OBook
for grown ups
Acknowledgment of land We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations as the traditional custodians of the land on which RMIT University stands. We pay our respects to their elders, both past and present.
c 2014 RMIT UNIVERSITY STUDENT UNION All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form by any electronic or mechanical means (including photocopying, recording, information storage and retrieval) without permission in writing from the publisher. This project was made possible by the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Introduction Let’s face it, you’ve done this before. You navigate Blackboard like a pro; you can read the handwritten feedback of lecturers who scrawl is so bad it looks like they’ve never picked up a pen, you know how to find journal articles (and reference them properly)...
So why do you need to be oriented? Well, If you are new to RMIT (welcome, by the way), then there are lots of services, amenities, events and resources you need to know about. We won’t tell you to back up your work, double check your timetable and check your emails regularly – you know all that, but we will tell you where to get help with fees, housing and welfare on campus. And if RMIT is already like a second home there are still going to be things you need to know, how to get into the Postgraduate Lounge for a start. For you HDR students there will be a section to guide you through all the stuff that makes you so special and there be a little bit about Melbourne life too. The most important thing to take away from all this is that now you are a postgraduate student RUSU is still for you! You are still invited to all the events and parties we run each week and there will be special events just for postgrads, we have a dedicated postgraduate department and collective, all of the RUSU services are available to Postgrads and we are even writing you your own O Book. So don’t be shy, if you are a student, get in touch, you never know what RUSU can do for you. NB: we know how lovely it is to hold a copy of your very own O Book in your hands but just to let you know this book will have a fair few links in it. Check out the online version by visiting the RUSU Postgraduate Department webpage and save a pdf copy for quick short cuts to the most useful information on Postgrad study at RMIT. We’ll also put a table of links at the back of the hardcopy version so you can easily find all the websites we are talking about!
Contents Introduction 1 THE BASICS 5 HUB + Student Card
6
myRMIT 6 Enrolment 7 International 8 Student Emails
8
Printing 9 Building Numbers
9
RMIT SERVICES
11
Study And Learning
12
Learning Lab
13
RMIT University Library
14
IT 15 Security 16 Careers 16 DLU 17 Indigenous Students
17
Spirituality 18 Childcare 19 Health 19 Student Wellbeing Advisory Service
20
Counselling 21
POST GRAD SPECIFIC Get to Know Your School
23 24
Policies 24 Assessment
25
Scholarships 25 Supervisors 26 Financial support for Research Costs
28
Intellectual Property
28
School of Graduate Research
29
RUSU 31 RUSU: Who we are and what we do
32
Clubs 32 Student Support
32
Safe Spaces
33
Student Media
33
Compass 34 RUSU for Postgrads
34
MELBOURNE 37 Public Transport
38
Cheap Eats
39
Free Stuff to Do
42
Melbourne for Families
43
LINKS GUIDE
45
THE BAS ICS
HUB + Student Card Most HDR Students are lucky enough to have an HDR Administrator within their school that can help them with the administrative elements of study at RMIT. For you postgrad by coursework students find the HUB on your campus and prepare to spend a lot of time there over the next few years! The HUB can help students with all kinds of queries regarding enrolment, timetabling, fees, form submission etc. For HDR and coursework students it is also where you get your student card. When you go you will need to provide your student number and some photo ID. They’ll be taking your photograph for the card on the day, so be prepared for a photo. If you have not provided it already HUB staff will ask for a declaration of citizenship/immigration status. Visit the Hub website for locations and contact details. RMIT has rules about student responsibilities in relation to your student card, you can find out more about these rules by visiting www.rmit.edu. au/students/cards.
myRMIT You should use your RMIT username and password to log into myRMIT via www.rmit.edu.au/myrmit or the link at the top of every page of the RMIT website. There is a mobile version for smartphones and tablets and there is free wi-fi on campus too. From myRMIT you can access:
Homepage •
RMIT announcements – official communications from RMIT.
•
Email – displays the number of unread emails in your RMIT student email account along with a direct link to Gmail.
•
Latest news and events – information about RMIT news and events.
•
Related links – a direct link to the Students website, which has loads of info on student admin, study resources and student services.
Ask RMIT •
6
Ask RMIT is the University’s FAQ (frequently asked questions) service that lets you ask a question as well as search the existing answers to previous queries.
myStudies •
Programs – displays the programs in which you’re enrolled, and links to study resources, such as Blackboard.
•
Courses – displays the courses in which you’re enrolled.
•
Library – provides details of your RMIT University Library account
myClass •
myExam •
timetable
Once you’ve scheduled your class timetable in the Student Timetabling System, this tab will appear. It contains your personalised class timetable. For research students this will show any coursework subjects you need to take – such as Research Methods.
timetable
If you have exams scheduled they will be appear in this tab following the release of the provisional exam timetable each semester. For research students this will show any coursework subjects you have exams for.
myResults •
View your assessment marks and grades and your results from previous semesters.
myDetails •
Check the personal details RMIT has for you on file. From here you can also update your personal details.
myResearch •
HDR Students will also have a myResearch tab which has links to details of your HDR candidature.
Enrolment So if you are reading this hopefully you have managed to enrol for this semester at RMIT. Whether your first enrolment was paper based or online you’ll need to be prepared to go through this process a few more times before the end of your degree. You’ll need to re-enrol in your degree at the start of each semester, which you can do by logging in to myRMIT and choosing to enrol online. Then go to ‘my current program’ and click the enrol button for the program or subjects that you want to enrol in. There are specific dates that are the deadlines for adding and dropping classes. There are also deadlines for dropping subjects without financial penalty. You can find all of these dates on the RMIT website: •
www.rmit.edu.au/students/he2014dates
7
INTERNATIONAL International students have a few extra boxes to tick when they are starting out at RMIT. First off you will need to register with RMIT International. So if you are studying here as an international student, prioritise locating INFO CORNER. It’s the home of RMIT International and the staff there can give you help and advice on student visas, sponsorship and scholarship options, enrolment and much more. You can find info corner on the ground floor of Building 22. For general information about being an International student at RMIT visit: •
www.rmit.edu.au/internationalsupport
You can also access RMIT’s arrival guide which will give you loads of pointers on how to get started in Melbourne. If you want the quick version of that page here are the top 5 things to get sorted: 1. Get a bank account – the quicker you do this the less identity points banks require for you to set up an account 2. If you are here on a student visa check that you have health insurance – then check again, it is a requirement of a visa. Find out the location of your insurance provider and how you should make a claim 3. Get a Myki – Myki is the electronic ticketing system on Melbourne’s public transport system. You can buy a Myki from a Seven Eleven or the main train stations. Trains, trams and buses all run in Melbourne, jump on the Public Transport Victoria website to get to know the public transport near you. 4. Get a TFN – If you are planning on staying in Australia for more than six months or you plan to earn money in Australia or if you plan to earn interest on money in your Australian bank account, you should get a Tax File Number (TFN). To apply for a TFN you should visit the Australian Taxation Office. Once you have a TFN let your bank know. 5. Get involved – culture shock can be very real for first time students in Australia the best way to fight it is to resist the urge to retreat into your room and to get to know your new home. You can get loads of great ideas right here: www.insiderguides.com.au/student-guides/ international-student-guides/melbourne/
Student Emails Your student email address is studentnumber@student.rmit.edu.au. You can access your student email via myRMIT or Gmail (if you log in via Gmail you will need to use your entire email address as the username). RMIT will send all information relating to your studies to this email account and they expect you to check it at least twice a week. Invoices for fees, messages from course coordinators, tutors and supervisors, library notices and assessment feedback are just some of the important emails that you will receive from RMIT so if you can check your emails at least twice a week, you should. 8
Printing Print accounts are automatically set up for each student. Your printing account is linked to your RMIT network ID and password. A credit balance is required to use your student account. Check with your school if they provide you with print credit at the start of your semester. If you are an HDR student on a RMIT scholarship it may be that your owning school will cover all your printing costs. Top-up payments can be made at the HUB and after hours at ITS service points. All RMIT computers are networked to a universal print queue. When you go to print your document you will need to swipe your student card in the printer to release the documents linked to your student number. Remember that RMIT will delete unreleased documents after a few hours. Some parts of the University still use print cards which are different to your student card. You can pick up a free print card from the front desk of the library. You can top up the print card at a library front desk. You will need a print card to print in these places: •
All University Library sites - see Printing and photocopying in the Library
•
Australian Film Institute, Building 28
•
Student Labs - Building 14 Level 4, Building 8 Level 3
•
Building 28 Postgraduate space.
