THE EDUCATION

GUIDE 2015

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The La Trobe Student Union acknowledges the traditional owners of this land. We acknowledge the work Indigenous Australians have done, and still do, as custodians of the land. We recognise

that no treaty was ever signed and that this always was and always will be Aboriginal land. Respectfully, we recognise Elders both past and present. The LTSU commits itself to actively

fighting alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and acknowledges the need for reconciliation and justice for all Indigenous Australians.

contents

HOLA… BUCKET LIST

IMPORTANT STUFFRAD HISTORY OF LA TROBE

HIGHER ED IN TODAY’S POLITICAL CLIMATEURBAN LEGENDS

SSAF & HELPMYTHBUSTERS

UNI VIBESEMBRACE WEIRDNESS

TIPS ON SURVIVING UNIVERSITY LIFE

OH YEAH, STUDYING? COUNTERCOURSE

HANDBOOK

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Hola

Returning StudentsBIENVENIDO - WILLKOMMEN - BIENVENUE - BENVENUTO - WELCOME - VELOMMENOh hey there! Welcome back!

Yes, summer is unfortunately over and we must return to study but hey, there are still plenty of adventures to be had whether this is your second, third, fourth or even fifth year back! Some of you may be going on a Study Abroad Program or starting placement this year - whatever you might be doing, don’t forget to get involved in university life by joining a club or going to some events! There’s so much to do no matter what year or age you are, so don’t be afraid to do something new! Get involved in a campaign in the Agora or get around to ticking off things on the bucket list! Students at the LTSU are always looking for new friends so attend our events and come say hi! Get your stationery ready, figure out your new subjects and locations and make this year even better than the last!

Hola

BIENVENIDO - WILLKOMMEN - BIENVENUE - BENVENUTO - WELCOME - VELOMMENHola and welcome to the sweet life as a La Trobian! It’s seriously great. Starting university is one of the best things I’ve ever done - school wise.

Whether you are transferring from another university or are a newbie out of high school, you are in for a ripper of a year. That said, it’s completely dependent on what you make of it. This guide will help to give you the only option you should want; a year full of fun times, new friends and tips on passing your first year without missing out on the cool stuff. So here are some tips I wish I had of known before starting...First of all: Attend O-WEEK - it’s a brilliant way to meet people, find out about all the awesome things going on at La Trobe - there’s always lots of rad bands playing. Make sure you come see us at the Student Union Stall!! Second: Join the La Trobe Student Union (LTSU), you get heaps of discounts all across campus including at cafes, health care providers and for your grocery shopping. It also gets you cheaper tickets to mad parties. Third: At O-Week’s Clubs Day, join every club and society that interests you, sign up to their lists, join/like their facebook group/page. This is the perfect way to kick start your life as a La Trobian.Fourth: Try to attend all your classes, it makes it a lot easier to understand what’s due and what the subject is actually about. PLUS it’s another great way to meet people who you can grab a coffee with afterwards.

New Students

Fifth: Definitely download the Lost On Campus app, you’ll see everyone on it walking to class completely lost. But don’t worry it gets easier. Sixth: Start a routine! Well at least have a brief plan of how much time you should spend studying, partying, attending classes, doing weekly readings, joining clubs and more partying!Seventh: Become great friends with La Trobe’s online referencing guide, google scholar and online libraryservices at La Trobe! Find it here - www.lib.latrobe.edu.au/referencing-toolEighth: Don’t buy a mountain of books! Frankly, you don’t need them all, especially if you don’t have an exam so wait until your lecturers tell you which books you will use and buy the key ones if/when you need them. Buy them from the LTSU Second-hand Bookshop! Ninth: Look into the Study Abroad Program, and jet set while you can! There are some amazing programs and places in this world, and there are options so that you can study overseas for the same price as studying a semester at La Trobe!Tenth: HAVE FUN! And leave lots of time for procrastination...

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check list

Pick up the “must-have” La Trobe Student Union Membership for only $40Grab a free Student Diary (important dates and contact numbers) from LTSU ReceptionGo to the Clubs and Societies Day on Thursday 26 February on Simpson Lawn to sign up to groups and learn about all the cool events happening at La TrobeCheck out the Secondhand Bookshop up at the LTSU Office (Upper Agora West) where you can find cheap books for the semester Look at all the rad discounts LTSU provides so you can save some money!!Spend the money you saved on LTSU merchandise, available from the LTSU Office or online!Look out for our student-run campaigns often in the Agora and get involved (we love new friends...)!

where to be seen…Where is a cool place to hang out you may ask? Well La Trobe has some cool hang out places and great vibes especially in summer! At Bundoora, Simpson Lawn is popular on a beautiful summer day - just make sure you keep an eye on your food,

the ducks are known to STEAL. The Agora is the busiest spot - it has loads of yummy food and is home to student campaigns, so be prepared for a chat (and be nice)! The Eagle Bar is also popular, especially for Wednesday Acoustics and Thursday bar nights, so check it out!

use the intertubes to be in the know...Subscribing/stalking us online is the easiest way to find events, news and photos of things going on at La Trobe! Here are some links:www.latrobesu.org.auFacebook.com/LaTrobeStudentUnionFacebook.com/LTSUactivitiesTwitter.com/LaTrobeSUYouTube.com/LTSUvideoInstagram.com/LaTrobeStudentUnionMost of your favourite LTSU departments and clubs have their own pages too - all of their social media info can be found through the LTSU website.

la trobe bucket list

Join the Student Union

Go to the LTSU first year’s party

Go to all O-Week events

Have a sneaky bevvy between lectures

Sleep under the stars

Have an epic karaoke night

Ask a random person on a legit date

Busk on campus for a charity (zero talent welcomed)

Join a sports team and go to the uni games

Join a faculty society and get networking

Wear something outrageous to a lecture

Hand in an essay early

Start a conga line at every LTSU event

Go out sober and dance all night (at least once)

Go to a rally

Swim in the moat

Instigate a standing ovation for a lecture

Go on a blind date

Make friends with an exchange student

Study Abroad

Go on a surf camp

Go on a weekend country jaunt with new friends

Become a connect mentor

Befriend a duck

Free brekky on Wednesdays

Vote in student union elections

Shhh someone in the library

Find the La Trobe Tunnels

Go to every Thursday Bar Night at the Eagle

Write an article for Rabelais

Eat donuts at the Thursday Markets

Get Wegdarchos (wedges and nachos) at the Eagle Bar

Fall asleep in a lecture

Watch that lecture on ECHO

Start a flash mob in the Agora

Have random conversations about cheese

Important Stuff

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1967: The University is founded in the Battle of Bundoora. Victorian icon, Sir Henry Bolt and Prime Minister Robert Menzies are present at the official opening. Student magazine Rabelais is first published in 1967.

1970: Victorian Police break up two student protest marches on the 12th and 17th of September in Waterdale Road near La Trobe University, which now has a reputation rivalling Monash University as Australia’s most radical student population. The National Union of Australian University Students newspaper produces a special moratorium issue around the Vietnam War. A week later, similar supplements are published in the newspapers of all three Victorian universities: La Trobe, Melbourne and Monash.

1971: A student movement is born in the course of protests against Defence Department’s use of the University’s careers service regarding the Vietnam War. More than 1, 000 students gather for a general meeting, called by the Labor Club, and launch a campaign for the resignation of the La Trobe Uni Chancellor, Sir Archibald Glenn.

