North Ryde. New degree

Macquarie University expects to introduce a bachelor of marketing and media next year. “The degree was developed in response to a growing awareness that marketing and media are increasingly intertwined and graduates with knowledge of both fields enjoy a competitive advantage 9in the marketplace, “ said Susie Khamis, the program’s coordinator.

North Ryde. Smoking policy at university

Macquarie University has announced that it will introduce a new smoking policy across its campus from 1 January 2011. Smoking on university property will be restricted to designated smoking zones, making the majority of the campus smoke free. Macquarie is one of the first universities to introduce such a policy across all its properties. Elsewhere on the campus, the Macquarie University Hospital Cancer Care Centre at North Ryde has been officially opened The centre will have access to state-of-the-art cancer treatment facilities at the Macquarie University Hospital. The centre is part of the 183 bed not-for-profit hospital, which is funded by the university.

North Ryde New research centre

Indian Consul General, Amit Dasgupta, has launched Macquarie University’s new India Research Centre, which is designed to act as a focus, catalyst and showcase for the exciting styles of research on India already taking place within the Faculty of Arts at the University, said faculty of arts executive dean, Professor John Simons. He noted the India Research Centre is a central part of the larger ‘Great India Project’ – a multi-disciplinary initiative designed to increase understanding and create bridges between Australians and Indians. The project began earlier this year with a donation of 100 books presented by the Indian Consul General to the university.

North Ryde. Is the GFC over?

As part of the Lachlan Macquarie Bicentenary Lecture Series, Macquarie University academic Dr Keith Suter will discuss whether the recent global financial crisis is over. Dr Suter, from the department of politics and international relations, is an economic and social commentator, strategic planner, conference speaker, author and broadcaster. Being an expert in his field, he is often called upon to provide insight on international issues affecting Australian business and society. This, the inaugural Lachlan Macquarie Lecture Series aimed at enriching our knowledge of the past and inspiring our vision for the future, will be held at Macquarie Theatre, on Tuesday, July 13.

North Ryde. Uni-sponsored wins in the USA

The Macquarie University-sponsored Thunder Down Under robotics team has returned to Australia after winning three awards and the respect of teams from around the world at the recent FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Championships held in Atlanta, Georgia. The team, comprising high school students and home schoolers from across Sydney, will be helping out with robotics programs at the Powerhouse Museum and as part of Engineers Australia's Australian Engineering Week event, in August.

North Ryde. Uni luring multinationals

Macquarie University is one institution luring multinational companies on to campus to beef up a new generation of research and technology parks, creating jobs, work for students and big opportunities for local businesses, said The Australian Financial Review. Cochlear is moving into a $130 million precinct, custom built by Macquarie to link researchers, health-care enterprises and non-profit organisations. The project will, in turn, form part of a $1.7 billion campus redevelopment approved by the NSW Government in September.

North Ryde. University in fund-raising drive

Macquarie University has embarked on a fund-raising drive as it steps up plans to build a $1 billion endowment fund for future activities. The university will launch a fundraising foundation on November 25. The university hopes to raise about $5 million in cash, pledges and confirmed bequests, in 2010, according to The Australian Financial Review.

$60 million library at Macquarie University

A new $60 million library building of four storeys has been approved by the Minister for Planning, Frank Sartor, to be constructed at Macquarie University.