THE UNIVERSITY

Examples of support provided by the University to cultural affairs in relation to literature are provided below.

The U Committee is a group of friends of the University, including staff, spouses of staff, and any others who wish to contribute to the University. Since its inception in 1963, this charity has raised over $2,000,000 for many projects and activities on campus that otherwise may not have been funded, through the annual Book Fair and lost property sale.

To celebrate the 50th birthday of UNSW, the U Committee donated $250,000 towards the building of the Scientia - its completion coinciding with the 1999 celebrations. Amongst other recent funding, $50,000 was given to towards the purchase of the Stuart Piano, $20,000 to the new Optometry clinic and $20,000 to the UNSW Solar Racing Team. Other beneficiaries have been the Society of Orchestra and Pipers, the Museum of Human Disease, the Australia Ensemble and the UNSW Archives.

Preparations for the Book Fair take place in R9 at the Randwick Campus on Mondays. For donations and enquiries ring (02) 9385 0210.

The Fellowship, which is funded by the University’s volunteer U Committee, is awarded every two years to a distinguished writer (in any field), desirably with a work in progress that would benefit from a period at the University and with a willingness to contribute to university life.

The Fellowship is for a minimum of two months, either full-time or extended part-time. A stipend of $12,000 is envisaged, and the Fellow would be expected to provide a report of the tenure, and an acknowledgement in any suitable resulting publication.

Previous Fellows have been John Romeril, Alex Buzo, John Derum, Oodgeroo Noonuccal (formerly Kath Walker), David Foster, Les Murray, Sue Woolfe, Kate Grenville and Mandy Sayer. In 2004-2005, the quality of the applications was such that it was impossible for the Committee to make a decision and two writers were awarded the Fellowship: Linda Jaivin and Frank Moorehouse.

Nominations of Fellows should include the following information:

i) the nominee’s curriculum vitae and list of publications or other creative works;
ii) an outline of the nature of the proposed work to be undertaken and suggestions for involvement in the life of the University during the period of residence;

For further information please contact:

Meg Brewer,
Office of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor
(Education & Quality Improvement)
Telephone: (02) 9385 1094,
Fax: (02) 9385 1039
Email: m.brewer@unsw.edu.au