The Centre for Men’s Studies at King’s College

Through the creation of the Centre for Men’s Studies, King’s seeks support and grants for research into men’s issues to develop a centre of expertise which will feed back into the experience of the men in the King’s community, provide a source for comment on men’s issues for the media and the general public, and be a source of personal and professional development programs for men from all walks of life.

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King’s College was founded in 1912. Today it has 277 young men in residence and with a new wing commencing construction at the end of 2009, the College population will grow to be 300 before its Centenary year – 2012. Today, it is one of only four men’s Colleges in Australia.

The College Council approved the establishment of the King’s College Centre for Men’s Studies in August 2006 and it commenced in January 2007.

As a Uniting Church Residential College for men, within The University of Queensland, King’s College seeks to assist young men to become successful graduates and leaders in their fields. As well, the College seeks to assist the young men in residence to develop as good citizens, capable of maintaining relationships, becoming effective fathers and developing spiritually and, morally and developing integrity.

Through the creation of the Centre for Men’s Studies, King’s seeks support and grants for research into men’s issues to develop a centre of expertise which will feed back into the experience of the men in the King’s community, provide a source for comment on men’s issues for the media and the general public, and be a source of personal and professional development programs for men from all walks of life.  

The Centre is responsible to the King’s College Council and it advises me through an Advisory Committee. It is hoped that eventually, the Centre will appoint:

  • A Director (initially Part-Time)
  • Administrative support
  • Research Officers engaged on a project basis

Statement of Purpose

The King’s College Centre for Men’s Studies provides support for the Mission of King’s College by developing expertise on the situation of men in Australia in the 21st Century and using that to inform the programs provided by the College for the development of the young men in their care. 

The Centre helps students fulfil their potential by reducing the risk of academic and personal concerns. The Centre strives to increase the graduation rate of students by addressing concerns that may impair their success. The Centre assists men to attain their potential across their lifetimes.

Objectives

The Objectives of the King’s College Centre for Men’s Studies are:

  1. To develop programs for the men in residence at King’s College which will help them to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to function successfully as individuals, in relationships, as fathers, leaders in business and the professions and as citizens in a democratic society.
  2. To conduct research into the situation of men in the 21st century in Australia and into the skills, knowledge and attitudes that they require to function successfully as individuals, in relationships, as fathers, leaders in business and the professions and as citizens in a democratic society.
  3. 3.      To provide programs of professional development for men, through corporations, community organisations, educational institutions and from the general public that will help them to develop and function effectively as men in the 21st century. 
  4. 4.      To provide informed comment to the media and other organisations or individuals on the situation of men in the 21st Century in Australia and on the knowledge, skills and attitudes that they require to function effectively as men in Australian society. 

Methods

The Centre meets these Objectives by:

  1. Developing and presenting programs to Kingsmen to enhance the development of men enrolled as residents at King’s College.
  2. Organising and/or conducting seminars, workshops, lectures, lecture tours and other educational activities in furtherance of the Objectives of the Centre;
  3. Seeking research grants from Government, corporations, benefactions and philanthropic organisations to carry out research into the situation of men;

Mode of Operation

The Centre serves as a focus for work in the area of men’s issues in the following ways:

  • Organising lectures and seminars held at King’s College by noted scholars and practitioners in the field
  • Arranging and delivering training programs for corporates, for teachers, for community groups and for parents on the issues of masculinity and masculine development for boys
  • Seeking funding from external agencies for research projects carried out under the direction and supervision of the Centre
  • Providing a source for comment in the media on men’s issues
  • Creating a focus for cooperative work between scholars and workers in the field

Program

The Advisory Committee determines the Centre’s program for each year. The Centre has paid particular attention to

  • Harassment and Discrimination
  • Health – Sexual, Medical and Depression
  • Communication
  • Anxiety/Anger Management
  • Etiquette and Manners

An initiative in 2008 was the conduct of a seminar for parents entitled “Understanding Young Men – Your Son’s World in 2008.” This was so successful and very well attended that the Seminar will be held again 2009.

I would be very happy to receive any questions or observations regarding the Centre. It is still very much in its early stages and the College has deliberately taken its development slowly to ensure its long term success.

 

Gregory C Eddy

Master and Chief Executive

King’s College

4 March 2009