On campus support for postgrad students
Postgraduate study can sometimes be an isolating experience but Macquarie University boasts an organisation that helps postgraduates make connections with fellow students as well as catering for their needs.
The Macquarie University Postgraduate Representative Association (MUPRA) has a democratically elected committee of students who work on behalf of all postgraduates. As a representative association, its mission is to advance and defend the interests of postgraduate students. MUPRA also organises a number of activities and events to help students get the most out of their time at Macquarie.
MUPRA Website
The MUPRA website contains a wide range of valuable information for postgraduate students including:
· Grant writing
· Grants and scholarships
· Student grievances
· Research study
· Supervision
· Intellectual property
· Thesis formatting training courses
· Thesis proofreading / editing
· Thesis typing and binding service
· Thesis allowance
· Social events calendar
· Thesis typing and binding service
· Social events calendar
There are also links to education bodies, government agencies, news and publications sites which provide valuable information for students.
MUPRA study facility
The MUPRA Office is attached to a study facility for postgraduate research students who have not been allocated space in their department or division. These services are located in rooms C5A 331/325 with about 40 desks and 17 computers.
In an adjoining kitchen and community area students can make snacks, relax on the lounge and access the microwave, sandwich grill, fridge, kettle, coffee machine, public telephone and lockers.
The MUPRA space is open 24 hours, seven days a week, and is accessed by electronic proximity (swipe) card.
MUPRA events
Each year MUPRA hosts a variety of events in order to unite the postgraduate community at Macquarie. Unless stipulated, all events are free of charge to Macquarie University postgraduate students. Students are encouraged attend events and become involved with their peers.
MUPRA hosts a coffee morning on the second Tuesday of the month and drinks at The Ranch Hotel on the last Friday of the month. Trivia nights and barbecues are held twice a year and there is also an annual photographic competition. Other events are held at various times throughout the year.
Supervisor of the Year Award
At the beginning of each year MUPRA runs a Supervisor of the Year Award to recognise the efforts of academics and to encourage supervisory practices. All Macquarie University postgraduate research students are eligible to nominate their own supervisor after they have completed twelve months of study at postgraduate level.
MUPRA is located in C5A room 325 with the office open between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Thursday and 9am - 2pm Friday. For further information visit www.mq.edu.au/mupra