r a e Y t s r i F
e d i u G2016 -1-
Find us The best way to reach the common room and/or our office in W3A 332 is via the entrance outside W5C:
CONTACT DETAILS
FACEBOOK COHORT
Joining your Facebook cohort will allow you to interact with other students as well as receive information from the MULS team that is tailored to your year. The cohorts are as follows: • LLB students (either as a single or double degree): join the LLB group of the year that you started, • JD students: join the JD group of the year that you started, or • External students: join the externals group. • Links are available on the MULS Facebook page under the tab ‘Cohorts’.
Keep an eye on your student email for correspondence from Macquarie Law School staff, including Professor Natalie Klein (our Dean), Debbie Loo (Department Administrator), Eleanor McGhee (Assistant to Dean of Law School and Assistant Department Administrator), and Debra Ronan (Director of PACE). Occasionally, MULS will send emails via one of these staff members.
IMPORTANT DATES
Macquarie Law School, W3A Telephone: (02) 9850 7939 Website: muls.org Email: enquiries@muls.org Instagram: muls_macquarie Twitter: @muls_macquarie
Event
FACEBOOK PAGE
Sports Gala Day
To be notified of the latest MULS news and events, ‘like’ our Facebook page. We’ll post important information regarding what’s happening with publications, competitions, community engagement, and careers and social events.
Date
First Year Morning Tea First Year Law Camp Start of Semester (SOS) I
Session 1 before mid semester break
Law Revue auditions Session 1 after mid semester break
Law Cruise SOS II
Session 2 before mid semester break
Social Justice Trivia Night
Session 2 TBA
Law Ball
Session 2 after mid semester break
-2-
President’ s Welcome
Congratulations on commencing your studies as a law student and welcome to Macquarie University Law Society (MULS). As President of MULS, I would like to tell you a little about what we do and how you can get involved. MULS is the largest student society on campus, and we represent each and every law student through free membership!
president@muls.org Matthew O’Connor
Our mission is to complement your law degree by facilitating educational, social, and vocational development outside of your studies. We offer engaging social justice initiatives, insightful publications, practical career advice, and fantastic sport and social events. I encourage you to make the most of your time here (as the years will fly!). Whether
-3-
it be writing for one of our publications, challenging yourself with a moot, joining a sub-committee, or owning the dance floor at Law Ball. Just by interacting with MULS you will make long-lasting friends, develop as a law student and young professional, and above all else, have massive amounts of fun. Remember to swing by our stall at O-Week to collect a MULS Starter Kit, which contains everything you need to know about MULS and university life. Feel free to email me at president@muls.org or find me on campus – even just for a quick chat or to see what events we are running. We look forward to meeting you all and our best wishes for the year ahead!
About MULS
MULS is run to complement the Macquarie Law School and University, and to ensure that students get the most out of their degrees. MULS works closely with students, the Law Faculty, university staff, and external parties to provide the best initiatives possible. These include: • Providing students with the opportunity to propose new ideas and communicate them, • Running The Brief Subcommittee so that students can contribute to our student publication, • Planning exciting social and sporting events for fun and to foster connections with other students, and • Running competitions to enhance personal and professional development. As a Macquarie University law student, you are automatically a member of MULS, making it the largest student-run society on campus. As a member, you are entitled to get involved as much or as little as you like, however, given the nature and length of the law degree, we encourage you to experience as many facets as you can! Remember, MULS is here to help all Macquarie students; MULS is your society. -4-
THE MULS TEAM AND STRUCTURE As per our constitution, MULS is run by an executive of 25 people. Elections are held at the end of each year with all law students eligible to nominate themselves for a position, as well as vote in the election. The Executive is comprised of two parts: 1. The Board, which is made up of: • The President, • The Secretary, • The Treasurer, and • The five portfolio Directors. 2. The Executive Council, which consists of: • The above Board, and • Seventeen Executive Officers. The Board is responsible for making primary decisions for MULS, with each Director working closely with their respective team of Executive Officers. The Executive Officers are responsible for specific tasks in the operation of MULS. The next few pages will introduce you to each portfolio, providing information on some of the many opportunities offered by MULS, as well as the executive members who make up the 2016 MULS team.
