Dear  *|FNAME|*

I can’t believe it is time to send out the final Newsletter for 2016. It has been another full year which saw the implementation of updates to the ESOS Act (effective 14 December 2015) together with the changes to streamlined Visa Processing on 1 July 2016. In 2017 we will see changes to the National Code and the ISANA National Council and ISANA members will continue to have opportunities to contribute to these discussions.

And what a way to end 2016 with the fabulous national conference held in Wellington New Zealand at the Te Papa Museum. I hope those of you who couldn’t attend were able to see read the Tweets and see the photos on Facebook. The papers from the conference will be placed shortly onto our website and don’t forget to continue to check for upcoming Professional Development opportunities being offered by your State Branches.

So from the National ISANA Council and the National Secretariat, we wish you a safe and happy Christmas and look forward to an exciting 2017!

Kind regards
Bronwyn Gilson
ISANA National Vice President

State Branches

All PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REGISTRATIONS can be access HERE

VIC/TAS Branch

Vic/Tas has set the dates for the professional development events and the state conference.

Please check your diaries — we would be delighted to see you there:
Wed 29 March 
Tue 4 July 
Fri 24 November

The venue is Graduate House Carlton.
Content for the PDs is being decided and discussed with the PD coordinators.  More information at the early part of 2017.

The state conference is Friday Sept 1.  Venue is William Angliss, Melbourne.

ISANA Vic/Tas would like to wish its members a happy and peaceful holiday period and a prosperous 2017.

QLD Branch

Wishing all our members a happy and  safe holiday from the Queensland Branch Committee Sam,Andrea,Judith,Christine and Janet.

Looking  forward to an exciting year in 2017.Thank you for all your support and Merry Christmas

Cross Cultural Competency Training
Date: Wednesday 15th March 2017
Time: 9.00am to 4.00pm

For more information and registration please visit out PD page.

ACTive NSW Branch

On Thursday 24th November ACTiveNSW held a Professional Development Session on A Holistic Approach to the First Year Experience facilitated by Dr Kathy Egea. It was great to join together with members and take time out to plan new initiatives for 2017.

(L-R) Nuala Myatt-Bocarro, Amy Choo, Lyndall Benton, Dr Kathy Egea, Christina Atomoaie, Greg Zaharis, Angela Leota-Hughes

The ACTiveNSW branch committee sends our best wishes for the holiday season and for an exciting 2017!

SANiTy Branch

SANity branch wishes all members a happy and safe holiday period and a prosperous 2017!

WA Branch

WA branch wishes you a Safe and Happy Christmas and a prosperous new year.

If any members have any ideas as to a topic/theme for the 2017 ISANA/ANZSSA State Conference, please email wa@isana.org.au

Interesting in becoming a Committee Member, please email wa@isana.org.au

Dear  *|FNAME|*

Thank you to all members who took the time to respond to our request for comments on the National Code. They were very useful in contributing to our feedback to the Department of Education and Training on the Draft document. ISANA has been advised that it is unlikely that the public document will be released this year. We anticipate public submissions will be invited sometime in early 2017. Members will be consulted before we put in a formal submission.

The upcoming NZ conference will go ahead as planned. Fortunately, there was little if any structural damage to infrastructure in Wellington following the earthquake earlier this month in the South Island. We are all relieved that the everyone is safe. Everyone is working very hard to make this a terrific conference and I for one, am looking forward to three days of interesting conversation and networking.

If you are not coming to the conference, please note that we will be holding our Annual General Meeting. In order for this to proceed, we will need members who are not going to complete proxy forms. Please go to this link: http://www.isana.org.au/members-2/ to download and complete the form. The completed form must be returned to the ISANA Secretariat 24 hours prior to the meeting. If you wish to nominate a proxy, the following committee members will be attending the AGM, Mary Ann Seow, Bronwyn Gilson, Manorani Guy, Brett Lyon, Molly Bonnefin, Tom Bayliss-Hack, Angela Leota-Hughes. On behalf of Council, I extend our thanks for your cooperation in this matter.

