Bond University has announced a new School of Hotel, Resort and Tourism Management that, in partnership with Marriott International, will offer undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs from January 2009.

Head of School, Professor Elizabeth Roberts, (pictured left with Chancellor Trevor C Rowe, AM), says the new programs have been developed in response to critical shortages for qualified management professionals in the hotel and tourism industry both in Australia, and internationally.

"Hospitality and tourism is now the world’s largest industry, employing one in every nine people world-wide and generating around four trillion dollars annually," she said.

"Business at this scale requires managers with highly advanced analytical and management skills, and the demand for these professionals is currently far exceeding the supply of qualified graduates.

"We have developed niche Bachelor and Masters-level programs that will equip graduates with specific knowledge in the area of revenue management to enhance their career outcomes. There are no other programs like these in Australia," Professor Roberts said.

Also unique to Bond University’s School of Hotel, Resort and Tourism Management is its industry partnership with globally recognised hotel and resort operator, Marriott International.

On the Gold Coast for the launch of the new School, Executive Vice President for Marriott International Inc. (Asia, Pacific and Australia), Mr Geoff Garside, welcomed the partnership.

"The School’s mission is to develop world class hospitality professionals who will be the hotel and tourism leaders of the future. The Australian and international hotel and tourism industry stand to benefit greatly from this initiative, and Marriott International is proud to serve as the School’s inaugural industry partner.

"We have many Australians in our leadership ranks around Asia and believe that our support to the School will assist in ensuring that the industry needs and the school curriculum are closely aligned.

"We look forward to a strong and long partnership," Mr Garside said.

Professor Roberts said the School’s association with Marriott International would result in tangible outcomes for Bond’s Hotel, Resort and Tourism Management students both during and after their studies. 

"It will be a huge asset for our students to have the opportunity to undertake work placement with such a highly regarded hotel chain that is so well recognised around the world," she said.

Professor Roberts added that in addition to completing compulsory work placement, students will also be challenged to develop the "conceptual, analytical, technical and interpersonal skills that they will need to compete in the international hotel and tourism industry."

"Building upon a framework of core business subjects, the undergraduate and postgraduate degrees will be highly specialised in the areas of finance, revenue management, asset management, and marketing.

"Essentially, our Bachelor Program is designed to attract students who want a university-level business management degree, but who aspire to a career in the hotel and tourism industry and want to stand out from the crowd," she said.

The new School will complement the existing Schools within Bond University’s Faculty of Business, Technology and Sustainable Development, with students able to use their elective subjects to gain an insight into topics such as sustainability.

"Our connection with Bond’s School of Sustainable Development will provide enormous opportunities to our students who want to gain an edge in the industry," Professor Roberts said.

"Hotel and tourism operators are increasingly looking to minimise their impact on the environment. Take, for example, all the work that has been done in the area of water conservation by Gold Coast theme parks such as Wet and Wild and Dreamworld.

"There is a huge environmental component to this program that will really appeal to Generation Y, as well as their future employers," she said.

Program offerings from the Bond University School of Hotel, Resort and Tourism Management, from January 2009, will be as follows:

• Bachelor of International Hotel and Resort Management
• Bachelor of Tourism Management

• Master of International Hotel and Resort Management
• Master of Tourism Management

*Bond University has a three semester-per-year schedule that allows students to fast-track their studies.

See photos from the launch.

Electro-convulsive therapy, also known as electric shock treatment, is one of the most effective treatments for psychotic depression, according to Bond University Adjunct Professor Dr Ashar Khan.

Professor Khan says that despite its bad reputation, electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) has been clinically shown to be effective in treating a variety of mental disorders, particularly depressive illness, resulting in improved quality of life in both the short and long-term.

"Studies on ECT have shown a favourable response in people suffering with psychotic depression, in that their recovery is faster and more absolute when compared to those treated with anti-depressant medications," he said.

Dr Khan said that ECT was often considered as a ‘last resort’ treatment for depressed patients who hadn’t responded to anti-depressant medications or were intolerant to the side effects.

"From my experience, ECT is often not a favoured treatment, particularly outside the immediate mental health profession.

"But research shows that in severe cases, where there are imminent risk issues to either the patient or their immediate family, ECT achieves an 80% plus success rate and is the most appropriate treatment to move the patient out of that critical phase," he said.

Dr Khan pointed to a severe post-partum psychosis as an example of when ECT would likely be the most effective treatment option.

"Depression and psychosis in a woman who’s just given birth is usually very severe, sometimes to the extent where she has suicidal tendencies. The wellbeing of both the mother and the child is in jeopardy.

"Research tells us any breakdown of early maternal bonding has ongoing consequences in the cognitive, developmental and emotional growth of the child - particularly in the first few weeks post-birth.

"In this case, the patient does not have the luxury of time to trial different anti-depressant medications that may, or may not, eventually work.

"If the treating clinician wants mother to have her quality of life back sooner and have a better impact on the child and family, then ECT ought to be considered," he said.

Dr Khan said it was crucial that ECT treatment be targeted to the right person.

"It is important that clinicians think of ECT as an art to be individually tailored to patients needs.

"The process of consultation – openly discussing the pros and cons of all options to achieve informed consent – is so important.

"The problem is that not all medical professionals – be them GPs, specialists, social workers or mental health clinicians – are up to date on the latest research when it comes to ECT.

"As clinicians, we need to have an open mind of looking at every treatment we have on offer.

"How can you have a balanced and objective approach if you’re not equipped with the latest research and guidelines?"

He says the practice of ECT has come a long way, but there is still work to be done when it comes to educating the medical profession and the public on the myths and controversies around its use.

"ECT still has a bad reputation, due in no small part to the sensationalism created by the media and entertainment industry – take for instance, Jack Nicholson in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

"These graphic images of people shaking and foaming at the mouth, or the idea of ECT as a behaviour control torture method, are still embedded in the community and we need to undo these stigmas.

"In the past, around 40 years ago, there was a lack of guidelines worldwide so people were being given ECT without any real clinical consensus on what was good practice.

"Now days, we have a clear set of standards and guidelines. ECT is also now the only treatment for depression that requires the involvement of multiple disciplines – an anaesthetist, theatre staff, a mental health clinician, a specialist doctor and nurses.

"The patient’s muscles are completely relaxed, they are asleep for a few minutes while ECT is administered and they don’t feel a thing.

"There are strict parameters tailored to each individual patient, with their specialist doctor working out the threshold suitable to them.

"It’s very safe. Safer than dental surgery in fact."

Dr Khan said like all treatments, ECT does have its limitations.

"A possible side effect that needs to be considered is memory loss, but generally this is only of events that occur after ECT has been administered and it is nearly always short term and reversible.

"The adherence to the strict standards and guidelines that are in place today is paramount.

"Given to the wrong person, ECT will bring about side effects and controversy. Given to the right person, it may well save a life."

Dr Ashar Khan (MBBS, MRCPsych, FRANZCP) is the Director of ECT Training for Gold Coast Integrated Mental Health, a consultant psychiatrist and an Adjunct Professor within Bond University’s Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine.

Bond University will facilitate and host a Rental Affordability Financiers Forum today (Thursday, March 27), which aims to prepare an action plan to build 1,000 new, affordable rental homes in Queensland by 2010.

Federal Minister for Housing The Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP will address the forum, that will bring together local government, leading not-for-profit housing providers, major banks and developers to discuss an ‘agenda for action’ to achieve the Rudd government’s promise to build 100,000 new homes for low-income Australians over the next decade.

Discussions will centre on how to implement the government’s $600 million-plus National Rental Affordability Scheme, designed to encourage investment in cheap housing, with Mr Rudd keen for Queensland to take the lead.

The forum will be facilitated by Head of the Bond University Mirvac School of Sustainable Development and one of Australia’s top housing affordability experts, Professor George Earl.

Professor Earl said the aim of the forum is to achieve agreement on how to move forward in addressing Australia’s Housing Rental Affordability Crisis.

"With over one million Australians now spending more than 30 percent of their income on rent or a mortgage, the government recognises there is a need for urgent action," Professor Earl said.

Professor Earl said there were a number of issues he expects the forum will address, including concerns over the rate of return and limited capital gain for low income housing investors, taxation allowance complexities, and the reluctance of major banks to invest in cheap housing.

He said the government recognised the necessity for an independent authority to facilitate the national forum, given the vested interests of some of the parties participating.

"Bond University was the obvious choice given our unmatched expertise in the area of housing affordability and our recent research in this area," he said.

Bond University, with its strong reputation for delivering quality education, is now confirming its place as a research partner of choice by providing world class research services to industry.

Bond is advancing its research activities at break-neck speed, with a staggering 87% increase in external research funding recorded over the previous year.

In the same period, the University also announced its first multi-disciplinary research centre, was awarded its first commercialisation grant, and experienced a record number of Higher Degree Research student enrolments.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Research at Bond University, Professor Chris Del Mar, says that research is an integral part of Bond’s success.

"With a research profile ranging from cutting edge to intensely practical projects, Bond University is at the forefront of ‘new thinking’, developing innovative solutions to real world problems," Professor Del Mar said.

