Standing out, standing up for next gen social workers
Yeppoon academic Dr Shirley Ledger isn’t usually one to shy away from the spotlight.
The passionate Head of Course for Social Work at CQUniversity is used to fronting classrooms of students, conference halls of fellow practitioners, and even on her popular DrShirl TikTok account, where she shares insights into social work and the experiences of students across allied health and health care.
However, the opportunity to cross the stage at CQU Rockhampton Graduation to receive her Doctor of Philosophy, did make Dr Ledger take pause – for a very colourful reason.
While most university graduations include a sea of funny hats, CQUniversity’s doctoral regalia, or robes, are the most stand-out in Queensland – boasting teal, royal blue, gold and red trim.
Dr Ledger admits her wardrobe is already pretty vibrant – “I’d been planning to wear a bright pink, ‘Legally Blonde’ vibe!” she laughed.
But the prospect of colour-clashing made Dr Ledger turn to Facebook to ask, “A dress that would go with this? Is it even possible?!”
It’s an outfit challenge that’s been faced by nearly 800 doctoral graduates at CQUniversity since the first students earned their doctorates back in 1994.
The colours of regalia come from CQUniversity’s coat of arms, which features the blue and gold pale-headed rosella mascot, and also the motto ‘Doctrina Perpetua’, or ‘Always Learning’.
It’s an appropriate motto for Dr Ledger, who first began undergraduate studies with CQU in 1997, and her PhD in 2014.
Her thesis tackled education for aspiring social workers, and how to prepare students for the diverse challenges of the field.
The work has also inspired Dr Ledger to advocate for the next generation of social workers, and for changes to the serious issue of unpaid work placement requirements.
“Students absolutely need field experience, but they shouldn’t have to earn it in extreme poverty, or trying to juggle an unpaid full-time job with a paid full-time job, which increases stress and undermines their ability to learn,” she said.
“It means the sector is losing really talented people – and that’s devastating, especially when there’s a skills shortage for social workers.”
Dr Ledger will cross the stage at CQUniversity Rockhampton's Graduation ceremony on Tuesday 12 December 2023, and she’s taking some good advice about standing out on her big day.
Rockhampton colour consultant Jacquie Mackay agreed the robes presented a colour conundrum – but encouraged Dr Ledger to embrace a colourful solution.
“From Shirley’s own colouring, I suspect she’s a ‘Spring’ palette, which suits warm clear colours – so a good fit for the bright jewel tones,” Ms Mackay advised.
“The regalia is really joyful-looking – truly celebratory! And for an event that tends to have more sombre black gowns, it provides an opportunity for the graduates to all enjoy their moment to stand out, and celebrate their achievements.”
Professor Susan Kinnear is the Dean of CQUniversity's School of Graduate Research, and wore the same regalia for her own doctoral graduation in 2006.
She said graduation was a welcome milestone, and an opportunity to reflect on the community that supports doctoral research.
"Every PhD is a testament to the candidate’s dedication, and work from supervisors, technical staff, industry partners, and of course the cheerleading family and friends who are so important to the success of every research thesis!" she said.
“They all want to see the graduate stand out on the big day – and CQU’s bright regalia definitely helps with that!”
"It’s amazing to see the legacy created by our graduate research training since it began in the 1990s – graduates like Dr Ledger are transforming our communities and driving positive, colourful change for our world."
Learn more about CQUniversity’s research higher degree opportunities at cqu.edu.au/rhd.
