Information for Postgraduate Students

Content

Faculty Office of Research and Postgraduate Studies - staff
Faculty Research Committee & Postgraduate Student Representative
Student Administration - Student Research Centre & Student Central
Maintaining Contact - SOLS, Email, PG email group, changing contact details
Faculty Facilities/Resources & Building Access - Visual Arts Studios, Lab (computers, printing and photocopying)
University Computer Facilities & Equipment - labs and computer training
Faculty Technical Staff & Assistance - for visual arts, music, drama, graphic design, journalism students
Financial Assistance
Faculty Events - including postgraduate week (week 8 Spring session)
Wollongong University Postgraduate Association (WUPA)
Occupational Health and Safety - risk assessment guidelines for exhibitions performances etc
Security/Accidents/Safe Escorts
Graduation
Unicentre
University Recreation and Aquatic Centre

Faculty Office of Research and Postgraduate Studies

The Faculty's Office of Research and Postgraduate Studies is located on the first floor of Building 25 in Room 152.

Acting Head of Postgraduate Studies

Dr Penny Harris

As Head of Postgraduate Studies, Penny Harris has responsibility for postgraduate policy and procedural matters in the Faculty. Penny is available during consultation times or she can be contacted at other times by email pennyh@uow.edu.au

Professional Officer

Ms Olena Cullen

Olena Cullen is responsible for the administration of the Faculty's postgraduate program. Availability: Monday to Friday

Ms Fiona O'Neill (Room 25:147)

Fiona O'Neill provides administrative assistance to the Faculty's postgraduate program.  Availability: Monday to Friday

Please contact Olena or Fiona if you have any enquiries or concerns relating to your enrolment at the university.  Or you can make an appointment to see Penny as appropriate.

For a full listing of Faculty academic, administrative and technical staff, including staff profiles, please refer to the Faculty web site located at: www.uow.edu.au/crearts/

Faculty Research Committee

The Faculty Research Committee (FRC) meets regularly and is chaired by the Head of Postgraduate Studies.  This Committee is responsible for all policy and procedural matters relating to research and postgraduate matters in the Faculty. The Postgraduate Student Representative is a member of this committee.

To facilitate communications between Faculty and the postgraduate student body, a postgraduate Student Representative is elected each year. Any concerns or suggestions that relate to your course of study should be discussed with your supervisor or lecturer in the first instance.  However, you may also bring these matters to the attention of the Student Representative.  The term of office of the Student Representative is from 1 May to 30 April each year. Terumi Narushima is the current representative and her contact email is tn649@uow.edu.au

Research Programs

Coursework Programs

Student Administration

Coursework Students
Student Administration Services which is part of the Academic Registrar's Division, provides information and assistance to postgraduate coursework students in relation to all administrative and enrolment matters.

For in person enquiries go to Student Central which is located on the ground floor of Building 17.  The general Enquiry number is 02 4221 3927.

Research Students
The Research Student Centre is part of the Research and Innovation Division and is located on the ground floor on the eastern side of Building 20.  This office provides information and assistance to postgraduate research students with enrolment matters, research scholarships, annual progress reports, thesis submission and examination, as well as organizing induction and information workshops for students.

The general phone number is 4221 5452.

Maintaining Contact

Student Online System (SOLS)
As a student of the University you are provided with access to our Student OnLine System.  SOLS provides easy access to a range of necessary information about your studies at the University. Through SOLS you have access to your student email account, enrolment record and subject results, or you can vary your enrolment, change your address* or make internet payments.

If you change your address or contact details you must advise Olena Cullen or Fiona O'Neill so that your record on the Faculty Postgraduate Student Database can be kept up to date. You must also change your address and contact details on SOLS.

SOLSMail is an electronic letterbox to which all official online communications are sent to students.  SOLSMail messages are presented when logging on to SOLS. It is University policy that you check your SOLSMail at least once a week during session.

Please note that Faculty messages will be sent to either your email or SOLSMail.

FCA Postgrads Email Group
"FCA_Postgrads" is an automated mailing list of all Faculty of Creative Arts postgraduate students and staff.  It provides a channel for Faculty communication with students and for students to discuss research ideas and questions, postgraduate issues and administrative procedures. 

Faculty Facilities / Resources and Building Access

Postgraduate Collaborative Space (Pg Lab)
The Postgraduate Collaborative Space is located in the Faculty in Room 25:153.  This PG Lab is designated for the exclusive use of postgraduate students.  It contains computing, printing and photocopier facilities, lockers, a lounge and tea and coffee making facilities.  A telephone is also available for students wishing to make internal and local calls.

To use the computers you will need a password.  Application forms for a password are available in the PG Lab or from Fiona O'Neill.  Students will need to provide details of their student email account in order to gain a password.

The Technical Officer responsible for the resources and equipment in the PG Lab is:
Craig O'Brien
Office: 25:164.  Telephone: 02 4221 5554.  Email: craig@uow.edu.au

The following computing facilities are available in the PG Lab:
Apple Macintosh computers with design and multi-media software.
Scanner (up to A4 size)
Photocopier (up to A3 size)
Black and white printer (up to A3 size)
Colour printer (up to A3 size)

By Appointment Only:
Slide scanner
Colour printer (up to A2 size).  There is a charge for this printing.

