Chapter 10: Facilities and services

10.2 Monash Postgraduate Association Inc. (MPA)

10.2.1 Membership

The Monash Postgraduate Association (MPA) (www.mpa.monashedu.au) represents all students enrolled in postgraduate courses at Monash University - doctoral, masters, graduate diplomas, graduate certificates and postgraduate bachelor degrees.

10.2.2 The work of MPA

The MPA aims to serve the interests and welfare of postgraduates by directing its activities and projects towards their specific needs. It recognises the different nature of postgraduate research and study as well as the multiplicity of commitments and responsibilities of most postgraduates. The association represents postgraduate students both collectively and individually, providing a recognised means of communication between the postgraduate body and the academic and administrative authorities of the university. This includes an advocacy role where necessary. The MPA negotiates on behalf of postgraduate students to help initiate or contribute to projects of ongoing benefit to them, for example the Women in Research Higher Degrees Project, the Monash Silver Jubilee Scholarship, and the Code of Supervisory Practice. MPA also carries out research into issues affecting postgraduate education.

The association works cooperatively on projects with other bodies interested in postgraduate education, especially CAPA, the national postgraduate representative body.

It ensures there is postgraduate representation on all the university’s governing bodies and committees relevant to their interests. These include the Research Graduate School Committee, Academic Board, and faculty boards and committees. The needs of particular sections of the postgraduate population, for example international, part-time, female, coursework and off-campus candidates, are taken into account when planning the association’s activities.

10.2.3 MPA committee and staff

Election for a committee of up to 15 postgraduate students occurs in the first semester of each academic year. The committee meets monthly, except in January. The association employs several staff members to carry out the work of the association. The committee, in consultation with the executive officer, develops policy and establishes a set of primary projects for each year. Sub-committees are formed where necessary. Individual postgraduates or groups are able to raise issues by contacting the MPA’s office or by approaching committee members.

10.2.4 Publications

The association produces regular editions of the magazine Compass Online. Other publications include the MPA Guide to Postgraduate Programs, which is mailed to postgraduates each semester, and the MPA Guide to Facilities and Services for newly enrolled postgraduates.

A series of information sheets are produced on a number of topics, including editing, proofing and thesis binding services.

10.2.5 Contact networks

To overcome the difficulty of communicating with postgraduates distributed over Monash’s extensive campuses and clinical teaching centres at several major hospitals, the association maintains a network of ‘contact’ people. These postgraduate students (and sometimes staff within departments) have volunteered to receive material sent out by the MPA and bring it to the attention of the postgraduates in their areas. Postgraduate students can elect to subscribe to the MPA weekly email news list. Subscription is free, and you can subscribe from the MPA homepage. The MPA website is a very helpful source of information (see chapter 11 for contact details).

You can also visit Postgrad to Postgard, your online postgraduate community. There are areas for topic and Monash specific discussion plus of course a lounge for general chit chat. Register and upload your avatar today! Just visit the MPA website and follow the links (See chapter 11 for contact details).

10.2.6 Workshops and social functions

MPA organises seminars and workshops on topics of relevance to postgraduate education as well as social functions that bring together postgraduates from the many different disciplines within the university. MPA also runs an English Conversation Group, a weekly lunch group and a fortnightly Coffee Club at the Clayton and Caulfield campuses during semester.

10.2.7 MPA office

The Monash Postgraduate Association’s Clayton office is located in room 151 on the first floor of the Campus Centre, Clayton campus, and is open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. The MPA also has an office on the Caulfield campus, located in room 33 in the basement of Building H (HB33), which is open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons during semester. Staff members are available to give confidential assistance with inquiries. Postgraduate students are encouraged to visit the offices to meet the staff and to learn more about the association.