Issues and submissions

Current issues

24/7 access to computer labs for coursework postgrads on Clayton campus

The MPA has received numerous requests from coursework postgraduates studying on Clayton campus, for access to a 24/7 computer lab. We are currently negotiating with the Faculty of IT to open up one of their faculty labs to all coursework postgraduates, as well as negotiating with senior university administers to provide the funding to run this as a one year trial. If successful, we hope to have the lab open for business in semester 2 this year (2009).

August 2009: The MPA has successfully negotiated funding from the university to run a 24/7 computer lab for coursework postgraduates on Clayton campus.  Funding is secured for a one year trial.  We expect the lab to be running by the end of August, but this is dependent on central university action.

October 2009:  The university has withdrawn its commitment to fully fund this trial and is now offering only 75% of the funding.  The MPA committee will meet to discuss raising the remaining 25% so that this project can go ahead.  Anticipated opening is now set for semester 1, 2010.

Insurance for research postgraduates

Discussions are underway regarding the level of insurance coverage available to postgraduates through the university student insurance policy. The MPA is concerned that the current level of cover is too low, and is not appropriate for postgraduates working in high-risk areas, for example, with dangerous chemicals, infectious diseases or potentially dangerous equipment. There is also a concern about some of the exemptions in the current policy. The Research Graduate School Committee has taken up these concerns and negotiations are taking place with the university insurance office.

August 2009:  The Working Group has negotiated for two exclusions to be lifted, so postgraduates are now covered for injury from radiation and transmission of AIDS through needle-stick injury.  The insurance policy will be put out to tender again in Sept/Oct (when the financial climate is more conducive to insurance companies being willing to take on more risk) in an effort to negotiate an improved level of coverage overall, but in particular to the amount covering emergency transport from remote areas in Australia.

October 2009: The university has scheduled a meeting with the insurers for late October - we will let you know the outcome asap.

Price of replacement ID card

The charge to students for replacing a lost or stolen ID card appears to far outweigh the actual cost of producing the cards.  The MPA has requested that the university provide information on the real cost of producing ID cards, with a view to lobbying the university to reduce the cost of this essential service.

August 2009:  No progress. The MPA is still waiting to receive the promised information about the cost of producing an ID card.  This is currently being followed up again.

October 2009:  The university is clearly very reluctant to release this information.  The MPAEC will continuing pursuing this but will consider lodging an application under FOI if there is no progress by the end of the year.

Status of research postgraduates after thesis submission

A number of research postgraduates have raised concerns about the lack of access to library and IT services after thesis submission.  The university is now reviewing the status of research postgraduates who have handed in their theses for examination, and is investigating modifications to the administrative systems to allow continued access to the facilities and resources postgraduates need to produce journal publications and to make amendments to theses.

August 2009: This is still with the Working Group.  We’ve asked for an update and will get back to you.

October 2009:  No progress, but still under consideration by the working party.  The MPA notes that the use of Google mail for student email accounts opens up the possibility of retaining email access.

Distance Education postgraduates

Almost one third of the postgraduate population are studying by distance education. How well do we support these postgraduates and what can be done to improve their experiences? As a result of a major submission by the MPA, there are many changes happening around the university to address the needs of this cohort. See the latest updates here.

Australia-wide issues

Information on postgrad eligibility for the stimulus package, public transport concession for postgrads, VSU, Research Training Inquiry and the Review of Higher Education can be found on the CAPA (Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations) website.

Current submissions

Out of sight, out of mind: the trials and tribulations of distance education postgraduates, 2009 Download

Past MPA Submissions

An archive of previous MPA submissions.

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