Building Numbers To find every lecture, tutorial, supervisor meeting or lab that you need to attend you will need to decipher RMIT’s building numbers. Each building number has three parts:
000.00.00 Building Number . Level . Room Number So the number 012.09.17 means building 12, level 9, room 17. Double check meetings in building 80 and building 8, loads of students have turned up for lectures in building 8 (008) when they should be in building 80 (080)- it’s an easy mistake to make.
9
RMIT SERV ICES
RMIT University for Postgrads Endless amounts of reading, never-ending assignments, massive dissertations, even larger theses, lit reviews, methodologies, data analysis, trust me it is okay to not feel ready for all of this. Whatever level of study you are enrolling in it will be a massive undertaking and you will need some help. However at home you may feel at RMIT things will be different over the next few years of postgrad study and it might be time to investigate some of RMIT’s student services that might be able to lend a hand. For students who know what life at RMIT is like treat this section as a little refresher; you’ve been here long enough to know how to get a student card but do you know where to find help with specific postgraduate study skills or how to get careers advice for postgrads? If the answer is no take time to look over this section, there will be stuff that you know already but we bet you take away something new too.
Study and Learning The RMIT Study and Learning Centre offers postgraduate specific workshops to build study skills, improve assignment planning, develop referencing skills and provide advice on online library searches. There are seven sessions or a one day intensive available for students:
1. Study tips Find out about lecturer expectations, critical thinking, reading and writing, academic style and referencing and information and study skills searches.
2. Effective reading and note making Learn strategies to manage your academic reading. Make effective notes to support your writing.
3. Writing essays and reports Find out how to analyse, plan and organise assignment tasks, how to write critically and reference to avoid plagiarism.
12
4. Writing a literature review Learn about the purposes and possible structures of a literature review and how to synthesise and incorporate the literature into your writing while using a voice of authority.
5. Manage your limited time Develop strategies to ensure a study-work-home life balance. This workshop focuses on making the most of the time you have.
6. Writing a minor thesis Understand the essential elements of a thesis and discover ways to tell the story of your research.
7. Conducting library searches Learn how to conduct effective online searches for digital and print based materials, including peer reviewed journal articles. Details of the time for each workshop ad registration details can be found by visiting: www.mams.rmit.edu.au/q2h9yl90zy89.pdf The majority of the content for this is aimed at postgraduate by coursework students but would be appropriate for any postgraduate student who wanted to refresh their study skills.
LEARNING LAB RMIT also offers an online learning lab with plenty of resources for all postgraduate students. www.emedia.rmit.edu.au/learninglab/content/ postgraduate-study The Learning Lab has sections specifically designed for postgrad by coursework and research students including information on what to expect doing a postgrad by coursework and how to get started with your research degree. There are extensive sections on research writing individually and in a writing group and a guide to minor thesis writing for postgrad by coursework students. There are also plenty of resources dedicated to writing a literature review and critical reading.
13
RMIT University Library You lucky postgrads get better Library privileges than the average student! You’ll be able to borrow up to 30 items, can borrow general collection items for up to four weeks, can access short loan items and closed reserve items, cross campus ordering and the Document Delivery Service You can renew items via your online Library account and you will incur fines if items are not returned on time. So far, so obvious but what about all the extra services the Library offers for postgrads.
Liaison Librarians Liaison Librarians are subject specialists and are an incredibly useful resource for research students. They can guide you through the content of the collection and discuss ways to improve your research skills to ensure you get the most out of what the Library has to offer. They can help you find the accurate, up-to-date and relevant information you need. For students within the College of Business you can find contact details for Liaison Librarians with a vast range of specialities (e.g. marketing, finance, economics, accounting and IT) by following this link. Design and Social Context students can find librarians who specialise in the areas of art, architecture, education, design, fashion and social studies) right here. If you are a student in the College of Science, Engineering and Health click this link to find specialists in aerospace, mechanical engineering, computer engineering, biotechnology, health sciences, geospatial science, life and physical sciences.
Library Subject Guides Library subject guides provide an introduction to a vast range of subjects and details the Library’s resources on that topic. They are updated frequently and provide a great repository of information to assist in your research. There are over 150 different subject guides currently available on the RMIT website, search for one that is relevant to your area of study. Locate the Library site on your campus by clicking this link.
14
IT IT can do a lot more than just change your email password and fix problems in computer labs (by the way you can find a list of computer labs here), they organise loans of a wide range of A/V recordings, provide advice and training on Google apps and assist with software, email and network issues. The IT Service desk provides help and support on a range of issues via phone, email and face-to-face.
Hours of operation Term Time •
Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 8.00 pm (AEST) Saturday 8.30 am to 4.30 pm (AEST)
Holidays •
Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 6.00 pm (AEST)
IT Service Points Get IT support face-to-face at the following locations and times. Termtime •
Swanston Library, Building 8, Level 5 Monday to Friday, 9.00am– 1.00pm and 2.00pm–5.00pm (AEST)
•
Bundoora Library, Building 210, Level 2 Monday to Friday, 9.00am– 1.00pm and 2.00pm–5.00pm (AEST)
•
Brunswick Library, Building 514 Level 2 Monday to Friday, 9.00am– 1.00pm and 2.00pm–5.00pm (AEST)
•
Student IT Services, Building 8, Level 3 Monday to Friday, 8.00am– 6.00 pm (AEST)
•
Service Point, Building 80 (SAB) Level 3 Monday to Friday, 8.00am– 8.00pm (AEST) Saturday 8.00am–4.30pm (AEST)
During Holidays •
Bundoora Library - Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9am–5pm
•
Brunswick Library - Tuesday, Thursday, 9am–5pm
•
Swanston Library Service point - Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm
•
SAB - Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm
•
Swanston Lab - Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm
IT Contact •
Online: By completing a mytech support form.