Administration The Administration portfolio includes the Secretary and Treasurer. This department is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the society, including communication with MULS members, the executive, and the university. It aims to maintain the organisation and finances of the society. The Secretary is required to minute meetings, meet with University staff/ groups, correspond on behalf of the society, update the constitution, and ensure that all executive members are fulfilling their obligations. The Treasurer is required to handle all monetary transactions related to the Society’s activities, keep accounting records, and provide assistance with budget decisions.
SECRETARY
TREASURER
administration@muls.org Patrick Barkachi
treasurer@muls.org Sammuel Dobbie-Smitham
Hey, I’m in my final year of a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Commerce (Finance). I am responsible for administering the operations, correspondence and initiatives for everything MULS-related in 2016. My role aims to keep MULS running smoothly. For any questions in relation to MULS’ constitution and internal operations, feel free to email me.
I’m a fifth year Arts/Law student who likes acting, martial arts and Mexican food. I will be acting as the MULS Treasurer for 2016. This role involves working with the president to prepare the yearly budget, making and receiving payments on behalf of MULS, ensuring that MULS remains compliant with the relevant accounting and reporting standards, and assisting with the general running of the society. Feel free to send me an email if you have any accounts-related queries.
-5-
Career Engagement The Career Engagement portfolio’s role is to represent MULS’ interests to law firms and our sponsors. This entails securing the society’s sponsorship, liaising with sponsors, and assisting with the coordination of career-related events.
EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CORPORATE CAREERS)
DIRECTOR finance@muls.org Manny Kanellis
careers@muls.org Caitlin Polo
Hello there! My name is Manny, I’m responsible for getting sponsorship for the society and organising careers-based events. Getting ahead in your legal career at an early stage will make your life a whole lot easier when you come to the end of your degree. If you’re interested in learning about opportunities with law or learning how to apply for a job, I’m more than happy to help. At the same time, I recommend you balance all that with a healthy dose of Netflix, Friday nights out or whatever else makes you happy. See you all at law camp! -6-
Hi there, I’m in my third year of a double degree in Environmental Science and Law. I have a keen interest in corporate social responsibility, as well as sustainable urban planning and local government laws. When I’m not in my suit at a careers event, you’ll most likely find me on campus in my science fieldwork gear talking about soil and rivers – riveting information for earth scientists like me! It is my responsibility to assist you with anything related to corporate careers, so feel free to send me a message or say hi if you see me on campus!
EXECUTIVE OFFICER (PUBLIC INTEREST CAREERS) publicinterestcareers@muls.org Corey Lian Hi, how it’s going, my name is Corey and I am in my third year of a Commerce and Law degree. I am responsible for events and providing information on careers and organisations that relate to the public interest field. I am fan of soccer, especially the German team Borussia Dortmund, and love anything relating to MMA and the UFC.
-7-
Community Engagement The Community Engagement Department aims to foster a strong relationship between Macquarie University law students, Community Legal Centres, and legal service providers in NSW and regional Australia. Through facilitating practical opportunities for community engagement, students are provided a hub through which they can access opportunities including, but not limited to, volunteer work, fundraising activities, community legal education sessions, social networking, and guest speaker events. If you’re interested in social justice, please have a look at our Facebook page.
DIRECTOR
EXECUTIVE OFFICER (ADVOCACY)
socialjustice@muls.org Brodie Purdon
advocacy@muls.org Taymyna Rad
Welcome to Macquarie University! This is my fourth year studying Law and Psychology here and I can assure you that you have made a sweet sweet choice. I am very lucky to have been selected as the Director of Community Engagement for 2016. This means that alongside Tahmyna and Steve, I work to encourage social justice, community convergence and equality in the Macquarie University community. We are a new MULS department with great potential and big plans for 2016, so keep your eye out for our great talks, stalls and trivia throughout the year.Â
Hello there! I am in my second year of a Bachelor of Arts (Public Policy, Law and Governance), and a Bachelor of Laws. My role in MULS is to facilitate programs for Macquarie University law students regarding social justice issues, and to involve you in opportunities and discussion about current affairs and things that matter to you! I look forward to meeting you all, so please come say hi to me if you see me on campus!