1974: The La Trobe University Student Union forms and implements many services: Student Spaces (Recreation, Study and Dining, Eagle Bar), Activities, Entertainment and Events, Agora, Student Employment Services, Market, Student Theatre and Film, Childcare, Welfare Programs, Locker Hire, Lost Property, Graduation, Radio Station, Bike Lockers Scholarships, Photocopiers, Tool Library, Meeting Rooms, Orientation, Representation, Bottle Shop, Computer room, Cheap

Food, Support Services, Free Diary, Daily Newsletter (‘The Rat’), The Union Building and International Students Association.

1977: La Trobe (along with Monash) becomes one of the most politically active university campuses in Australia, earning it the nickname, La Trot.

1987: Still politically active.

1995: The notorious Rabelais, is the subject of a Federal Court case after the Office of Film and Literature Classification ruled that it “...promotes, incites and instructs in matters of crime” because of an article regarding shoplifting as a way to survive student poverty (was reprinted from elsewhere.). This case is still taught as a case study at RMIT University.

2004: The Howard Government takes control of the Senate and start the groundwork for state Voluntary Student Unionism.

2006: On July 1st Voluntary Student Unionism is introduced nationally, significantly changing the landscape of student life in Australia. At La Trobe, the Union is gutted financially and loses all of its services to the University. For the first time since its opening La Trobe students will no longer make a financial contribution to student services.

2007: The Union Collapses. It becomes the Guild which becomes part of the university rather than an independent organisation. The Student Representative Council Office Bearers begin to work voluntarily.

The University seeks to cut funding to all political clubs, which earns international media attention.

2008:Professor Paul Johnson becomes Vice Chancellor.

2009:The university attempts to move to a 12 week semester, however, the SRC runs a successful campaign against the changes.

2010: Groundwork is laid for a new, independent, single-structure student organisation to replace the Guild.

2011: The first year of the La Trobe Student Union (LTSU). The Student Services and Amenities Fee is passed in Parliament, a smaller amount than the General Services Fee (the fee students paid before VSU), but for the first time in six years students in Australia are contributing to student services.

2012: La Trobe University’s Vice Chancellor flees from student protesters outraged at the proposed cuts facing staff and subjects in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. VC John Dewar is forced to make an impromptu exit via the La Trobe underground tunnel system, making the news nationally.

2013: Strong student activism returns eight years after the introduction of VSU. May 14th saw the largest rallies around cuts to University Funding with an estimated 1400 people turning out on the streets of Melbourne to oppose government funding cuts to tertiary education. La Trobe brings a large contingent to all national days of action throughout the year.

2013: (november) In solidarity, Rabelais reprints an article from Honi Soit, the student newspaper of the University of Sydney, the cover of which included 18 photographs of vulvae and was pulled from stands due to claims the the content was too explicit and that censoring of the images was insufficient.

2014: The La Trobe Student Union and on campus activists continue to lobby and campaign for students rights, welfare and quality education. LTSU engages with university on plans to implement a $65 million funding cut and the threat of federal government attacks on higher education.

2014: (november)University students across Australia saw the Pyne/Abbott education disaster where they introduced $2.3 billion cuts to education, 20% funding cuts which is approximately $2, 000 per student in commonwealth funding, the introduction of interest rates on HECs and the deregulation of university fees. There were four successful student rallies organised by NUS along with a strong relationship between students and the NTEU which helped block the higher education reforms.

2015: NUS celebrate the defeat of Pyne’s toxic higher education reforms towards the end of 2014. Students are coming back bigger and better, now informed of what the Australian Government has in mind for our education - we are ready to continue to build relationships with the NTEU and fight back against fee deregulation.

Rad History of La Trobe

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Well, have you heard what they’re trying to do to universities and higher education?

proposed changes to higher ed in the 2014 federal budget The 2014 federal budget revealed the federal government’s proposed vision for the university system in Australia. The changes were outlined in their Higher Education Reform Act 2014. It proposed that:- University fees be deregulated from 2016- Interest rates be charged on all HECS debts at government bond value (capped at 6%)- Government contributions be reduced by 20% to Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)

what does this actually mean?

Fee deregulationAt the moment the federal government limits how much every university can charge you for your degree. This means that no matter which university in the country you choose to study your course at (eg: Bachelor of Nursing) you will be charged the same fee.

As such, the federal government can limit how much universities can charge you and prevent it from getting too expensive. The federal budget proposed a removal of those caps so universities can charge students whatever they want (deregulating course fees) from 2016 – this could see universities charge students between $8,000 to $20,000 a year for a degree.

Interest RatesThe federal government also proposed an introduction of interest rates on HECS debts. This means, like a credit card, you will end up paying even more for your course!! One of the most important aspects of Australia’s higher education system is that education is available to anyone because there are limited up front costs if you use the HECS payment deferral system - there is no interest charged on your HECS debt and you pay it back through your taxes when you actually earn enough to do so. The federal government’s budget proposed that “real” interest rates of up to 6% be charged to students. Unfortunately HECS debts will become 2nd mortgages for students whose parents can’t pay their fees upfront.

Decrease in government contribution to Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) by 20%Okay, first off, what the hell are Commonwealth Supported Places? The federal government contribute a certain amount of money per student to decrease that amount that students contribute to their degree for certain courses – that’s what they’re referring to when they talk about Commonwealth Supported Places. For example, if you’re a psychology student, the government may subsidize your degree by about $12,000 per year – while you will pay about $6,000 a year. On average the government will pay for about ~ 60% of your degree. This is another important aspect of Australian University system and the concept of equitable access - government contributions to student places ensure the accessibility of the university system to students across Australia. The federal government are proposing a blanket 20% decrease to their contribution (often referred to as base funding). Here’s a handy table that breaks down government contributions across different degrees last year:

Higher Ed in Today’s

Political ClimateREMEMBER THAT FEDERAL BUDGET THAT CAME OUT IN MAY LAST YEAR?That one where the Federal Liberal government tried to introduced a $7 fee to go to the doctor and tried to make it harder for young people to access centrelink?

Breakdown of government contributions vs. student contributions based on discipline for 2014 (Courtesy of the NTEU)

Discipline Maximum student contribution

Government contribution

Total Student Share (%)

Law, Accounting, Commerce, Administration

$10,085 $1,951 $12,036 84%

Humanities $6,044 $5,419 $11,463 53%

Computing, Built Environ, Other Health

$8,613 $9,587 $18,200 47%

Maths, Statistics $8,613 $9,587 $18,200 47%

Behavioural Science $6,044 $9,587 $15,631 39%

Social Science $6,044 $9,587 $15,631 39%

Education $6,044 $9,974 $16,018 38%

Clinical Psychology, Foreign Languages

$6,044 $11,790 $17,834 34%

Visual And Performing Arts $6,044 $11,790 $17,834 34%

Allied Health $8,613 $11,790 $20,403 42%

Nursing $6,044 $13,163 $19,207 31%

Engineering, Science, Surveying $8,613 $16,762 $25,375 34%

Medicine, Dentistry, Vet Science $10,085 $21,273 $31,358 32%

Agriculture $8,613 $21,273 $29,886 29%

Average for all disciplines $7,700 $10,600 $18,300 42%

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Okay so why are these changes bad for students?These are the biggest changes to be proposed around the university system since the introduction of HECS in 1989. There are so many reasons these changes are going to mean shit things for students, but here are the key issues:

Your HECS debt will be HUGE: Think about this logically, if the government is reducing its contribution per student by 20% AND letting universities charge whatever fees they want, it’s going to leave a massive gap in funding that universities will try to recover from student pockets. Students will pay more. Some universities like the University of Western Australia have said that if they were allowed to charge whatever they want for their degrees, they would charge every undergraduate student in their university a whopping $16,000 per year. For an Arts degree which was $6,000 in the year of 2014 - that’s an increase of 260%! The most worrying thing is that they’re not just trying to make up for the 20% decrease in government funding; they’re actually trying to profit off you!

