A day in the life of Roman Goik
Roman Goik is the Director of Academic Program, Design (Visual Communication) within the School of Humanities and Communication Arts. Roman is a Western Sydney University alumnus and has had an association with the University for more than 20 years. He started his full-time Western Sydney University career in 2003 as a lecturer in Design (Visual Communication) and was the Academic Course Adviser for three years and Director of Academic Program for five years.
"My passion is teaching and in particular the first year experience," says Roman. "Over the past few years, I have also developed many resources and strategies in blended learning approaches to design education."
Before Work
What do you have for breakfast and is there anything you do before you come to work?
Coffee, toast and then more coffee. Before work I feed our two hens and collect the wonderful fresh eggs they lay for us.
What do you do usually do when you first arrive?
More coffee, check emails and discuss and prepare for the day's activities with my wonderful academic colleagues and design technical staff.
At Work
What classes do you teach?
We are currently rolling out a new course design program. Together with my colleagues, I have developed and also teach key first year units such as Web and Time Based Design, Graphic Design: Understanding the Principles and Graphic Design: Process and Practice. I have also taught second and third year units but currently teach just first year units.
What are the two or three most important things you are currently working on?
In 2016, we will have the first Design Diploma students from The College transitioning into the second year of our program. This year, I have been working closely with The College staff to develop shared exhibitions and experiences so that the Diploma students begin to feel a part of the program when they start in the second year next year.
I have also engaged with potential future students this year through Open Day, exceptional merit pathways, school talks and participating in Creative Careers Expos.
Lastly, I'm very excited to have been awarded a Western Sydney University Distinguished Teaching Fellowship this year and looking forward to being able to make a positive contribution to spreading the word about how well we do things at Western and what a great institution it is to work at.
What regular meetings do you attend?
As a Director of Academic Program, I attend many meetings – from School Executive and Academic Committee Meetings to School Workload Planning Committees. I am also a member of LaTTE (Learning and Teaching Technologies Advisory group), which advises the Senate Education Committee on policy guidelines for technologies in teaching and learning and reviews Innovation Grant applications. I am also a member of STaRS (Student Transition, Retention and Success Project) that seeks to bring coordination and leadership to enhancing the experience of first year students at Western Sydney University.
What is something that can make a positive difference to your day?
Our great students and my wonderful and hard working academic, administrative and technical colleagues.
After Work
What might we find you doing outside of work?
Tennis, tennis and more tennis. I've discovered a competitive streak I never thought I had. In my mind I most resemble Roger Federer when I'm playing, although others are rude enough to suggest it is just so: all in my mind.
I had the great fortune a while ago to build a small sailing boat and a kayak and so I love to get on the water, which I always find very restorative and relaxing.
I also enjoy cooking great food for family and friends – Indian, Asian, Persian, Italian, German – in fact, any cuisine!
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