Latest GUPSA News & Events
GUPSA’s official response to the AHRC’s National Report
Please find below GUPSA’s official response to the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) National Report released 1 August 2017.
It’s official! GUPSA now has a new Constitution!
So the new constitution is now in place at long last. As 2017 unfolds, GUPSA will transition to the new structure which will be fully operational following the elections for the new GUPSA Board in trimester 1.
GUPSA’s End of Year Party
The year is almost over and the the holiday season is starting. So GUPSA is having its annual End of Year Party at the Ship Inn. Our End of Year parties are a long-established GUPSA tradition.
GUPSA One-day writing retreat, Friday 25 November 2016
Calling all writers! Are you currently working on your thesis chapter or a journal article? Do you need some motivation and assistance to boost your writing? If so, you are welcome to join us at a one-day writing retreat at Nathan’s Eco Centre (N68) on Friday 25 November.
Mindfulness Masterclass 22 November between 9am and 1:15pm
GUPSA is holding another half-day mindfulness masterclass for postgraduate students during the mid-semester break. As before, it will consist of a yoga and meditation session.
Gold Coast Hospital Tour for Health Services Management Students
Much of what we at GUPSA do for Griffith’s postgraduate students is done in small and low key ways through collaborating with other elements of Griffith University. Through these collaborations we can much better target and assist specific groups of postgraduate students.
GUPSA supports putting PTSD in the spotlight
GUPSA supported Griffith Film School PhD student Kym Melzer and we screened her series of short films about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to mark Mental Health & Wellbeing Week in October 2016.
GUPSA supports Artists at SWELL Sculpture Festival 2016
GUPSA proudly supported Sara Irannejad (Doctor of Visual Art – Current) and Alicia Lane (Doctor of Visual Art – Candidate) from the Queensland College of Art, who were selected to exhibit their work at this year’s 15th SWELL Sculpture Festival in Currumbin, Queensland.
GUPSA Special General Meeting 27 October
Griffith University Postgraduate Students Association is holding a Special General Meeting.
Wenx’ World: Bridges Over Brisbane 28 August
It seemed a Sunday morning twilight like any other in Brisbane: the All Blacks had just won, the wind was freezing cold and the streets were filled with walks of shame – and runners! Runners waiting at traffic lights, runners walking, runners drinking coffee – everyone armed with runners and a colorful race bib. Just like us, 30 GUPSA Geeks in bright red shirts with a mission: to conquer 10 km of road.
Towards a New Constitution for GUPSA
Thank you to everyone who attended the Special General Meeting last month. The decisions made there have started the necessary process of constitutional change for GUPSA so that we can more effectively support postgraduate students in today’s higher education environment. We also want to thank Michael Connelly, from the CPR Group, for explaining the proposed constitutional changes to the meeting.
Postgraduate Uni-Skills Study Groups
The Postgraduate Uni-Skills study groups are now running across the Nathan, Mt Gravatt, South Bank and Logan campuses for Semester 2, thanks to ongoing funding and support from GUPSA. Uni-Skills study groups are facilitated by high-achieving Postgraduate Student Leaders, who can assist you to develop your academic skills and direct you to the events and services available to you on campus.
GUPSA One-day writing retreat, Monday 25th July 2016
Calling all writers! Are you currently working on your thesis chapter or a journal article? Do you need some motivation and assistance to boost your writing? If so, you are welcome to join us at a one-day writing retreat at Nathan’s Eco Centre (N68).
Mindfulness Masterclass 19 July between 9am and 1:15pm
Before we get into the groove of semester 2, GUPSA invites you to a half-day mindfulness masterclass that will consist of a yoga and meditation session.
Setting The Stage To Presenting Magically – A Free Workshop on Public Speaking and Presenting Tuesday 28 June
Do you have a fear of public speaking? Or do you want to improve your presenting skills?
Run Postgrads, Run!
The temperatures have dropped and the 2016 running season is at its peak. GUPSA will continue last two years’ tradition and take part in a Bridge to Brisbane 10km running event. Let’s take our minds off of our studies for a moment and nurture our well-being and socialising through an active lifestyle!
Becoming Your Best Self – a free 1 day Masterclass on using Buddhist psychology to overcome depression and anxiety.
GUPSA is holding a free 1 day Masterclass, Becoming Your Best Self – Using Buddhist psychology to overcome depression and anxiety. It will be held on Monday 6 June 9am-5pm at the EcoCentre, Nathan campus. The Masterclass will examine how anxiety and depression function and what can be done to overcome them.
Our annual report of 2015
GUPSA had an amazing and rewarding 2015 with many social and academic events, advocacy, and support for postgraduate students at Griffith University. It’s been such an incredible journey to be the President of GUPSA.
Wenx’ World: I ehm soarrie.
Guys, I am sorry I put this on to you every now and then. Through my blog I torture you not only with my life stories, but apparently also with insufficient English skills and bad writing.
GGRS experts-in-residence services news
Wenx’ World: This or That?
You know those weeks where everything is just moving smoothly and you get the satisfying feeling you are not only on top of things but also moving forward? This week isn’t one of those weeks.
Wenx’ World: I want you not to go but you should.
When I first met Tayla over 2 years ago, I didn’t see her blue eyes behind the sunnies. Her big caring eyes that I later just wanted to lose myself in. Her bright blue eyes that I couldn’t look into at the end because I would cry.
Setting The Stage To Presenting Magically – A Free Workshop on Public Speaking and Presenting 4 November
Do you have a fear of public speaking? Or do you want to improve your presenting skills?
Wenx’ World: Feeling the love?
Me te aroha nui” is a phrase I learned this week. It’s Maori and means ‘with much love’. And all the messages, email, texts and parcels I got this week were indeed ‘me te aroha nui’.
Know your work rights!
On the 17 October, the Council of International Students Australia hosted a State forum in our South Bank campus. Many international student leaders and advocates joined to learn more about employability and work exploitation.
One of the relevant topics involved knowing your rights at work. The Fair Work Ombudsman website offers a wide variety of tools and information about your work rights, payments, and even it leads you to an app you can download.
Becoming Your Best Self – a free 1 day Masterclass on using Buddhist psychology to overcome depression and anxiety.
