At the start of every semester, the MGA runs orientation sessions for Monash graduate coursework students. These sessions run on both Clayton and Caulfield campus. If you were not able to attend one of our orientation sessions, you can browse through this online orientation.
First up, follow us on our socials!
Follow us on Instagram and like us on Facebook to keep yourself up to date with with everything that will benefit a Monash graduate student. You can also join your student community on our Coursework Facebook group.
Personalise your student calendar by subscribing to our graduate student calendar feeds – you can also add your timetable and other useful info. See how in our guide to GoogleApps calendars.
Now you’ve done that, have a read through this page to find out what you need to know about being a graduate student at Monash University. We’ll cover both the facilities and services available to you and give you information on the academic journey.
Facilities and services
Parking
Before you even set foot on campus, you will need to work out how you’re going to get here. There are lots of public transport options.
If you plan to drive, you will need to purchase a parking permit which will allow you to park on any of the campuses (beware, you will get fined if you don’t have one). Alternatively all campuses have paid casual parking, but this can quickly cost more than a permit.
If cost is an issue, consider carpooling – you’ll save money, the environment and make new friends!
Study space
Let’s start with the basics… that is, a place to study. Departments and faculties don’t have the capacity to provide study space for graduate coursework students, but there are a few graduate student-only study spaces around the various campuses which you’ll need to know about. Some of these are open to students 24/7.
The Monash libraries are also a great study location and offer extended hours during the exam period.
IT
It’s important to make sure you’re connected to the Monash IT network, so you’ll need to get your username and password set up. Once you have your Monash account, you can log into the University-wide intranet portal, called my.monash.
Library
If you haven’t been in a library for a while, you’ll definitely need some help familiarising yourself with the library services available at Monash.
The library runs classes and workshops and you can make an appointment with a librarian, who can help you find and use discipline-specific information.
Graduate coursework students can borrow up to 60 items at a time, and can make use of the document delivery service which can locate and deliver materials that are only available from external libraries. If you don’t live close to campus, you could consider getting a CAVAL card, which allows you to borrow from other university libraries.
Seminars
The MGA runs seminars on all four Victorian campuses and at off-campus locations and online – you are welcome to attend any of those within your reach!
Social events
After all that study, you can debrief and share experiences with other graduate students at the MGA’s social events. We often run free lunches, coffee and drinks socials and other fun activities. We also run major subsidised events like After Exam Parties and an Annual Ball.
The academic journey
In the first week of semester, you should receive unit guides for all of your enrolled units. It contains important information about the unit content, intended outcomes, assignments, assessment criteria and attendance requirements.
Allocate+
Use Allocate+, the University online allocation system, to submit your preferences for timeslots for lectures and tutorials.
Missed a lecture?
The library also provides a large number of lectures online as audio recordings through Learning Capture.
Stuck for words?
The University has some great online resources about language and learning that are worth a look. Want to speak to someone? Make an online or in-person appointment with a Learning and Language Advisor who can provide advice about academic writing.
Referencing
It’s important to properly reference and cite other people’s work used in your assignments. Issues like plagiarism, even when unintended, are taken very seriously and the consequences at Monash can be severe. Find out more about Academic Integrity here.
Concerns?
Your experience at Monash should be academically challenging and stimulating. If you have any concerns or comments about your course you should speak to your course coordinator. Whatever you do, don’t let the situation deteriorate without acting. If you do find yourself in need of some independent and confidential advice, make an appointment with one of the MGA Advocates.
Advice & Advocacy
Feeling lost or confused about University processes? Got a problem with your course or program? Can’t make a deadline due to personal circumstances?
MGA Advocates offer free advice and advocacy for all Monash graduate students. The service is confidential and independent from the University. Drop into one of the MGA offices to speak with the MGA staff, or make an appointment to see an MGA Advocate to help get you back on track. You can also check out our Advice and Advocacy pages to find out more information.