Your first semester journey - a guide for Caulfield coursework students

• Arrival - 'O' week

• Steep ascent - weeks 1-3

• Gaining momentum - weeks 4-6

• Full speed ahead - weeks 7-10

• The race is on - week 11 onwards

Arrival - 'O' week

Essentials

Attend the MPA postgrad orientation session for the lowdown on postgraduate facilities and services at Caulfield

Attend your faculty-specific orientation events

Register your student card for 24 hour access to postgraduate computer labs and lounges

Subscribe to the MPA Email News

Attend introductory classes at the Library

GSB students sign up for Adept Head Start

You may also want to...

Check out our accommodation guide

Check out the Monash Marketplace for 2nd-hand goods and house-sharing

International students can sign up for the peer mentoring program

Find out abut the mid-week social nights held every Wednesday on campus

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Steep ascent - weeks 1-3

When making the transition to postgraduate study you may have to refresh your academic and/or language skills. Your faculty, the library, learning skills advisers and MPA staff have organised seminars to assist you. There are a wide range of seminars each semester on topics such as assignment writing, time-management and presentation skills.

Tips

Read your course outline

Become familiar with 'Blackboard'

Start working on assignment 1

Become familiar with referencing

Form working groups

Attend library introductory classes

Meet your subject librarian

Attend Learning Skills drop-in sessions

Study the MPA guide to Postgraduate Programs and choose the seminars you'd like to attend

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Gaining momentum - weeks 4-6

Communicate regularly with your lecturers, tutors & learning skills advisers - get feedback if you are on track for assignments.

Meet regularly with your working groups and assignment teams, allocate tasks and responsibilities.

Tips

Keep up with your seminar reading

Catch up with further readings (in unit guides)

Draw up a study plan

Visit Language & Learning Online - a great resource to improve your academic skills

Take time to socialise at MPA coffee clubs and free lunches

Drop into the MPA Caulfield office and chat with staff - we are on-campus Tuesdays and Wednesdays as well as Thursday afternoons

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Full-speed ahead - weeks 7-10

Peak assignment season! Read assignment criteria and keep up with your readings. Meet regularly with your working groups and assignment teams and communicate via email between meetings.

Tips

Make a revision plan & start revising

For group work - set deadlines for everyone’s tasks and check that all is on track

Catch up with your subject librarian to check the sources for your assignments

Attend Learning Skills drop-in sessions, bring along parts of your assignments and specific questions

 

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The race is on - week 11 onwards

This is when it all comes together. If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed - don't worry. Many first semester postgraduates do! Just stick to your study and assignment writing plans – take one day at a time.

Tips

Revise all articles

Attend the revision lecture/tutorial in week 13

Finalise those assignments, set times for presentation practice

Form study groups for exam preparation. Book study spaces (syndicate rooms) a week in advance.

Catch up with your subject librarian to check the sources for your assignments

Attend Learning Skills drop-in sessions, bring along parts of your assignments and specific questions

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