•
Telephone: +61 3 992 58888
15
Security RMIT Security staff have a 24 hour presence on campus and can help students out in a number of ways. If there is a security emergency you should contact security on 9925 3333 (your phone) or 53333 (internal phone) and someone can come and let you in. Where possible, security at RMIT can escort students to their cars or the nearest public transport. To request this contact Security on:
CITY •
03 9925 2051 (business hours)
•
03 9925 3895 or 0428 530 896 (after hours)
BRUNSWICK •
03 9925 9170 (business hours)
•
0412 313 230 (after hours)
BUNDOORA •
03 9925 7599 or 0407 812 857
Download a free RMIT SafeZone App For extra tips on how to stay safe on campus visit: •
www.rmit.edu.au/security
Careers The RMIT Career’s service can be useful to both research and coursework postgrad students. Whilst a fair few of you researchers will have a career in academia in mind, there are still career advice opportunities available. For students planning to move into industry/professional practice after their study the Careers service hosts numerous events like careers fairs and industry expos as well as information sessions on Government funding for new enterprises, volunteer and internship schemes and much more. Check out the RMIT Careers events calendar for more details of what’s available. The Careers section of the RMIT website contains a Careers Toolkit which can help all students brush up on interview techniques, improve their ability to define and respond to selection criteria and develop their CV. It also features videos and interviews with industry professionals on what they look for in a new employee and how to prepare for every step of the application and interview process. Go to the Careers website at www.rmit.edu.au/careers for access to all of this and more including a global database of jobs for students and graduates and individual careers counselling sessions 16
DLU The DLU assists students with a disability or long term illness that affects their ability to study. The DLU achieves this by providing course materials in different formats, can recommend that RMIT make reasonable adjustments to assist students with a disability (additional time during exams, providing note takers, the use of a computer, erganomic furniture in exams etc) and can provide enabling staff to work with students in lectures and tutorials. The DLU also offers technical aids such as voice recognition software, screen reading software and screen magnification software. To access these services students must be prepared to disclose their disability to the DLU (often they are require to provide documented proof of a disability). Students should also be aware that the DLU will need to share information regarding their disability with certain staff at RMIT: lecturers, tutors, exam adjudicators etc. •
Phone: +61 3 9925 1089
•
Fax: +61 3 9925 1091
•
Email: dlu@rmit.edu.au
Appointments can be made in person at a Student Services Centre •
Building 10, level 4, City campus
•
Building 202, level 3, Bundoora campus
•
Visit www.rmit.edu.au/disability for more information.
Indigenous Students Designed to support and encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples through their studies, the Ngarara Willim Centre provides a gathering place for students and offers a range of facilities and services. At the centre there are computers, kitchen facilities and a tv/lounge area. The centre frequently runs indigenous events, provides special orientation programs and information on indigenous scholarships. •
Visit: Building 12, Level 4, Room 29, Swanston Street, City campus
•
Phone: +61 3 9925 4885 or Free Call 1800 054 885
•
Fax: +61 3 9925 4887
•
Email: ngarara@rmit.edu.au
•
Address: Ngarara Willim Centre, GPO Box 2476V, Melbourne VIC 3001, Australia
You can also visit the RMIT webpage www.rmit.edu.au/ browse;ID=5hmzpruj21ly to find additional information for indigenous students at RMIT.
17
Spirituality The Chaplaincy at RMIT is a team of multi-faith chaplains who are trained to bridge educational experience with the major spiritual traditional and religious. These spiritual advisors are available in any crisis situation or for companionship during a student’s time at University. The chaplains represent Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, Islamic faiths and the Integral Spirituality tradition. To contact a chaplain for a student visit: www.rmit.edu.au/chaplaincy for a list of chaplains of different faiths.
Spiritual Centre Building 11 is the spiritual centre. It offers a place for communal reflection and individual meditation that respects the search for the transcendent, and celebrates life.
Prayer Rooms The university also offers prayer room facilities for Muslim students:
City Campus •
Prayer Room for Muslim males: Spiritual Centre Building 11
•
Prayer Room for Muslim females: Spiritual Centre Building 11
Brunswick campus •
Prayer Room for Muslim males: Building 514, Level 4, Room 7
•
Prayer Room for Muslim females: Building 514, Level 2, Room 6
Bundoora East campus •
Prayer Room for Muslim males: Building 251, Level 3, Room 41
•
Prayer Room for Muslim females: Building 251, Level 3, Room 41A
Bundoora West campus
18
•
Prayer Room for Muslim males: Building 202, Level 4, Room 29
•
Prayer Room for Muslim females: Building 202, Level 4, Room 1
Childcare RMIT provides childcare at the the City Campus Children’s Centre and through a parent-run cooperative at the Bundoora Numdaji Kwei Children’s Centre. The City Campus Children’s Centre operates from 7.45am-5.45pm, Monday to Friday. Students should contact the centre to make fee and availability enquiries. •
97-105 Franklin Street, Melbourne
•
(03) 9662 1295
•
childcare.city@rmit.edu.au
The Bundoora Numdaji Kwei Children’s Centre operates from 7.45am6.00pm, Monday to Friday. Regular bookings are for full day or half day only. Half days are from 7.45am-1pm or from 1pm-6pm. Students should contact the centre to make fee and availability enquiries. •
McKimmies Rd, Bundoora
•
(03) 9925 7276
•
nk.cc@hotmail.com
Health It’s pretty safe to say that once you start postgraduate studies all your other priorities are going to slide a little. What’s important to remember is that run down, exhausted, malnourished students don’t write great theses which is why you need to check out the RMIT Health webpage. It has information on Health Services in and around RMIT as well as general information on staying safe in Australia and at social events. An extensive section called Healthy Body, Health Mind will help you to maintain a healthy lifestyle that will boost your brain power and alertness and keep you focused and well rested throughout your degree. Another benefit for RMIT students is access to Myotherapy, Osteopathy, Chiropractic and Chinese Medicine training clinics. The Complementary Medicine Teaching Clinic is located in Building 213, Bundoora Campus, call (03) 9925 7666 to make an appointment for osteopathy, chiropractic and Chinese medicine appointments. The Myotherapy Training Clinic is located in Building 51, City Campus, call (03) 9925 8367 for remedial massage and Myotherapy appointments. Both clinics offer extremely cheap treatment for RMIT students.
19
Student Wellbeing Advisory Service The RMIT Student Wellbeing Advisory Services offers practical advice and support about accommodation, finance, international student support and legal issues. Student Wellbeing Advisory Services are free and confidential for all current students. •
Email: student.wellbeing@rmit.edu.au
To book a confidential consultation with a Student Wellbeing Advisor, telephone or drop in: •
City: Monday-Friday 9am-4.30pm Building 14, Level 4 +61 3 9925 2078
•
Brunswick +61 3 9925 2078
•
Bundoora West: Monday-Friday 9am-4.30pm Building 202, Level 3 Bundoora +61 9925 7280
•
Phone City and Bundoora West from Bundoora East Cafeteria: Building 251, Level 2
Here are some of the things the Student Wellbeing Advisory Service can help you with:
Accommodation Discover the suburbs of Melbourne, accommodation options, what to consider before you start renting, checklist to moving house, how to settle housing disputes.
Finance Help with Centrelink payments, starting a job, taxation, budgeting, how to save, debt, scams, applying for scholarships and emergency financial assistance.
International student support Support for international student includes advice on making cultural and social adjustments, studying successfully and providing referrals to services internally and externally to RMIT. For advice on admissions and visas students should contact Info Corner and read about their visa conditions online.
