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Postgraduate Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find office accommodation at the university?

You can apply for space in the Monash Graduate School which is located behind the Monash Club building (building 3E). See website: http://www.mrgs.monash.edu.au/centre/index.html You may also use the networked computers in room W1113 of the Menzies building. Later in your candidature you may apply for room in the Menzies building, where vacancies occur from time to time: you'll be kept informed.

Where do I lodge forms or documents for the Graduate Coordinator's signature?

All forms or documents should go to Sue Stevenson (Room W1024). Sue will obtain the correct signature, photocopy the form for your file, and then send it off to ARGS or MRGS. (In the Arts Faculty, where a form says Head of School/Department, this means Graduate Coordinator.)

How do I get free photocopying?

See Jenny Williams in room W1017 for a photocopy card. You can renew this each year of your candidature.

Where can I get free computer printing?

The networked computers available for student use in room W1113 of the Menzies building are connected to printers and may be used free of charge. If they need more paper, ask Jenny, Paul or Carol in room W1017 (School Office).

What to do if you want some tutoring employment?

The School gives preference to its postgraduate students when employing tutors. The School has undergraduate teaching in Politics, Sociology, Criminology,Women's Studies, Anthropology and Behavioural Studies. Decide which areas you are able to tutor in and send a request for tutoring and your CV to the staff member in charge of that stream (this information is available from the undergraduate noticeboard in the corridor on the 10th floor of the Menzies building). There is no guarantee that you will get tutoring but the School does employ a large number of tutors, who are usually selected in February and June, before the start of each semester. Please note the university rules on maximum tutoring times for full-time candidates. (See the Handbook for Doctoral and MPhil Degrees at:http://www.mrgs.monash.edu.au/research/)

What to do if you need money to present a paper at a conference or do fieldwork?

If you are presenting a paper at a conference you can get funding to attend. You need to apply for a Travel Grant (see the website: http://www.mrgs.monash.edu.au/scholarships/grants/ ) and you will probably need more funds than that because the Grant only makes a contribution to the airfare. Apply at the same time for a Faculty Top-Up Grant (see the website: http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/research/scholarships/scholarships-prizes.php#7 ) and if expenses are still not covered, ask your supervisor's assistance in applying to the School (Postgraduate Research Coordinator, Dr Michael Janover in W1009) for the remainder.

I Need Information About Preparing My Documentation ForPHDConfirmation Or MA Review?

For PhD confirmation information see the website: http://www.mrgs.monash.edu.au/research/students/confirmation.html and for MA Review information see the website: http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/research/candidature_forms/index.html Also, regular University and Faculty seminars are held for postgraduates on this matter: watch your emails for information.

Where can I meet other postgraduate students?

There are a number of places to meet fellow postgrads:

What to do if you are not happy with your supervisory arrangements?

Discuss the matter with the Postgraduate Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator (Michael Janover or Matt Tomlinson ) or with the Postgraduate Administrator, Sue Stevenson.

Where to go if you have a grievance over your candidature?

Discuss the matter with the Postgraduate Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator (Michael Janover or Matt Tomlinson) or with the Postgraduate Administrator, Sue Stevenson. If you don't receive the help you want at this level, the next level would be to talk to the Monash Postgraduate Association in the Campus Centre or the Faculty of Arts Research Graduate School Research Training Coordinator, Michelle Cook (2nd floor, Menzies Building).

Where can I learn how to use Endnote bibliographic software?

The Matheson Library runs regular classes in Endnote. Enquire at the Reference desk there.

How can I get Endnote software on my computer?

You can get a disk with Endnote on it from the Arts Faculty Information Technology help desk on the fourth floor South wing of the Menzies building.(They are also very helpful about computer problems.)

Where can find help if I am in financial trouble?

Raise the matter with your supervisor. If it is connected with your candidature you may be able to get temporary assistance from the School. Otherwise speak to the student counsellors in the Campus Centre.

Where can I find help with housing accommodation?

In the Campus Centre there is an accommodation help section.

Where Are the Postgraduate Mailboxes for the School of Political and Social Inquiry?

They are in room W1113 of the Menzies building. Please check regularly under the letter of the alphabet for your surname.

Where can I get special equipment I need in my research?

Speak to your supervisor and get their support in applying to the School through the Postgraduate Coordinator for funding.

How can I get training in statistical methods?

Training is offered in NVIVO and some other packages. For information of free statistical assistance see the website: http://www.mrgs.monash.edu.au/scholarships/grants/statistical.html

How can I get help to improve my language skills?

The Language and Learning Unit offers assistance for students whose writing skills need polishing. See: http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/lls

Where can I find counselling for emotional problems?

See the counselling section of the Campus Centre. Also make sure your Supervisor is informed about any problems that may interfere with your candidature.

Where can I get practice in presenting my work to other people?

The School Postgraduate Symposium in second semester is a friendly forum. There are plenty of other appropriate seminar series around the university too, don't be shy to offer a paper. There are also national and international conferences in your field, consult your supervisor. The University runs regular seminars on presenting conference papers, watch your emails.

Where Is the Postgraduate Noticeboard ForPSI?

The noticeboard is in the corridor near Sue Stevenson's office (W1024). Sue is in charge of what goes on the noticeboard.

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