University Medals
The University Secretary is the custodian of official University medallions and plaques.
The University has two suites of medallions that are distinguished by being referred to as “old” or “new”.
The old suite of medallions and plaques are used for awards prescribed in regulation or at the request of a Dean, subject to Honours Committee approval. The majority of the old suite medals are awarded in accordance with UTR6.72 - Commemorative Scholarships and Awards.
In 1987 the University introduced a new suite of medals: a bronze medal for long service by members of the general staff; a silver medal for exceptional service by a member of staff; a gold medal for exceptional service in an honorary capacity.
In 1989 the conditions of award were amended to make both gold and silver medals available to members of staff and those serving in an honorary capacity; the silver is for exceptional service in a particular capacity or field of activity and the gold is for exceptional service to the University as a whole.
Requests for Issue of a Medallion
Requests for a new medallion, eg. an old bronze for a Presenter of a Lecture, must first be submitted to the Honours Committee for approval. The Dean of Faculty/Graduate School submits a request in writing outlining the purpose of the medallion and any background to the proposal. If a new Trust has been established that requires a medallion as part of its Award/Prize, it should be reported to Honours Committee for noting.
These requests are submitted to the Honours Committee Secretary, Ms Kathy Menezes. Once approval has been given for the issue of a medallion, there is no need to seek subsequent approval from the Honours Committee for future awards. The relevant Dean will be notified of such approval at the time.
Collection of Medallions/Plaques
A letter from the Dean outlining the award, year of the award and the recipient name’s should be forwarded to the University Secretary’s Office. The Faculty/Graduate School should then liaise with the University Secretary’s Office (Ph: 8344 7117) to arrange the collection of medal or plaque.
Engraving
Whilst the medals themselves are funded centrally or by the Trust or Foundation or donor, the cost of engraving is a local budget division expense.
* The exception to this rule are the plaques that requires the Sculptor to produce and affix the name plate, ie. the Bernard Heinze Plaque and the Ellis Stone Plaque where the University Secretary’s Office will need at least 1-2 months lead time to ensure that plaques will be ready in time for the presentation.
Records
The University Secretary’s Office has maintained a ‘Medals Register’ of all recipients since 1991 that is available for reference if required.