"Our success is built on devising workable solutions, tailored to suit the specific requirements of our regional, national and global industry and government partners," he said.

The University’s burgeoning research portfolio facilitated the establishment of three University Research Centres last year, in the fields of forensics, health informatics and sports.

"Each Centre combines the expertise of two or more Faculties, allowing for collaborative research ventures among our Academics and creating a vigorous research culture," Professor Del Mar said.

Professor Del Mar pointed to the University’s interdisciplinary Research Centre for Forensic Excellence, established in September 2007, as an example.

"The Centre combines expertise from Bond’s Faculties of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Health Sciences and Medicine, so it encompasses all aspects of forensic studies," he said.

"Patron of the Centre is the Honourable Justice Michael Kirby, of the High Court of Australia, and Advisory Board members include well known individuals such as the Director of the Australian Federal Police Forensic Services, a senior member of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and Senior Director of Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services."

He said the primary purpose of the Centre would be to undertake research encompassing all aspects of forensic studies and facilitate an ongoing dialogue between the various stakeholders in the forensics process – from the laboratory to the courtroom.

"We will be assisting all those engaged in forensic disciplines to begin speaking in a common language, replacing what currently appears to be a ‘dialogue of the deaf’ between specialists who have no obvious common ground.

"Perhaps it is unrealistic to expect to be able to fully educate lawyers in the mysteries of molecular biology or forensic psychology, (and vice versa), but we feel there is much to gain from inviting an exchange of perspectives in a mutually supportive environment," he said.

The new Centre for Forensic Excellence joins a rapidly growing portfolio of University-wide, and Faculty-based Research Centres at Bond University, that offer expertise on topics ranging from New Media and Education to Global Trade and Finance.

The extensive expertise and technological resources that exist at Bond University are made accessible to industry and government through the Bond University Research and Consultancy Services (BURCS).

"BURCS provides the link to researchers who can help with providing innovative, timely solutions to business problems or investigating R&D opportunities," Professor Del Mar said.

Services offered by Bond University include:

• Contract or commercial research
• Specialist advice
• Testing and analysis
• Program evaluation
• Feasibility studies
• Expert witness opinion
• Contract/project administration
• Identification and preparation of research funding applications
• Student projects and internships

For further information about Bond University’s research activities and services, contact BURCS on (07) 5595 1320 or email research@bond.edu.au.

Hundreds of students and recent graduates came together with leading employers from around the country at Bond's biggest ever Careers Fair on March 13.

Over 600 students attended the Annual Careers Fair to meet face-to-face with 39 graduate employers who were eager to promote their organisation and graduate and internship opportunities.

Among the employers who attended were Clayton Utz, Aldi, Defence Force Recruiting, The Australian Government, Michael Sing Lawyers, The Raptis Group, Queensland Police, ABN AMRO Morgans, National Australia Bank, The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), Centrelink, Gold Coast City Council, Brisbane City Council and many others.

Kirsty Mitchell from the Career Development Centre said she received glowing feedback from employers on the quality of the students and graduates they spoke with.

"Across the board, employers were very positive and consistently commented on the high calibre of Bond graduates.

"Specifically, they were impressed with their superior communication skills, motivation and career goals, enthusiasm and impeccable personal presentation.

"One employer even commented the Bond students were the best they’d seen by far; which, given this employer takes part in Careers Fairs around the country, was a very positive reflection on the University," Ms Mitchell said.

Students were also full of praise for the event, and made the most of the opportunity to learn more about the employment options on offer by some of the nation’s top companies.

The Careers Fair is just one of the many services offered to students by the Career Development Centre.

"It is the highlight of the busy schedule of regular events we host, ranging from careers workshops, ‘de-orientation’s, student and employer networking events and the annual Career Development Week; not to mention the one-on-one consultations we offer to students seeking career advice on a daily basis," Ms Mitchell said.

Plans for the 2009 Careers Fair are already underway. Companies wishing to be involved in next year’s fair should contact Kirsty Mitchell at the Career Development Centre on 07 5595 3388, or email kmitchell@bond.edu.au.  

View our Career's Fair Photo Gallery here.

From the dreaming spires of Oxford, to the high rise beach strips of Waikiki and the Gold Coast, distinctive skylines around the world elicit both positive and negative responses.

A spectacle produced through the collaboration of individual designers and developers, each skyline or cityscape gives little indication of true life as it is lived below the high rise towers.

Businessmen scurrying to their workplace, or holiday makers relaxing over a morning coffee in a café below … The mother circling the shopping centre trying to get a park, or the teenager going for their morning jog…

It is these aspects of urban life that intrigue Associate Professor of Urban Planning at Bond University Dr Daniel O’Hare (pictured), and inspired his recent public talk at the Gold Coast Art Gallery’s exhibition of Olafur Eliasson’s Cubic Structural Evolution Project.

