WARWICK SU
POSTGRAD GUIDE 2015
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Savings from textbooks to travel
Night
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Cheaper pizza and playlists
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Details correct at time of printing (July 2015)
Gary Tiffin Warwick Students’ Union
dob: 08/12/87
Welcome To Warwick Su!
WWW.WARWICKSU.COM/POSTGRADS
Warwick SU is YOUR Students' Union! As a student at the University, you automatically become member of the SU – and we are here for you. Warwick SU is a democratic, independent organisation which exists to represent, support and entertain students. The SU is run on a daily basis by seven elected Sabbatical Officers, each with a specific remit. As your elected officers, they are here to represent you, raise your concerns, and provide you with help and advice. In short, the SU is here to help students get the best experience possible while studying at the University of Warwick. Welcome to Warwick! My name is Nat and I’m your Postgraduate Officer. The SU takes postgraduate matters seriously and is one of only 7 SUs in the country with a Postgraduate Officer. I am here to represent and support postgraduates, convey postgraduate issues to the University and wider community, and to help you make the most of your time at Warwick. Postgraduates make up almost 50% of the student population at Warwick and as a postgrad you are part of a vibrant and diverse community.The SU recognises that postgraduate life differs to that of undergraduates, and also that postgrad study can be more challenging and intense. However, it’s important to remember that there’s a lot more to being a postgrad than just academic work.The SU is here to help you make the most of your studies but also your time outside of your academic life. Here are my top 5 things that all Warwick postgrads should know about.You can find much more information in the rest of this guide and online!
1. SU Advice Centre. If you have a problem or just need some guidance, the SU Advice Centre is here for you. Check warwicksu.com/advice or email advice@warwicksu.com.
2. Societies. With over 250 societies at Warwick, there’s huge range of activities for everyone. Last year, thousands of postgrads joined our societies! Choose your societies at warwicksu.com/ societies.
3. Sports Warwick Sport has offers from casual
sport to fitness to competitive play.With over 60 sports clubs, postgraduate and staff sessions, swimming pool and climbing wall, there’s something for everyone! Find activities to suit you at warwicksu.com/sports.
5. PG spaces! Visit the SU’s dedicated
postgrad space, The Graduate, for events, food, drink and relaxation. Study at the Postgraduate Hub in Senate House or, for research students, find the Wolfson Research Exchange (REx) on Floor 3 of the Library. More details here: warwicksu. com/postgrads/studyspace As the Postgraduate Officer, it is my job to make sure that the postgraduate voice is heard and I will fight to make sure that postgraduates have the best experience they can at Warwick. Feel free to get in touch, and I wish you the very best for the year ahead!
4. Representation. Make sure your voice is heard. Stand to be on your Student-Staff Liaison Committee, run for the SU Postgrad Exec, and vote online in termly referenda with All Student Meetings (ASMs). Find out more at warwicksu. com/democracy or email democracy@ warwicksu.com about elections.
Nat Panda, Postgraduate Officer postgrads@ warwicksu.com 3
PostGrad Community
WWW.WARWICKSU.COM/POSTGRADS
Last year, the average postgrad joined 3 societies!
Warwick has 65 sports teams
There are 256 societies to join in total
Sports
Societies
Sport plays a huge part in Warwick life, with excellent facilities and clubs catering for all skills and interest levels.Whether you want to join one of our 60+ sports clubs or fancy taking part in Warwick Active’s PG and Staff exclusive sessions, you can keep fit, make friends and enjoy yourself. Head to warwicksu.com/sport to find out more.
From performing at Warwick Arts Centre to charity fundraising, joining an academic society or getting involved in student media,Warwick is alive with opportunity. At Warwick we have over 250 societies for you to get involved in and, on average, Postgrads each joined 3 societies last year. Whether you have a long-term hobby or something new takes your fancy, there is sure to be something on offer which will appeal. Head to the Societies Fair on 7th October 2015, or take a look at what’s available at warwicksu.com/societies.
Volunteering Volunteering offers a unique way to meet people, learn new skills and make a difference in the local community. It is something both enjoyable and rewarding which helps you to improve and evolve during your time at Warwick.There are lots of opportunities to volunteer in the local area - take a look at go.warwick.ac.uk/volunteers to see what Warwick Volunteers have been up to.
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Postgraduate Spaces and Ents
WWW.WARWICKSU.COM/POSTGRADS
Entertainment
PostGrad Spaces
On top of sport and society activity, Warwick SU hosts a variety of club and music nights. From traditional club nights like Skool Dayz to the relaxed Unplucked in The Dirty Duck, there’s always something to keep you entertained. Join us in The Duck for the pub quiz or head to The Terrace Bar for a laid back evening at Saturday Sessions!
The Graduate
Especially for Postgrads, we have REx Fest, held in collaboration with the Wolfson Research Exchange. Held outside of undergraduate term time, REx Fest gives you a chance to perform to a postgrad-only crowd in a friendly environment.
If you’ve got an idea for an event or social, pop in to the Commercial Office on the top floor of SUHQ!