Wenx’ World: The Backlash
Stating the truth is something we are striving in science. Saying the truth is what morals of life (and sometimes faith) ask you to do. But sometimes sharing the truth, the real personal truth is truly unwanted – or an emotional slap in the face.
CAPA welcomes the new Minister for Education and Training
The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA) welcomes the appointment of Senator Simon Birmingham as the new Minister for Education and Training. In doing so CAPA calls on the Minister to address, as a priority, the financial uncertainty currently undermining Australia’s higher education sector by taking the Government’s higher education and research reforms off the table.
Wenx’ World: On the Bridge to Brisbane
Okay, this race report is late, but – excuse me – I have been busy. Busy with eating to be precise. Let me start this story at the week before the race. I ran that week.
What it feels like to submit a PhD thesis
The following entry is posted with the permission of the author Belinda Hilton. You can read the original post on her blog: https://belindawrites.wordpress.com/what-it-feels-like-to-submit-a-phd-thesis/
Wenx’ World: A question of will.
I woke up on the ground, the dirty dusty ground. It was pitch black around me, I was alone, just a small light shining from my head torch straight down into the dirt and rocks that I was lying in. I hadn’t been sleeping, but I suddenly came to my senses.
Wenx’ World: Thesis, freeze!
I know I have been quiet. And, look, it wasn’t you, it was me!
Let the run begin!
The 2015 running season is at its peak. GUPSA will continue from last year’s initiative and take part again in this year’s Bridge to Brisbane running event. Let’s take our minds off of our studies for a moment and focus on our well-being and socialising through an active lifestyle!
Wenx’ World: The Damage
We all know a PhD is not a walk in the park. In fact, I’ve heard the description “Walk through the Valley of Shit“.
Brisbane City Council launches new videos on safety
The Brisbane City Council has launched two new videos about personal safety in Brisbane for everyone living in or visiting our city.
Regain Your Self-Power with Confidence – A Free Workshop 23 July
GUPSA is hosting a one day workshop on Wednesday 23 July designed to help postgraduate students develop the skills and personal resources to respond to and put a stop to bullying and intimidating behaviour in the ‘workplace’ – i.e. classroom, hub, lab, etc. The workshop will be facilitiated by Lorna Bukkland-Vitetta, a leading Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) expert and its powerful role in the art of communication. The workshop will be held at Nathan campus
Reconciliation at Griffith – we need your feedback!
Wenx’ World: God, Vegetarians and Luxury
My 30-seconds-bible explained to me over breakfast this morning that God chose Abel’s donations, which was taken from his shepherd’s flock, over the grains he was offered from grower Cain. So God chose meat over gluten. And in my interpretation he chose being a meat eater over veganism. Does that make him the first non-vegan? Maybe. The first non-vegetarian? Or even the first non-fruitarian? We all know there are some weird stories about evil (or Eve-l?) apples at the very beginning of the bible, so who knows how to interpret that one right?
Wenx’ World: Oopsy, winter!
Like every year, it came surprisingly and unexpected. One moment it’s a lovely afternoon with coffees in the sun, and as soon as the sun is gone, the cold creeps up between my toes in the suddenly cold sand. And I get up at night to get my doona out from the back of my closet.
Wenx’ World: House Sitting
My friends are away. And so am I. But while they are somewhat overseas, I am in their house, ready to take on potential burglars and looking after the chicken. No, I don’t get paid for it, I am nice.
Setting The Stage To Presenting Magically – A Free Workshop on Public Speaking and Presenting 30 May
Do you have a fear of public speaking? Or do you want to improve your presenting skills?
Wenx’ World: No Escape
Considering a holiday this winter, I updated my personal PhD timeline. Turns out, it’s getting really tight for me considering the time I have left to finish. I’ve never realised, that once the scholarship is up and the extensions are exceeded, there will be a problem coming up. And it’s a problem of money and immigration.
Brisbane Remembers Community Picnic
This Saturday 9 May 2015, GUPSA, together with the Brisbane Student and Community Alliance and Reclaim the Night, are holding a community picnic and memorial event at Kurilpa Park, South Brisbane, 2:30- 5:30pm, for students and the general public, both to honour and commemorate the victims of street violence in our communities, and to raise awareness about safety.
Macquarie v MUPRA Case “a First” for Student Unionism in Australia
Wenx’ World: Shaken, Shot and Shiny.
They’re dead. 1008 people this week died in the news. You say HUH? Let me break this down: The Nepal earthquake: 1000. Indonesian death penalty: 6 unimportant and 2 brave martyrs. Don’t get me wrong on the wording here, I am trying to reflect the national media and the wording does not reflect my subjective view at all. I could easily donate each incident, the shaking and the shooting, their own blog post. But while donations for Nepal are requested everywhere and discussions of all kinds sprinkle across pub tables and social media, I would like to write about something totally different.
Upcoming events from GUPSA
It’s been around five weeks now where you elected the new GUPSA committee for this year! I would like to thank each one of you for putting your confidence on me becoming the President of GUPSA and on all those postgrad students who nominated for each position. We’ve already started engines to work for postgraduate students across South Bank, Mount Gravatt, Nathan, and Logan campuses.
Wenx’ World: Speechless
I can be quite chatty. Not all the time, but many times. Especially after the pleasant consumption of certain beverages. It is sometimes up to a point when I share stories that I could (and maybe should) have just as well kept to myself.
Wenx’ World: Future Lands
And then, what are gonna do? is the question I hear a lot once I mention my PhD might be coming to an end this year. And that question is tough to answer and nearly impossible to distract anyone from. Anyone – including myself.
Wenx’ World: Borderline
Remembering a tradition I grew up with, we went on an Easter march. In fact, a hike. A 22km hike from Binna Burra to O’Reillys: the Border Track between Queensland and New South Wales.
Wenx’ World: My Kitchen Loves Me
I have been cooking – and everyone survived! And if you are surprised you might not fully understand the significance of that. To my friends, I have always been the one who does not cook. And they are right! I have always been the one totally happy with muesli, pasta/pesto or couscous/tuna. But then circumstances changed.
Wenx’ World: the good buzz
The new semester has just begun and it seems it is buzzing with life everywhere: No more parking space, a new uni bar at GC campus, confused ‘firsties’ (first semester students) everywhere. O-week is followed by Guild and Link activities off campus, and as soon as we think we should really get the studying started, there is harmony week and the first postgraduate party rolling on to us!
