Established 1886 | ||
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Location Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria Motto in English God as Guide, the Word as Light | ||
Janet Clarke Hall (JCH) is an Anglican residential college of the University of Melbourne. JCH is one of the smallest of the colleges of the University of Melbourne, and was the first university college in Australia to admit women. JCH has a strong academic focus, with a plurality of students in residence achieving a first class average in their university studies.
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History
Established in 1886 as a residential hostel for women students of Trinity College, JCH was named after a significant benefactor Janet, Lady Clarke, wife of Sir William Clarke. Enid Joske was Principal of JCH from 1928 until 1952. JCH became an independent college in 1961, and co-educational in 1973.
Governance
JCH's current Principal is historian Damian X. Powell, a specialist in Australian and British legal and military history. The current Vice-Principal is Donna Davies, a scientist and consultant for the International Baccalaureate Organisation.
Scholarships
Janet Clarke Hall offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to students upon the basis of academic merit and financial need. Academic and community service scholarships were awarded to more than a third of students this year.
The scholarships are awarded upon the recommendation to the College Council of a committee comprising the Principal, Chairman of Council, and a representative of the University of Melbourne. All details regarding requests for financial assistance are kept strictly confidential to the College.
Arts
JCH has an Artist-in-Residence program, whereby a prominent artist is resident in the college, offering tutoring and mentoring to JCH students. The current Artist-in-Residence is Alice Pung, an acclaimed novelist. JCH's Kenneth Moore Memorial Music Scholar is Dr Anna Goldsworthy, an acclaimed classical pianist and writer. Throughout the year, Dr Goldsworthy performs recitals for the JCH community, and runs masterclasses for JCH's music students.
JCH has an annual literature dinner where an established author speaks about their writing and any topical issues. Past speakers have included Helen Garner, Peter Goldsworthy, Chloe Hooper, and Peter Singer.
Student club
The Student Club of Janet Clarke Hall Inc. provides students with support and organises social, sporting and cultural activities. Particularly significant is the college's "Orientation Week", inducting new students into the culture of JCH. It is reported to have been "the best week of my life" for many. The club is administered by an eight-member executive, comprising President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Arts & Culture Rep, Female & Male Sports Reps, and a General Rep.
College visitor
The current college visitor is Peter C. Doherty, winner of a Nobel Prize and Australian of the Year in 1997.
Alumni
Distinguished Alumni include;
Tutors
Distinguished former tutors include;
Rhodes Scholars
Alumni who were awarded Rhodes Scholarships include;