The University has investigated the recent ransomware threat incident, working very closely with the Australian Cyber Security Centre. There is currently no active ransomware threat against the University and this investigation is now closed.

Learn more: Alleged cyber security incident

The Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) is now open and accepting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from eligible staff. Based on feedback the University received from staff in 2024, the VSS provides an opportunity for eligible staff to conclude their employment with the University on mutually agreeable terms which includes a generous voluntary separation package.

Detailed information about eligibility, assessment criteria and the VSS process is explained on the VSS website. A voluntary separation calculator which provides an estimate of a potential voluntary separation amount has also been made available for interested staff.

This opportunity will run to a strict timeline, and the University will not be accepting any EOIs from interested eligible staff after 14 March 2025.

The Chief People Officer will facilitate two information sessions – one for supervisors and one for staff. Details will be published in the coming days. For full details, including eligibility and benefits, visit the Renew ANU website.

Learn more: Voluntary Separation Scheme

With O-Week done and classes now underway, we’re back into our core business: delivering world-class education and research that benefits Australia. All of you play a part in that vision, whether you’re standing in front of a hundred keen undergrads in a lecture theatre, sifting through the latest dataset in your research project, or maintaining the garden beds on our beautiful campus.

This year, delivering on our vision means making some tough choices. We all fervently wish we weren't in this situation. We wish we didn’t have to deal with the fact we are spending a lot more than we are earning and have been doing so for a long time. But the facts about our situation compel us all to act. We have to be financially sustainable so our mission and purpose endures.

Read more: Message from the COO

In May 2024, the University brought in the Recruitment Approval Committee (RAC) to provide oversight and governance controls into the way the University manages resourcing. This includes new roles, replacement positions and temporary opportunities.

Since the RAC’s inception, headcount has reduced by 348 roles. The trend from early 2023 showed a strong increase in headcount which the RAC has helped normalise.

Submission success to the RAC is strong, with a 93.42 per cent overall approval rate. Our leaders are making choices about what is important for the institution, whilst continuing to support our critical activity, both academic and professional.

The RAC continues to assess new roles created through research opportunities and alignment of functions, conversion of our staff through mechanisms in the Enterprise Agreement and replacement of needed roles. It has also helped improve our data quality with over 1,000 roles reviewed in under 12 months.

The RAC will continue into 2025. The Committee sought feedback from the community on how to make the process more robust. We will report on progress on a quarterly basis.

New Skaidrite Darius building name. Photo: Jamie Kidston/ANU

Last week, the ANU Computer Science and Information Technology building was officially renamed to honour Skaidrite Darius, a pioneer who carved out a place for women in the male-dominated field of IT. Darius was the first woman employed to develop and manage the electronic processing systems at ANU. 

Read more: ANU building renamed in honour of IT trailblazer

We are pleased to share our latest progress report on the actions and initiatives taken over the past six months to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across ANU. These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to creating an environment where every member of our community feels valued, heard and supported.

For any questions, please contact the Inclusive and Respectful Communities Team. 

Read more: IDEA Progress Report

Five sessions across Friday 28 February – Saturday 8 March, 8-10pm 

Mount Stromlo Observatory in conjunction with the Canberra Astronomical Society invite the Canberra community to Enlighten at Mount Stromlo. More than a night under the stars, come along to Mt Stromlo Observatory and discover stories of Australian science, people and our shared connection to the skies through projections and installations created by students from the ANU School of Art and Design. Talks exploring the Universe as well as stargazing with Mt Stromlo Observatory and the Canberra Astronomical Society will occur (weather permitting). 

Register now: Enlighten the skies

Thursday 6 March, 6-7pm 

Stan Grant will be in conversation with Mark Kenny on his book Murriyang. Song of Time. Stan Grant is talking to his country in a new way. In his most poetic and inspiring work yet, he offers a means of moving beyond the binaries and embracing a path to peace and forgiveness, rooted in the Wiradjuri spiritual practice of Yindyamarra – deep silence and respect. 