Higher Education and Research Reforms will damage Australia’s research capacity
The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA) warns that the damaging $173.7M cut to Research Training Scheme (RTS) funding and the associated new fee on research degrees included in the Higher Education Research Reforms bill (HERR) have not been dropped, or even mentioned in the Minister for Education and Training’s last last minute attempts to ‘create a clear choice for [the] Senate’.
GUPSA Annual Report 2014
GUPSA is proud to present you with our second annual report. As a team, we have been working hard to ensure that our postgraduates enjoy the best possible student experience at Griffith University.
Time to say goodbye
Today, I’m announcing my departure as the president of GUPSA. After four yours of service, time has come for me to finish my thesis and make the next step in my career.
Wenx’ World: Fux
“The subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” is a one of Mark Manson’s posts, which has kept me thinking a lot. Actually, no, wrong, it hasn’t kept me thinking a lot, it turned into a new life approach for me, a new karma, so to say. Because, really, how many f*cks can you possibly give in a lifetime?
Wenx’ World: Red like Hate
Doing a PhD brings hard times. Everyone knows, it’s tough on the brain, it can be quite lonely, struggles with supervisors, fights with rats, hours in archives, nights staring at a screen. But when people talk about PhD problems, do they ever really consider the emotional load that comes with it? Yes, of course there is the motivation you have, the excitement for a new idea and the thrill you get from the acceptance of your first publication. But what about the bad stuff?
Need help with your English?
The English Higher Education Language Program (“EnglishHELP”) offers consultations and workshops to HDR students whose first language is not English.
Wenx’ World: Research Bazaar
Ever heard of Research Bazaar, short ResBaz? It’s from young researchers for young researchers, it’s about the software tools you use, need or would like to learn – and it’s free!
Team leaders wanted
GUPSA is partnering with the Uni-Skills Student Transition and Leadership Scheme to provide peer mentoring for coursework postgrad students this year. A number of postgrads have already applied and are being trained to be team leaders for the peer groups. But gaps remain and the the team is looking for more coursework postgrad students to apply. These are paid positions.
Wenx’ World: Wrong. Just Wrong.
Something here is going horribly wrong. And it is about money and education and lifestyle. But let me start at the beginning. The whole topic showed up at a dinner: The freshly graduated Post-Doc is not making enough money in his new project to finance himself and his wife. And the About-To-Finish PhD is looking at admin and/or library jobs to live on after graduation.
GUPSA New Year drinks
On behalf of GUPSA, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all postgraduate students returning in 2015.
Wenx’ World: Socialopathy.
Definition: Personal dysfunction of good social interaction, possibly caused by higher degree research with the most commonly affected group being PhD students in their last year of doctoral studies. It might not be in the psychology books yet, but we have defined.
Wenx’ World: Love me tinder!
Wenx’ World: Sober
Alcohol is good for you. Well, at least if you have a problem. Sounds weird? Let me fill you in (and I am not talking about wine into your glass here): In 2012, scientists showed that “Alcohol intoxication facilitates creative problem solving“.
Wenx’ World: beep beep bloop
It’s a new year, and my mind is blank. Well, in fact, my mind is really full, filled with new impressions, travelling and conversation memories, new encounters, visual souvenirs from different places, the pain and ecstasy from too much running, sports and outdoor action.
Wenx’ World: Panic
‘Submit’. The word was sneakily hidden in a few sentences from my professor recently when discussing PhD scholarship extension. And it was not hidden in a ‘loads of time until you submit’ kinda way, but in a ‘you might be out of here by August’ kinda way.
GUPSA Christmas break
Our support officer Michael Carden is currently on a well-deserved holiday. Michael will be back at work on Wednesday, 21 January 2015. For urgent matters, please contact our president Niels Kraaier on 0450 445 493 or niels@gupsa.org.au.
Wenx’ World: WAAW!
WAAW! obviously stands for ‘What An Awesome Week’! and hell yeah, it was great. In fact, it was so great, that I am having a difficult time coming down from my high again. Endorphine withdrawal – going cold turkey on this Monday.
Wenx’ World: Advent
Advent is here, and for the first time in a long time, I am excited. For those of you who only happen to live in a Christian environment now but grew up in a different religion, advent is the time of waiting and preparation for the birth of Jesus. I know, you probably guessed that from your Latin translation of the word (Ad- to/for, venio-come, hence: arrive. You are welcome.) However, nowadays it describes the period between the 4th Sunday prior to Christmas and Christmas itself.
Wenx’ World: A little bit of Romance
I’ve had very exhausting week. And I am not even talking about my new running goal, which focuses on pushing personal fatigue boundaries. But I am not talking about physical pain (which can obviously be desirable and needed by certain people), I am talking about emotional exhaustion.
Invitation to our annual Christmas party on Thursday, 11 December 2014
I have the pleasure to invite you to GUPSA’s annual Christmas party. Please join us to celebrate the end of the year and the beginning of holiday season.
Wenx’ World: With a Straight Crown
Call me naive, but I didn’t put 1 and 1 together. In hindsight, it might seem obvious but it didn’t even occur to my good and trusting mind until a friend pointed it out to me. Well, as academics do, she said it by mentioning a medical publication where psychologists had stated, that, in a relationship, the jealous person is more likely to cheat.
Wenx’ World: Thank you
‘Thank God for that.’ ‘Tah.’ ‘Thank you for not littering.’ ‘Cheers.’ ‘Thanks for holding.’ Thanks these days seem to be everywhere, people thank each other all the time. But I wonder: How grateful are we really? Aren’t we always complaining about homework, exam stress, food, friends, weather, professors, traffic, neighbors, love life (or the lack there of)?
GUPSA News Update
With classes coming to an end this week, you might be wondering what’s happening with some of GUPSA’s important services for postgraduates, particularly the legal advice service and the editing service.
Thursday 6 November: GUPSA Party!
Classes are coming to an end next week and GUPSA is having a party to celebrate.