-8-
EXECUTIVE OFFICER (COMMUNITY OUTREACH) communityoutreach@muls.org Steve Rudek 2016 is looking to be a jam packed full of fun year at MULS, especially with the guns blazing hard-core community engagement team! As Community Outreach Executive Officer my main role is to get out there in the communities and let them know who we are! Law isn’t all about books, research and partying (yolo) it’s mostly about people (not money). People need us lawyers and we’re gonna give it to ‘em and while we’re at it, we’re gonna put some good ol’ social justice back into law where it belongs. Stay tuned kids. -9-
Competitions Competition experience helps complement your law degree. Competing improves your legal knowledge, professional manners, and teamwork and time management skills. It is also a great way to develop friendships with other students. This year, MULS will provide students the opportunity to compete in the following competitions:
Competition
Eligibility
Important Dates
Junior Mooting
2nd and 3rd year LLB
Applications: 29 Feb-7 March Commences Week 3, Session 1
Junior Client Interview
1st - 3rd year LLB
Applications: 25 July-7 August Commences Week 3, Session 2
Witness Examination
Any LLB/JD
Applications: 25 July-8 August Commences Week 3 Session 2
Negotiations
Any LLB/JD
Applications: 25 July-8 August Commences Week 3, Session 2
Paper Presentation
Any LLB/JD students above 2nd year
Applications: TBA Commences Week 7, Session 2
Senior Mooting
4th and 5th year LLB
Applications: 15 Feb-29 Feb Commences Week 2, Session 1
Senior Client Interview
4th and 5th year LLB
Applications: 25 July-1 August Commences Week 2, Session 1
There are also competitions organised by ALSA and external parties. Expression of interest forms will be distributed closer to the relevant dates.
- 10 -
DIRECTOR competitions@muls.org Janson Lim Hey! I am a 5th year Commerce and Law undergrad. I am in charge of making sure all the competitions run smoothly, and provide a structured, challenging experience to complement your studies. I love making YouTube videos with my mates, painting, tennis and everything technological. You’ll probably find me in the FBE labs or working in the Macquarie International building!
EXECUTIVE OFFICER (COMPETITIONS - ADVOCACY)
EXECUTIVE OFFICER (COMPETITIONS - ADVOCACY)
compsadvocacy@muls.org Lauren Stables
compsadvocacy@muls.org Genevieve Enright
Hi, I am currently in my fourth year of my Bachelor of Laws and Arts, majoring in Spanish and Latin American Studies. I am responsible for the organisation of MULS’ Advocacy Competitions, including Mooting and Witness Examination. I enjoy travelling and you will find me around campus researching the next best place to visit. Try and participate in as many competitions as you can; it is an extremely rewarding experience! Don’t be afraid to come and say hello, I am here to help.
Hi, I’m Genevieve, the (other) Comps Advocacy Executive Officer. In 2016 I enter my fourth year of a Bachelor of Arts-Media Law. I have a passion for filmmaking and radio production, and all things popular culture. I’ve done just about every competition there is except for negotiations, and I think no matter what your level of experience, it’s a great way to meet other people in Law and to step outside of your comfort zone. I encourage you to get strongly involved in this society’s initiatives over the course of your degree, and I look forward to meeting you at Law Camp.
- 11 -
EXECUTIVE OFFICER (COMPETITIONS - SKILLS)
EXECUTIVE OFFICER (COMPETITIONS - SKILLS)
EXECUTIVE OFFICER (COMPETITIONS - EXTERNAL)
compsskills@muls.org Marlow Bakous
compsskills1@muls.org Millicent Watt
externalcompsl@muls.org Ruby Li
As many of you already know, my name is Marlow and I am the professional skills officer for 2016. Currently, I’m in the 3rd year of my course (Law/commerce). In my free time I enjoy going to the gym as well as playing sports with my friends and going out to meet new people. I look forward to working with everyone this year and getting to know you all.