There will be another newsletter next month when we will share highlights from the conference.

Till then, I wish you well and to members coming to the conference – see you soon.

University Community Safety & Wellbeing
22nd & 23rd March 2017 | Victoria University City Convention Centre

Over 70% of respondents to the National Union of Students Talk About It Survey said that they had experience sexual assault and violence at university.

How can you do more to support your students?

The University Community Safety & Wellbeing conference 2017 in Melbourne will provide you with practical strategies to tackle violence and sexual assault on campus, improve response to critical incidents, and provide better support for diverse student needs Download brochure here>>

Hear presentations and interactive discussions from University sector leaders including:

Professor Richard James, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic), University of Melbourne

Sharna Bremner, Director, End Rape on Campus (EROC)

Professor Karen Nelson, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student), University of the Sunshine Coast

Dr Lisa Warren, Clinical & Forensic Psychologist, Adjunct Senior Lecturer & Director, Monash University & Code Black Threat Management

And a Senior Representative from Australia Human Rights Commission to discuss the landmark Respect.Now.Always. Survey.

Receive $100 off by using the code CC*ISANA when you register online.

Kind regards
Mary Ann Seow
ISANA National President

State Branches

All PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REGISTRATIONS can be access HERE

VIC/TAS Branch

Vic/Tas had a very enjoyable and constructive final PD for the year which was attended by approximately 80 members, non members, and students.  The event was facilitated y Renato Simionato whose session on building resilience was fascinating, timely and engaging.  There was as part of the event a student panel whose perspective was valuable.   Feedback on the PD has been very positive.

The AGM occurred on the same day and the following committee positions are now in place;

Executive Committee
2 Years ( Commenced 2016)
Branch President                                                 – Manorani Guy
Branch Vice-President                                         – Jennifer Walsh
Branch Treasurer                                                 – Carolyn Ballagh
Branch Secretary                                                 – Peggy Sterkin

1 Year ( Commence 2017)
Professional Development (PD) Coordinator           – Kimie Tomida/ Chameera Yasasvi
Conference Convenor                                           – Eris Henderson
Deputy Conference Convenor                                – Diana Salmon
Communications Coordinator                                 – Chris Moore
Tasmanian representative                                     –  Vacant
Schools sector representative                               – Alan Clarke
VET sector representative                                    – Demmi Paris
Regional Institution representative                         – Badraa Al – Darkazly

We are finalising our representative for Tasmania at the moment.
Isana Vic/Tas would like to extend our best wishes for a relaxing and well deserved break over the holiday period to all of its members. 2017 looks to be a great year to come as we build on the strength of previous years.

QLD Branch

SAVE THE DATE: Join QLD members and colleagues for an end of year drink on
Thursday the 1st December.
Time: 4.00pm to 6.00pm
Venue: The Ship Inn – Southbank Parklands
RSVP: jmart295@eq.edu.au

Cross Cultural Competency Training
Date: Wednesday 15th March 2017
Time: 9.00am to 4.00pm

For more information and registration please visit out PD page.

SANiTy Branch

Our Christmas Drinks networking will be organised soon and we wish everyone a very safe and happy Christmas break.

WA Branch

If any members have any ideas as to a topic/theme for the 2017 ISANA/ANZSSA State Conference, please email wa@isana.org.au

Interesting in becoming a Committee Member, please email wa@isana.org.au

Only 5 days to go!!
ISANA National Conference 

Dear  *|FNAME|* 

The strength of ISANA has always been the members. The collective voice of the ISANA membership made up of members who are at the coalface of international student support is highly valued as a stakeholder group. In the current government consultations on the ESOS Act National Code, ISANA has been able to provide commentary on all the proposed changes in the draft document. As a member, you would have received an email inviting you to provide Council with your thoughts on a key number of issues. Please do take the time to respond to this request.

