On Thursday 5 June, two change proposals were released for consultation within the Planning and Service Performance (PSP) Division, and the Information Technology Services and the Information Security Office (ITS and ISO). These proposals include structural changes, role realignments and new operating models. They aim to improve functional service ownership, streamline delivery, and support the objectives of Renew ANU.

These are the first change proposals released for consultation following the implementation of the Renew ANU Change Principles and implementation roadmap, recently shared with the ANU community.

Consultation on these proposals is open to all staff and their representatives until 9am, Monday 23 June, via the Renew ANU website.

The University continues to work with VSS applicants to finalise their arrangements, the status of which is depicted in the table below.

The preliminary assessment on the VSS program as of May 2025 is that it will contribute to an annualised savings of $25.3m from 2026 onwards. All departing staff are thanked for their hard work at the University.

Over the weekend, the King’s Birthday Honours list was announced. I’d like to extend special congratulations to Professor Mark Howden AC FTSE FAA, who received the highest honour, being appointed Companion of the Order of Australia (AC). Mark was recognised for eminent service to environmental science including the global response to climate change, and adaption to both agriculture and tertiary education.

The Honours list recognises outstanding service to community, country and the world. This year, a number of ANU staff, alumni and affiliates have been recognised and we are proud to count such remarkable individuals among our community.

Please join me in saying congratulations to:

Read more: VC's update: King's Birthday Honours 

I’m pleased to share that this Thursday the Nixon Review Implementation Steering Group will meet for the first time to begin the task of co-ordinating and transparently reporting on our progress responding to Professor Nixon’s recommendations. You can find the Terms of Reference that will guide the Steering Group here.

I also want to encourage everyone at ANU to consider making an Expression of Interest (EOI) to participate in one of the Working Groups that will advise the Steering Group across the following areas:

Opening shortly, the EOI process will ask which working group you are most interested in and a few questions about your skills and experience and why you’d like to contribute. 

There are other ways of contributing - we’ve set up an email address for people who’d like to share their great ideas to be considered as part of the implementation process - please send them through to NixonSolutions@anu.edu.au

A new sculpture by ANU alumnus Kensuke Todo has been installed at Hancock Library, five years after the 2020 hailstorm destroyed the original artwork. Titled Utsuroi (transience), the brass and bronze piece reflects the connection between nature, knowledge, and the passage of time. 

Commissioned as part of the hail remediation, the work symbolises a full-circle moment for Todo, who studied sculpture at ANU. The design draws on both the library’s architecture and the Japanese concept of Ma, celebrating the spaces between things.  

Read more: Five years after a destructive hailstorm, a new sculpture glimmers at ANU Hancock Library 

We’re proud to share that the ANU School of Cybernetics has been named a finalist in the 2025 Australian Financial Review AI Awards, under the Research & Education category. This national recognition highlights the school's pioneering work in building a cybernetic approach to AI—one that combines technical excellence with ethical, social and environmental responsibility.

From delivering the world’s only Master of Applied Cybernetics to shaping AI policy and partnering with government, industry and Indigenous-led organisations, the ANU School of Cybernetics is committed to advancing technologies that benefit all. 

Professor Emily Banks AM has been recognised by the World Health Organization with a 2025 World No Tobacco Day Award for her outstanding contributions to tobacco control. 

Professor Banks' work has informed national and global action on tobacco smoking and e-cigarette use. Her research highlights the ongoing toll of smoking in Australia and the growing public health risks associated with vaping. 

Read more: ANU Professor receives international recognition for work on tobacco control 

Friday 13 June, 5.30-6.30pm

Join ABC Chief Election Analyst Antony Green AO as he reflects on 36 years of covering Australian elections. From the chaos of live results to behind-the-scenes moments, Antony shares the highs, lows and unpredictability of election night broadcasting.  

Register here: Bungee jumping on election night - A conversation with Antony Green 

Friday 13 June - Sunday 22 June, 11am-4pm  

On display for the first time in Australia, this exhibition of archival photographs captures a significant era in the history of Zenadth Kes (then Torres Strait) during the 1970s - a period of substantial political, social and economic change, marked by the strength, resilience, and creativity of local communities. 

Register here: GOTAT | GUTHATH | 時代の潮目 | TIDES 

Tuesday 17  June, 6-7pm  

Join Hugh White and Allan Behm as they discuss White’s provocative new Quarterly Essay, Hard New World: Our Post-American Future. With global power shifting and America stepping back from its leadership role, what does this mean for Australia? White examines the forces reshaping global power and urges Australia to confront an uncertain future with clarity and courage.

Books will be available for signing from 5.30pm.  

Register here: Meet the author – Hugh White

Join ANU Learning and Teaching for the exciting AI assessment hack-a-thon, an in-person, hands-on workshop for academics to rethink assessments in the age of AI. Bring your course outlines and explore innovative, practical ways to integrate AI in teaching with expert guidance from Bert Verhoeven, Senior Lecturer and Director of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Academy at the University of Newcastle and collaborative input from peers across disciplines.