A spectacular installation created from more than 300 kilograms of white Lego building blocks, the Cubic Structural Evolution Project invites visitors to participate in the construction of a cityscape using just Lego blocks.

Pictured right is the mini Lego metropolis created by Gold Coast gallery goers after just three weeks.

As part of Bond University’s sponsorship of the exhibit, Associate Professor O’Hare was invited to offer his response to the work, delivering a public talk he entitled ‘Beneath the seductive skyline’.

"You can see parallels between what has been created here, and the Gold Coast skyline," Professor O’Hare said.

"The linear high-rise cityscape is very reminiscent of the Gold Coast beach strip, which is unique in Australia, although not in the world. For instance, Waikiki is famous for its high-rise dominated coastline.

"But while this skyline is certainly impressive from a distance, it offers little insight into the urban life that occurs in the streets below.

"Unlike this mini Lego world, that is an unplanned, laissez faire clutter of buildings, truly urban cities require buildings to be connected to each other.

"At the ground level, streets and linkages need to tie everything together to make the city liveable.

"Creating this inter-connectivity is a complex process. The creation of sustainable, liveable cities relies on a network of streets and linkages and active transport, among other many other factors.

"Urban planning is a necessary step in making each cityscape a great place to live at the ground level," Professor O’Hare said.

Bond University offers a Bachelor of Urban Design and Planning that is ideal for students interested in careers in a variety of built environment professions involved in creating sustainable cities.

Find out more information here: Bachelor of Urban Design and Planning

Bond With Bond: Sydney, 8 April

Join the University's current, past and future students before you start your life at Bond. Meet and mingle with the people who will help to bring your ambition to life.

Date: Tuesday, 8 April

Time: 5.45pm - 8.30pm

Location: The Menzies Hotel, 14 Carrington Street, Sydney

RSVP to Charlotte King at cking@bond.edu.au, or phone 07 5595 1114.

Bond With Bond: Brisbane, 15 April

Join the University's current, past and future students before you start your life at Bond. Meet and mingle with the people who will help to bring your ambition to life.

Date: Tuesday, 15 April

Time: 5.45pm - 8.30pm

Location: Ryan's Private Dining Room, Conrad Treasury, George Street, Brisbane

RSVP to Charlotte King at cking@bond.edu.au, or phone 07 5595 1114.

Student for a Semester
Next intake: May Semester, 2008

Student for a Semester is open to Grade 11 and 12 students in January, May and September each year. As an enrolled Bond University student, participants complete a university level subject for which they gain credit towards their future degree. This is a great opportunity for students to experience university life – both academically and socially – and gain an insight into study areas of interest. For more information or to apply, interested students should see their school’s Career Advisor or click here for an application form. 

Open Day

Date: Sunday, 17 August 2008

Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm

Put this date in your calendar today! Open Day 2008 will show you what makes Bond University so unique as you meet students, Alumni and professors and get inspired to bring your ambition to life on the beautiful Gold Coast.

Visit Open Day to find out why Bond University is the highest rating university in Australia in the 2008 Good Universities Guide.

Our Open Day is not the only time you can come and visit the Bond University campus there are various events available to you all year round.

Or why not take advantage of a personal session with a Bond University Regional Manager to discuss your study options, scholarships and career ambitions.

Contact a Regional Manager in your state to schedule your appointment.

All Upcoming Events

View the Bond University Events Calendar

BOND FILM GRADUATE NOMINATED FOR 'BEST ASIAN FEATURE'

SIZING UP SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMISATION

Communications graduate Everett Sizemore has adapted his journalism and marketing skills to the specialised field of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO).

Everett came to Bond University from Cincinnati, Ohio to study communications in 2003. He had already established a successful e-commerce import/export business while living in Indonesia, selling organic jewellery online to customers in the US.

He managed to continue operating the business while he was studying at Bond, using the profits and a number of partial scholarships to finance his degree.

While his original intention was to become a journalist, when Everett returned to the US after graduating, he found there were more opportunities on offer in writing for the web.

Ever the entrepreneur, Everett sold his import/export operation and launched a new business, www.firstpagefitness.com, providing online copywriting and internet marketing services to clients in the health and fitness industry.

This, in turn, led him into keyword research – "after all, we must know what people are searching for in order to write about it," he says – and, ultimately, search engine optimisation.

"It has been a winding path, but I wouldn’t have it any other way," he said.

"I am so happy to be doing what I do and my communication and journalism classes at Bond have been an integral part of my success every step of the way."