I joined MULS, like you, in my first year at Macquarie. I am now in my fourth year of a combined Bachelor of Law and Commerce. I’ve dabbled in university plays, taken the court for MULS netball and lived on campus. With experience both at a commercial law firm and in-house at a publishing company, I can tell you that developing your professional skills through negotiations, client interviews, paper presentations or mooting will put you in good stead for the demands of a legal path. If you want to take your law degree to the next level, come and ask myself and the team at Competitions how to maximize what you really learn at law school.
Hi guys! My name is Ruby and I am currently in my fourth year of a Bachelor of Arts (Environmental Management) with a Bachelor of Laws. As the External Competitions officer this year, I will be responsible for organising MULS intervarsity competitions with other universities, including both domestic and international competitions. Some of my interests include overseas adventures, geeky science facts and chubby pandas! Please feel free to say hi to me on campus and email me if you would like to get involved in external competitions; they are a great way to build and consolidate legal knowledge and skills!
- 12 -
Events The Events portfolio is one of the biggest in MULS, and is responsible for bringing you a host of fantastic social and sports events throughout the year. 2016 is already shaping up to be a big year, with the following events planned so far:
DIRECTOR
EXECUTIVE OFFICER (SOCIALS)
events@muls.org Maria Toma
socials@muls.org Lachlan Greenberg
Hello first years! My name is Maria Toma and I’m your MULS Events Director this year! I’m a fourth year HR/ Law student and am super excited to see what 2016 will bring.
HSC is long gone. You’re done. Thank goodness for that. Now the good times REALLY begin. Welcome to freedom, the thing we call uni. Uni is supposed to be a fun time in your life, right? Let us make that so! I’m from the events team and our goal here is to make you enjoy yourself as much as possible. That is actually our goal. I’m not going to get you to study or anything. Just want you all to have fun. I mean, you’re here for five years; you may as well entertain yourselves somehow. We have some great events coming up, not just saying that because I’m biased; they are actually pretty good, especially law camp, make sure you don’t miss it! If you are new, feeling lost or know no-one, come find me and say hi. Pretend you know me, I will look confused and it will be quite funny once you tell me you read this little bio and were able to recognise me in person. Ten points to whoever actually pulls this off.
I can’t promise you that your law degree will be a walk in the park, but what I can promise you is that the walk you’re about to embark on will be ten times more exciting if you engage with the fantastic initiatives that we will deliver. An incredible first-year Law Camp, a 700-person cruise partay and a >1000-person black tie ball are only some of the amazing events that you will enjoy as part of MULS. This, alongside some fantastic social sport opportunities including mixed netball, mixed touch and gala days, are sure to add to colour to your university experience. Get excited and get involved, I look forward to meeting all of you!
- 13 -
EXECUTIVE OFFICER (SOCIALS)
EXECUTIVE OFFICER (SPORTS)
socials@muls.org Matt Blundell
sports@muls.org Melissa Walsh
Hey guys, my name is Matt and am in my third year studying a Bachelor of Arts Psychology with the degree of Bachelor of Law. It is important to note I can cook 2 minute noodles in 1 minute.
Hi, I’m studying a double degree of Law combined with Business Administration. My role is to coordinate an array of sporting events run by MULS this year. This includes organising the social sports teams for netball and touch football, as well as other fun events like the sports Gala Day and City2Surf. I encourage you all to get involved, as it’s a great way to make new friends. In my spare time I enjoy team sports like mixed netball and soccer, as well as surfing.
If you have any questions regarding events, socials or just about me feel free to ask!
- 14 -
Publications The Publications department is responsible for social media, photography at some events, publicity, The Brief, and our Clerkship and Careers Guides. You can get involved in The Brief Subcommittee and write for The Brief, which is published three times a year, or be an Online Contributor for The Brief Online, where blogs of approximately 500 words are regularly posted. Publications is also responsible for merchandise. Keep an eye out for our MULS pens and t-shirts!
