postgraduate guide 2013-14
DESCRIPTION
ÂTRANSCRIPT
PO
STG
RA
DG
UID
E
PO
STG
RA
DG
UID
EP
RIC
E: £
FREE
O
NE
SIZE
FIT
S A
LLW
WW
.WA
RW
ICK
SU.C
OM
3
WHAT IS WARWICK SU?We are an independent charitable organisation which exists to represent, entertain and support students whilst studying at the University of Warwick. A democratic organisation which is run by students for students, we are directed by you, our members.
Warwick Students’ Union – creating a better experience for students at WarwickWARWICK SU MISSION STATEMENT
WHAT’S THIS GUIDE ABOUT?As a Postgraduate student here at Warwick, we know that you have specific expectations and needs during the period of your study. Every student automatically becomes part of the Union upon their enrolment at Warwick, and postgrads now make up nearly 50% of the student community.
We want to make sure that our services are just as relevant to you as to our undergraduate students – whether it’s advice on academic issues, supporting you to make your voice heard or providing you with opportunities to socialise and relax, we’re here for you!
For more info on all things Postgrad-related, head to WARWICKSU.COM/POSTGRAD.
ADVICE AND SUPPORTOur Student Advice Centre is open to all of our students and can give you independent and confidential information on issues such as immigration, student funding, academic appeals, housing and employment rights.
If you’ve got a problem, the first thing to do is head straight to WARWICKSU.COM/ADVICE to see if that helps.
If you want to talk over your issue in more detail or just want pointing in the right direction, email [email protected] to make an appointment with one of our professional, impartial advisors.
On behalf of everyone at your Students’ Union, welcome to Warwick! We are here to help you make the most of your time here and to provide a focal point for your University experience.
The Union offers a range of services to support you throughout your degree. This includes our independent and confidential Student Advice Centre, which can help with many issues from accommodation and academic study to financial support, immigration and more. Within your Students’ Union buildings, you will also find bars, food outlets and space to relax, while our 300+ societies and sports clubs will form a substantial part of your experience at Warwick. From REx Fest to the pub quiz, we have a range of social events designed to appeal to the Postgrad community. Whether it’s entertainments or academic advice, we are here to ensure that you have the best University experience possible!
As Postgrads, research or taught, you form a vital part of our vibrant and diverse community. Making up nearly 50% of our student population, your input into Warwick SU is crucial. This is a Union formed by its members, and if there’s an area you think we can improve in then let us know – we are always seeking to change for the better, and base these changes on feedback and involvement from every one of the students we represent. It is my job to represent your views locally, nationally and to the University to make sure that your voice is heard!
Lucy GillPOSTGRADUATE [email protected]
4
WWW.WARWICKSU.COM/POSTGRADS
We know that postgrad study can be an intense experience, but taking a break from your academic commitments and work is important
too. We want to make sure that you feel part a social and accessible community of Postgrads at Warwick – whether you’re looking for somewhere
to grab coffee or a sandwich during the day, want to take up a new activity or just want a night out, the Union always has something for you to get involved in…
SPORTSSport is a huge part of Warwick life, with excellent facilities and clubs catering for all skills and interest levels. Whether you want to join one of our 70+ sports clubs or fancy taking part in Warwick Active’s PG and Staff exclusive sessions, you can keep fit, meet new people and have a great time! To find out more head to WARWICKSU.COM/SPORT
SOCIETIESHere at Warwick we have over 240 societies for you to get involved in, and we work hard to ensure that, whatever your interests, there’s a society for you to join! If you don’t have the time to commit to joining a society, be sure to keep an eye out for the massive variety of events that our societies run – from the yearly Warwick Student Arts Festival and Real Ale Festival to the international feel of Go Global society’s fortnightly events, there’s plenty to keep you busy outside of working hours.
Check out Societies Fair at the start of term or take a look at what’s on offer at WARWICKSU.COM/SOCIETIES
EVENTSAlongside our more traditional club nights such as Skool Dayz and Pop!, we have plenty of more laid-back social events to keep you entertained. Whether you fancy the Cleverducks Pub Quiz, performing at Un-plucked in The Dirty Duck or just want a laid-back evening at Saturday Session in The Terrace Bar, there’s always something to do.
We also host regular REx Fest events – an open-mic night exclusively for Postgrads – in partnership with the Wolfson Research Exchange. Created by Postgrads and held outside of undergrad term times, this is a great chance to perform in front of a Postgrad-only crowd while enjoying a relaxed night of music and socialising.
Remember, if you have an idea for an event or social, just get in touch. Email [email protected] or pop in to the Ents Office!
Warwick Students’ Unio n
Gary Tiffin dob: 08/12/87
NUS EXTRA CARDGrab the ultimate discount card: £12 for 12 months of discounts! NUS.ORG.UK
5
WWW.WARWICKSU.COM/POSTGRADS
The Postgraduate Association is your one-stop shop for all things postgrad-related, whether it’s representation, campaigning or social events.
REPRESENTATIONThe Postgraduate Association is governed by a committee. Alongside the Postgraduate Officer, Postgrad Councillors and Faculty Representatives, two PGA Representatives will be elected to this committee at the association’s first meeting.
Comprising both Taught and Research students, these reps will represent the interests of the PGA at Student Council and lead on PG campaigns and issues.