Legal Legal advice and referrals regarding a range of concerns including penalty notices, traffic accidents, court summons, victim of crime situations, police matters, domestic violence and stalking. Before an appointment with a lawyer you need to submit an online inquiry. 20
Counselling We are yet to meet a postgrad student who does not get incredibly stressed at some point during their time at RMIT. It’s a very normal response to the pressure of postgrad study. That doesn’t mean that you should let stress and anxiety overcome you and your studies. The RMIT Counselling Service provides professional counselling on each campus and is available to all students who want to talk about: •
personal issues
•
study issues
•
mental health
•
wellbeing concerns
Counselling is free to RMIT Students and is for any students who feel they might need some help, you don’t need to wait for a crisis before you go and see a counsellor. The counselling service is also confidential and, we’ll say it again, free. To book an appointment: at the City, Bundoora, or Brunswick campus please contact us: •
+61 3 9925 4365 (9 am–5 pm, Monday to Friday)
•
counselling@rmit.edu.au
•
www.rmit.edu.au/counselling
Or visit: •
City Campus: Building 74 (52 Cardigan Street, Carlton)
•
Brunswick Campus: Building 514, Level 1 (There is no reception at Brunswick campus.)
•
Bundoora Campus: Building 202, Level 3
All Monday- Friday 9 am- 5 pm
Psychological emergencies On campus 9 am–5 pm: (992) 5 4365 Off campus 9 am–5 pm: + 61 3 9925 4365 After hours: 5.30 pm–8.30 am: +61 3 9925 3999 (You will be connected to our after-hours emergency telephone counselling service.) For medical, fire or the police call: 000
21
POST GRAD SPEC IFIC
Get to Know Your School These days a postgrad qualification is about a lot more than just turning up, completing your work, collecting your degree and leaving. Both research qualifications and professional entry masters degrees will require you to get to know your School. You will need to know your lecturers, tutors, supervisors, HDR coordinators, administrators and peers. So much of further study and academia relies on relationships so get ready to network. It’s an important skill for all you masters by coursework students and if you are a research student get ready for your School to become your second (and occasionally your only) home. So be friendly, ask questions, introduce yourself and get involved by attending inductions and information sessions. You might be meeting your future supervisor, the administrator who can fix any enrolment issues you might have, an academic who will end up on a milestone review panel or a tutor who shares a passion for your area of academic interest and can point you in the right direction for developing your research or minor thesis. Lots of Schools run induction days for their research students or have induction or FAQ sections on their websites for new students. Search for your School on the RMIT website and have a look at some of the resources available for students. There might be links to scholarship and funding opportunities, lists of conferences hosted by your School, postgraduate only overseas study tours or special electives and specific areas of research collaboration.
Policies When you accept your offer at RMIT you are agreeing to abide by RMIT’s policies and processes. We’re not going to lie to you there are 100’s of policies at RMIT some will be applicable to you and some won’t, it’s hard to know when you might need to know more about the policies that govern your studies and when you won’t. For research students the vast majority of polices that will directly affect your studies can be found here. For both coursework and research students check out the academic policies page. The assessment section applies to coursework students and the coursework components of research degrees; every other section will be applicable to all students or will have policies for coursework and research students. It’s a useful place to start if you want to try and establish what your rights and responsibilities are in relation to a particular process. Don’t ever feel alone in negotiating this process. The Student Union has student rights officers who can help you with this, there’s more on how to contact a student rights officer later in the O Book. 24
Assessment As postgraduate students there are two big assessment differences that set you apart from your undergrad counterparts – milestone reviews + examination and the minor thesis. Research Students – Milestone Reviews – You will have three milestone reviews throughout your studies at RMIT: •
Confirmation of Candidature
•
Mid-Semester Review
•
Completion Seminar
At each of these you will submit the written component of your research and present a summary of research and your progress to a Review Panel. You will take questions from the Review Panel and the wider audience. You will be assessed and graded by the Review Panel. If you successfully complete your Completion Seminar you will need to submit your research for Examination. Three examiners will be appointed to independently assess the work and prepare assessment reports. Students may be assessed by oral presentation and/or examination, especially where work is submitted by Project or where an internal examiner is used in the examination process. Coursework Students- Minor Thesis – As well as submitting coursework you will have to complete a minor thesis. This will help you develop the critical skills of research. Whilst the length of a minor thesis will vary from course to course you will be conducting research in order to contribute to knowledge in your field. You will need to utilise relevant literature, develop an appropriate methodology and work with a supervisor to present a proficient, professional piece of work.
Scholarships There are many Scholarships available to postgraduate students at RMIT. While most have relatively strict eligibility requirements (based on age, nationality, study area, academic achievement etc.) it is worth taking half an hour to read up on available Scholarships to see if you can apply for any of them. •
RMIT Scholarships for Postgrad by Coursework students can be found here: www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qes1fokvi2un1
•
RMIT Scholarships for Research Students can be found here: www. rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=igf2sdssaler1
•
All external scholarships for Coursework and Research Students are here: www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=upjwk1ge2w6s1
25
The Next Section is going to focus on some extra information for research students. Coursework students should take a break or skip to page 31 to find out more about what the Student Union can do for you.
Supervisors Most Schools have an HDR Coordinator who has a comprehensive understanding of the availability and research strengths of all supervisors within their school. These academic staff should be contacted prior to any application being made for a research place. The following are lists of Higher Degrees by Research (HDR) supervisors and their areas of research expertise. They are intended for use by current and prospective research students seeking a potential supervisor. •
Business (BUS)
•
Design and Social Context (DSC)
•
Science, Engineering and Health (SEH)
•
Other areas (supervisors not based in Academic Schools)
All research students must rely upon their supervisors and it is very difficult to successfully get started or complete a project without a good working relationship with a supervisors. Your supervisors will have a working knowledge of your project and its background or related areas and are vital to the success of your project. These people can put you in touch with valuable sources, ideas, books and debates, and may suggest approaches that you have not thought of. There are mutual obligations for both supervisors and students. The supervisor is expected to act as your mentor: •
meeting you regularly
•
reviewing progress
•
making specific suggestions and comments on your written work.
Your responsibility as a research student includes making sure that you are available to meet regularly with your supervisor, and that you note down and act upon the feedback or advice provided. At your meetings with your supervisors your progress will be monitored so it is important that you talk to your supervisor in depth about what they expect you to achieve between meetings. Make sure that you raise issues that are important to you and ask for feedback in areas they might have missed where you feel you need extra guidance.
26
Take notes in the meetings and type them up afterwards, it will help to consolidate the discussion in your memory. You can email your notes to your supervisor to make sure that they agree with what you feel the meeting outcomes were. Try and think about discussions (feedback on work, future issues that may arise, planning for the next stage of candidature) and actions (what work you need to complete and when by, what your supervisor will do to assist you, what you will talk about in the next meeting). If you both understand exactly what you should be doing next, it is less likely that you will have problems in the future.
Needs Analysis All new candidates at RMIT will need to complete a Needs Analysis with their Senior Supervisor(s). A needs analysis is a great opportunity to make sure you get the support you need to complete your candidature. Think carefully about the kind of resources your research will require, the University has a Minimum Resources Policy and this is a list of resources available for every research student but you can use the needs analysis form to ask for additional equipment and/or assistance. If you have a disability that requires specialist learning aids you can choose to register with the Disability Liaison Unit (DLU) and request resources through that department rather than on your needs analysis form.