Students (YOU!) will be in massive debt for longer:If universities are charging you more in fees, it means your HECS debt will be larger. DUH! Under the current system student debt take up to 20 years to pay off. If your fees are going to be double or tripled, it stands to reason that the time to pay off your HECS will do the same - are you keen to spend the next 40 - 60 years of your life paying off your degree? Not to mention, now they’re gonna stick you with interest at almost the same rate as a mortgage (which extends

the lifespan of your HECS debt). That doesn’t really leave room for buying a house in your adult life now does it?

Women will be disproportionately affected by the changes: Surprise, surprise! These changes will hurt women the most. Women now make up the majority of university graduates, however, under the current system, women only earn 58% compared to their male counterparts with the same qualifications. On average, a woman working full time will earn 18.2% less than a male working full time in Australia. So what will this mean in relation to the federal government’s proposed changes? Well first off, women graduates already earn less than their male counterparts (even in the same industries) and this, combined with the fact that women are traditionally more likely to stop working or work part-time to take on a carer role (eg: for children, elderly family members, other family members, etc), which means that they will be bound to a larger debt for longer. The National Centre for Social and Economic Modeling figured that in a deregulated university system, a woman who studied science would take 13.9 years to pay off her total debt of $95,720. On the other hand her male counterpart would pay a total of $88,738 over 10.7 years. Thanks to the government’s proposed changes, women will be forced to pay more and be in debt for longer than men for the exact same education. That doesn’t sound like a very equitable system now does it?

You might be thinking that these changes won’t affect you because you are already enrolled in your course. WRONG. Sorry but you can blame Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Education Minister Christopher Pyne for that. They want to charge ANYONE with a HECS debt interest, regardless of when you acquired the debt. Meaning that whether your HECS debt started in 2004, 2007, 2015 or 2020 – the government’s changes mean you will be charged at interest rates of ~6%. By extension, there is less freedom to transfer between courses - for a fat chunk of students, the courses that they enroll into aren’t necessarily the courses they want to be studying. (Hello all you Health Science students wanting to transfer into Physio) Many students work hard in their first year of uni, and then transfer. That flexibility for students would be crushed by the government’s changes and would apply to anyone enrolling into a course from 2016. Also if you’re interested in continuing with post-grad studies or need to continue with post-grad studies (i.e: Psychology) then I’m sorry to say this – but you’re basically screwed. The amount of debt that you will be forced into because of the government’s proposals will mean you will be forced into decades more of debt. It’s all a bit shit really, isn’t it?

Why are these changes bad for La Trobe and the university system as a whole?Right now, the difference between having a La Trobe degree or an RMIT degree or a Melb Uni degree doesn’t/shouldn’t really matter much to employers as there is a certain amount of assumed uniformity to the

courses. However, in a deregulated system universities can charge whatever they want therefore ensuring that universities like Melbourne Uni and Monash (typically attract people because of their assumed prestige) will be able to justify higher fees for their courses. And what will this do? Well it will solidify the idea of their “prestige” and while they will be able to continue to attract students because of their rankings, universities with less “prestige” like La Trobe and Deakin will struggle to attract students. So at La Trobe we would have fewer students, paying less money for their degrees, and receiving less money from the federal government. That doesn’t really sound like these changes are setting La Trobe up to be in a good financial position to invest more in the quality of our education does it? This is what is referred to as a 2-tier system. It’s a system that really rampant in the US where you have Ivy League colleges like Harvard and Columbia vs. community colleges that you probably haven’t heard of. It’s a system where only those that can afford the best education possible, get the best education possible. That’s not the way it works in Australia, and it’s not the kind of university system that I want to see Australia move into! Anyone who wants to go to university should be able to, and it should be as accessible as possible for EVERYONE. It will also mean less people will want to go to university in the long run. In 2012 the UK government decided to raise the annual maximum fee for university from £3,375 to £9,000. They didn’t even remove the cap! They only increased their cap AND universities didn’t have to charge the £9,000 fee, they just had more wiggle room to do so. This actually led to a 40% decrease in enrollment in

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education council

some parts of England. Their version of VTAC – UCAS – actually directly linked the decline in enrollments directly to the increase in annual university fees. THAT IS MASSIVE. That kind of situation would be devastating to the higher education system in Australia. People will be turned away from engaging with the university system because of the financial burden it will have on them later on in life – which will mean less people engaging in research and innovation. Education is important to the progress of society, and we are all benefiting from the products of research and innovation every single day (i.e. mobile phones, vaccinations, the internet, etc). The federal government’s changes will simply lock out people who cannot afford to pay exorbitant fees from engaging with education and consequently will limit our country’s future in research and innovation.

Well all of this sounds like crap. But what can I do about it?There is actually heaps YOU can do about this. 2014 was a really successful year for students as we saw these changes defeated twice in the Senate because of the power of student voices. However, the Education minister Christopher Pyne has introduced his changes into the parliament for the 3rd time, and it’s now more important than ever that we continue to be opposed these changes with a big student movement! Many students and teachers at La Trobe have opposed these proposed changes because the effect it will have on the progress of research and higher education in Australia. We at the LTSU are particularly angry about it, and doing everything to make sure these changes don’t get through the parliament! But we need your help!

So here’s what you can do to protect the quality of your education:• Go to a rally!! – It’s super important

the government sees that students, teachers and parents (basically everyone!) aren’t going to put up with the shit they’re proposing - and show them that their proposals aren’t the will of the people. Our first rally for 2015 will be on Wednesday March 25th!

• Join the Education Action Group and have a direct say in what the LTSU will do in response to these changes. Email: ltsu.edpub@latrobe.edu.au to get involved.

• Join the Education Council as a student representative – to have a direct say in boards and committees of La Trobe. Email: ltsu_educationvp@latrobe.edu.au to learn more.

• Check out the www.educationisarightnotaprivilege.wordpress.com blog to keep up-to-date with all the latest news about education campaigns at La Trobe and nationally.

• Like the La Trobe Education Action page on Facebook to keep up to date!

3 reasons to go to a rally

1. It’s important to stand up for your rights as students and fight back as a collective power on the streets. Have your voice heard.

2. It’s a whole lot of fun! You meet loads of cool people who want to make as much of a difference as you do.

3. You get to tell your grandkids you were cool and radical by going to a protest ‘in the olden days’.

Do you want more out of your La Trobe Degree?! Then Education Council is for you!

What is it

Education Council is the body that represents issues pertaining to your educational experience at La Trobe to the university! It’s the body where reps from all Colleges and schools at La Trobe come

together to share skills and knowledge. • Education Council is made up of representatives from:

• Faculty Societies: clubs that represent students from colleges/schools/subjects at La Trobe (i.e. the Agricultural Society,

Chemistry Krew, French Club, etc)• Student representatives (that could be YOU!)

• Elected representatives of the La Trobe Student UnionEducation Council provides these Faculty Societies and student representatives with club funding, training and support from the LTSU. In the Education Council plans on providing its members

with training in the areas of:• Media

• University governance• Meeting procedure

• Campaigns• Collective building

Education Council is for students who are interested in student representation and leadership. As a student representative of the Education Council, you will have the opportunity to sit on boards and committees with La Trobe University’s management. This is a great opportunity for people who are interested in developing their

public speaking, negotiating or policy writing skills.Education Council provides a collaborative space for discussions around issues affecting students, education issues at La Trobe

and nationally, and skills sharing to ensure that La Trobe students receive the best education possible!