Register here: AI assessment hack-a-thon

Thursday 19 June, 5-7.30pm  

Maria is a common given name to a Filipina. In 2016, Duterte’s drug war left 26,000 to 30,000 families fatherless or husbandless. The wives and mothers of the deceased are left trying to make ends meet for their families. This documentary follows three women, all named Maria on a journey to see truth and fight for justice. A staunch supporter turned victim, a wife and mother and a woman who became a beacon of hope.

Register here: Film Screening: Maria

Thursday 19 June, 6-7pm

Join Liz Cameron in conversation with Alex Sloan as she shares her powerful new memoir, Cult Bride: How I Was Brainwashed – and How I Broke Free. 

As a teenager on a gap year in Canberra, Liz was drawn into the South Korean cult Providence. In this gripping account, she reveals how coercive control shaped her life, how she endured manipulation and trauma, and ultimately, how she found the strength to break free. 

Books will be available for signing from 5.30pm.

Register here: Meet the author - Liz Cameron 

Following a competitive recruitment process, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Samantha Montenegro as our inaugural Chief Risk Officer to lead our new University Risk Office. Samantha will commence on Monday 14 July 2025.

Samantha brings over 25 years’ experience in private and public sector administration and consultancy work, with particular focus on governance, risk management, finance and assurance. She has held a variety of roles in a range of organisations as Chief Operating Officer, Chief Finance Officer, Chief Risk Officer and Chief Audit Officer, as well as serving as a member of a number of audit and risk committees.

Since 13 May, the Student Disciplinary Framework Review (SDFR) has approached key student and community groups for feedback on how we manage our disciplinary processes. Amongst other things, we’ve heard strong feedback that you want better communication and transparency surrounding our disciplinary framework. 

Consultation is ongoing and you haven’t missed your opportunity to have your say. We encourage you to submit responses via the online feedback form or, alternatively, via email to SDFR@anu.edu.au. Individual consultation groups can be arranged via email. 

With Semester 2 fast approaching, there are several important Canvas updates for teaching and professional staff: 

For support or questions, contact digitalplanlandtstream@anu.edu.au

In preparation for the 30 June roll out of the new travel approval and booking systems, a series of training sessions have been scheduled to support staff in navigating the new tools and updated travel policy and handbook.

Whether you’re a self-booker, travel arranger, or delegate/approver, the training sessions are tailored to meet your specific needs.

Training sessions will be available both online and in-person, so you can choose what works best for you. Recordings of the sessions will also be posted on the new travel website (coming soon) for on-demand viewing.

More sessions are coming soon: the current schedule is just the beginning. If you don’t have any immediate travel plans, don’t worry, additional sessions will be offered throughout July. Stay tuned and get travel-ready!

Register here: Travel training sessions 

Travel showcase reminder: don't forget to register for our inaugural event where you can meet 30+ exhibitors to enhance your travel experience.

Register here: ANU travel showcase

Want to know what ANU is planning for climate action, nature and the circular economy? 

Come along to an info session this June to learn more about the draft Environmental Sustainability Plan for 2026–2030. Find out what’s proposed, what’s already happening and how you can help shape the next steps. 

You can also participate online any time by watching the explainer, browsing the summary slides and sharing your feedback. 

Learn more: Help shape the future Environmental Sustainability Plan for ANU 

Nominations are now open for the Vice-Chancellor and Chancellor Awards! This is your chance to spotlight individuals who demonstrate exceptional achievement, leadership, or service. Submit your nomination and help us celebrate the inspiring people shaping our community.

Learn more: Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor Awards 

Due to the current professional staff representative leaving ANU, the University is calling for nominations for the election of a professional staff member to represent ANU to the UniSuper Consultative Committee (USCC). This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of UniSuper, influence key decisions and represent our staff interests at a high level.

Further information on the nomination process, the position and UniSuper can be found on the USCC Staff Representative webpage. Nominations must be in writing using the USCC Professional Staff Nomination form. The completed form, and all accompanying documents must be submitted to the Returning Officer, Mark Cook via reward@anu.edu.au.

Nominations close on Friday, 20 June, at 5pm.

Learn more: UniSuper Consultative Committee Call for Professional Staff Nomination

Please be aware that the LinkedIn account of our Vice-Chancellor has been compromised. This was drawn to our attention by an external party.

An internal investigation is under way, and the matter is being referred to external authorities.

For authenticated content from the VC, please see the University website.

Do you have an article or event for On Campus? We'd love to hear from you.

Please submit content seven business days ahead of the On Campus edition you'd like to feature in, using our online form. 

For example, to include content in the Tuesday 24 June edition, you must make a submission by Monday 16 June.

For any questions, please contact the On Campus team at on.campus@anu.edu.au 

ANU Security - (02) 6125 2249 

For life threatening emergencies first call 000 (or 0000 if dialing from an internal phone), then call ANU Security.  

Media hotline 24/7 - (02) 6125 7979 

Contact the 24/7 media hotline for media queries regarding the University and its operations, or to track down experts that aren’t listed in our Experts Guide.  

Help is available if you need it. Whether it's a work-related issue or a personal one, the University encourages you to seek support through the Employee Assistance Program.

If you need to support a student in distress, please refer to this guide developed by the Student Safety and Wellbeing team.