Ethics Approval RMIT practices research in accordance with Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research and you will need to establish whether or not you will need Ethics Approval in order to conduct your research (your supervisor can help you with this). If you do need ethics approval there are lots of resources provided by RMIT that can help you. If you are planning on handling personal information you should look at the University’s definitions and background information page on the topic. In the past the SGR has run training on preparing an ethics approval application for students conducting research involving human participants. The next one will be held on Mon, 24 February, 2:00pm – 3:30pm contact SGR.events@rmit.edu.au to find out when there will be more workshops and register. You can contact the University’s Human Ethics Officer on (03) 9925 2251 or email human.ethics@rmit.edu.au and remember that you will probably need approval if your research involves animals. Every student should read the Ethical Issues and Responsible Practice Policy even if you don’t need ethics approval.
27
Financial support for Research Costs There are a number of options for getting extra support to cover costs associated with your research. The Higher Degree by Research Conference Grant can award up to $2000 for a student to attend and present at a conference overseas or in Australia. The School of Graduate Research administers three separate grants for travel expenses and the College of Business has a Student Support Fund to provide financial assistance to research students.
Intellectual Property The RMIT Intellectual Property Policy states that RMIT University does not normally claim ownership rights of the intellectual property which results from an RMIT program. However, circumstances may exist where RMIT University or another body may have an interest in that intellectual property. Determining IP can be a complex matter and it is the responsibility of a research student and supervisor (and any external parties if necessary) to discuss and agree upon any IP relating to the research. You should talk to your supervisor about IP and the start of your studies and together you can seek advice from the relevant business development unit of the College or the University’s Office of Research and Innovation. For more information on IP, check out the Higher Degree by Research Intellectual Property Policy.
28
School of Graduate Research The School of Graduate Research (SGR) provides support to research candidates throughout their postgraduate research degree. The SGR Staff provide a variety of services and support for the wider Higher Degree by Research (HDR) community. The SGR is located on RMIT City Campus and can be contacted by phone, email or in person.
Services provided by SGR The School of Graduate Research is the central administration point for research degrees. They process research applications, manage the selection and payment of APA scholarships, coordinate HDR examinations and graduation, monitor the performance of HDR students and reviewing the management of HDR candidates. You can find out more information about all of these things on the SGR Website The School of Graduate Research runs fantastic workshops for all research students. The On Track Workshops provide practical advice and information to research students which can help you to build practical research skills, negotiate HDR policies and procedures, improve your understanding of key stages in your candidature such as ethics approval, milestone reviews and examination and prepare you to study at RMIT as a research student. The On Track workshops run all through the year and pdfs and/or mp3s of previous workshops are available via the past presentations webpage.
29
RUSU
RUSU: Who we are and what we do The RMIT University Student Union (RUSU) is the only 100% per cent independent body at RMIT. RUSU is run for students by students and provides all RMIT students with events, representation and support. We are here to ensure that your university experience extends beyond lectures, assignments, research and theses and whilst there are events and services that are just for postgraduate students it doesn’t mean that you can’t take part in everything and anything that RUSU has to offer. RUSU runs weekly free food events on each campus during semester for all students (that’s right you’re invited) and check the inside cover of this O Book for a rundown of some of the postgrad only events we will have running too. See the Postgrad Department section of this O Book for more details. For information on the current structure of the SUC, please view the SUC organisational chart. You can also check out all your representatives, and get in touch with RUSU via our Website, Facebook and Twitter pages.
Clubs RUSU has over 90 clubs and societies that you can join. There are political, spiritual, academic, cultural and social clubs, all of which can help you meet new people and share interests. If you can’t find a club that is right for you then you can start one! Clubs can get funding from RUSU for events and meeting resources so really think about how starting a club or society could help you and your peers. Maybe it’s time for an Art and Design Researchers Society (work together to organise exhibitions of your own work) or a club for MBA students (organise your own networking events) or a HDR Engineers Society (get money funding support for drinks and snacks while you share your ideas with your peers).
Student Support As well as providing students with opportunities to get involved with student life on campus, RUSU is also here for you when you need help. Our student rights team works across all campuses and has Student Rights Officers that specialise in coursework and HDR issues. The Student Rights Officers can help you with a range of education issues call 03 9925 5004 or email studentrights@rmit.edu.au to make an appointment. 32
Safe Spaces The Student Union’s Queer and Womyns Departments run student union “safe spaces” on campus. The Queer lounges and Womyns rooms are designed to be spaces where students can relax, be themselves and meet new people in a supportive and friendly environment. There are two Queer Lounges: •
City Campus – Building 8, Level 3, Room 6 and;
•
Bundoora Campus – Building 204
There are three Womyns Rooms: •
City Campus – Building 8, Level 3, Room 7,
•
Bundoora Campus – Building 204; and
•
Carlton Campus – Building 56 , Level 4
Student Media RMIT Univeristy Student Union also has its own media department which oversees the operation of our student Newspaper, radio and television.
CATALYST Catalyst has been the student publication of RMIT since 1944. The magazine is an eclectic mix of student news, in-depth feature articles, columns, creative pieces and all kinds of artwork. There are six editions of Catalyst published during the year, available on all RMIT campuses. All current students of RMIT are encouraged to get involved with the magazine and website. Catalyst is online at www.rmitcatalyst.com
RMITV RMITV is RMIT University’s internal television production house, cofunded by RMIT and RUSU.RMITV is dedicated to providing hands on television experience to students. RMITV produces television content for Channel 31 and is responsible for producing a number of quality programs. Some examples include LiveOnBowen, Barnarby Flowers, In Pit Lane, The Live Wire and The Loft Live.
SYN SYN is RMIT’s student radio station. Approximately 80,000 people tune in to SYN’s radio broadcast on 90.7 FM each week. Volunteers are all aged 12-25 years, and fill various roles within the station. If you wanted to learn more about community radio, IT or tech get in touch and find out more.
33
Compass The Compass Drop-in Centre is an information and referral service for students who are experiencing difficulties on campus or outside in their daily lives. At Compass it is acknowledged that factors such as housing, employment, relationships and health etc., can have a huge impact on people’s ability to study, and that accessing services in the community can be confusing and overwhelming. The Compass Project Officer provides short-term assistance to students and makes supported referrals to appropriate agencies who deal specifically with the issues they are facing. Students do not need to make an appointment and can drop by to see someone Tuesday to Friday between 10am and 4pm. Appointments may also be made for more complex issues
RUSU for Postgrads RUSU has its own Postgraduate Department run by me, Johan Romeo, your elected Postgraduate Officer for 2014. As the elected Postgraduate Officer I run the RMIT Postgraduate Association (RPA). Over the last few years the RPA has worked hard to establish better representation for HDR and coursework students lobbying hard for a research dedicated student rights officer and funding for this O Book. For 2014 I want to get more postgraduate students involved in the social side of RUSU by running postgrad specific events. Re-establishing regular meetings of the RPA is also a priority for me this year, as feedback and input from research and coursework postgrads allows RUSU to tailor its services to your needs. RUSU has also affiliated the Higher Degree by Research Association (HDRA) a collective to represent and assist all HDR Candidates. The HDRA was established as a collective of HDR Students who hold positions on RMIT committees to work together but all HDR students are welcome to participate. Join via the HDRA page on the RUSU website or get in touch on Facebook. That’s basically the RUSU rundown for Postgrads this year hope to see you at one of our events or collective meetings and feel free to stop me and say hi or get in touch with your thoughts and ideas.