DIRECTOR publications@muls.org David Yao I am David Yao, your Director of Publications for 2016! I am in my 4th year studying a Human Resources and Law degree. Welcome to law school – here you will either turn into Louis Litt or go insane after hours upon hours of law readings, cheap coffee and sleep-deprived procrastination. But hey, it’s a life-changing experience! My role involves overseeing our own magazine The Brief and MULS publications as well as managing the MULS website, our Facebook page and other social media sites. As the digital age continues to
- 15 -
surround us, MULS is embracing creative methods in the way we communicate with you, the student, to ensure that you: 1) do not forget to attend a major MULS event, 2) get access to the latest quality MULS guide, and 3) keep engaged with all the opportunities that MULS offers for your personal development! In my spare time, I like to travel, swim, discuss history and try all the cuisines in the world! I am always looking for an interesting conversation, so feel free to say hi and introduce yourself if you see me on campus or otherwise shoot me an email! Get ready for MULS to consume your social life in 2016!
EXECUTIVE OFFICER (IT)
EXECUTIVE OFFICER (EDITOR)
itofficer@muls.org Josh Wilson
editor@muls.org Rhiannon Bell
Hi there! I’m in my fifth year of a double degree in Commerce and Law. I’m the one who manages the MULS information system including its website, email accounts and social media pages. If you see me on campus I’m probably drinking coffee or wondering whether I’ve locked my car. Study hard and make friends while you still attend lectures, but remember that academic excellence is not as important as a balanced lifestyle.
Hi, I’m in my third year of a double degree in Psychology and Law. I’m responsible for editing the Clerkship and Careers Guides, as well as the guide that you’re currently reading. You’ll probably find me decorating my textbooks with highlighters and post-it notes in the library or the common room, whilst trying really hard to kick my caffeine addiction. I love baking, contemporary legal issues, and helping other law students out, so feel free to say hi if you see me on campus!
- 16 -
EXECUTIVE OFFICER (EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF THE BRIEF) thebrief@muls.org Twitter: @TheBrief_MULS Sarah Li Yee Lien Welcome to MULS! My name is Sarah and I’m currently in my fourth year of a Commerce (International Business)/Law double degree. My role as Editor-in-Chief of The Brief involves commissioning and editing content for The Brief editions as well as managing The Brief Online, our complementary blog platform. You’ll want a break from study every now and then, so be sure to check out these publications in your downtime. If you have any questions or are interested in becoming involved, feel free to send me a message.
EXECUTIVE OFFICER (PUBLICITY) publicity@muls.org Kate Devlin My name is Kate Devlin and I am a 4th year Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)/Bachelor of Laws student. I’m responsible for the publicity and marketing of MULS. My job is to creatively communicate all the fantastic opportunities and events MULS has to offer! So make sure you check out our website, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook page for all the latest MULS news! I look forward to seeing you all around campus!
- 17 -
Understanding your law degree
Whether your law degree is a single or double undergraduate degree, or a postgraduate Juris Doctor degree, you will need to complete a set amount of units. A ‘unit’ is the same as a ‘subject’ at school, except you only study each subject for one semester or ‘session’. Most students study four units per session, however, it is possible to study more or less than this. To study more than four units, you will need to consult an academic advisor. Students who want to get ahead or who have taken less than four units during Sessions 1 or 2 sometimes take up to two units in a condensed form in Session 3 over the summer holidays. Importantly, however, not all subjects are offered during Session 3. You can find this information, along with the required units for your degree, in the Handbook. Given that units are often only offered in one session, it is important to plan your study program carefully. Furthermore, you will note that some units are compulsory whilst others are electives. If you are doing a combined law degree, please note that you are not required to take all of your 100-level subjects in first year – - 18 -
taking 3 law subjects can be challenging! Be careful with which unit you defer, however, as some 200-level subjects will have prerequisites and do not run every semester. It is a good idea to come up with a planned program of study based upon the information in the Handbook. For further information on what is involved in each unit, you may also wish to consult the Unit Guide. This will give you information on when assessments are due, what textbooks you should buy, and how to contact the Unit Convener. Moreover, for semester dates, information on when the Census Date is, and when fees are due, visit the MQ Calendar. The calendar will also tell you which ‘week’ we are in, which is often referred to when assignments are due, e.g., ‘the assignment is due Friday 5pm of Week 6’. If you have any questions about your program of study or wish to speak to an academic advisor, please log into ask. mq.edu.au as a Current Student and submit a question to MQ titled ‘Academic Advice’, with your degree and the nature of the advice that you require.