Wenx’ World: 3-2-1-over
I went to see the #GU3MT finals. I know: Another acronym. Seems like they are everywhere these days. But this one I am sure you know… Don’t you? It stands for Griffith University Three Minute Thesis (Competition). And it’s copyrighted (3MT®). Just so you know…
HDR seminars in 2015
The Academic Services Unit of Library and Learning Services, Division of Information Services announces a new series of seminars for Higher Degree Candidates for 2015.
HAVE YOU GOT SOMETHING TO SAY? CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS, THE EQUAL STANDARD
As well as winning GUPSA’s RUOK? Postcard Competition last month, Gabriella Wilson is working on a really interesting media and artwork project for her PhD. And she wants you to participate in it.
Wenx’ World: Good people
There is a song out there, and it is called Good People. In fact, it is the Zwette remix I am talking about. Because I like it. I like it a lot. I like it nearly as much as I like good people. Only that I like good people even more. And good friends even more more.
Connecting the future in parliament
Today, I had the pleasure of meeting with Labor MP Terri Butler.
Tuesday 21 October: Three Minute Thesis Competition (3MT®) 2014 Final
Discover Griffith research at its best when 16 of our PhD candidates and 3 Honours students compete in the Three Minute Thesis competition final on Tuesday 21 October 2014 at Nathan. 3MT® is a competition which challenges research students to present a compelling oration on their thesis topic, communicating its significance to a non-specialist audience in just three minutes.
Presenting with confidence
If you’re a researcher then at some stage you are going to have to present your findings. It’s tempting to get up and just read your paper, but to really speak to your audience you need to be able to communicate skilfully and with conviction. We’ve all been to dull presentations so it’s worth your while spending a little time to learn how to do it properly.
Wenx’ World: Home Sweet Home
I finally got back home after 3 months out of Australia. 1 months travelling in East Asia and 2 months working in New Zealand. Lucky me? Yes. And no. There’s always two sides of a story (or lifestyle).
GUPSA congratulates Gabriella Wilson
After careful deliberation, the jury has selected Gabriella Wilson’s entry as the postgraduate winner of the R U OK? postcard design competition.
Wenx’ World: Me, my moment and I
When good stuff happens, you wanna share with the whole world. When bad stuff happens, you might wanna share with your bestie or your sister. Ever seen a beautiful sunset and wanted to tell someone about it? Sharing strong emotions and experiences seems like a normal urge and human need (see facebook, twitter, etc.). But what happens, when there is so much to share and no means to do so?
Making noise to support survivors
Reclaim the Night Brisbane are hosting a fundraising concert in West End on 4 October 2014 to raise much-needed funds for support services to survivors of sexual violence.
Run, postgrads, run!
As we boarded the bus at Mt Gravatt station, the chatter subsided and silence descended on the group. As I looked around, determination was etched in the faces. Some fidgeted with their hats while others gazed out the window, the sun just breaking through over the horizon on a perfect Brisbane Spring day.
26-9-14: Thank God it’s Friday Party
We have listened. GUPSA’s legendary Thank God it’s Friday Party is back on… FRIDAY!
Wenx’ World: F*ck Yes or No.
“Keine halben Sachen!” means “No things by halves!”. It came into my mind over the last few weeks: A guy who could love me under certain conditions and a trail, which I enjoyed from km 18 and which ended at km 21. After both I thought: “No more halves”. Not in relationships, not in marathons.
Wenx’ World: Work Work Work
Yes, I actually do work. Even though it might sometimes in my posts not seem like it. Even though some of my old school friends get the facebook impression I only travel. And even though my mum still has not figured out what I am actually doing.
Wenx’ World: Snow Office
When I asked for snow office leave, my supervisors never got back to me in time. So I just left, hopped on a plane, landed in Queenstown. Lovely lovely Queenstown: the freezing cold poking me, the rays of sunlight hugging me, the blue sky grinning at me.
Wenx’ World: PhD or actually professional?
I am currently caught in a trap. It’s a trap in between being a student, a PhD candidate and a professional academic. It is confusing; respect, contact and expectation seem to change according to the situation and no-one ever seems to have a consistent approach. No-one including me.
28/8: Thank God it’s Thursday Party
Our Welcome Back Party was a huge success but it’s only the start of our postgraduate parties at the Uni Bar & Functions Centre. We have another one coming up next week and you are invited. As last time, we have the whole venue for the party.
GUPSA First Aid Training
The next First Aid & CPR course, subsidised by GUPSA in collaboration with the SRC, is coming up on 16 August, this Saturday! To secure your spot, simply register and pay using the following link (under the region heading, choose Mt Gravatt or Nathan): http://www.pulsestart.com.au/book-now
Wenx’ World: 25+10+15 = Ultra!
I did it! The new shirt says ’50 km Ultramarathon Finisher’ in big white letters on black back. And I’m dam proud to wear it!
Wenx’ World: Tata for now.
“One-way flights only!” is an old globetrotter’s rule – and I’ve got four of those lined up. For now. Yay! And I might buy a few more during my travels. By the time you read these lines, I will have already been on my first 2, sweating in heat.
Welcome Back Party: You’re invited!
GUPSA is holding a Welcome Back Party next week and you are invited! It’s going to be a fantastic event so don’t miss out!
EnglishHELP for HDR Students
Griffith University provides academic language and learning support for HDR students via the English Higher Education Language Program (EnglishHELP). EnglishHELP is not an editing service but rather a teaching and learning service for students with English as an additional language.
A Better Australia Scholarship Program
Leading professional editing company The Expert Editor is offering a $1500 scholarship to a student in Australia intent on making the country a better place. The Expert Editor wants to recognise and reward students with initiative, ambition and lofty idealism.
Run, postgrads, run!
The 2014 running season is at its peak and this year GUPSA will take part in a Bridge to Brisbane running event. Let’s take our minds off of our studies for a moment and focus on our well-being and socialising through an active lifestyle!
Senators say “NO” to Fees on PhDs
The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA) is celebrating an enthusiastic response from the new Senate to their No Fees on PhDs campaign, with seven Senators in two days pledging to vote against Research Training Scheme cuts.
Music, Mayhem, and Change
Music, Mayhem and Change was the inaugural student led symposium held at the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University (QCGU). The theme was inspired by the 50th anniversary of The Beatles touring Australia. When we designed the theme, we considered what The Beatles and this tour represented for music. That one group could have such a widespread effect that is still felt 50 years on made us pause to consider other changes, big and small, that impact on music and how these changes have impacted on society. And so the concept for Music, Mayhem, and Change was born.