34
Postgrad Lounge RUSU runs the Postgrad Lounge in Building 28, Level 3 of the City Campus. This space includes a kitchen, quiet study space and an open access computer lab. It can be a little tricky to find, so it might be a good idea to stop by the RUSU front counter in Building 8, Level 3 to ask for directions.
Postgrad Study Areas Swantson Library Postgraduate Research Room •
The research room (Building 10, Level 5) can be booked online via the Library’s BookIt system. Bookings are for 4 or 4.5 hours, commencing at 8:30am, 1:00pm or 5:30pm. On weekends bookings are in accordance with Library opening hours. All bookings finish 10 minutes before closing. The research room contains two computers and can be used by up to two students.
Bundoora Library Postgraduate Room •
The postgraduate room is located in level 3 of Bundoora Library and the key to the room can be collected from the service desk on level 2. You do not need to book to use this room and it contains two computers and space for up to eight students.
Student Rights Officer HDR In 2013 the RPA and RUSU fought to secure Student Services and Amenities Fee funding for a student rights officer to handle the unique issues of research students. Funding was granted for a 0.6 EFT position and the position was incorporated into RUSU’s base funding for 2014. The student rights officer for research students is available Monday to Wednesday on city campus. Call 03 9925 5004 or email studentrights@ rmit.edu.au to make an appointment.
Postgraduate Events This year your elected Postgraduate Officer is planning plenty of events specifically for postgraduate students. The first big social event will be ‘Speed Friending’ held on Tuesday 18th March at the Bella Union (Trades Hall, cnr. Lygon and Victoria Streets). The evening will kick off at 6pm and will provide plenty of drinks, snacks and opportunities to meet your fellow students. The event is designed to allow students to get to know loads of new people at RMIT. The more students that attend the more likely it is that you will have a chance to talk to someone where you have plenty in common. The event is free, but ticketed, so keep an eye on the RUSU Facebook page for details on how to secure tickets. Then come on down for a night of free drinks and new friends. The week after the Speed Friending event regular collective meetings will start. These will be an opportunity to provide feedback to Johan and input on what you would like to see from RUSU. They will also incorporate occasional information sessions, social activities and drinks and snacks. For second semester the collective meetings will continue and the Postgraduate Department is already working on a top secret event which will really bring some wow factor to being a postgrad at RMIT. 35
MEL BOU RNE
Public Transport Before you get to know Melbourne you need to know how to get around. If you are not a local you will need to get to know Melbourne’s public transport system. There are trams, trains and buses available for getting around and you should check out the Public Transport Victoria’s website www.ptv.vic.gov.au/ for timetables, locations and journey planning. RMIT is easily accessible.
Finding RMIT on Public Transport - City Train •
Most RMIT City campus buildings are located close to Melbourne Central train station which is serviced by all Metro Trains Melbourne’s City Loop services. If your train runs directly to Flinders Street without stopping at Melbourne Central, you will need to catch a connecting City Loop train service from Flinders Street Station or catch a tram from outside of Flinders Street Station.
Tram •
Most north-south Melbourne city tram services run along Swanston Street (including routes 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 16, 64, 67 and 72) and will therefore stop outside RMIT. Some services run along Elizabeth Street (routes 19, 57, 59) so you will need to get off at Melbourne Central and walk one block to Swanston Street.
•
Commuters travelling east-west on services along Flinders Street (routes 48, 70 and 75), Collins Street (routes 109 and 112) or Bourke Street (routes 86 and 96) should get off at Swanston Street and walk to RMIT or get on a connecting tram that runs along Swanston Street.
Bus •
Many bus lines offer services connecting to train and tram services listed above. Check Public Transport Victoria for details of connecting services in your area.
Finding RMIT on Public Transport - Bundoora Train •
The Bundoora campus lies between Thomastown Station (South Morang Line) and Greensborough Station (Eltham Line). Bus services run from each of these stations to the campus (see below).
Tram •
38
Tram route 86 runs from the City (Docklands) to the RMIT Bundoora east campus (Stop 71). Visitors to RMIT Bundoora west campus should get off at the Clements Drive (Stop 70).
Bus •
Bus services operate from the following train stations to the Bundoora campus:
•
Thomastown Station: Take the Thomastown - Bundoora bus (Route 570).
•
Greensborough Station: Take the Northland Shopping Centre - Lalor bus service in the Lalor direction (Route 566).
Check Public Transport Victoria for details of connecting services.
Parking There are several large open parking areas and a large multi-level car park.
Finding RMIT on Public Transport - Brunswick Train •
Jewell Station (Upfield Line) is located approximately 150 metres from the Union Street entrance to the Brunswick campus.
Tram •
Sydney Road is serviced by City (Elizabeth Street) - North Coburg tram (Route 19). Tram Stop 21 (Glenlyon Road/Dawson Street) is approximately 250 metres walk from the Brunswick campus.
Check Public Transport Victoria for details of connecting services.
Parking Metered parking is available on the Brunswick campus. Time limits apply.
