Universities: Strengthening the AOD Workforce - Symposium
The purpose of the symposium is to encourage alcohol and other drug (AOD) education in university curricula such as nursing, social work, psychology, medicine, science, pharmacy, public health, law, education, sport and recreation.
The symposium will bring together universities in NSW and industry peak bodies, government, non-government and community agencies to share information and advice on: AOD university curricula and teaching practice; industry and agency perspectives on AOD workforce needs; how universities can prepare students to work effectively in the AOD workforce; and possible career pathways.
The symposium will highlight the vital role universities play in growing and strengthening the broad AOD workforce, the significant achievements of universities to date, what has been learned, the current status of university AOD curricula and what is needed for the future.
The presentations will address the implications for workforce development of: polydrug use; methamphetamine use; the extent of alcohol abuse; and dual diagnosis and treatment of mental health and drug and alcohol problems.
The NSW Drug and Alcohol Workforce Development Council has a whole of government role and provides advice and strategic leadership on AOD workforce development. The Council reports to the Minister for Education and Training and is chaired by the General Manager, TAFE Strategy. The membership and terms of reference of the NSW Drug and Alcohol Workforce Development Council, along with additional information are attached below. The Council has responsibility for driving, monitoring and reporting on Section 7: Workforce Capacity of the Government Response to the Summit on Alcohol Abuse. Section 7 requires that the Council will make recommendations to Cabinet on cost effective initiatives to encourage development of AOD education in higher education institutions.
Nominees of the Council and the NSW Vice-Chancellors Committee prepared a set of recommendations on AOD education in universities. The recommendations which are attached below were endorsed by the Minister for Education and Training and include a number of projects. The projects are well underway and due to be completed in May 2007 as follows:
This Symposium is being held to support the university academics who have recently begun their new roles in ‘championing’ drug and alcohol education in universities. Many eminent practitioners and researchers have generously agreed to participate and share their experience and expertise with the new champions.
The guest list includes clinicians and researchers in AOD workforce development; managers and staff of public, private and non-government specialist AOD agencies; representatives from peak industry, community and professional bodies; and the academic staff and students from universities who are championing AOD curriculum in universities.
The attached agenda outlines presenters and topics. The agenda includes speeches, panel sessions, short presentations workshops and discussion time. A key session of the symposium will be the final session where: university participants will share the outcomes of the curriculum projects funded by the NSW Drug and Alcohol Workforce Development Council; and an informal network of champions of AOD curricula in universities will be established.
Venue and Catering
The symposium is being held at the John Niland Scientia Building at the University of NSW from 8.30 to 4.30 pm.
The formal proceedings will start at 8.45 am sharp. Participants will be provided with tea and coffee on arrival (from 8.30), morning and afternoon tea and lunch.
There will be approximately 70 participants attending including the speakers.
Most of the day will be held in the room called the Galleries. The seating arrangement for the Galleries is round tables of six with a top table and lectern for speakers. The afternoon parallel workshops will be held in a number of rooms including the Galleries.
The NSW Drug and Alcohol Workforce Development Council was established by the State Government in response to the 2003 Summit on Alcohol Abuse. The Council has a whole of government role. It provides strategic advice and leadership on the development of the workforce that is involved with prevention and minimisation of harm from drugs and alcohol.
| Name | Position | Organisational Addresses |
|---|---|---|
Recommendations on Drug and Alcohol Training in Higher Education
The New South Wales Drug and Alcohol Workforce Development Council University Working Group made the following recommendations in relation to the provision of drug and alcohol training in universities, endorsed by the Minister – June 2006:
1. Vice Chancellors encourage drug and alcohol training in their university by:
2: The wealth of high quality curricula and course materials that exist for drug and alcohol programs in the university sector be customised and integrated into existing curricula
3: The drug and alcohol curricula and course materials be integrated into undergraduate, generalist programs such as psychology, nursing and social work.
4: Case studies and other customised teaching/learning resources be developed to enhance the integration of the drug and alcohol curricula and course materials into the existing undergraduate, generalist programs
5: Information and practical advice on how to integrate the curricula, course materials and resources be provided to faculties and teaching staff.
6: The focus of the curricula be on early intervention skills in the field.
7: Clinical partnerships and work placements be incorporated in the drug and alcohol education programs
8: Lead universities be designated in specific disciplines where drug and alcohol learning is integrated and cross-enrolments encouraged
9: Teachers be recruited from specialist, community and related agencies involved in drug and alcohol harm prevention and minimisation
10: The available funds from the NSW Drug and Alcohol Workforce Development Council (approximately $75 000) be allocated to:
10.1: $4 000 to each of the eleven NSW universities involved in drug and alcohol education to contribute to the seed funding of a senior staff member to champion drug and alcohol education and careers. The universities will be accountable for specified outputs for the allocation including the:
10.2: Up to $30 000 for the preparation and conduct of a state wide symposium on encouraging development of drug and alcohol education in higher education institutions which will involve: