STEPHENS, Max   PhD(Melb), MA (Melb) DipEd(Melb)

Proposer — Mary Kelleher
Seconder — David McCredie

I am a life member of the Graduate Union, and an active member of the Melbourne Graduate School of Education.

In 2015–16, I was a member of the Graduate Union working party setting out a vision to involve and support early-career graduates through a multidisciplinary life stage development. We are uniquely placed to connect graduates through opportunities for mentoring, volunteering and networking. Moreover, involving and engaging early-career graduates are vital for our continued success and viability. Welcoming, connecting and supporting are key elements that we can offer.

At Graduate House, I have also been a mentor to the United Board academic fellowship program since its inception. I regularly meet residents and academic visitors. I have strong connections to universities in China and Japan, and several other Asian countries. If elected to the council, I believe that these experiences can support our vision and assist our future development.

 

Current Council Status: Seeking to Join Council

Length of Continuous Membership of The Graduate Union: Since May 1971 – 48 years

Explain how your key areas of expertise will contribute to Council.

I have been a member of the Graduate Union since 1971, having recently been a member of a Council working party that focussed on further developing the GU’s outreach to graduate students, especially early-career graduates.

My extensive and current involvement in university education underpins a strong commitment to enhancing life-long professional learning and in placing the GU at the forefront of these provisions and services.

While not previously a member of Council, I do have extensive experience as a director of several not-for-profit associations.

Outline your view on the development and growth potential of The Graduate Union in the next three years.

The most visible area of growth in the next three years will be the unfolding of the GU ten-year building master plan. This capital development plan will require continuing good governance, with strong support for fundraising, sponsorship and patronage. However, it must be accompanied by a growing recognition in the university and wider community that the GU is ideally placed in supporting and involving graduates at all stages of their professional activity. This vision has been expressed by the GU through its graduate development strategy plan, several elements of which will require attention in the next three years, with potential to involve all GU members. These elements include liaising and coordinating with continuing professional development agencies; tutoring, coaching, networking and mentoring graduates; supporting entry to post graduate courses; advice with migration and visa related issues; hosting of visiting groups and dignitaries; and fostering graduate employer relations.

Outline your current involvement with The Graduate Union.

I am a Life Member of the Graduate Union.

In 2015–16, I was a member of the Graduate Union working party setting out a vision to involve and support early-career graduates through a multidisciplinary life stage development.

At Graduate House, I have also been a mentor to the United Board academic fellowship program since its inception.

With the support of the CEO, I regularly meet residents and academic visitors, and

endeavour to welcome to newly arrived overseas students. I participate as far as possible in the various social programs of the GU.

State your TWO greatest achievements of relevance to governance (e.g. as a member of a company board or The Graduate Union Council, as a contributor to your community).

As a member and chairman of several (not-for-profit) company boards.

A lifelong commitment to education and to continuing professional learning.

List relevant industry and community-based experience.

As a board member and chairman of a local community health centre.

As a current director, former president and life member of the Mathematical Association of Victoria. Actively involved in updating and re-drafting its constitution with a view to having it adopted at its AGM in May 2019.

Long term involvement with education and tertiary institutions in Asia, especially in China and Japan. Visiting professor at several Chinese and Japanese universities.

Working with and learning from enthusiastic and committed graduate students from Australia and overseas.

As a sponsor and adviser to visiting doctoral candidates from overseas universities at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education.,

List academic qualifications (year of award, awarding body and name of academic qualification awarded).

Bachelor of Arts (Melbourne) 1962

Diploma f Education (Melbourne) 1963

Master of Arts (Melbourne) 1974

Doctor of Philosophy (University of Wisconsin-Madison) 1982