Andrew Ragless Development and Alumni Officer  Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Andrew graduated from the University of Adelaide in 2006 with a Bachelor of Media and a Bachelor of International Studies. With four years of full-time study in the Faculty, Andrew brings a unique perspective on student life and campus culture to the role. He has been actively involved in the Adelaide University Media Association, a committee member for the Adelaide University Water Ski Club and represented the University in swimming at two Australian University Games. Prior to commencing as Development and Alumni Officer in August 2008, Andrew coordinated communications and community engagement activities for the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management (NRM) Board in developing their first Regional NRM Plan. “I love the variety in this role, and the endless opportunities to communicate and connect students, graduates and industry to everyone’s advantage.” Andrew can be contacted on Phone: +61 8 8313 0303 Email: andrew.ragless@adelaide.edu.au

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

“The humanities [and social sciences] mirror our own image and our image of the world. Through the humanities we reflect on the fundamental question: what does it mean to be human?" ¹

Our alumni

Graduates of the Faculty Humanities and Social Sciences are prized for their ability to think laterally and find creative solutions to problems.  They are students who are interested in the big picture, finding answers to burning questions, understanding human behaviours, cultures and history, and exploring new or existing areas of study.  Therefore it’s not surprising Humanities and Social Sciences alumni can be found everywhere, in all manner of careers.  From novelist to environmentalist; musician to historian, and social worker to TV producer.

The diversity of career pathways alone can create a multitude of challenges for any university to engage and connect their alumni.  But it also presents a wealth of opportunities.  For alumni this includes; the opportunity to reconnect with fellow graduates and staff, recognition and utilisation of their professional skills, and career development through lifelong learning.  For the University, engaging with alumni, industry, government and the wider community will ensure the quality and relevance of curriculum and research, and importantly, provide support to and enrich the student experience.

Are you an alumnus of the Faculty?

If you are a current or former student, current or former staff member, or a graduate of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, you are an alumnus.  This includes the:

• School of History and Politics
• School of Humanities
• School of Social Sciences
• The Elder Conservatorium of Music, and
• Wilto Yerlo, home to the Centre for Australian Indigenous Research and Studies

Staying connected

Did you know that all community members can participate in the Faculty’s diverse range of lectures without the financial commitment and pressures of assessment?  Want to know more about Climate Change and Biodiversity Conservation?  Maybe you’re travelling and want to learn more about the Archaeology of Rome before you go?  Find out more about the 2009 Community Access Program.

In 2008, the Faculty launched the Arts Internship Scheme with great success.  In 2009 we’ll be looking to increase the student participation by up to 4 or 5 times.  For more information on hosting a student from Humanities and Social Sciences, please click here.

There are many other ways to stay connected to the University community:

• Come along to one of the many events held at the University throughout the year – there’s something for everyone.
• Groups of like-minded alumni gather all over the world in alumni networks – join an existing network or start your own.
• Provide your professional insight and industry knowledge to current students by becoming a mentor in our Student and Industry Program.
• To continue to build on our excellence, we need to invest in vitally important resources.  If you (or your organisation) would like to lend financial support to the University as a gift, bequest, scholarship or award, click here to find out how.
• Have you thought about volunteering at the University of Adelaide? There are opportunities to suit every interest and time commitment.

Where are you now?

If you’re a former student or graduate of the Faculty and currently working in industry, we want to hear from you! Knowing where our graduates are working helps us to improve our programs and offer career advice to current and future students.  If you or someone you know fits this criteria, please contact Andrew with your (or their) current business details.

How to register or update your details

If you have previously registered and wish to update your details, simply log on to Adelaide onLION and follow the links to 'My Account'.  To find out more about the great range of benefits and services available to onLION users, or to request an account for the first time, click here.

¹ Commission on the Humanities. The Humanities in American Life: Report of the Commission on the Humanities. Berkeley: Univ. of Calif. Press, c1980 1980. http://ark.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/ft8j49p1jc/