“It’s like Shane Warne giving spin bowling master classes to Canadian cricket players,” said Dr Ashley Wain, lecturer in the Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) School of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) about the forthcoming visit by theatre director Leonid Verzub. Mr Verzub will work with VPA students on the Australian premiere of Stars in the Morning Sky, a play made famous by the Maly Drama Theatre of St. Petersburg, Russia. “They are considered the greatest acting ensemble in the world. Leonid and [Maly director] Lev Dodin were classmates and are two of the major figures in world theatre. Both studied under Maria Knebel, who was an assistant to Konstantin Stanislavski and a friend and collaborator with Mikhail Chekhov, Anton Chekhov’s nephew.” Dr Wain said the visit will not only greatly benefit CSU’s VPA students, but anyone who would like to come along and observe the rehearsals. “Leonid’s mastery of the Stanislavski technique is unique in Australia.”

A Charles Sturt University (CSU) graduate is already leaving her hallmark on the exclusive world of jewellery design and creation. Sarah Lugton, who recently completed her Bachelor of Arts in Jewellery at the CSU Wagga Wagga Campus, is one of three young Australian’s awarded the inaugural Kaiserman Prize in Melbourne for her “spatial themed” silver rings and bangle. Her prize includes studio space, materials, tools and on-going mentoring from Kaiserman’s expert jewellers in Melbourne. Sarah says she is, “Grateful at the recognition of my work and honoured and privileged to be one of the three winners.” Founder of the Prize Mr Simon Kaiserman complimented Sarah, saying her work was outstanding, “Both technically and artistically. The pieces reflect perfectly the artist’s statement which is an achievement in itself,” he said.

Late last month, the Seven Network confirmed the signing of its US Bureau Chief, Anna Coren, to host the Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane editions of Today Tonight, Seven’s flagship prime time current affairs program. Ms Coren is yet another CSU alumnus to appear on national daily television. Breakfast TV rivals Melissa Doyle (Sunrise) and Jessica Rowe (Today) are also graduates of CSU’s Communication degree, as is Chris Bath, who presents Seven Late News Updates. Acting Head of the School of Communication, Bill Blaikie said, “The high profile of CSU’s Communication graduates is testimony to the quality of the people and the learning drawn to these degrees.  For every highly visible graduate there are at least another 100 working just as successfully in their chosen field.  Congratulations to every one of them”.

She is “first rate” and he is “just brilliant”, according to the mutual admiration society of Professor Alan Fish, Head of the International School of Business at Charles Sturt University (CSU) and Dr Julie Cogin, Senior Lecturer in Organisational Behaviour at the Australian Graduate School of Management. They recently took out the Australia New Zealand Academy of Management (ANZAM) Best Paper in a Stream Award at the latest ANZAM Conference held in Rockhampton, Queensland. Professor Fish supervised Dr Cogin’s PhD on the environmental factors that cause sexual harassment. “The award is a reflection of the quality of her work,” he said. Dr Cogin said Professor Fish is an excellent role model and teacher. “He is so encouraging. There were a lot of obstacles and challenges, but Alan kept reminding me that success was not the destination, it was the journey. Once we had access to data, it all came together very, very quickly.”

The Australian and Argentinian wine industries opened doors to closer collaboration when Charles Sturt University (CSU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Instituto Nacional de Vitiviniculture (INV) of Argentina last month. The MOU links the National Wine and Grape Industry Centre (NWGIC), based on CSU’s Wagga Wagga Campus, and INV, which is responsible for coordinating and overseeing grape growing and winemaking in Argentina. The agreement was signed by CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Goulter and INV President Lic. Raúl Guiñazú in Canberra. NWGIC director Professor Geoff Scollary said, “Our wine industries have a lot in common, so there is much we can learn from each other. We are also discussing collaborative programs in wine business, research and law as well as student and staff exchange programs. This will place NWGIC in an ideal position to collaborate on issues facing the world wine community”.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) Council last week inducted four new members. Ms Geraldine Kennett is currently enrolled at CSU in the Doctorate of Business Administration course. “I am originally from the country, so an inland University appeals to me. CSU is in a position to address some of the skills shortages and population and demographic issues in regional Australia.” Ms Kennett is the Membership Strategy Manager at the Australian Industry Group and an affiliate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. The other new Council members are Dr Robert Macklin, an elected staff member from the Faculty of Commerce, Ms Heather Bell who is Acting Head of CSU’s Dubbo Campus, and primary education student Mr Mitchell Elks, who said 'as an undergraduate student living on campus, I want to have a voice, and being on the Council helps me do that. I also want to ensure that the best interests of CSU students are being considered in the University’s decisions.”

Australia’s chronic skills shortage and the Federal Government’s push to get people off welfare and into the workforce is presenting teachers, trainers and welfare workers new challenges. How can we make the transition easier? This pressing issue will be canvassed at a half day Research in Vocational Education and Training (RIVET) group colloquium at the Charles Sturt University (CSU) Wagga Wagga Campus on Tuesday 13 February. Speakers include Dr Steve Johnson, Director of the Policy Research Institute of the Leeds Metropolitan University, where he will outline the skilled workforce shortage also confronting the United Kingdom. CSU experts will also examine the social implications and various teaching strategies that can be used in the welfare to work policy. RIVET’s Associate Professor Erica Smith says “The success of Welfare to Work policy is important for individuals entering or re-entering the workforce as well as the nation.”

One thousand new faces are expected to converge on the Charles Sturt University (CSU) Wagga Wagga Campus from Monday 19 February for Orientation Week activities. New students will attend information sessions about courses, enrolment and living both on and off-campus. New students will learn about CSU’s online services, electronic communications, library and student services. Students will be given a formal ”Welcome to Country” by Wiradjuri elders at Joyes Hall from 2pm on Monday. An estimated 600 students will get a taste of CSU life at a huge barbecue on Tuesday from 2.30pm outside the Dining Hall. Social activities include a ’Dive-in Movie’ on Thursday night at the CSU Wagga Wagga Pool. For the first time Wagga Wagga City Council will provide Wagga Wagga City bus tours for new CSU students, running all day Friday.

Prime Minister John Howard announced last month that “the existing Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs will become the Department of Immigration and Citizenship” adding that the new title better reflected “the pathway to becoming an Australian inherent in a vibrant immigration program”. In the UK, multiculturalism has been described by Tory leader David Cameron as a “wall of division that must be torn down”. Dr Rabiul Islam, lecturer in Psychology at Charles Sturt University (CSU) has a special interest in people’s perceptions of the word ’multiculturalism’. He agrees that multiculturalism can be seen to divide society into ethnic groups. “The concept of multiculturalism has been misinterpreted. I think a better word is diversity, as it conveys a purpose to unite the nation. It is important that different ethnic groups mix with mainstream Australians and understand Australian values,” said Dr Islam.