Wenx’ World: World Cup
Not sure if you’ve heard it yet: The World Cup is on! And when I say World Cup, I mean soccer. And with it a time when I realise I miss Europe.
Tertiary transport concession card
An online petition has been launched calling on Queensland transport minister Scott Emerson to cease fines against students who are travelling on public transport without a tertiary transport concession card.
Wenx’ World: Travel Bugs
It’s pure anticipation: My travel bugs are out, loose and plenty. My planned holidays are coming up faster and faster and by now, I cannot wait.
Leggings, high-heels, sports top, scarf
Last night, PhD girls from different schools enjoyed a wine together. Research and academia aside, the topic turned to fashion. I like fashion, and many times I would like to have the money to buy the cool clothes I see and bring up enough motivation in the mornings to make my hair look pretty. In real life, training before uni, tutoring sports and cycling to uni combined with a decent amount of morning sleepiness make me go to uni dressed casually. The other girls seemed surprised by this fact.
Queensland police minister Jack Dempsey responds to safety petition
Queensland police minister Jack Dempsey has responded to the recent petition for a comprehensive safety review safety review in the wake of the murder of our fellow postgraduate student Sophie Collombet.
Students pleased with plans for safety education program in Brisbane
The postgraduate students community at Griffith University is pleased that Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk has promised to set aside $10.9 million for a safety education program following the murder of French student Sophie Collombet near the William Jolly Bridge on March 28.
English Language Testing: Choice is in your Hands
Message from the Council of International Students Australia (CISA)
Vale Robyn Heales, GUPSA editor 05-06
We are saddened to hear of the death earlier this week of Dr Robyn Heales. Her funeral is being held today, Friday 13 June. She was 69. Robyn was Editor in Residence (EiR) for GUPSA in 2005-06, before the introduction of Voluntary Student Unionism (VSU) in 2006. She was the last of the old EiRs. Robyn was appointed to the position in mid-2005, replacing Margaret McDonell, who left to travel in India. In those days, Margaret was one of several experts in residence, including the Methodologist (then as now Bill Metcalf) and Statistician, employed by GUPSA.
I love LSD (and I never thought I’d say that)
Yes, you read that right: I love LSD. LSD stands for Long Slow Distance. My friends still complain that not even one year ago, I would only raise my eyebrows when they asked me to run for more than 5 km.
Ecospirituality Workshop – 25th July
Griffith University’s Centre for Interfaith & Cultural Dialogue will be hosting a one day workshop in collaboration with the Australian Earth Laws Alliance.
SLQ Young Writers Award 2014
Are you aged 18 to 25 and live in Queensland? Enter your short story of 2,500 words or less in the SLQ Young Writers Award and you could win $2,000 and career launching opportunities.
An update from Evie
It’s now been about nine months since the GUPSA editing service began, and I’ve had a chance to meet numerous students (sometimes several times!) and note some trends.
GGRS HDR workshops for June
The Griffith Graduate Research School (GGRS) has some exciting workshops for HDR students being held next week.
Lifelong learning could be nipped in the bud under university changes
Australians like to learn. According to data provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), last year alone an estimated 2.9 million people were enrolled in formal study. Approximately 1.2 million of these students were working towards a bachelor, master or even a doctoral degree at one of Australia’s universities.
“Change of this scale has not been attempted in Australia before”: Vice Chancellor Ian O’Connor
In response to plans by the Abbott Government to cut higher education funding, Vice Chancellor Ian O’Connor has vowed that Griffith University will maintain tuition fees at the current level for domestic undergraduate coursework students enrolling in the 2014 mid-semester intake.
Cinema safety campaign targets international students
A new personal safety campaign targeting international students will begin screening in a Brisbane cinema complex, months after two high-profile killings of foreign students.
Winners of the Vice Chancellor’s Research Excellence Awards
The Vice Chancellor’s Research Excellence Awards, which were held last night, celebrate the University’s research achievements and acknowledge the achievements of outstanding individual researchers and research groups. We take great pleasure in congratulating the winners in each category and commend the far-reaching benefits and diversity of their research. Their dedication to advancing scholarly knowledge is helping to transform our world.
Milestones
In a new relationship, the number of milestones you take together seems endless, and exciting at the same time: the first kiss, the first breakfast together, telling the ex, meeting the parents, getting your own toothbrush at your partner’s place. Not necessarily in this particular order. Ideally, they just happen, some you have to fight for, others happen way too soon.
Coming up: End of Semester Party!
Classes are coming to an end so GUPSA is having a party to celebrate.
International students routinely exploited at work
Stephen Fanjaya is an international student from Indonesia, who has been living in Sydney for the past three years. In that time he has held about 15 different jobs, changing frequently due to underpayment.
2014 Federal Budget: Have your say and sign the petition today!
Higher Degree by Research students are being asked to foot the bill for their Masters and PhD qualifications as a result of the 2014-15 Federal Budget, with the Research Training Scheme to be slashed by $173.7 million and RTS places added to the HELP scheme from 1 January 2016.
Call for papers
Interactive Futures: Young People’s Mediated Lives in the Asia Pacific and Beyond. A conference hosted by the Consortium for Youth, Generations and Culture, Sociology, Monash University, the Griffith Centre for Cultural Research, Griffith University and support from the Monash Asia Institute.
An Update about the Update to the Update
And update for my update appeared! You might have read my last post’s hope to sit things out for a new update because when I updated it made my software unusable. It took me 4 days of trying to fix it, then it took IT support another 3 days of trying to remotely fix it, and then it took them another 2 days to put their own magic fingers on my laptop. From there it took them -t’daaaah- 40 minutes. Harrgmph.
Emergency rally to say no against cuts and fee hikes: Wednesday, 21 May, CBD
The National Union of Students Queensland will hold an emergency rally in Brisbane CBD on Wednesday, 21 May, to voice our concerns over the proposed cuts to higher education as outlined in the 2014 budget handed down by treasurer Joe Hockey earlier this week.