The National Code is expected to be revised and come into effect in 2017. This is your opportunity to have an input into a very important piece of legislation that will have an effect on the international education sector in Australia. ISANA will have two opportunities to provide input. Our initial submission due before the 8 November, relates to the Draft as it currently stands. A revised draft will be later released incorporating feedback from consultations with the sector stakeholders, including ISANA. The later draft will be released for public consultation. ISANA will consult with members again before putting in a final submission.

Once again, on behalf of National Council, I encourage all members to contribute to the new National Code by providing us with your responses to the following questions:
What are the main concerns and issues (if any) that you have in relation to the following:

• International students undertaking online study; do you have any feedback on mode of study, amount of online study permitted and/or learning experience and outcomes
• International students seeking a transfer to another provider before the initial six months of study of the principal course
• Under-18 international students’ welfare and care arrangements as currently stipulated in the National Code
• Under-18 international students’ transfer of welfare and care arrangements between providers
• Requirements of Student support services for international students

Any other concerns?

If any members have any queries, please feel free to contact myself at: President@isana.org.au with a copy to: isana@isana.org.au

We look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards
Mary Ann Seow
ISANA National President

State Branches

All PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REGISTRATIONS can be access HERE

VIC/TAS Branch

Best Practice in International Student Advising eg. Advising the advisors
Date: 17th November 2016
Venue: Graduate House Carlton
Time: 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Facilitator: Renato Simionato, Registered Psychologist, B.A., Dip App Psych, M.Psych (Clinical) and Allianz

More information and registration can be accessed on our Professional Development page above.

Victorian/Tasmanian Branch AGM
Date: 17th November 2016
Venue: Graduate House Carlton
Time: 12:30pm

Nominations are open and we look forward to catching up with our members at the AGM.

PROJECTS

Victorian Working Group on International Student Employability (Vic WISE)

This working group has been the result of collaboration between ISANA, NAGCAS and Victorian State Government to raise awareness and action by interested members to improve international student employability support and outcomes. It represents a joint initiative to progress workplace rights and employability support for international students in Victoria. This project has generated strong support for VicWISE from across the sector and we have over 25 representatives from universities, private education providers and peak bodies on board. The working group is currently working on 4 specific action plans related to engaging with students, across the sector, with industry and institutions.
They are:

• Cross Sector Leadership
• Industry
• Institutions
• Students

 OSHC
The project is being revisited with a new working group made up of OHSC providers, various student bodies, VTI and the City of Melbourne.  The first phase of the project is to collect current data on the use of emergency services by international students in Victoria. This information will assist us in preparing a more comprehensive report with up to date data and recommendations that can be presented to relevant stake holders.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Ambassador Program (MHWAP)
ISANA is currently working on a document with student bodies, psychologists, psychotherapist, and OSHC providers to design a program that offers early intervention to support students within their peer group. The document outlines an innovative proposal called the “Mental Health and Well Being Ambassadorship Program.” In the proposal student “ambassadors” are trained to deliver mental health first aid to international students in need. 

If you require future information on any of these exciting project please contact VIC/TAS President Manorani Guy on: 0414229287

QLD Branch

SAVE THE DATE: Join QLD members and colleagues for an end of year drink on
Thursday the 1st December.
Details confirmed at a later date.

ACTiveNSW Branch

AGM & A Holisticd Approach to the First Year Experience (FYE)
Date: Thursday 24th November 2016
Time: 2pm-3pm (AGM) 3pm – 5pm (PD)
Venue: level 1, 10 Barrack Street, Sydney NSW

SANiTy Branch

The SANiTy Annual State Conference was held on October 19 at the University of South Australia City West Campus and what a fantastic day it was.

Numbers were not as high as we have had in previous years but with changes to staffing across the universities drop in registrations was expected.

The quality of presenters and presentations was excellent and everyone who attended was extremely positive and thankful in their feedback.