The LTSU is the voice for students on campus, and this is a fantastic opportunity in getting involved in student leadership. So if you are interested in getting involved with the Education Council as a student representative - send us an email at ltsu_

educationvp@latrobe.edu.au or call us on ph: 94795752.

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Urban Legends

Comrades of La Trobe, I have a challenge for you all - prove/disprove these urban legends of La Trobe. Whoever can provide substantial evidence either way will receive a PRIZE! There can only be one winner so start doing your research and talk to others about the mysterious places of La Trobe.

The La Trobe TunnelsHmmm the secret tunnels of La Trobe! Supposedly there’s a network of tunnels that lay below our feet. The story goes that our Vice Chancellor used them as an escape route from a glorious student protest to stop the HuSS cuts which saw students actively opposing to cuts against our Arts degrees. They surrounded a building so that he could not escape and would be cornered into finally answer students questions about the cuts. But no, he was rushed by security into a cupboard and later advised the media he had escaped by… SECRET TUNNELS!? Other mysterious stories include anarchists hiding a cache of explosives in them and the government using them as a pretty sweet storage place for weapons during the Cold War. Can you prove where and how they are used?

The MoatAlthough swimming in the moat of La Trobe is on the bucket list, there are supposedly many reasons as to why you should NOT go for a dip. For one, its full of duck syphilis. According to the last Education Officer, they are “syphilis infected monsters whose main goal is to contaminate you with their STI and go back to ruling over the La Trobe grounds in peace.” So if anyone speaks duck please let us know when they plan on invading us. The beautiful muddy water is ever so inviting, yet is there any other reason

as to why La Trobe was designed with it? Maybe a zombie apocalypse? Or trolls? Or maybe to keep some rabbits out? That’s always a common answer. Moreover, it’s actually the home to one of the largest viruses known to science! The Pandoravirus or the Pandoravirus dulcis in La Trobe’s moat has been said to spark questions about the origins and evolution of life on Earth! So does this explain the large number of carp that live deep down in the moat? Apparently they eat human flesh! (WHAT?) Yes a well-known myth is that once they found a body in the moat. When it was fished out, students were shocked to discover that only half of the body was there and police concluded that wasn’t the way the body was when it went in. So yes… swim in the moat if you dare.

Car Park 5Have you ever noticed that Car Park 5 doesn’t exist? We believe it goes beyond the University not being able to count and instead it’s because something is hidden like a covert operations facility, maybe even harbouring Australia’s largest nuclear weapons cache. No documents indicate why one never existed, so it’s up to you to help us figure out why!

Larundel Insane AsylumThere was once a time when the grounds of La Trobe were in fact used to house mentally ill patients in the Mont Park Mental Hospital. Have you heard the eerie tune of a little girl’s music box? You must venture out to the site of the asylum at midnight. This little girl was admitted as a patient and never allowed to play with her toys, so now after her short life she secretly ventures out in the night to do what she could never do. Some believe it’s the work of the security guards to scare students off, but you must experience for yourself, if you dare.

There are also many ghosts that linger through the old corridors and back isles of the library on the third floor. Have you heard of the prankster ghosts who muck up science experiments and swap books around in the library? Further hauntings could be explained by a number of bodies buried under La Trobe. Yes that’s right, there are bodies buried under La Trobe, some survivors of WWI who suffered from what we now know as post-traumatic stress syndrome who were admitted as patients at the Larundel Insane Asylum. Most asylum records were destroyed by fire in 1930, so nothing can be verified, but local historians believe that bodies could be buried in unmarked graves somewhere on the university grounds. Whose grave are you standing on?

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SSAF ContextThe introduction of VSU (Voluntary Student unionism) in 2006 saw $170 million ripped out of the hands of student run student organizations (like the La Trobe Student Union). Those organizations were no longer able to provide welfare services, representation, advocacy services or those sick parties your parents used to go to at uni. It meant clubs were stripped of their funding for events. It meant student organisations lost their capacity to campaign against the university when they did shitty things – meaning they could get away with course cuts, subject closures and fee increases without any consideration to the students who were adversely affected! VSU was disastrous for the quality of education and student experience delivered on campus.

What is the SSAF? 2011 marked the introduction of the SSAF (Student Services and Amenities Fee). The SSAF was introduced to circumvent the damage brought on by VSU. The SSAF legislation outlines that the funds collected in the name of SSAF can only be spent on:• Providing food or drinks to students

on campus• Affordable childcare

• Providing funding for clubs on campus• Providing legal service and

advocacy to students• Assisting students with their

financial affairs• Helping students secure

accommodation• Helping students acquire

employment or career advice• Libraries and reading rooms• Providing students with information

to assist in their orientation• Helping to meet the specific needs

of overseas students relating to their welfare, accommodation and employment.

The services listed above are pretty vital in ensuring a decent student experience for everyone on campus. It’s also really important because it makes the idea of attending university that much more accessible for those who wouldn’t necessarily have the opportunity without these services. (i.e. childcare for parents wanting to go to uni, etc).It’s sad to think that VSU (voluntary student unionism), of which the Liberal Party were so proud to introduce, meant that student run events were rare, childcare services were at a minimum, and if you were a broke uni student who couldn’t afford food for the week, your student organization

couldn’t help you. That’s why well-funded student organizations are so important - they’re pivotal in ensuring high quality education and an excellent student experience for all students.

SSAF and the LTSUUnfortunately the SSAF (Student Services and Amenities Fee) doesn’t go directly into the hands of students. The allocated SSAF money is collected and distributed by the university - as a major service provider, the SSAF is vital to the operation of your LTSU.The SSAF allows for the LTSU to provide services like:• Free legal aid• Free tax help• Free BBQs on Tuesdays• Free breakfasts on Wednesdays• Secondhand bookshop• Free advocacy services• Free food bank, clothes bank and

book bank• The Ex-Party + other activities• Student Theatre and film• Clubs and Societies• Discounts for food outlets on and off campus

What the SSAF?

In 2015, the SSAF will be charged at $286 for full time students (studying 3 subjects or more) or $214 for part time students (studying 2 subjects or less). After census date (Sem 1, 2015 - 31/03/2015 and Sem 2, 2015 - 25/08/2015) you will get an invoice for the SSAF. You have the opportunity to either defer it through HECS or pay the fee upfront.If you have any questions about the SSAF feel free to drop us a line at ltsu.edpub@latrobe.edu.au

WHAT THE HECK IS THE SSAF?So you’ve just enrolled and amidst all of that paperwork, you notice you need to pay another fee on top of your course fees! So what the hell is the SSAF? And why do we have to pay it?

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If you need advice or want to make an appointment please contact us: La Trobe Student Union reception, Upper West Agora (Lvl 2) Call: 9479 2314. Email: ltsu_advocacy@latrobe.edu.au.

Visit: www.latrobesu.org.au/advocacyMost faculties are pretty lenient with the marking scheme, but if you feel your mark wasn’t fair after being compared with the criteria provided, there’s a process you can go through to challenge your grade and have it re-marked. Make sure you are aware of policies on late submission penalties (it’s usually 5% per day taken off your mark for undergrads). For more info, check out the Student Union Advocacy Service on the LTSU website.

once you’ve enrolled, there’s no turning back!A letter tells you that you must enrol at a certain time in a certain room, however the cut off for enrollment is not until the official Census dates - (Sem 1, 2015 - 31/03/2015 and Sem 2, 2015 - 25/08/2015). You are eligible to change any aspect of your enrolment before this date, including trying subjects and then changing them! So don’t be afraid of deferring or backing out of subjects if it doesn’t interest you before the Census date.

you will fail your subjects if you don’t have all the textbooks!Lies. New textbooks are SO expensive and as university students we cannot afford to spend hundreds of dollars

Help!