Cheap Eats Now eating out is never going to be a cheaper alternative to cooking at home but we know how much pressure postgrad students face and sometimes it seems like there is just no time to get up from your books and turn on the oven. Every student will be tight for cash every now and then and knowing a few cheap places to grab a bite will always come in handy. We’ve tried to come up with a range of different types of food in a range of areas of Melbourne. The bottom line is that you’ll get a filling meal for less than 10 dollars at most of these restaurants and no more than 18 bucks at any of them. Before we get into the list proper we would like to tell you a bit about Realfoods. Realfoods is the RMIT University Student Union’s studentvolunteer run café full of delicious, ethical, animal-free, locally sourced, fairtrade, organic & biodynamic meals. It’s located in the cafeteria in building 8 on city campus and you can get a hot main course with brown rice or quinoa for $8.50. It’s only open for lunch on weekdays during term time so we have listed other restarurants that have longer opening hours on this page too. The restaurants we have listed have healthy options but none are as 100% great for you as Realfoods. 39
Kim Sing •
Shop 10 Port Phillip Arcade, Melbourne CBD
We are starting our list with one of the cheapest eats in the CBD. At Kim Sing pretty much every dish is $6. There are plenty of dishes to choose from sweet and sour chicken, chili beef and vegetables, laksa and chicken steak and all get served with rice so you’ll be sure to be full and get plenty of change from a tenner. Vegetarian options available. •
www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1509875/restaurant/CBD/Kim-SingMelbourne
Pellegrinis •
66 Bourke St, Melbourne CBD
Pellegrini’s has been serving pasta, coffee, pastries and watermelon granitas (no alcohol) for 70 years . The dishes push towards the upper end of our price range but you are buying into some serious cultural heritage as you take a seat at the bar and choose from the short but delicious menu. Not one for celiacs but vegetarian options are available. •
www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/761476/restaurant/CBD/PellegrinisEspresso-Bar-Melbourne
Gami Chicken and Beer •
100 Little Lonsdale St, Basement 26 King St and
•
Shop G 535 Little Lonsdale St all Melbourne CBD
So you’ve got to like fried chicken to come here as it is the main event and there is very little else on the menu. Two to three people can easily be satisfied by a whole fried chicken ($29) and if you want to hold us to the no more than 10 bucks a head rule you can get six pieces of fried chicken for 8 dollars. All orders come with a free serve of spicy coleslaw so you will get some vegetables to go alongside the massive piles of deep fried, crunchy coated goodness. •
www.gamichicken.com.au/
Lentil as Anything •
41 Blessington Street, St Kilda
•
228 High Street, Preston
•
231 Barkly Street, Footscray
•
1-3 Saint Heliers Street, Abbotsford
Lentil as Anything is a not-for-profit organisation that relies on volunteers and diners who pay what they feel their meal was worth according to their financial ability. Consequentially, it can be a really great place to get a good meal when your funds are tight. The food is vegetarian and the menu changes frequently from venue to venue. Expect warm curries, stews and pasta dishes that draw influence from Nepal, Tibet, Sri Lanka, India, Peru, Italy, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. • 40
www.lentilasanything.com/
Bimbo Deluxe - Lucky Coq •
Corner of Rose Street and Brunswick Street, Fitzroy and
•
Corner of Chapel Street and High Street, Windsor
•
12:00 pm – 4pm weekdays 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm – Monday–Thursday 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Friday–Saturday
During these hours all pizzas are $4 – do you need to know anything else? •
www.bimbodeluxe.com.au/
•
www.luckycoq.com.au/
Trippy Taco •
234 Gertrude Street, Collingwood
Vegetarian Mexican delights for $8 to $12. Great flavours and easy on your wallet – impress your vegetarian friends. •
www.trippytaco.com.au/
TibAs Restaurant •
504 Sydney Road, Brunswick
Real authentic Lebanese food at really low prices. Shawarma, hummus, falafel, charcoal grilled chicken and shish kebabs are served with generous side orders of salad and rice. This family friendly restaurant has lots of options for vegetarian, lactose intolerant and coeliac diners. There is a strict no alcohol policy at all times at Tiba’s. •
www.tibasrestaurant.com.au/index.htm
Laksa King •
6-12 Pin Oak Crescent, Flemington
The Chinese/Malaysian blend of curry laksa is the speciality here and a generous bowl of noodles in Laksa soup with shrimp, fishcakes and chicken is still under ten dollars. Outside of the laksa section of the menu there are still lots of other options under a tenner with choice for vegetarian and meat eaters. •
www.laksaking.com.au/
Hung Vuong Saigon There aren’t many problems that can’t be fixed by a big bowl of Pho and for fans of noodle soup laden with spice, fresh veggies and toppings of your choice you’ll be hard pushed to find better Pho in Melbourne than Hung Vuong Saigon in Footscray. Servings are generous and start at $8.50 for a small bowl to $11.00 for a huge bowl. The ice tea was $1 a glass last time we were there which means dinner and a drink for fewer than ten dollars. •
www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1426060/restaurant/Melbourne/PhoHung-Vuong-Saigon-Footscray
41
African Taste •
124 Victoria Street, Seddon
African Taste serves food you love with an African twist such as their African Enchiladas alongside more traditional African dishes. The entrees are fantastic value as are the larger main courses which start at $8.50 for spiced ricotta and spinach with pita and always represent great value. The vegan ‘fasting food’ platter has beautiful stews, fresh veggies and injera bread for $14.95 and the delicious tibes (lamb in a berbere sauce) are only $12. Corkage is $5 dollars a bottle so you can BYO and a meal for two will still be under $30. •
www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1511043/restaurant/Melbourne/Footscray/ African-Taste-Seddon
FOOD TRUCKS Finally, you should sign up to www.wherethetruck.at/ for instant updates on the location of loads of Melbourne’s best food trucks. Find out where you can grab a snack near you!
Free Stuff to Do If you are ever stuck with time on your hands and not much in your pocket you can check out this short list of free stuff to do in Melbourne:
42
•
Free Tourist Tram – City Circle Loop Tram with commentary about the sights of Melbourne www.ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/1112
•
Greeter service – free two to four hour guided tour of Melbourne - www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/visitors/services/greeter/Pages/ GreeterService.aspx
•
City walks – Download a walking map and get to know a new part of Melourne - www.walkingmaps.com.au/WelcomeHome.jsp
•
NGV and Ian Potter Gallery – Free entry to permanent collections www.ngv.vic.gov.au/
•
Federation Square – host to many cultural attractions - www. fedsquare.com/
•
Botanic Gardens – a beautiful place for a walk or a picnic, you can learn more about the native plants of Australia too - www.rbg.vic. gov.au/
•
Tour of the Parliament of Victoria - www.parliament.vic.gov.au/visit/ public-tours
•
Festivals – Melbourne is host to 100s of festivals each year and many runs free events. You can find a list of public festivals here: www. thatsmelbourne.com.au/Whatson/Festivals/Pages/Festivals.aspx
Markets Many suburbs have their own market which operates on selected days of the week, and these markets help define and reflect the nature of their local community. They will sell a mixture of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish and local delicacies the biggest of all these is the Queen Victoria Market which is only a short walk from RMIT and has an incredible range of fresh food that represents really good value. If you are keen on searching out organic and sustainable products check out the produce and Farmers’ Markets in Victoria. There are also some lovely art, craft and designers markets in Melbourne. At Rose St Market in Fitzroy you buy straight from the artists’, cutting out the mark ups you would pay in a store. The St Kilda Esplanade Market and the Arts Centre Sunday Market (close to Southbank) have artists displaying and selling a wide range of local crafts. Twilight markets usually have an atmosphere of their own and you can find a comprehensive listing at Twilight Markets in Melbourne.
Melbourne for Families Whether you are going straight from your Bachelors into a Masters or you are returning as a mature student to do your PhD you are going to be older than most of the undergraduates on campus and because of that it is more likely that you come with your own family attached. What follows is a short section for all you postgrads who will need to study and keep their kids entertained.
Melbourne Zoo The Zoo is a fantastic day trip for families. There are lots of events throughout the day where you can meet the keepers and get up close to some incredible animals. Children under 15 go free on weekends and public holidays and there are always great opportunities for kids to get involved - www.zoo.org.au/melbourne
Water Parks Your kids will always be grateful for a trip to a water park – especially in summer when temperatures rise. Most parks are out of town so you need a car and they are not a cheap day out with tickets starting at around $30. For an alternative option check out your local government website to see if there is a swimming pool near you. Some of them have small play areas for kids and will give younger children a chance to play in shallow water pools.
43
ScienceWorks Scienceworks makes learning about science and technology a fun, interactive adventure. Kids will love the hands-on exhibits which encourage them to learn and discover for themselves. Under 16s go for free and an adult ticket is only $10, so you can get a whole lot of entertainment for your cash. www.museumvictoria.com.au/ scienceworks/
Aquarium The Sea Life Aquarium in Melbourne has recreated 12 different habitats to show case rays, sharks, crocodiles, coral, penguins and much more. There is always a comprehensive program of children’s events over the summer. Book online at www.melbourneaquarium.com.au/ to access reduced ticket prices, with tickets for children under the age of 15 getting in for under 20 dollars.