Griffith postgraduates deeply concerned about 2014 budget
STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO THE 2014 FEDERAL BUDGET
This is Melbourne calling
Deadline extended: The View from Above: Cosmopolitan Culture and its Critics – An interdisciplinary conference for post-graduate students and early career researchers; 22-23 September, the University of Melbourne.
Budget 2014: mixed responses
Higher education experts are mixed in their responses to the federal government’s 2014 budget handed down by Treasurer Joe Hockey tonight.
You are invited!
To celebrate and highlight excellence in Higher Degree Research Supervision, the Griffith Graduate Research School (GGRS) and the Griffith University Postgraduate Students Association (GUPSA) warmly invite you to attend the Excellence in HDR Supervision Forum and Workshop.
The evil side of research: software updates
I did the big wrong thing: I updated my software. – and I shouldn’t have. It was one of those days without deadline or meetings. Instead it was a day after having discovered $3 G&T at that one bar. I had not had enough sleep. I imagined blankly staring at a screen was just what I needed. When do you get to do that? Right. During software updates.
Are you a tropical researcher?
Expressions of interest are being sought from post-confirmation (2nd and 3rd year) PhD candidates in all disciplines to participate in the Tropical Research Network (TRN).
Call for audit after murder of students, Sophie Collombet and Eunji Ban
The deaths of two international students in Brisbane’s CBD fringe has spurred one inner north resident’s call for safer streets.
Scanner personality
How is your campus life? Do you have one? Do you like it? If you had the chance to make changes to our campus life, what would you do?
Safety petition, please sign!
Brisbane resident Natasha Lewis Honeyman has launched a petition to Queensland Parliament to call for a comprehensive safety review in the wake of the murder of our fellow postgraduate student Sophie Collombet.
9-5-2014: Thank God it’s Friday party!
The mid-semester break is behind us and so it’s definitely time for a big social event for you all. Announcing our Thank God It’s Friday party; it will be at the Uni Bar (Nathan Campus N71) on Friday 9 May and you are invited.
My LBD – and what Sophie has to do with it
I had not been out to bars/clubs in ages. So when Easter weekend rolled in, my date cancelled and birthdays needed to be celebrated, I got into my LBD (yes, the little black dress), put on the highest heels I could find in my closet and stalked my resulting 185 cm down this dark residential street in my quiet neighbourhood.
Hello World!
GUPSA is proudly introducing Wenx. As from today, she will maintain her own blog on this page. Do you like writing too? And would you like to share your thoughts with a considerable audience? Write about your own postgraduate student experience or anything else pertaining higher education. Contact us for more information and become a GUPSA blogger just like Wenx!
Tough task in higher learning
Australia hasn’t twigged to it yet, but the Abbott government is about to announce the most dramatic changes to the higher education sector in decades.
Video for Sophie’s parents
Griffith University is currently preparing a video for Sophie’s parents of last week’s memorial service.
Extended night-time bus service between Gold Coast and Nathan
The Gold Coast Student Guild will be trialing an extended night-time bus service between the Gold Coast and Nathan campuses starting Monday 28 April.
Unis facing free-market thrust
The university sector should be thrown open to the free market, allowing private colleges to access government funding for undergraduate students, under a proposal that could cost up to $800 million, a government-commissioned report says.
"God Help Us?": Analyzing Broadcast Talk
Professor Andrew Tolson from De Montfort University, Leicester will present a seminar on approaches to analysing broadcast talk. The seminar will present a mix of established principles with a new case study.
Crowds gather for march and candlelight vigil to honour Sophie
More than 2,000 people have gathered in Brisbane for a march and candlelight vigil in memory of murdered French student Sophie Collombet.
Candle light vigil for Sophie, Thursday, 6.30pm, King George Square
Almost 500 people have indicated they will participate in the candle light vigil for Sophie Collombet tomorrow night. The vigil, which is being organised by postgraduate students from Griffith University, QUT and UQ, will start at King George Square at 6.30pm.
GUPSA office
Due to circumstances beyond our control, the GUPSA office will remain closed until Friday. For urgent matters, please contact our President, Niels Kraaier (niels@gupsa.org.au).
Statement from CAPA
Statement on the Passing of Griffith University Postgraduate Student, Sophie Collombet
Memorial service and vigil for Sophie
A memorial service for Sophie Collombet will be held on Thursday 10 April from 3.30pm at the Nathan campus, Building N35 Centre for Interfaith and Cultural Dialogue (formerly known as the Multi Faith Centre) so that those who knew Sophie can honour her memory. Friends and classmates will be joined by GBS staff who had the privilege of knowing and teaching Sophie, as well as members of the University executive.
Register of Condolences for Sophie
In response of the tragic death of our fellow postgraduate student Sophie Collombet, as of next Monday April 7, a Register of Condolences will be available at the French Honorary Consulate, 144 Edward Street Brisbane.
Party cancelled
Due to the tragic death of our fellow postgraduate student Sophie Collombet, the committee has cancelled the party which was planned for this Friday, 11 April. We trust that you understand our decision and look forward to welcome you at our next event.
GUPSA annual report 2013
GUPSA is proud to present you with our annual report for the year 2013. As a team we have been working hard to represent the interests of postgraduate students at Griffith University and provide a growing variety of services and activities across campuses.
Sophie Collombet
It’s with great sadness that I have to report that Sophie Collombet, one of our international postgraduate students, died in tragic circumstances last Friday.
Job opportunity at QBIT
QBIT is looking for someone (or two people) who is able to take classes in their course, Academic and Professional Skills in Science and Technology. This course is delivered only at QIBT and is designed to provide students with education around key skills for success in higher education. In particular it teaches basic research skills, effective communication, working in groups and professional preparation.
What are your thoughts and ideas about the current Griffith Student Portal?
Griffith Graduate Research School (GGRS) would like to hear your thoughts and ideas about the current Griffith Student Portal ….and….. what you would like to see in a new portal! Each participant will receive a $50 Visa credit card as a thank-you!
It’s party time again!
Our welcome back party was a big success with plenty of positive feedback. But March is nearly over and the Easter mid-semester break is approaching. So we think it’s time for another big social event for you all. Announcing our first Thank God It’s Friday party for 2014!
Bloggers wanted!
Do you like writing? And would you like to share your thoughts with a considerable audience?