A brief introduction to classes
All the information covered in lectures and tutorials is generally assumed knowledge for assignments and exams, so be sure to listen to the lectures. There are generally no tutorials during the first week, but again, check the unit guide and/or iLearn page because some subjects will start tutorials in the first week. It’s a good idea to try and find someone to ‘buddy-up’ with as early as possible. Not only are they likely to share some of your interests, they may also be able to take notes for you if you miss out on a tutorial.
EXTERNAL STUDENTS INTERNAL STUDENTS Whilst every unit differs, there is generally a weekly lecture and a tutorial. Typically, attendance is only compulsory at tutorials (as the lecture will usually be recorded), but technical glitches sometimes lead to lectures going unrecorded, so attendance at lectures is recommended. To find out which classes are compulsory, as well as information on assessment dates and required textbooks, read the Unit Guide thoroughly.
External students generally attend one or two on-campus sessions as opposed to 12-13 tutorials. These are mostly conducted over two days during the midsemester break (the two weeks between Week 6 and 7). This may vary between subjects, and this information should be in the Unit Guide.
iLEARN For most subjects, iLearn is the main online resource. This is a personalized website which gives you access to the information posted by the unit convener, - 19 -
the lecturer(s), and the tutors. Ensure that you check iLearn frequently. In addition to the announcements forum, there is also a student forum where you can ask questions and interact with other students in the unit. Before you post anything, however, keep the following three rules in mind: 1. Can you find the answer to your question in the Unit Guide? 2. Has someone else already asked the same or a similar question on the forum? If your question is similar, consider posting it as a response to the existing thread, rather than starting a new discussion. 3. Does the question constitute a form of academic dishonesty? More information on what constitutes academic dishonesty will be provided in the lectures; especially in LAW115.
Onl i ne resources
STUDENT EMAIL
CONTACTING STAFF MEMBERS
You can access your student email by logging into mail.google.com using <your first name.your surname>, followed by ‘@ students.mq.edu.au’. If another student has the same name as you, your name will probably be followed immediately by a number. You would have been informed of your email address when you activated your OneID.
If you need additional assistance, there are a number of ways of contacting your tutor/ lecturer/the convenor. Be sure to listen carefully during the first classes because some staff members may indicate that they prefer being contacted via email or using the iLearn dialogue.
You should check this regularly as important information is sent to it, including emails from the Law School.
eSTUDENT Your eStudent is different to iLearn. Although you will use the same Student ID number, your eStudent password is different to your OneID password (which you use for everything else, including accessing the University WiFi and iLearn). This gives you access to administrative tools, including enrolling into units, choosing classes, paying fees, etc.
Another (somewhat under-utilized) means of getting clarification from your tutors is by visiting them. Most tutors will set aside at least an hour per week for ‘consultation’, which means that students can come in (sometimes without an appointment) to ask questions face-to-face. Information on this is often available from the Unit Guide, the iLearn page, and is usually mentioned during the first lecture/tutorial.
ADDITIONAL ONLINE RESOURCES For more information about any of the key terms above, visit the MQ Handbook, and especially the glossary, as all the information you will need is available there. Whilst all of this may seem daunting to start, remember that there is a finite number of terms to learn. Once you get the hang of it, it is much easier!
- 20 -
Additional services and resources
LIBRARY
MUSE
A fantastic resource and study space, you will become well-acquainted with the library as a law student. For some of the features and facilities, head to the library website. You can also learn about how to use the facilities of the library using the InfoWise iLearn module.
Designed for students by students, MUSE features two floors of personal study and group spaces, 900+ power points for laptops, WiFi, and lots of beanbags. MUSE strikes a balance between the silence of the library and the atmosphere of the Atrium. MUSE is located just off Wallyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Walk in C7A.