The Graduate is Warwick SU’s exclusive Postgraduate social venue for study and events. Located next to The Dirty Duck,The Graduate is a cosy nook in the centre of student life. With a bar, coffee machine and a range of food available, Postgrads are invited to work, chat and relax in this versatile venue.You can book The Graduate for parties and get-togethers via the online form. warwicksu.com/graduate
Postgraduate Hub
Located in Senate House, the Hub is a study space created exclusively for Postgraduates. As well as providing spaces for study, the Hub hosts regular events and offers academic support services such as the Dissertation Station and ‘Shut Up and Work’.The PG Hub provides yearround support for your professional, personal and academic life. go.warwick.ac.uk/pghub
Wolfson Research Exchange
Based on the third floor of the Library, this is a collaborative space specifically designed to suit the needs of Warwick’s research community. The Research Exchange connects you with other researchers, allowing you to share your knowledge and expertise. A hive of research activity, the space provides resources and staff to assist you throughout your PhD or Masters by Research. go.warwick.ac.uk/ researchexchange
The Grad Deck
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THE
G R A D U AT E
R E S TA U R A N T
The
Dirty Duck
The Grad Deck is a purpose-built area that’s tailored to the needs of Postgraduate students. Located on Scarman Road, Postgrads are invited to book The Grad Deck for social events in a flexible and welcoming space.With a selfcatering kitchen, an outside decking area and an audio system, this is a relaxed venue for parties, study meetings and other social gatherings. warwick.ac.uk/services/studentsupport/ graddeck
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postgraduate representation
WWW.WARWICKSU.COM/DEMOCRACY
Here at Warwick SU, we put you in charge. Democracy at Warwick SU helps you directly affect how your union is run. All Student Meetings
Postgraduate Faculty Reps
Every student has an equal voice - this is the principle underlying Warwick Students’ Union’s democratic structures. The All Student Meeting is a chance for any student to have their voice heard and to vote on policies they want to see implemented in the future. Any student can speak out for or against a particular motion during the meeting. Once all motions have been addressed, you can cast your vote online.
There are positions for each of the four University Faculties – Arts, Medicine, Social Science and Science.
Postgraduate Course Reps Course Representatives sit on committees with staff and senior academics within your department. These committees are your opportunity to discuss any concerns that you may have with your course, study facilities or the University at large.This gives you the opportunity to have a direct say in how your department will run. The elections are run at departmental level, so watch out for information during your induction if you’re interested in getting involved!
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Postgrad Faculty Reps have a seat on their respective Faculty Board as well as the Board of Graduate Studies committee – these are the highest decision-makers on Postgraduate issues. Faculty Reps also get invited to all of the Course Representatives’ committees within their Faculty and meet a wide variety of people at the University.
Student Assembly Four times a year, we invite a representative group of students at random to decide on regulations, ask Officers questions and discuss issues affecting students and any potential solutions.You get the chance to be on the Assembly just by being a member of the SU, and even get a reward for sparing your time!
sabbatical officers list
WWW.WARWICKSU.COM/OFFICERS
Your Sabbatical Officers 2015-16 Your Sabbatical Team can be found in their offices on Floor 2 of SUHQ. If you need to get in touch with an officer, please don’t hesitate to send them an email!
L to R: LUKE PILOT | ISAAC LEIGH | CHARLIE HINDHAUGH | OLIVER RICE | ALEX ROBERTS | GEORGE CREASY | NAT PANDA
ISAAC LEIGH
PRESIDENT president@warwicksu.com
CHARLIE HINDHAUGH
EDUCATION OFFICER education@warwicksu.com
OLIVER RICE DEMOCRACY& DEVELOPMENTOFFICER ddo@warwicksu.com
LUKE PILOT
WELFARE & CAMPAIGNS OFFICER welfare@warwicksu.com
NAT PANDA POSTGRADUATE OFFICER postgrads@warwicksu.com
GEORGE CREASY SOCIETIES OFFICER societies@warwicksu.com
ALEX ROBERTS Sports OFFICER sports@warwicksu.com
Check what your Sabbatical Officers are up to by visiting their SU blogs:
warwicksu.com/ blogs 7
POSTGRAD next steps
WWW.WARWICKSU.COM/POSTGRADS
Check out warwicksu.com/postgrads - whether you’re looking for events, news or advice, everything postgrad-related can be found here. Get to know your Sabbatical Officers- visit warwicksu.com/officers to see who’s who. Propose a motion or run in the SU Elections- get involved with student politics by visiting warwicksu.com/democracy. Take a look at the latest job vacancies available at Warwick SU via warwicksu.com/jobs. Visit The Graduate - Warwick SU’s exclusive Postgrad space - to meet new people and enjoy a bite to eat.
Come along to REx Fest and perform in front of your fellow Postgrads! Visit the University’s Careers and Skills department to get support on placements and careers: warwick.ac.uk/services/careers. Develop your skills with the help of the Masters Skills Programme or record your research progress with the Research Student Skills Programme. Find out more at warwick.ac.uk/skills.
For financial advice regarding research funding or for help with immigration issues, email our Student Advice Centre via advice@warwicksu.com. For advice on childcare services available on campus, visit warwick.ac.uk/nursery. Keep up to date by following @WarwickSU and @WarwickPGs on Twitter. Don’t forget to follow the PG Hub (@WarwickPGHub) and Research Exchange (@ResearchEx) too! Join the PG Community Facebook group (facebook.com/WarwickPostgrads) and like our Postgraduate Facebook page (facebook.com/WarwickPGs).
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