There are great things happening in student services across all sectors which are moving with the times particularly in terms of technology and how young people interact.

Our sincere thanks go to all presenters, Bill Spurr, Chairman of the Board for Study Adelaide, Jinger
Pan, Study Adelaide, Nadia Raisch University Senior College, Enaam Oudih, Practice Manager RASA Multicultural Services, and Shine SA who came with free “protection”. And a big thankyou to Uni SA for hosting the day and Sarah Parrington from Study Adelaide who pulled things together. We are always thankful for Kathy Matthews and Tash Pressley who are so committed to South Australian Student Services.

Our Christmas Drinks networking will be organised soon and we wish everyone a very safe and happy Christmas break.

Louise Skull

WA Branch

If any members have any ideas as to a topic/theme for the 2017 ISANA/ANZSSA State Conference, please email wa@isana.org.au

Interesting in becoming a Committee Member, please email wa@isana.org.au 

ISANA National Conference 

Dear  *|FNAME|*

This month has seen the release of world university rankings by QS and the Times. At the same time, the Australian government has released the latest visa data for the past six months. The increased number of student visa approvals would have been evident for members at orientation held in the first half of this year. Can we expect more in the months ahead? Undoubtedly marketers, recruiters and agents will be making much of Australian university rankings to draw more students to Australian providers across the sector.

What does this mean for ISANA members? Increasingly we are hearing from students and members of changes to the provision of support services to international students. In an environment where we are seeing increased numbers, it’s a concern that services in some providers are being mainstreamed, downsized and support pushed to online resources. We would be very interested to hear from members about changes if any, to support services in their institution.

ISANA needs to hear from you as we will be contributing to the Government consultations on the changes to the National Code. Government consultations with the sector have just begun. It is hoped that the new National Code will be put into effect in early 2017.

There are a number of key proposals and as with previous government consultations, National Council will be working with the branches to gather members’ input. We will be in touch with more details on how you can contribute to the ISANA submission. Remember that as a member, your opinion matters.  It is precisely because ISANA represents a broad cross section of coal face staff that the government values our submissions.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank members who have taken time to complete the survey on PD needs. We appreciate your responses and will take them into consideration as we plan PD for you.

Finally, I wish to draw your attention to the National Conference to be held in Wellington, New Zealand. It is a terrific program that our Kiwi cousins have put together. I understand many may be concerned about the cost but a trans Tasman trip costs less than a return flight to the AFL Grand Final! Registration costs have been kept low and there are many affordable shared accommodation options in Wellington. We hope to see you there. Early bird registration has been extended to 12 October so don’t miss out.

Kind regards
Mary Ann Seow
ISANA National President

State Branches

All PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REGISTRATIONS can be access HERE

VIC/TAS Branch

Best Practice in International Student Advising eg. Advising the advisors
Date: 17th November 2016
Venue: Graduate House Carlton
Time: 12:00pm – 5:00pm

More information and registration can be accessed on our Professional Development page above.

QLD Branch

Dion Lee at the Opening of the New Student Hub a the State Library in Brisbane. The Hub is a free welcoming support service for International Students. Supported by Study Brisbane and the MDA.
QLD President (Sam Hilbig) and colleagues attended the official opening on Wednesday the 7th September.

ACTiveNSW Branch

We congratulate and welcome the following immediate appointments:

• Angela Leota-Hughes as Acting President
• Nuala Myatt-Bocarro as Communication Coordinator

Upcoming PD
The First Year Experience Program
Date: Thursday 24th November 2016
Time: 2pm-3pm (AGM) 3pm – 5pm (PD)
Venue: to be confirmed

SANiTy Branch

SANiTy State Conference
Strategies in Helping Students in a Supportive Environment
Date: Wednesday 19th October 2016
Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Venue: UniSA City West Campus

More information and registration can be accessed on our Professional Development page above.

