Glossary
Terms specific to the PACE Initiative are listed below. For a full list of all key acronyms, abbreviations, terminology and definitions in use at the University refer to the University Glossary.
A B C D E F G I L M N P R S T V W
Australian Volunteers International (AVI)
Australian Volunteers International jointly manages the PACE International program with Macquarie University with the aim of providing students with opportunities to actively contribute to social change in communities overseas.
Background Check
Some Domestic Partner organisations may require students engaging with their organisation to have a Background Check undertaken in accordance with federal and state legislation. This is most likely to be for students undertaking their participation activity in an organisation involved with children, young people, people with disabilities, the frail aged, at-risk clients or a local, state or federal government agency. Examples include: Working with Children Check, National Criminal History Record Check, NSW Health Screening/Vaccination, Referee Check.
Co-curricular Activities
Activities which are not directly related to a student's academic studies, but which develop the graduate capabilities of the student in areas such as problem solving and research capacity, effective communication, and professional and personal judgement and initiative.
Community-Based Research
A research project undertaken for community partners as either action research, or proposal based research.
Community Service
A service that is performed for the benefit of the public or its institutions, primarily undertaken in the community sector, or for a not-for-profit organisation.
Co-operative Education Programs
A program which alternates periods of academic study with periods of work experience (paid or unpaid) in appropriate fields of business, industry, government, social services or the professions.
Critical Incident
An event that occurs during a participation activity which may cause or is likely to cause extreme physical and/or emotional stress to students, staff and/or the staff of the partner organisation, and which may be regarded as outside the normal range of experience of the people affected.
Culture Shock
A condition of confusion and anxiety affecting a person suddenly exposed to an unfamiliar culture.
Discussion Session
A session to facilitate discussion between returned participants and potential applicants for international participation activities to gain first-hand insight into their experiences.
Experiential Learning
Skills and knowledge achieved outside the formal education and training system.
Faculty Academic Director of Participation (FADP)
An academic member of staff based in the faculty responsible for providing leadership in the implementation of the PACE Initiative and its integration into the University Business and Academic Plans. There is a Faculty Academic Director of Participation in each of the four faculties (Arts, Business and Economics, Human Sciences and Science).
Faculty Participation Manager (FPM)
A professional staff member based in the faculty and responsible for the coordination of the administrative aspects of PACE activities in the Faculties. There is a Faculty Participation Manager in each of the four faculties (Arts, Business and Economics, Human Sciences and Science).
Faculty Participation Shell Unit
A unit developed to provide an academic framework for a range of participation activities provided through the faculties.
Field Trips
A group excursion undertaken for the educational purpose of firsthand observation. Students go to places where the materials of instruction may be observed and studied directly in their functional setting.
Global Futures Program
Previous name for PACE International.
In-Country
For international programs, this is the section of the program where the student is overseas and is undertaking their participation activity.
Incident
Any unplanned event resulting in or having the potential for injury, ill health, damage or loss.
Industry-based Learning
Educational activities that integrate theoretical learning with its application in the workplace. Also see Work Integrated Learning (WIL).
Intern
A person accepted into a temporary position with a partner organisation to do an internship.
Internship
A temporary position with an emphasis on on-the-job learning. The position may be paid or unpaid.
Locally-based (organisation)
For the purposes of PACE, a locally-based organisation is a partner organisation that is based in the city of Sydney or surrounds.
Mentoring
Mentoring is a developmental partnership through which one person shares knowledge, skills, information and perspective to foster the personal and professional growth of someone else.
Non-Government Organisation (NGO)
A non-governmental organisation (NGO) is any non-profit, voluntary citizens' group which is organised on a local, national or international level. Task-oriented and driven by people with a common interest, NGOs perform a variety of service and humanitarian functions, bring citizen concerns to governments, advocate and monitor policies and encourage political participation through provision of information. Some are organised around specific issues, such as human rights, environment or health. They provide analysis and expertise, serve as early warning mechanisms and help monitor and implement international agreements.
Not-For-Profit Organisation
A non-profit organisation (NPO). Also known as a not-for-profit organisation. It is an organisation that does not distribute its surplus funds to owners or shareholders, but instead uses them to help pursue its goals. Examples include charities, trade unions, trade associations and public arts organisations. Most governments and government agencies meet this definition, but in many countries they are considered a separate type of organisation and not counted as an NPO.
PACE
PACE stands for Participation and Community Engagement. This is an exciting new component of Macquarie University's strategic direction, emphasising the University's commitment to excellence in research, teaching and learning, and community engagement. PACE provides opportunities for students and staff to actively contribute to positive social change, while developing valuable career skills. The aim is for mutually beneficial learning and engagement.
PACE Domestic
The section of the PACE Hub that assists with the development and implementation of local and regional participation activities and partner development.
PACE Faculty Staff
Staff members within the four faculties (Arts, Business and Economics, Human Sciences and Science) who provide leadership in the implementation of the PACE initiative and oversee the coordination of PACE activities in their respective faculties. Faculty staff members include the Faculty Academic Directors of Participation and the Faculty Participation Managers.
PACE Hub
The central office that assists with the development and implementation of PACE programs and the PACE initiative.
PACE International
The section of the PACE Hub that assists with the development and implementation of international participation activities and partner development.
Participation Activity
The experiential activity allocated to, and undertaken, by a student within a participation unit.
Participation Activity Location
This is where the student undertakes the participation activity that is a requirement of the participation unit. The location can include partner organisation premises, University premises or a particular local or regional site.
Participation Grant
Participation grants may be available to assist students in financing their participation activities if those activities are undertaken internationally or in regional Australia.
Participation Unit
A unit of study that provides students with an opportunity to learn through practical experience and make a valuable contribution to communities by applying knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom to real world situations.
Partner Organisation
A corporate, government, non-government, social or charitable entity that agrees to partner with Macquarie University for the purposes of hosting and supervising students in participation activities.
Placements
A type of participation activity.
Practicums
A type of participation activity.
Project
See Participation Activity.
Reference Check
Generally a check with a previous employer about a candidate's suitability for a position. It can also mean the same as a background check.
Regionally-based (organisation)
For the purposes of PACE, a regionally-based organisation is a partner organisation that is based in a non-metropolitan area of Australia.
Service-learning
Combines community service and learning, where the learning objectives are tied to a specific unit.
Team Leader
The person put in charge of guiding a team of students.
Tier of Approval
The level of approval required for the sign-off on a new or modified partnership agreement.
(PACE Partnership Tier of Approval Checklist)
Volunteer
A person who renders aid, charitable or helpful work, performs a service, or assumes an obligation without remuneration.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
Educational activities that integrate theoretical learning with its application in the workplace. WIL provides an authentic experience of work or professional practices that typically occur in a workplace, community, studio or practice setting.
Workplace Orientation
An introductory stage of a participation activity in which students are welcomed to the partner organisation, are provided with an overview of their participation activity and are told what to expect during the activity. This may include a summary of any associated risks, health issues or language training, and may incorporate team building exercises for group projects.
Latest News
Senator Chris Evans learns more about our international projects
Check here to find out more about his visit to Macquarie University