Background

Following presentations to the University Community Equity Committee on mechanisms to advance the careers of academic women and achieve greater gender diversity at ANU, the Vice Chancellor has made available $50,000 per annum over two years for initiatives aimed at improving the ANU's capacity to attract, promote and retain academic women.

Projects and Initiatives

Applications are sought for funding for projects or initiatives to improve the institutional support given to academic women in advancing their careers, for example to assist in raising their academic profiles and establishing academic women as role models. Specific projects could include: creating women's leadership networks; developing and maintaining mentoring programs; providing additional administrative support during stressful work/life/family balance periods; running workshops to enhance skills in leadership, negotiation, public relations etc; and providing career coaching.

The Women's Career Advancement Fund is not for projects related to research, including fieldwork, or for attendance at conferences or seminars during the normal course of academic activities. A separate travel fund is available for assisting parents with childcare responsibilities when they are required to travel during the course of their academic activities.

Who can apply for funding?

Colleges can apply but cross-College applications are welcome. The college Dean must endorse the application. For cross-College projects, a ‘lead' applicant should be identified.

How much funding?

Up to $10,000 is available per project. In exceptional circumstances this amount could be exceeded, for example, for a substantial cross-College project.

When are applications due?

Applications for 2009 should be submitted to Inge Saris, Manager - Diversity and Inclusion, Human Resources Division, Chancelry Building 10A, by 16 February 2009.

What are the funding rules?

A selection panel, headed by Professor Mandy Thomas, Pro Vice Chancellor (Research), will consider and approve applications. Funds will be transferred to the College's R-ledger. Funding must be expended in accordance with the budget proposed in the application.

Unspent funds must be returned. A report on the outcomes is required at the end of the project. Projects running over two years must produce an annual report/update.

Further questions?

For further information, please contact Inge Saris (E: inge.saris@anu.edu.au or P: 57878) or Sue Sadauskas (E: susan.sadauskas@anu.edu.au or P: 57139).