WA Branch

The ISANA/ANZSSA State Conference – “Retention: Your contribution” was held on 16 September with over 90 attendees from across all training sectors. Sean Murray, conference convenor noted that there was an increase in attendees from previous conferences.

ISANA WA Branch Vice President, Sook Leng Chan presented a session on “Student at Risk Intervention Process – Curtin College”, this session was very well received by those who attended. Other sessions included Curtin University’s Disability Services for students with ADHD and anxiety, Murdoch University’s LACE program which helps to integrate the students from Murdoch International into Murdoch University.

Jeanette Purkis, who was one of the plenary speakers brought to light the need for Educational Institutions to put in resources for students with disabilities to be able to reach their full potential. This was further highlighted through the student panel which consisted of a mature aged student, international student, student with a disability and a student with mental health issues.

ISANA WA will be responsible for convening the conference for 2017.

If any members have any ideas as to a topic/theme for the 2017 ISANA/ANZSSA State Conference, please email wa@isana.org.au

Interesting in becoming a Committee Member, please email wa@isana.org.au

ISANA National Conference 

International Student Wellbeing Forum

How can we stay on top of the environmental and societal changes in international education, and the challenges an international student faces?

Date: Friday 28 October 2016
Time: 8 – 11 am (registration from 7.30am)
Venue: Monash College, Level 7, 271 Collins St, Melbourne
Cost: in lieu of a registration fee, a donation on the day to beyondblue would be appreciated.

Please join us for a light breakfast from 7.30am.

To register and more information visit: http://international-student-wellbeing-forum.eventbrite.com.au

Dear  *|FNAME|*

On behalf of the ISANA National Council, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all our new members who have joined us since the start of this year. In the July-August period, ISANA welcomed 34 new members with 46 overall new members this last quarter.  This is excellent news and we are pleased to welcome all into the network.

The ISANA network as many of our continuing members will attest is one where members can share information, get support and assistance and also develop professional skills. Having been in the international education sector for many years, the friendly and generous network of peers that is ISANA is one that is special.

The upcoming ISANA Victoria/Tasmania Branch State Conference in Melbourne in September is an opportunity for many to get together and I encourage members from outside of Victoria to consider participating in this conference. The theme of the conference fittingly is ‘Network Today for Tomorrow’. For more details, please refer to the information that follows.

Conferences are important Professional Development events for ISANA. ISANA is currently planning the 2017 conference where ISANA will team up with ANZSSA, as we did in 2014 in Adelaide. Many will remember the collaboration which was a first for ISANA and ANZSSA was very successful. The synergy between our two professional organisations with a shared focus on working with and supporting students was very good. We are looking forward to another productive collaboration. To this end, ISANA is calling on members who are interested in putting their hand up to be Conference Convener for the 2017 conference.

Interested members need to send a 2 page Expressions of Interest to our Secretariat stating why they would like to take up this voluntary position (expenses are covered) and your relevant experience. The CC will work with National Council and our conference organisers as well as the Conference Working group with combined membership from both organisations.

Finally, I would like to encourage members to complete the PD survey (see link below). It is very important that you let us know how ISANA can meet your PD needs so do please take a few minutes to complete the short survey. It will take you about 10-15 minutes.

As always, we love to hear from you. We would like to know what you would like to see in the newsletter and we are always happy to share pictures of your events, strategies and research. Do drop us a line and we are on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn – follow us!

Kind regards
Mary Ann Seow
ISANA National President

ISANA SURVEY

ISANA believes that training and professional development are crucial to maintain and enhance the skills of staff working in the international education sector. We pride ourselves on offering useful and engaging professional development to our members. To do this we need to know your professional development needs.

Please fill out this short survey to let us know:

• Professional development topics you would like
• The level of support you receive from your employer to undertake professional development
• Preferred duration and length of sessions
• Interest in the following:
  • best practice forums
  • professional networking
  • online professional development

Please take a moment to help us improve our services to members.

Click here to take the SURVEY NOW

ISANA National Conference