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USC is an Employer of Choice for Women
The University of the Sunshine Coast had special reason to celebrate International Women’s Day today (Thursday 8 March).
USC was one of only 14 Queensland organisations to earn an Employer of Choice for Women citation from the Federal Government’s Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) recently.
This is the third consecutive year the University has received the EOWA citation in recognition of its efforts in increasing the representation of women at executive levels and helping employees maintain work/life balance.
To gain the rigorously-assessed citation, the University demonstrated improved outcomes for women, particularly in the areas of attracting, growing, promoting and retaining female staff across the organisation.
USC’s achievements include offering 26 weeks paid maternity leave, flexible working hours and flexible appointment options, and having promotional policies for both general and academic staff. (Attached is a list of USC’s staff equity achievements)
University Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Thomas AM said he was proud of USC’s efforts in earning the citation.
“This shows that we are acknowledging the major contribution that women are making to the University’s development,’’ he said.
“We set out to make as few distinctions as possible between staff, whether they are teaching or administrative staff, or men and women. All of us are in this development together.”
The University held an International Women’s Day morning tea for all University staff today (Thursday 8 March) at the entrance to the new Chancellery Building.
More than 150 staff attended the event which featured entertainment and speeches by Professor Thomas and Head of School of Social Sciences Associate Professor Joanne Scott.
“International Women’s Day is celebrated across the world and provides the opportunity to recognise the achievements of women and their contribution to society,’’ Professor Thomas said.