Important news about GUPSA services
I’m writing to you to let you know about some important services GUPSA is offering. Please take a few minutes to read this post.
Registrations open for "Thesis as a Series of Published and Unpublished Papers"
The Griffith Graduate Research School (GGRS) invites you to attend their upcoming “Thesis as a Series of Published and Unpublished Papers” workshop. All doctoral and MPhil candidates are expected to publish the results of their research during candidature. One option (other than writing a traditional thesis) is completing your thesis by a series of published or unpublished papers.
No guarantee science won’t be touched in May budget, says Prime Minister
CAPA Vice President (Equity) Vino Rajandran today met with Prime Minister Tony Abbott to discuss science and research.
Introducing the Committee for 2014
GUPSA has a new committee following the AGM last night (13 March 2014).
Student Feedback required for the 2014 Review of Campus Life operations
The University will be reviewing Campus Life from Tuesday 29 April to Thursday 1 May, 2014 as part of its regular, five-yearly reviews.
PhD Employment Experience Program
As a Griffith PhD candidate, you can undertake short-term government placements in one of 11 defined projects that will help broaden your work-ready skills base and professional networks, and expand your practical workplace knowledge outside of a research or university setting.
Funding for student associations no given
The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA) invites you to participate in an online survey as part of an awareness campaign regarding the funding of postgraduate student associations. The campaign follows a statement by Minister for Education, Christopher Pyne who just one week into his role declared that one of his top priorities was the removal of the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Don’t miss out. Welcome Back Party!
The year is gearing up and it’s all go here at GUPSA. Semester starts next week and so I’m inviting you all to GUPSA’s Welcome Back Party!
Attention postgrads! New requirements for public transport concession
The Queensland Government has introduced a new Tertiary Transport Concession Card.
Government: "HDR students will keep public transport concession."
Following on from our earlier post on this issue, GUPSA is happy to report that, in response to our concerns, the Queensland Government has revised its initial plans for the Tertiary Student Concession Card, which put at risk the eligibility of full-time HDR students for concession fares on public transport.
GUPSA concerned about plans to axe student concession on public transport
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Scott Emerson on Friday announced changes to student concessions on public transport which are likely to have negative consequences for HDR students.
The drinks are on us!
On behalf of GUPSA I would like to welcome you back to Griffith University!
Graduation Ceremonies 2013
As a member of University Council, I am privileged to attend graduation ceremonies as part of the dais procession (the people dressed in gowns who walk and sit on stage).
The President’s Christmas Message
Dear allChristmas is a time of celebration but it’s also a time of reflection. Looking back at the past 12 months, I have no doubt that it has been a busy time for all of us. It certainly was for GUPSA.The year 2013 was all about rebuilding GUPSA and I’m really proud of what we have achieved so far.
GUPSA’s Eduardo Jordan Pérez elected National Secretary of CAPA
I’m proud to announce that GUPSA’s Nathan Campus Coordinator, Eduardo Jordan Pérez, has been elected National Secretary of the Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA) at their annual meeting in Hobart earlier this week.
12-12-13: GUPSA Christmas Party
I have the pleasure to invite you to GUPSA’s annual Christmas party. Please join us to celebrate the end of the year and the beginning of holiday season.
Editing Service Update
Hi, everyone! It’s been three weeks since the GUPSA Editing Service started and I thought it would be good to let people know how it’s been going.
This Friday: End of Semester Party!
It’s the end of classes and GUPSA is having a party to celebrate — this Friday at the Unibar Function Room at Nathan. Don’t miss out!
Workshop: How to publish your research
Griffith Business School (GBS) is organising a free workshop for all HDR candidates, “Thesis as a Series of Published and Unpublished Papers”.
New: free editing service
I’m very pleased to announce the start of our new editing service, which will be free for all postgraduates. The service will be provided by Evie Franzidis, who has a master’s degree in Writing, Editing, and Publishing from the University of Queensland.
GUPSA at the movies
GUPSA is holding a film night for international postgraduates and friends, from 5pm Thursday 17 October at Nathan campus in N16 0.10. We’ll be showing the classic Australian film from 1994, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
Update from Satine Winter
First of all, a big thank you for those who voted for me in the recent University Council election! I am absolutely thrilled to represent you again.
Call for papers
Eidos Emerge is an important component of the National Public Policy Congress conference for early career researchers. The Eidos Emerge events are organised by the Eidos Institute and provide an exceptional opportunity to combine high quality learning unforgettable networking experiences.
A Musical Tapestry, GUPSA Performance Night at the Conservatorium
On 10 September, GUPSA hosted a performance night, A Musical Tapestry, for coursework students in the Ian Hanger Hall at the Conservatorium.
27-09-2013: Thank God it’s Friday party!
Yes, that’s right, GUPSA is having another party at the Unibar Nathan, for the end of the week and the end of the month and the start of mid-semester break.
Vote for Jason McNeil as Coursework Student rep on Academic Committee
University Council and Committee elections are on right now. GUPSA’s Coursework Vice President, Jason McNeil, is standing for the coursework student representative position on Academic Committee with the endorsement and full support of GUPSA. AS well as GUPSA Vice-President, Jason is studying a Master of Public Administration and is a sessional Lecturer and Tutor in the Griffith Business School. Jason is passionate about social justice and postgrad students getting a fair go.
Griffith Film School presents PHILIPPINES NOW! Guerilla Film-Making from the Philippines 31 August – 7 September
National day of action on higher education: CAPA
The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA) is joining forces with the National Union of Students (NUS) and the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) for a National Day of Action on Tuesday 20 August to champion the cause of publicly-funded and properly-funded higher education.
23 August: Thank God it’s Friday party
The welcome back party was a big success and we’ve been getting plenty of positive feedback; at the same time many of you missed out because you had other commitments that night. So we’ve decided to hold another social event this month.
Come fly with… Cobham
Cobham Aviation Services is currently on the lookout for talented post-grad students to join their graduate program commencing early next year.
Opening of the new Griffith Health Centre – Satine Winter
(We’re pleased to add another post from Satine Winter, this one about the opening of the new Griffith Health Centre at the Gold Coast on 19 July)
Three Minute Thesis Competition is on!
