Landmark survey to map Australian university sector

Professor Gillian Whitehouse from the School of Political Science and International Studies is set to undertake a major survey of workplace issues that affect the work and careers of Australian university employees.

Conducted with colleagues from Griffith University, the study is the first of its kind since the mid-1990s and will allow researchers to examine the ways in which the university sector has changed over the past 15 years and to assess current policy needs.

“While most studies of university employment focus exclusively on salaried academic staff, we are interested to hear from general/professional staff and casual teaching staff as well,” Professor Whitehouse said.

Funded by an Australian Research Council Linkage Grant, the research is also supported by a number of industry partners including the National Tertiary Education Union, UniSuper and Universities Australia.

Professor Whitehouse said there were 20 Australian universities taking part in the study, and encouraged staff who receive an email this week from Work and Careers in Australia to fill out the survey.

UQ’s Institute of Social Science Research (ISSR) will administer the surveys, with all data received by the project team de-identified to ensure protection of participants’ anonymity.

Respondents will have the opportunity to enter a draw for an iPad 2.

More information about the project is available online.

Media: Professor Gillian Whitehouse (g.whitehouse@uq.edu.au) or Naomi Smith (07 3365 3446, naomi.smith@uq.edu.au)