LEARNING SKILLS Learning Skills are mostly based in the library, and can give you assistance with the academic side of university. They run workshops during the first few weeks of session (although if you miss out they are generally repeated during the midsession break), provide online resources (StudyWISE and the Academic Integrity module), and Learning Advisors. Learning Advisors sit at the Information Desk on the ground-level floor of the library (Level 2) between 12pm and 2pm Monday to Friday during teaching weeks and midsession break; although you can always email them at learningskills@ mq.edu.au. Whilst an advisor cannot proofread your assignments, they can help you to evaluate how to improve on an assessment that you already submitted. For further information, see this website. - 21 -
On Level 2 of MUSE, you will find the home of Student Connect, which is the front-end for Student Administration and coursework enquiries. Student Connect has self-help terminals with access to eStudent, AskMQ and the web, as well as support areas where student enquiries can be made face-to-face. You can send enquiries online through ask.mq.edu.au, or you can call them on (02) 9850 6410 or visit on weekdays between 8:30am5:30pm.
CAREER AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICE The Macquarie Career and Employment Service is also located in C7A Level 2, in the same area as Student Connect. Although you are not automatically signed up to the Career Hub, you can do so at their website. This will give you access to information about events that they are running, job advertisements, and you can book a session with an advisor for discussing issues like refining your resume and interview technique.
PEER ASSISTED LEARNING (PAL) PAL provides the opportunity to get some extra revision for a unit, and is open to anyone. These sessions are not compulsory but are a great way to get extra practice on topics that you may be struggling with. If PAL is available for your unit, your convenor will generally post the details on the iLearn page and/or mention it during the first few lectures. A timetable of all Arts Faculty PAL sessions is also available here.
DISRUPTION TO STUDIES Sometimes serious and unavoidable disruptions happen. Keep in mind, however, that you will need to notify the university within 5 working days of the disruption commencing. You will have an additional 5 working days to upload your supporting documentation. This is done by going to ask.mq.edu.au, logging in, and then selecting ‘disruptions’ from under ‘Forms’. If more than one unit is affected by the disruption, you will need to submit a separate form for each. It is definitely worth familiarizing yourself with the policies.
CAMPUS WELLBEING As a law student, there are times when you are going to feel overwhelmed and stressed. This may be due to a heavy workload, an upcoming assessment, personal factors, or just … ‘because I do’. Studying law is challenging, and feeling stressed or overwhelmed is perfectly normal. Just because it’s normal, however, doesn’t mean that you have to put up with it.
- 22 -
A free welfare service, Campus Wellbeing is located on Level 2 of the Lincoln Building in C8A, and provides: • Counselling services • Disability services • Welfare services. They also run workshops that can help you manage the stresses in your life. For more information, you can call them on 9850 7497, or visit their website. There is also a GP service available to Macquarie University students at the hospital in F10A. It is open Monday to Friday between 8:00am and 6:00pm. Please ring (02) 9812 3944 to make an appointment. For more information about depression and anxiety in the legal profession, visit the Tristan Jepson Memorial Foundation and beyondblue. Finally, if you are ever really struggling, there is a 24-hour information and referral service available. The number should appear on the top left-hand corner of the back of your campus card, just above your signature. The number is 1800 CARE MQ (1800 2273 67).
STUDENT ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT If you ever find yourself the subject of a disciplinary committee meeting, wish to make a complaint or appeal a grade, or have queries regarding Disruptions to Studies or Student Visas, you may wish to contact Student Advocacy and Support. They specialise in university policy, rules, and procedure, and can provide you with independent, confidential advice. For further information, see their website.
ALSA
NSWYL
The Australian Law Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association (ALSA) is the equivalent of a national version of MULS. As a law student, you are automatically a member of ALSA, making it the national representative body for approximately 28,000 law students. Again, run by law students for law students, ALSA seeks to bring together representatives from law societies across Australia to discuss important and common issues to ensure that the best opportunities are being provided to all law students nationwide. They also host the annual weeklong conference in July, where the winners of MULS competitions head to compete in the ALSA intervarsity competitions.
Another group of which you are automatically a member as a law student, NSW Young Lawyers seeks to support law students and young practitioners in the early stages of their journey, providing knowledge, networking opportunities and career development.
For more information on ALSA, how to get involved and the opportunities it provides, visit their website.
- 23 -
The Special Committee of Law School Societies (SCLSS) is a group run by NSWYL and is made up of representatives from some of the major law societies around NSW. Throughout the year, SCLSS will put on many events including sports days, social events and educational forums. Attending these can be a great way to expand your horizons and meet people from outside Macquarie.
- 24 -