Register now: MTA Stan Grant 

Friday 7 March, 7-8pm 

Best-selling author and TV historian Bettany Hughes will be in conversation with Caillan Davenport on her book The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a revelatory new history of the ancient world told through its seven greatest monuments. 

Register now: MTA Bettany Hughes 

Wednesday 12 March, 9.30am-12.30pm 

The people manager essentials program is an excellent refresher for those seeking to strengthen their foundational people management skills at ANU. It covers key information specific to leading staff at the University and offers a valuable opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the ANU community. 

Register now: people manager essentials 

Children enjoying the new changes. Photo: Jamie Kidston/ANU

Last week ANU joined an official launch event to celebrate the successful transition of University Preschool and Child Care Centre (UPCCC) and Heritage Early Childhood Centre into new and larger purpose-built facilities. The event was attended by the Vice-Chancellor, staff, families and community members, marking a fresh start for early learning at ANU.

UPCCC has expanded to 103 places and Heritage to 88. Staff, parents, and children have embraced the changes and are enjoying the enhanced environments. Both centres currently have vacancies. Families seeking childcare services should contact the centres directly.

AuSI prestigious Stephen FitzGerald Scholars. Credit: Provided. 

The ANU Australian Studies Institute (AuSI) has been awarded four-year grant funding of $1 million from the National Foundation for Australia China Relations (NFACR) to continue the prestigious Stephen FitzGerald Scholars Program (SFSP).  

Named in honour of Australia's first ambassador to Beijing (then Peking), the SFSP provides high-performing students from Greater China who are studying at Australian universities, with insights to Australian history, culture and our diverse society. This initiative has been funded through NFACR in its 2024 – 25 grants round.  

Calling the SFSP a "visionary idea and a delight to be involved with", Academic Convenor, Mark Kenny said “this four-year funding represented a most welcome vote of confidence in the Institute and ANU at a time of considerable funding uncertainty”. 

Read more: AuSI secures $1M 

SoAD Glass Furnace Ceremony. Photo: Jamie Kidston/ANU

Last year, the University's gas-fired furnace, Roxanne, officially turned off its red light. Now, as part of our commitment to renewable energy, we have fired up a new electric glass furnace at the ANU School of Art and Design. 

Vice-Chancellor Genevieve Bell had the honour of flipping the switch. “I think about the journey we are on as a country in terms of how we think about our energy footprint and how we can be more sustainable,” she said, acknowledging the efforts of everyone who has worked to make ANU "a little bit more 21st century".   

ANU Head of Glass, Dr Jeffrey Sarmiento said that the new furnace was a team effort  – much like glassmaking. "It takes many hands to make glass," Dr Sarmiento said. “We are witnessing significant efforts across the University, from academic to technical, administrative, executive and finance. All the people in this room have contributed to the realisation of this project." 

Though this furnace is still unnamed, we can't wait to witness what lies ahead for the shiny future of glassmaking. 

Read more: Renewable glassworks at ANU

What does climate action look like in your workplace? Whether it’s cutting down on single-use plastics, setting up a team sustainability challenge or making your office more energy-efficient, every small step adds up. ANU Green has put together an easy guide to help you get involved in environmental sustainability on campus – because a little effort goes a long way. 

Check out the ANU Green page for practical ways to take action.

The Leadership in Practice program draws on neuroscience research to equip ANU leaders with the skill set to effectively lead high performing teams. Participants will gain essential tools to handle tough conversations, deliver impactful feedback, manage change and set meaningful goals  – all while building valuable networks across the University, at no cost. Express interest in this program via the form below. For further information, please reach out to HRD.Development@anu.edu.au. 

Express interest: Leadership in Practice program

Applications are now open for the Professional Staff Scholarship Scheme (PSSS) and the Professional Staff Development Endowment Fund (PSDEF). These grants aim to advance the skills and knowledge of professional staff by financially supporting short courses, conferences and career development programs.  

Dr Fiona Scotney, Director of the Tuckwell Scholarship program says, “Through the PSSS I completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors course. I have since shared my insights and made great contributions to my local team." 

Applications close Friday 21 March.

For any inquiries please contact HRD.Development@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.