SOCIAL EVENTSA PGA Social Secretary will also be elected at our first meeting to develop and run PGA social events. This is a great opportunity to help foster a sense of community spirit within our diverse body of postgraduate students. If you have some great ideas for postgraduate events, why not get involved?
The PGA will meet during Week 1 and Week 7 of Term 1 – for more details, visit WARWICKSU.COM/POSTGRAD
STUDY SPACES
POSTGRADUATE HUB – the centre for postgraduate life
at Warwick
Located on the ground floor of Senate House, the Postgraduate Hub is open to the entire postgraduate community at Warwick. The Postgraduate Hub provides year-round support for your professional, personal and academic life.
GO.WARWICK.AC.UK/PGHUB @WARWICKPGHUB
THE WOLFSON RESEARCH EXCHANGE– rich collaborations start with
strong connections
Situated in the Library’s third-floor extension, the Research Exchange is a space specifically designed to support Warwick’s research community. The Wolfson Research Exchange connects you as a researcher to other researchers, allowing you to share knowledge and expertise. A hive of research activity, the space provides resources and staff to assist you throughout your PhD.
GO.WARWICK.AC.UK/RESEARCHEXCHANGE
@RESEARCHEX
6
WWW.WARWICKSU.COM/DEMOCRACY
Democracy is at the heart of the Students’ Union, and one of our key functions is to represent our members to the University and the government.
Sometimes this means discussing issues specific to certain courses or faculties, sometimes it’s about taking a stance on national issues such as postgraduate funding,
and sometimes it can be about local issues such as transport and housing. No matter whatthe subject, we’re here to make sure that your voice is heard.
Whether you want to see changes to your course or start a campaign on a certain issue, Warwick SU’s representative structures are here to help you effect change. Not only do our Sabbatical Officers meet regularly with the University to make sure your voice is heard, we also ask you to elect a set of Postgrad Representatives to represent you in the year ahead. To find out how to run for election or to contact your reps, visit WARWICKSU.COM/DEMOCRACY.
POSTGRADUATE FACULTY REPSWith positions for each of the faculties (Arts, Medicine, Social Science and Science), Postgrad Faculty Representatives 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. Outside of academic concerns, Faculty Reps sit on Student Council and the Postgraduate Association.
POSTGRADUATE COUNCILLORS Student Council is one of the highest decision-making bodies in Union democracy. Discussing and lobbying the University on issues ranging from funding and postgraduate students who teach to environmental concerns, campaign weeks and transport, Council is key to enacting change within the Union. It is also the process by which you can hold your officers to account.
POSTGRADUATE SSLCSComprised of students, staff and senior academics, SSLCs provide an arena for students to discuss any concerns they may have with their course, study facilities or the University at large. Each course year should have an SSLC rep, and the committees give you the opportunity to have a direct say in how your department is run. SSLC elections are run at a departmental level, so watch out for information during your induction if you’re interested in getting involved!
GO TO www.warwicksu.com/trustees FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO APPLY
CLOSING DATE: 12 NOON | 17.10.13
WANT TO BECOME A STUDENT TRUSTEE AT WARWICK STUDENTS’ UNION?
7
WWW.WARWICKSU.COM/OFFICERS
Each year, the student body elects seven students to work full-time to represent and work for you in different areas. These are your lead
representatives and are here for you – get in touch with your officers via email or pop into their offices at SUHQ if you have any questions or concerns!
BEN SUNDELLPRESIDENT
ERIN DAVIESEDUCATION OFFICER
COSMO MARCHDEMOCRACY & DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
CAT TURHANWELFARE & CAMPAIGNS OFFICER
LUCY GILLPOSTGRADUATE OFFICER
ANT SCOTTSOCIETIES OFFICER
ZOE BUCKLANDSPORTS OFFICER
To find out what your officers are up to, check out their blogs at WWW.WARWICKSU.COM/BLOGS
L to R: Zoe Buckland | Cosmo March | Erin Davies | Ben Sundell | Cat Turhan | Ant Scott | Lucy Gill
WWW.WARWICKSU.COM/POSTGRADS
Check out WWW.WARWICKSU.COM/POSTGRADS – whether you’re looking for events, news, advice or democracy help, everything postgrad-related can be found here. Keep an eye on our Facebook group and Twitter too!
Come along to REx Fest and perform in front of your fellow Postgrads. Follow @RESEARCHEX to keep up to date!
Have an idea for a new postgrad event? Let our Entertainments Department know via [email protected]
Visit the University’s Careers & Skills department to get support on placements and careers: WWW.WARWICK.AC.UK/SERVICES/CAREERS
Check out the Postgraduate Hub in Senate House (an exclusive study space for Postgrads) or get involved with the PGR community at the Research Exchange.
Pop into Curiostea for coffee and cake with your fellow Postgrads, or try The Bread Oven for a quick lunchtime baguette.
Let us know what you think of your SU – email [email protected] or pop into SUHQ and have a chat with a Sabbatical Officer.
For financial advice regarding research funding or for help with immigration issues, email our Student Advice Centre via [email protected]
Develop your skills with the help of the Masters Skills Programme or record your research progress with the Research Student Skills Programme – more information available at WWW.WARWICK.AC.UK/SKILLS
Volunteer in the local community with Warwick Volunteers. Check out what’s on offer via their website: WWW.WARWICK.AC.UK/VOLUNTEERS
For advice on childcare services available on campus, visit WWW.WARWICK.AC.UK/NURSERY