The LTSU offers a Student Advocacy service which assists students with a range of academic, administrative and welfare related issues. It’s available to all La Trobe students and is free,

that we don’t have for the few pages we will actually read/highlight. So don’t go to your first class with all the books - wait a few weeks and ask your lecturers/tutors how much of the book you will actually use. There are always books in the library that are on reserve for students. Also the LTSU Secondhand Bookstore is great for cheap, good quality books which you can also re-sell after you’re finished. Find info on 2nd Hand books at www.latrobesu.org.au

no one can tell if my work is plagiarised!False! The University is super strict on plagiarism and has sophisticated policies and checks in place to pick up on it. Numerous subjects use a system called ‘Turnitin’ to submit course work which cross-references your work through huge databases to detect plagiarism. It’s not cool to plagiarise so don’t do it! The lecturers and tutors love hearing your own research and theories or at least seeing how well you’ve learnt to reference... La Trobe has an awesome online referencing guide for you to check out here: www.latrobe.edu.au/students/learning/academic-integrity

Mythbusters

MYTH: YOUR MARK IS FINAL. NO ARGUMENT.Most faculties are pretty lenient with the marking scheme, but if you feel your mark wasn’t fair after being compared with the criteria provided, there’s a process you can go through to challenge your grade and have it re-marked.

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making friends

This is the hardest and easiest bit of university. Who am I going to sit with while I eat cheese and crackers? Will they accept my love for cheese? Who will get a sneaky bev from the Eagle Bar between classes with me? But seriously, how do I find cool people? There’s only one way to find out and that is to join everything that interests you. I see my university years as one big YOLO. Yes I used it, but seriously it’s the only way to describe how university should be. There’s so much to discover and so many adventures to be had. Don’t feel like you need to have someone with you to go to an event - you can meet people there! University students are the most open-minded people you’ll ever meet, so embrace it. Dress how you want to dress (preferably with clothes though, pls). Be creative and live a little.

Uni Vibes

events and activities

There are tonnes of LTSU and club events to go to. Make sure you budget, for example only buy the scrumptious burritos once a week or month (if you can), so that you can afford to go to an upcoming ball! Watch out for LTSU run events such as the Boat Cruise, the Op Shop Formal and the Ex-Party. Sah much fun! There’s always free and member only events happening throughout the week such as Breakfast club, BBQ’s (for union members, so join!!!) and Wednesday Acoustics at the Eagle Bar! Join in on our campaigns, go to student protests, help us lobby for our rights! YOLO this year like never before. P.s - don’t forget to take ALL the free things, because why the hell not?

embrace your weirdness

Conversation tips for the awkward

Continue being awkward and laugh about itOwn your weirdness and love itFind people who will laugh at your horrible puns (they’re keepers)Keep up with pop culture! Interesting facts are great to whip out during conversation.Your weirdos are out there looking for you, so don’t give up!

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top tips for surviving uni

books

We’ve said it before, we’ll say it again - DON’T buy books straight away. Wait for the first couple of weeks to see if the readings are available online and to see if the tutors actually use them! When it comes time to buy textbooks, you have a few options:

LTSU Second-Hand BookshopSold at 60% of the full RRP.LTSU members get an extra 10% discountYou can register to sell your used books and, once your books sell, recoup some cash.Open Monday-Thursday, 11am-2pm (During Semester only) or online 24/7Visit LTSU website for more deets www.latrobesu.org.au

LTSU book bankFind books for free if you’re in a bit of a bindNot a huge range, but worth a lookVisit LTSU reception (Upper Agora West, Lvl 2) for more info

La Trobe Uni LibraryYou can always borrow textbooks from the library… and then return them… and then borrow more (you see how this works, right?)Visit www.latrobe.edu.au/library for deets

how to write essays

Don’t stress, everyone has to write essays at uni. My advice is leave lots of time for procrastination and attend the essay writing seminars that your course advisors run each semester. Also there are Academic Advisors in the library near the Writers Block Cafe in red shirts who run workshops in the

first few weeks of each semester to teach you about standard university essay writing for all levels of study.

how to get connected to wifi

Go to your WI-FI settingsSelect LTUWireless2Put in your Username and Password (the same you use for the computers in the library)Browse the interest until your heart’s content

how to reference

La Trobe’s Online Referencing Guide will become your best friend this year. Be sure to use it and check with your tutors which type of referencing you need as different subjects use different methods of referencing. ADD IT TO YOUR FAVOURITES. www.lib.latrobe.edu.au/referencing-tool

exams

Got kids?La Trobe has an On-Campus Childcare Centre that students can access- www.latrobe.edu.au/child. LTSU members get a $15 discount per 2.5 hour session. Contact the child care centre directly for more info.

LTSU exam stallLook out for free stationary on your way to your exam and advice on where to go if you get lost. The LTSU runs a free Calculator borrowing scheme where you make a deposit of $10 or use your licence.

Stress Less WeekIn Week 12 of classes, the LTSU runs mini carnivals so that students can take a short break from study to eat some free popcorn or fairy floss and access info on student advocacy (if needed)!

Go to your classes - yes, all of themStart or join a study groupJoin a club or faculty societyGo to a LTSU eventGet involved! Do your readingsGet extensions if you can’t make a due dateLeave time for procrastinationHave a basic routineUse public transport time for readingsDon’t work on Thursdays - it’s bar night!Don’t get bummed when your school friends changeTake breaks when writing essays and assignmentsPrint off your subject guideHave your timetable next to your bedWrite notes from your lectures Start your research earlyUse La Trobe’s online referencing guideTalk to your lecturers and tutorsHAVE FUN

Oh yeah, studying?

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La Trobe has moved into a 2 college system now that covers a variety of schools. They are the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Commerce and the College of Science, Health and Engineering. You will see these around the university as the College of SHE and ASSC. (I’m not shitting you that’s the actual abbreviation. Also please pardon my crappy pun, I just couldn’t help myself.)

so what does this mean?For new students (welcome again!) you might think this won’t mean much because you’ll be starting your degree in this system. However, knowing how previous restructures have worked at La Trobe (Google 2012 cuts to the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences – some of us are still working our way through that!), it will probably mean a massive headache for all commencing and returning students.

Returning students should also note that the student hub DOESN’T EXIST ANYMORE. It’s now ASK La Trobe and if you need help, they will be at the bottom floor of the library to help you. I KNOW it totally sucks. How will you ever figure out who’s actually in line for Writer’s Block?!So because of this massive headache and the fact that most lecturers and tutors still don’t have any idea of what the university will actually look like this year, we’re going to be using that old faculty system for this counter course handbook!

Pre-examsMake a plan, exercise, schedule breaks and identify your main study areas. Sleep must be on the agenda, along with healthy meals to give you energy and focus during your study. Prepare your study space, don’t burn out and have a plan for the holidays so that you have something to work for.NOTE:• Double check the LOCATION and

time of your exam on the university website

• Familiarise yourself with the rules so you know what you can bring into the exam and what you can’t.

• Remember to take your student ID card!

