Cultural awareness in ITS

ITS is committed to developing and promoting a positive work environment that encourages:

a high performance culture
employee fulfillment at work
teams working toward shared goals
rewards for behaviours recognising UQ values.

The aim is to ensure ITS staff are equipped with the skills to actively and positively acknowledge and promote the core values of the University.

Cultural Awareness Team

The Cultural Awareness Team (CAT) was created to develop a positive and high performing culture which recognises contributions across the division. The team facilitates events, activities, and awards which broaden understanding of staff roles and promote recognition in line with the UQ Values.

If you have any questions, please contact the CAT team (itsculturalcommittee@uq.edu.au).

Fika is a Swedish custom where people take a break, relax with others, and share food. We have adopted this custom in ITS and our Fika morning teas are informal gatherings that take place monthly, giving staff members an opportunity to network, enjoy coffee, and connect with colleagues in a relaxed setting.

Calendar of events

Date	Theme
7 February 2024	Welcome back to UQ
6 March 2024	International Women’s Day
16 April 2024	World Art Day
15 May 2024	National Volunteer Week
18 June 2024	World Environment Day
17 July 2024	Christmas in July
22 August 2024	Wear It Purple
17 September 2024	R U OK? Day
15 October 2024	Halloween and Cyber Awareness
6 November 2024	Diwali

Each month we host a lunch time game. These games are perfect for helping new colleagues – and even old colleagues! – to get to know each other better. They’re fun, light-hearted, and are easy to play. If you haven’t played before, take the chance! Those who have played can tell you, it is a lot of fun. If you like more information contact the CAT team (itsculturalcommittee@uq.edu.au)

Jackbox-Fibbage XL

In Jackbox-Fibbage XL players are presented with an obscure trivia fact that’s missing one key detail. The objective is to fill in the blank so that it fools others into thinking it’s the truth. The game can only have 8 primary players, but observers can still participate and award points to the best answer. On the day of the game, those logging online first will be the players.

Jackbox-Guesspionage

Jackbox-Guesspionage challenges your understanding of the human condition by having players predict how real people responded to basic poll questions such as "What percentage of people believe in ghosts?" Join the fun and test your knowledge! The game can only have 8 primary players, but observers can still participate. On the day of the game, those logging online first will be the players.

The Cultural Awareness Team helps acknowledge staff excellence across ITS.

ITS Cultural Recognition Awards

The ITS Cultural Recognition Awards acknowledge the outstanding contributions of staff across the division. Nominations, made by colleagues, should be based on staff going above and beyond in upholding UQ’s values.

Winners are announced at the IT All-Staff Forum and in the IT newsletter, Techtimes.

2023 winners

Glyniss Richardson (Courage award)
Amber Flynn (Creativity award)
Anastasia Spathis (Excellence award)
Sean McIntyre (Truth and integrity award)
Shelly Mills (Respect and inclusivity award)
David Dawson (Supporting our people award)

Creativity

We apply our creativity as a way of seeking progress. We value new ideas, seek fresh perspectives and pursue game-changing innovations and opportunities.

Excellence

We strive for excellence in everything we do. We apply the highest standards to our work to achieve the greatest impact for the benefit of communities everywhere.

Truth

Truth is central to all that we do as a university. We seek truth through our focus on the advancement and dissemination of knowledge, and our deep commitment to academic freedom and freedom of expression.

Integrity

We always act with integrity. As stewards of the University’s resources and reputation, we are honest, ethical and principled.

Courage

We are courageous in our decision making. We are ambitious, bold and agile. We demonstrate moral courage, so that we are always guided by a sense of what is right.

Respect and inclusivity

We provide a caring, inclusive and empowering environment for all. We engage respectfully with one another and promote the value that our diversity brings to our whole community.