

Accommodation Services, La Trobe University Application Form

Department/ University Details

Department

University

Contact Person

Title

Phone

Email

Applicant Details

Name

Position Title

Overview of Duties

Phone

Email

In addition to completing the application form, the Applicant must provide:

1. Supporting letter from appropriate Supervisor/ Head of Department 2. Resume

AUSTRALIAN VISIT DETAILS Proposed Host Conference:

Conference

Dates

Internship Preferences:

Preferred Dates

Areas of interest/ projects/ desired learning outcomes (e.g., Residential education/life, student engagement, administration, student services, management etc.)

Applicant should provide responses to the following questions:

1. Reason for wanting to apply for the exchange program

2. Benefits to be gained from involvement in the exchange program (both for the host and visiting university). What contribution would you provide?

RETURN VISIT DETAILS Suggested Conference for Return La Trobe Staff Member:

Conference

Dates

Due Date for Submission to Laura Burge (L.Burge@latrobe.edu.au): 1 February 2016