Revision and Study• Make a schedule and have a revision

style that suits you• Take a 15 minute break every 45

minutes otherwise your focus will deteriorate

• Collate all your notes and re-watch all of your lectures (even put it on your phone)

• Break it all down, split up your revision into topics and have a list that you can tick off

• Make an appointment with your tutor if you didn’t understand something

• Make use of the extended hours of the library during exams

During Exams• Exams are stressful but don’t be

afraid of getting help! Talk to your friends, parents or see a doctor to get some advice

• Eat well! Have some veggies and protein! Pack lunches for yourself including snacks of fruit, nuts or sticks of veggies with hummus! Water is the key!

• Sleep well! Don’t do all nighters, your attention span will suck the next day. Get up early and read over it instead.

• Do some yoga or read a book not related to your study before you go to bed so that you can relax and feel calm for a good night’s sleep.

• Exercise! Use your break well by going on a 15 minute walk or play some basketball. Being outside in nature is a great way to get your brain working and ready to study! You’ll feel refreshed and it will help with the anxiety.

Post examsCouldn’t make it? Terrible situation befoul you? Sickness like the plague? In extraneous circumstances you can be granted special consideration or have you exam moved. Check out our Special Consideration section to get all the know how or visit the LTSU website.

Disappointed with your mark?Talk to your lecturer if it is very low and must be re-marked. If they are no help call or visit the LTSU and make an appointment with an advocate who can help you navigate the whole sitch. Exams are over?!?! Booyah! Go out and venture into the world... It’s time to partay!

Counter Course Handbook

THERE IS SOME CRAZY SHIT HAPPENING TO LA TROBE AT THE MOMENT.For returning students, you will be familiar with the 5 faculty system of La Trobe. WELCOME BACK FRIENDS - EVERYTHING HAS CHANGED

If you encounter ANY problems with the university, or are just generally looking for some HELP, email, call or drop into the LTSU:

Visit: LTSU Reception, Upper Agora West (lvl2)

Phone: (03) 9479 2314

Email: LTSU_educationvp@latrobe.edu.au or LTSU.EdPub@latrobe.edu.au

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education So you want to be a teacher? Inspiring the next generation! Hopefully one of those really cool teachers like Robin Williams in Dead Poet’s Society! “Carpe Diem” y’all! Or maybe you want to be like Ms. Edna Krabappel in The Simpsons. Either way, the Education courses taught at La Trobe provides some of the most comprehensive education courses in the state.

SubjectsWhen surveyed, students said their favourite subject was EDU1TNA (Teaching Numbers and Algebra). Wait students ENJOYED learning how to teach maths?! Well apparently, yes! Primary teaching students said they LOVED how hands on and applicable this subject was. They said that this subject was a highlight for them because it’s actually a first year subject that teaches you how to teach!

Lecturers/TutorsIf you’re a Primary Teaching student, Peter Saunders gets your vote hands down. He’s been described as informative and engaging – everything you want in a teacher, am I right? Ha. And low and behold Pete Saunders happens to be the lecturer for EDU1TNA.

Things that you’re into- Every person we surveyed from Education Faculty said they love the campus! They enjoy the people, the vibes, the atmosphere. But it’s probably because you guys are on placement so often that La Trobe is a welcome sanctuary from screaming snotty kids, or moody teenagers. KIDDING… kind of.

- Speaking of snotty kids and moody teenagers, students from the Education Faculty also love placement! Placement is a great opportunity for y’all to get out there, and into the real world to start teaching!

Things that you don’t like - Irrelevant subjects (Booo). Many students from Ed felt some of their subjects were meaningless and not worth their time and money. Obviously this is relative to the cohort and your personal preferences… but if you hate a subject, make sure you tell your teachers!- Taking about yourself! Continuing this theme of relevancy - a few students mentioned that there is a bit too much self reflection in some classes and that they’d wished their tutor spent more time being relevant (harsh but true).Are we sensing a theme here? I think the overall message from the Ed Faculty is that they love hands on work. They want subjects that are relevant and applicable and made it clear they care about to quality of education they receive in order to educate all the future people.

aimThe Academic Integrity Module (AIM) is a compulsory online unit for all students commencing their studies at La Trobe. So if this is your first year at La Trobe - you’ll have to do it. You need to have completed the module by your first week of semester 1. But don’t worry; the university will stress you out unnecessarily about it during O-week.The Academic Integrity Module will basically remind you that you can’t cheat and you can’t steal other people’s work. Seriously don’t do it. The process is a paperwork nightmare for both the student and academic and is not worth your time. You need to get a 90% in the test, but trust me, it’s VERY easy. It’s just common sense and you read through all the answers before you do the test anyways, so don’t stress out.Please make sure you learn how to reference!!!! Keep an eye out for the referencing style that you will need for your assessments. (i.e. History will usually require footnoting, Psych and Health Science will usually require APA).Referencing can get really confusing at times, so make sure you bookmark this page: http://www.lib.latrobe.edu.au/referencing-tool/If you’re ever unclear about what you need to do, this tool will be a lifesaver during assessments!

AIM & Wominjeka Counter Course HandbookEducation

WominjekaWominjeka La Trobe is a compulsory online subject for all commencing students at La Trobe in 2015. It introduces students to Indigenous Australian history, culture and customs. It’s really important that we, as students, learn about the culture and history of the land we inhabit. We are on stolen land – where no treaty or agreement was exchanged between the Indigenous peoples and white settlers. It’s important that we all understand the history and context of modern day Aboriginal Australia well for true reconciliation to occur.

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Things that you’re into- New labs in the LIMS building (massive step up from those in the Thomas Cherry building!)- The privacy of the LIMS lawn- Club BBQs on LIMS lawn- The green open spaces at La Trobe (including the Wildlife Sanctuary for all you animal lovers!)

Things that you don’t like - 3-6 hour labs. Do not fear 1st years, they will only be 3 hours for you. But as you progress through your degree and if you choose to do post grad studies, 6 hours is the norm. Our only advice is to keep yourself hydrated and well fed on your designated breaks. (Sorry! No food or drink in the labs)- Overcrowded labs! Students commented that overcrowding meant limited bench space, and too few demonstrators for the amount of students. So watch out for that! If you do happen to come across overcrowding please email ltsu_educationvp@latrobe.edu.au and we will do what we can.

Clubs!You are super lucky because Science, Tech and Eng have got some of the best clubs linked to it. Make sure you look for them at the LTSU Clubs & Societies Festival during O-Week!- Ag (Agricultural) Society- Chemistry Krew- Physics Society- Psych Society- Biochemistry Society- Engineering Society

science, technology and engineering Ahhh the wonderful world of science, tech and eng. The faculty that other students in the university don’t know whether to envy or feel sorry for because of the infamous LIMS building. Yes it’s new, and super close to the Agora, and there is always a BBQ on the LIMS lawns courtesy of the Chemistry Krew, Physics Society or Ag Society - but you’ve got to admit that building is pretty bloody ugly. But in all seriousness, La Trobe’s Science, Tech and Eng grads are highly regarded in their various industries.

SubjectsScience, Tech and Eng is massive - with heaps of subjects and degrees. Keep in mind you probably won’t be able to do just any subject in the faculty, as enrolment is highly dependent on your degree. So whether you’re doing basic bio, chem or physics, or those super interesting botany subjects in your first year – you are guaranteed to have REALLY over-crowded lectures. Try not to be late to your lectures in the first couple of weeks, and if you feel like you’re missing out on content in class don’t stress! Thanks to the LTSU, all your lectures should be recorded and available to watch again after class.So subjects! For those of you studying IT, CSE1OOF is well regarded among students for its introduction into basic programming language. Students like this subject because lectures, workshop, labs AND tutors are all really good. (Really? Where do I sign up?) The lecturer Richard Tressider has also received glowing reviews from students.