NICA NICA is Australia’s National Institute of Circus Arts. It runs multiple evening, weekend and summer courses for children from 3-17 years old to learn and develop circus skills. A great alternative day out guaranteed to keep the kids entertained and keen to demonstrate and practice what they have learnt. www.nica.com.au/index.php
Collingwood Childrens Farm Collingwood Children’s farm is a not-for-profit, inner city farm, perfect for giving city kids an experience of the countryside. A family of two adults and up to four children only pay $16 in entry. Go on ‘Family day’ the first Sunday of the month for horse rides, cow milking, tractor rides, guinea pig cuddles and a cheap family friendly BBQ. The second Saturday of each month features a lovely farmers market. Find out more at www. farm.org.au/ There are plenty of free things to do with your children and the best places to keep up to date with what is going on for kids in your area are:
44
•
www.littlemelbourne.com.au/
•
www.melbourneforkids.com.au/
LINKS GUIDE
The Basics Student Cards
www.rmit.edu.au/students/cards
The HUB
www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=9edp7wgw82it
MyRMIT
www.rmit.edu.au/myrmit
RMIT Students
www.rmit.edu.au/students
Ask RMIT
www.rmit.edu.au/askrmit
RMIT Library
www.rmit.edu.au/library
Library Printing
www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=prgqej4m7zap
Important Dates Higher Ed
www.rmit.edu.au/students/he2014dates
International Support
www.rmit.edu.au/internationalsupport
RMIT Arrival Guide
www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=y688uutmkikj
Info Corner
www.rmit.edu.au/browse/Contact/Info%20Corner/
RMIT for Postgrads STUDY AND LEARNING Postgrad Learning Lab
www.emedia.rmit.edu.au/learninglab/content/ postgraduate-study
Postgrad study: What to expect www.emedia.rmit.edu.au/learninglab/sites/emedia.rmit. edu.au.learninglab/files/Postgraduate_coursework_ What_to_expect.pdf How to get started in your research degree
www.emedia.rmit.edu.au/learninglab/sites/emedia.rmit. edu.au.learninglab/files/Getting_started_research_ degree.pdf
Research Writing
www.emedia.rmit.edu.au/learninglab/content/researchwriting
Writing Groups
www.emedia.rmit.edu.au/learninglab/content/researchwriting-group-kit
Minor Thesis Writing
www.emedia.rmit.edu.au/learninglab/sites/emedia.rmit. edu.au.learninglab/files/Minor_thesis_and%20research_ report._structure.2012.pdf
Literature Reviews
emedia.rmit.edu.au/learninglab/content/literaturereview-0
Critical Reading
emedia.rmit.edu.au/learninglab/content/effectivereading
Academic Skills Workshops
www.mams.rmit.edu.au/q2h9yl90zy89.pdf
LIBRARY Liaison Librarians
www.rmit.edu.au/library/librarians
Library Subject Guides
www.rmit.libguides.com/browse.php
Library Location
www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=prheh5nqrf0p1
COUNSELLING Counselling Website
www.rmit.edu.au/browse/Life%20at%20 RMIT%2FSupport%20services%2FCounselling/
CHILDCARE Numdaji Kwei Centre
www.rmit.edu.au/ssg/childcare/bundoora
City Campus Centre
www.rmit.edu.au/ssg/childcare/city
SECURITY Security information
www.rmit.edu.au/security
DISABILITY Disability Liaison Unit
www.rmit.edu.au/disability
INDIGENOUS Information for Indigenous Students
www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=5hmzpruj21ly
SPIRITUALITY Chaplaincy
www.rmit.edu.au/chaplaincy
WELLBEING Student Wellbeing Advisory Service (SWAS)
www.rmit.net.au/browse;ID=qubvjurfwfy4z
SWAS - Finance
www.rmit.net.au/browse;ID=ko4mt455qvwk
SWAS - Legal
www.rmit.net.au/browse;ID=3y693xwqlu2u
SWAS - Accommodation
www.rmit.net.au/browse;ID=98mnltgg1oj9
CAREERS Careers Service
www.rmit.edu.au/careers
HEALTH Student Health Front Page
www.rmit.edu.au/browse/Current%20students/ Services%20and%20facilities/Student%20services/Health/
IT IT Website
www.rmit.edu.au/students/it
IT Support Form
www.mytechsupport.rmit.edu.au/
Postgrad Specific SCHOLARSHIPS Postgrad by Coursework
www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qes1fokvi2un1
Postgrad by Research
www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=igf2sdssaler1
POLICIES Academic Policies
www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academic
Research Policies
www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academic#higher
COORDINATORS AND SUPERVISORS List of HDR Coordinators
www.rmit.edu.au/graduateresearch/hdr-school-andcollege-contacts
Supervisor Search
www.rmit.edu.au/research/searchsupervisors
ETHICS APPROVAL RMIT Guidelines on Ethics Approval
www.rmit.edu.au/browse/ Staff%2FAdministration%2FPolicies%20 and%20procedures%2FAcademic%20and%20 research%2FResearch%20ethics%20approval/
SCHOOL OF GRADUATE RESEARCH Contact
www.rmit.edu.au/graduateresearch/contact
On Track Workshops
www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=k96p6idqxrcy
RUSU RUSU Website
www.su.rmit.edu.au/
RUSU Facebook
www.facebook.com/RUSUpage
RUSU Clubs
www.su.rmit.edu.au/clubs/
RUSU Queer
www.su.rmit.edu.au/student-life/queer/
RUSU Womyns
www.su.rmit.edu.au/student-life/womyns/
Compass Drop-In Centre
www.su.rmit.edu.au/help/compass/
Catalyst
www.rmitcatalyst.com/
RMITV
www.rmitv.org/
SYN
www.syn.org.au/
Postgraduate Department
www.su.rmit.edu.au/student-life/postgraduate/
Higher Degree by Research Association
www.su.rmit.edu.au/student-life/postgraduate/higherdegree-by-research-association/
UPCOMING EVENTS RUN-DOWN 24th-28th February O Week – look out for RUSU’s purple and White colours for loads of events and freebies
18th March POSTGRAD ONLY EVENT – “Speed Friending” – RUSU Postgraduate department brings you the first postgrad exclusive event of the year. Join us for speed friending, plenty of drinks, snacks and new people to meet 6.00-9:30pm at the Bella Union (Trades Hall, cnr. Lygon & Victoria Streets).
Collective Meetings Each fortnight the Postgraduate Department will be running Postgraduate Collective meetings. An opportunity to meet your postgrad representative and fellow students to discuss postgrad issues, grab a drink and a bite to eat.
Weekly BBQ Postgrads are welcome to ALL RUSU EVENTS! Not just the ones that are especially for you. We have free BBQs and free food events every week on every campus. Feel free to join us in Brunswick on Tuesdays, Bundoora West on Wednesdays and Bowen Street in the City on Thursdays for a chance to relax and socialise with loads of other students.
Post Post Grad Grad
Speed Friending Coursework? Research? Let's all be friends!
We know it's hard to meet people when undertaking graduate studies, that’s why we’re here... Come to our Speed Friending event and meet like minded individuals who may become your BFF’s at Uni. What is speed friending? Find out at www.su.rmit.edu.au/postgraduate Tuesday 18th March 2014, 18.00–21.30 Bella Union - Trades Hall, Cnr. Lygon & Victoria Streets Drinks and Nibbles provided
www.su.rmit.edu.au
RUSUpage
RMITSU