The Three Minute Thesis competition is on again this year and you can register to compete now! The competition is open to all Griffith University students currently enrolled in a higher degree by research, both doctorates (Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), including the Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical and Organisational Psychology) and Masters by Research (including the Master of Philosophy, and the Research Masters in Higher Education, Visual Arts and Music).
You are invited!
To celebrate the start of semester 2, GUPSA invites you to our welcome back to semester party at the Unibar at Nathan (N71).
University Council Update
Hello! My name is Satine Winter and I am the recently elected postgraduate member on the Griffith University Council. I am currently doing my PhD on autism, policy and human rights in the School of Education and Professional Studies, AEL, at Mt Gravatt.
Postgrads hit hardest by tax cap: CAPA
Data released today by Universities Australia has confirmed that postgraduate students will be hardest hit by a cap on tax-deductable education expenses, with full fee student numbers likely to drop by up to 30 per cent in four years, says the Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations.
Symposium Southbank exceeds expectations (watch video)
GUPSA is looking back on yet another highly successful event: hundreds of people – ranging from postgrads to senior academics – attended our three-day symposium at the Queensland College of Art last week.
Papers from postgrads wanted
The Griffith Centre for Cultural Research (GCCR) and the School of Humanities are calling for papers for the fifth annual GCCR Postgraduate Symposium to be held in November. Papers are wanted from honours, masters and PhD working within the humanities, the arts or conducting cultural research.
Two-thirds of university students living below the poverty line: report
New research shows two-thirds of Australian university students live below the poverty line and financial stress is on the rise.
Brisbane wants international students
Brisbane City Council is seeking feedback from international students as to how to improve services, projects and programs that help young people experience Brisbane as “a regional and world city“.
Massive turnout for reception with Vice Chancellor Ian O’Connor (watch video)
GUPSA’s long-awaited reception with Griffith University Vice-Chancellor Ian O’Connor at Griffith’s Southbank campus – on 19th June – has attracted more than hundred post-grad students and as well as many other attendees.
Creative Innovation through Cross-Fertilisation Symposium (8-10 July 2013) – Program and Abstracts
Creative Innovation through Cross-fertilisation – a symposium to share, discuss and celebrate creative and innovative research that has a multi-disciplinary approach
Board of Graduate Research Update, Tracey West HDR representative
The Board of Graduate Research is the senior body within the University which debates and makes recommendations through the Dean, Griffith Graduate Research School, to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research), and to Academic Committee on matters concerning the University’s graduate research programs, including matters relating to quality of supervision, graduate research admissions, candidature, examinations, scholarships, and communications procedures and policies.
Universities Australia Chair Professor Sandra Harding Transcript of address to National Press Club 8 May 2013
Australia’s choice – the best of times or the worst of times for our universities
Board of Graduate Research Update, from Tracey West HDR Student Rep
The Board of Graduate Research is the senior body within the University which debates and makes recommendations through the Dean, Griffith Graduate Research School to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research),and to Academic Committee on matters concerning the University’s graduate research programs, including matters relating to quality of supervision, graduate research admissions, candidature, examinations, scholarships,
Tony Abbott Must Explain where Student Money Will Go, says CAPA
The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations has today condemned the Federal Opposition for confirming that they would not repeal funding cuts to the higher education sector, despite their intention to reverse the Gonski education reforms that the funding is intended to contribute to.
Call for Papers: Creative Innovation through Cross-fertilisation – GUPSA hosted symposium Queensland College of Art, 8 – 10 July, 2013
Vice Chancellor Ian O’Connor’s statement on the latest federal cuts to University funding
On 13 April, the Federal Government announced that $2.3 billion will be cut from the University system over the next four years to contribute to the funding of school education reforms. It is estimated that almost $1 billion of this funding will come from cuts to university revenue with the remainder of the burden falling on students.
CAPA stands against cuts to the higher education sector
The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations joins with representatives from across the Higher Education sector in expressing disappointment at the Labor Government’s decision to slash $2.3bn from Higher Education.
Intercampus bus service improved
The intercampus bus service between Nathan and Gold Coast, operated by the Gold Coast Student Guild, has been extended.
Introducing the new GUPSA Committee for 2013
Following the AGM last Thursday, GUPSA has a full Committee for the first time in a number of years, certainly since VSU was introduced in 2006! We will be bringing you more details about them soon but this post will serve as a quick introduction, listing the positions and the people elected to them.
2013 will be a busy year
It’s with great pride that as of the AGM, yesterday, I’ve taken over the presidency from Maggie May, who decided to leave the committee now that she has reached the final stage of her PhD journey.
GUPSA President’s Report: Annual General Meeting 14 March 2013
It has been a very busy year for GUPSA, in March 2012 GUPSA was still working without funding, office space or staff although a new office space was almost completed and it appeared that funding was likely to commence in Semester 2.
GUPSA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 14 March, Unibar (N71) Nathan Campus
You are invited to Griffith University Postgraduate Students Association Annual General Meeting
Free Films – marion hÄnsel RETROSPECTIVE at Griffith Film School 1-8 March
Welcome and Update for Semester 1 2013
On behalf of GUPSA, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all new and returning postgraduate students. May the upcoming year be filled with opportunities to grow and learn. Best wishes to you in your studies during 2013!
New GUPSA T-shirt
This is our new T-shirt and they’ll be available on GUPSA’s stalls at next week’s market days
Thesis Whisperer speaking at Griffith 1 March
Dr Inger Mewburn, editor of The Thesis Whisperer blog, is speaking at an HDR colloquium hosted by the Griffith Social and Behavioural Research College on 1 March.
HDR Induction coming up at Nathan
Federal Election a chance to campaign for postgrads, says CAPA President
The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations today welcomed the announcement by the Prime Minister that the Federal Election will take place on September 14th.
Vale John Nowakowski
GUPSA pays tribute to John Nowakowski, National Secretary, Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA), who died on 15 January this year.
Welcome to GUPSA’s new website!
Welcome to GUPSA’s home on the internet! Yes, we will still have our pages on the Griffith University site, but they’re not interactive and aren’t meant to serve as an expanding interactive news site in the way gupsa.org.au is.
Should Australia go Dutch?
There has been an interesting series of posts on university reform over at Club Troppo by Paul Frijters.
Who We Are