For those of you that are interested in a botany major, definitely have a go at BIO1MGC (Molecules, Genes and Cells). Students say it’s a really well organized subject where practicals are really interesting and well linked with lectures! Not to mention that many students have indicated that the lecturer will literally change your life. (See below)Other honorable mentions go to BIO1GEN (Genetics) and any of the first year psych subjects (PSY1BNA, PSY1CFP, PSY1BNB, PSY1EFP). BIO1GEN was brought up by many students as being one of the most interesting subjects they’ve taken throughout their degrees. Those Psych subjects are obviously fundamental to your degree (yes, some are cores) but so many students said they found it so much more interesting than just being a hurdle requirement for their degrees. Some said that it actually opened their eyes and made them appreciate their degree even more!

Lecturers/Tutors to look out forAlright lets get down to who students like in your faculty. The one lecturer that reigns supreme in the eyes of students in FSTE (and across the university) is Dr Michael Emmerling. Michael Emmerling is widely regarded as one of the best lecturers at La Trobe, having won 2 LTSU Teaching Awards (based on student nominations and voting as part of annual LTSU awards). Get into his class if you can.Honorable mentions go to Fiona Bird (Animal Vet Bioscience BIO1EEB - ECOLOGY, EVOLUTION AND BIODIVERSITY) and Melanie Murphy (Pysch) who have both received outstanding reviews from students.

Counter Course HandbookScience, Tech. & Engineering

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Things that you’re into- Unique subjects – Students said they loved the variety of subjects La Trobe offered them! Admittedly these responses came from people who were in 2nd or 3rd year in 2014, unfortunately a lot of those options won’t be available for students commencing their studies in 2015...- Passionate lecturers and tutors – The area of Humanities and Social Sciences has long held the reputation for having so many dedicated and passionate academics who fundamentally enjoy the pursuit of education and sharing knowledge. Hopefully the academics you encounter in humanities will be as inspiring for you as we’ve found them to be.- The La Trobe Student Union (LTSU) – I promise this is not some lame attempt at a plug #sorrynotsorry. A great chunk of students said one of the things they liked about La Trobe the most was the LTSU. It’s probably because we’re awesome. We do some really cool stuff on campus! For our student union members, we have a free weekly BBQs on Tuesdays and free breakfasts on Wednesdays. We also run the 2nd handbook shop that is not for profit so we get as much for students as possible. We’re also the people that represent you to the university – basically if the university are trying to screw students over, we’re there to get in their face and show them that they don’t have the students best interest at heart. I mean… What is a university without students, right??? If you want more info about the LTSU visit our website! www.latrobesu.org.au

Things that you don’t like - Overcrowded tutorials! – Watch out humanities students, your classes are going to be pretty full. Make sure you get in early so you don’t have to sit on the floor. (This will get better over the semester, but it’s pretty bad in the first few weeks of semester)- Subject cuts, staff cuts and course closures – Thanks to La Trobe’s ‘Funding Future Ready’ plan, a lot of subjects and courses have been cut! The Humanities and Social Sciences department is basically a shell of its former self, with hundreds of subjects cut and dozens of degrees slashed. The survey results are quite telling of how badly these cuts screwed over humanities students - ie heaps of students listed the Vice Chancellor (John Dewar) as the thing they hated the most about this university.

humanities and social sciences

Hello there! And welcome to the faculty of ‘will this degree ever get me a job’?! (I say this because I am a student of HUSS and still ask myself the same question 3 years later). The HUSS department at La Trobe has definitely seen better days, but its former glory still lingers within the students and teachers in the faculty. The HUSS faculty is broad and encompasses a wide variety of subjects from media to politics to linguistics, so responses to the survey were very broad.

SubjectsThe best subjects brought up by students were POL1SNS (States, Nations and Securities) and POL1EEH (International Relations and the Global Economy). In regards to POL1SNS, students commented that it was “well-structured and very relevant”. POL1SNS is just one of those subjects you have to do if you’re interested in worldwide affairs! The lecturer is amazing, the content is engaging, and if you need the text book it’s online for freeAs for POL1EEH, students commented on the organization and applicability of the content in this subject. This subject will take you through the basics of the global economy and give you a greater understanding of the way the global economy works. Not to mention the fact that it’s taught by one of the most respected lecturers at this university. (See below)

For those of you that aren’t interested in politics subjects, ANSWER THE EDUCATION SURVERY NEXT YEAR!! Kidding… But not really. Answer the survey so we can more diverse results. Subjects outside of politics that students said they really enjoyed in the survey included anthropology, philosophy and legal studies.

Lecturers/Tutors to look out forAn overwhelming number of students listed Jasmine-Kim Westerndorf (in the International Relations department) as the most inspiring academic they’ve come across. Jasmine Westerndorf is one of the creators of the Melbourne Free University, and is also probably the best thing at La Trobe (other than the cute ducks). Students across different faculties that have taken her class, have commented on the fact that her passion and knowledge are unsurpassed by most other academics at La Trobe. She was instrumental in the creation of the Institute of Human Security at La Trobe in a time that La Trobe getting rid of a lot of staff and subjects. So if you’re looking out for her classes, she’s the lecturer for POL1EEH, POL2IME and POL3ILO. Get into one of her classes if you’re in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, it will be a truly inspiring experience!Honorable mentions go to Sue Davies in the Legal Studies department who has been described as “Funny, informative, interesting and engaging”, and Alberto Gomes in the Anthropology department. Alberto unfortunately is not teaching ANT1CAG (Culture and Globalisation) in 2015. #BringBackAlberto (Google ‘Alberto Gomes La Trobe’ and click on ‘Introductory lecture 2012’ - you’ll get what I mean)

Counter Course HandbookHumanities & Social Science

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health sciences

Hello there optimistic Health Science student. You scare me. Health science students are probably the people at La Trobe that work and party the hardest. There must be something in the water over at health sciences because you are friendly ALL THE TIME. (Who has the energy?!) Health science at La Trobe is pretty great and unlocks a lot of opportunities for people!

SubjectsSurprise, surprise! Your favourite subjects are HBS1HBA (Human Biosciences A) and HBS1HBB (Human Biosciences B)! They’re both general health science cores, so whether you’re planning on doing physio, OT or prosthetics, you’ll need to do them. Over 80% of students said that their favourite subjects in their course were the first year human biosciences subjects. Students said that they loved how applicable these subjects were for what they wanted to do. Which is probably why they’re compulsory subjects for most of you!

Lecturers/Tutors to look out forThe race for standout academics in health sciences ended up being a tie between Deb Gleeson and Brendan Murley. Brendan and Deb have received rave reviews for their ability to keep subject content engaging, even when what they’re teaching is super boring.

Things that you’re into- The atmosphere at La Trobe – OK did all the health science students that responded to the survey coordinate your responses? BECAUSE YOU ALL COMMENTED ON THE ATMOSPHERE! You can’t really blame them though - it’s hard to find another university that’s as friendly and sociable as La Trobe.- Group work! – Health science students just love socialising! Even when it comes down to their assessments. Many students said they love the collaborative nature of their courses because it was a great way to meet friends!- The LTSU’s 2nd hand bookshop – HEALTH SCIENCE TEXTBOOKS ARE EXPENSIVE AND REQUIRED. Your best bet is to upstairs to the LTSU (Behind the student lounge, next to GrainExpress) and look for your text books there. Or have a go at our online store: www.latrobesu.org.au/Books!

Things that you don’t like - Online learning – Be prepared health science kids, you’re going to have a lot of “online learning”. For nursing students, you’ll find that some of your lectures will be online entirely! Students commented that they hated their subjects being online without proper support from academics to ask questions and get further clarification. If you encounter any issues because of the shift toward online learning, please email ltsu_educationvp@latrobe.edu.au or give us a call on ph: 94795752- Lack of flexibility! – Health science students want electives too! One of the problems health science students encountered was not being able to choose more of what they wanted in their degrees. Students also complained about not being able to go down to part time study without over-complicating their study plans.Health science students are also really lucky that they have some of the best clubs and club events on campus. One of them being the Public Health Students Association- check them out!

The PHSA is a student group at La Trobe Uni who run creative and useful public health/health promotion programs, fantastic social events and provides a space for students to expand their networks, placement and job opportunities. Keep up to date with events and topical issues in public health, as well as job and volunteering opportunities. The group is open to anyone who shares in the values and goals of the group.

Contact them at latrobephsa@gmail.com or check them out at the LTSU Clubs festival on the Thursday of O-week!

Counter Course HandbookHealth Sciences

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business, economics and law

BusinessBusiness at La Trobe covers many things. It can be accounting, finance, human resources, management or marketing. Business at La Trobe is a broad church.Business students contributed very little to 2014’s Education Survey... which means we can’t really pass on much information to 2015’s business students. ☹HOWEVER there is a very good reason for that. Business went through the biggest change than any other faculty last year. The changes are outlined here: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/studying/course-changes/fbel

SubjectsAgain, Introduction in Micro and Macroeconomics were subjects that business students said they really enjoyed. One business student commented that, “the scale and perspective the subjects gave of the global market was eye opening and interesting.” If you’re frustrated at not being able to study these subjects in 2015, please email LTSU_educationvp@latrobe.edu.au

Things that you’re intoDW study room – Make sure you check it out! (in the Donald Whitehead building)Approachable academics – In business your tutors and lecturers are super easy to approach for help, so don’t be afraid to!

Things that you don’t like Subjects not matching the handbook description – Business students commented on the fact that their subjects often don’t match the description in the handbook. So read the subject description carefully and

remember that if you’re not enjoying the subject you have until census date to withdraw from the subject. (31st March 2015)Less subject choice! – With the way restructures play out at La Trobe, less subject choice is usually the part that hurts students the most. The aspect of the Business school that students loved the most in previous years was the variety of subjects available to them.

EconomicsLook I would love to talk to you about how fantastic economics at La Trobe used to be. And how much students adored the department and quality of teaching at La Trobe. But that would just be mean. Unfortunately for you first years, La Trobe has cut its economics department for… economic reasons? Basically it’s a load of crap.So let’s talk about commerce! Commerce has been brought in by La Trobe as a half arsed excuse to teach less economics subjects. Instead of being able to enjoy the purity of economics, La Trobe have fucked it up replaced it with the commerce degree that includes business, accounting, management, marketing and finance subjects (Basically almost everything you can get as a major in a business degree, you can also get in commerce. Annoying right?).

SubjectsStudents said they were really into Introduction into Microeconomics and Introduction into Macroeconomics. These were both subjects available to students that gave them the basic foundation of economic principles – but unfortunately for new students, they are no longer available ☹

Lecturers/Tutors to look out forDarren Henry is really respected among students. With the changes that came through the economics and finance departments, students were worried about academics leaving. One student said, “If La Trobe lose Darren Henry because they’re gutting the Finance department, it’s gonna hurt them badly: the guy is a freaking legend.” If you’re looking for his subjects, in 3rd year he teaches ECO3EGS (Economics growth and stability: theory and evidence)!

Things that you’re into- The relaxing atmosphere of campus

– Apparently economics students think that the atmosphere of the campus is very relaxed/relaxing. To be honest, that’s probably because most economics/business students spend too much time in Therapy playing pool and video games.

Things that you don’t like - Subject cuts - Who likes having less choice, am I right? - Lack of study spaces – During semester/exam time, the library and other study rooms can get extremely crowded with nowhere else for students to go on campus. If worst comes to worse, I suggest you try to study in the Eagle Bar with a cheeky beer. ;-)

LawThe law school at La Trobe is probably one of the best law schools in the state. That’s probably entirely my opinion… But La Trobe probably has one of the most progressive law schools in Victoria. It’s unique in the way it teaches dispute resolution is really what makes La Trobe’s Law school stand out.Whether you’re a grad entry student, doing straight out Law, or studying one of the many double degrees that include Law – congrats on getting in!

SubjectsHere’s a rundown of your first year cores.LIM – LIM will be pretty boring as the content can be dry. It goes through the history and context of the legal system. PPL – To do well in this subject, just make sure you keep up to date with the course content every week at the very least.CRL – This subject is going to be really hard. But if you get on top of it from now, you might have a chance at doing well. Crim is the kind of subject you need to be constantly on top of in your first year. Try not to get behind on the work! Besides that, this is a fascinating subject.Dispute resolution – This subject has been described as “fantastic” by Law students. It’s practical and hands on. Students said they loved their practical assessment the most. (An actual mediation) All round A+ subject!

Counter Course HandbookBusiness, Economics & Law

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in closing

And a little bonus for those of you in 2nd year:CSL – The best advice we can give you for constitutional law is keep up with the lectures! (AKA YOU NEED TO GO TO THEM) Balu doesn’t have lecture slides, so not only will you have to go to the lectures and try to keep up there, but you should probably also listen to them again afterwards to really understand the content. There will be lecture notes put up online, but for the exam you need to do your own. Make sure your highlighting and annotating the lecture notes as the semester goes on though.TOT – Torts, torts, torts! People fucking love torts. You will probably fall in love with this subject very quickly. Students say the content is not only interesting but the lectures are inspiring! See below to find out why!

Lecturers/Tutors to look out forKenneth Warner is the lecturer for LAW2TOT and he is FANTASTIC. His personality and enthusiasm even attracts students not enrolled into torts to his lectures. I’m not going to say anything else about Ken, I’m just going to leave a quote here from a student. “[Ken] clearly enjoys teaching, knows the law like a GOD, and seems like a completely nice bloke, too. Just the way he explains things (you get the impression he’s having fun up there) is amazing, and he was quite honestly the best part of my semester last year. I kept wanting to go up and say thankyou to him in person but got all shy and worried… The guy saved my love of learning.”

You made the right decision by choosing to study at La Trobe! La Trobe is fantastic! I know that the

restructures and course changes make it seem like it’s not – but don’t let that bring you down! The La Trobe experience is about so much more! With the

amount of Clubs and Societies on campus, and the La Trobe Student Union – you will definitely

have a great time. University is where you’re going to find the friends you keep for the rest of your life!

So make sure you get involved in our clubs and societies or faculty societies to get the most out of

your experience at La Trobe.If you see any of us from the LTSU around, make

sure you say hi! But in the meantime, good bye and good luck!

If you haven’t heard of them already, make sure you check out the LSA. (Law Students Association) They’ll be able to help you out with degree planning and give you heaps of opportunities to get involved in mooting, student conferences and that kinda cool stuff.

Things that you’re into- Recorded lectures – Law students really appreciate recorded lectures, especially at exam time! You have the La Trobe Student Union to thank for that!

Things that you don’t like- Lack of facilities! – Law students want more spaces to study. The change of library opening hours in 2014 has really ruffled the feathers of some law students. (Students used to have 24 hour access to the library – now it’s only until midnight)- Limited subject choice – Unfortunately over the last couple of years, the amount of Law electives available to students has drastically decreased. Students responding to our survey commented on the lack of subject variety, lack of electives and subject cuts being the things that they disliked about La Trobe the most.

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