Postgraduate Printing Quota
Printing limits are in force for all postgraduate students printing in the PG Lab in Room 25:153.

Each Student has been allocated free of charge for each session:
1 000 pages of black and white printing
OR 100 pages of colour printing
OR an equivalent combination of both black and white and colour printing where one colour page equals 10 black and white pages eg: 10 colour pages and 900 black and white pages.

If students use their entire quota before the end of session they can purchase additional print credits from Craig O'Brien.  Quotas will be re-set on the first teaching day of each session.

Postgraduate Photocopying Quota
Photocopying limits are in force for all postgraduate students copying in the PG Lab in Room 25:153. Each Student has been allocated free of charge for each year:
1000 pages of photocopying

To use the photocopier students must enter their student number into the pad on the side of the photocopier. This unit will also show how many copies you have remaining.

Postgraduate Pre-Press and Editing Laboratory
The following computing facilities are available in the PG Pre-Press and Editing Lab:
Apple Macintosh computers with Adobe Creative Suite software.

The Technical Officer responsible for these resources and equipment is:
Craig O'Brien
Office: 25:164.  Telephone: 02 4221 5554.   Email: craig@uow.edu.au

NOTE: All student files stored on the computers in the Faculty Computer Labs are deleted on logout. Files saved on the Faculty Server are deleted at the end of each session.  It is not possible to recover erased files.  It is the responsibility of students to keep back-up copies of their work.

Visual Arts Studio Space
Students currently enrolled in a postgraduate course offered by the Faculty may apply for Visual Arts studios space.  Studios are located in Buildings 40 and 54.  A maximum of four students can be accommodated in each studio at any one time.

Allocation of studio space will be made on the basis of student need and shall be determined by the Head of Postgraduate Studies on the recommendation of the Head of School of Visual Arts and Design.  Priority will be given to full-time students who have no access to external studio space. Allocation of studio space will be limited to one year's duration (two academic sessions).

Students must maintain their space in accordance with safe work practices and Occupational Health and Safety guidelines and staff directions.

Further information and application forms for studio space are available from Fiona O'Neill or Olena Cullen.  A refundable $60 key deposit is required.

University Computer facilities & Equipment

Student Central Computer Laboratories
The Student Central labs are located on level 1, Building 17.  They comprise eight student computer laboratories - one general purpose lab and seven teaching labs.  The general purpose laboratory provides access to email, the internet, applications software, and several laser printers.  In addition to these services, the teaching laboratories contain special purpose software for tutorials run by individual departments.  When there are no tutorials in progress, the teaching laboratories may be used by undergraduate and postgraduate students.  Tutorial timetables are posted outside each lab.

Staff are available to provide students with assistance with laboratory equipment and software, information about training courses, using the internet and email.  The labs are very student friendly and the rules are designed to create a suitable study environment for all students.  During session the Student Central labs are open day and night and on weekends.  Check the website for exact opening times http://www.uow.edu.au/its/studentlabs/index.html

In order to help students who do not have a lot of experience using computers, there are roving helpers in the labs during session - Monday to Friday from 11.30am to 2.30pm.

Computer Training
ITS offers a comprehensive staff training program, with courses available to all staff as well as postgraduate students of the University of Wollongong.

The courses cater for computer users of all levels, from the complete novice through to the more experienced computer user. Check the website for details
http://www.uow.edu.au/its/training/index.html or contact ITS as follows:
Telephone: 4221 3775.  Email: its@uow.edu.au

Loan of Equipment
The Centre for Educational Development and Interactive Resources (CEDIR) has an extensive range of equipment available for student loan.  CEDIR is located in Building 20.  Telephone: 02 4221 3993.

The Faculty has limited equipment that postgraduate students can borrow – please contact Aaron Hull for details. 
Office: 25:105.  Telephone: 02 4221 3997.  Email: aaronh@uow.edu.au

Faculty Technical Staff and Assistance

Students requiring substantial individual assistance from Technical Staff should fill in a Technical Assistance Request Form setting out details of the amount and kind of assistance they require.  Such requests must be approved before related student work is commenced.  Forms are available from the appropriate Technical Officer or Dale Dumpleton.

Senior Technical Officer
The Senior Technical Officer responsible for overseeing the Faculty’s technical staff, equipment and resources is Des Fitzsimons
Office: 25:120.  Telephone: 02 4221 3302.  Email: dfitz@uow.edu.au

Drama
The Technical Officer responsible for theatre equipment and resources is:
Alistair Davies
Office: 25:165.  Telephone: 02 4221 3309.  Email: alistair@uow.edu.au

Journalism
A specialised radio/television production studio is available for students enrolled in JOUR931 and/or JOUR932.  Digital cameras and minidisk recorders are also available for student use.

For technical assistance in the Journalism audio-visual production studio, computer application support in the PG lab and equipment lending, contact the Technical Officer responsible for this area:
Aaron Hull
Individual student consultations: By appointment
Office: 25:164.  Telephone: 02 4221 3997.  Email: aaronh@uow.edu.au

Visual Arts
The Faculty's Textiles and Printmaking Studios have facilities for the following processes: screen printing (fabric), dyeing & batik processes, weaving, papermaking, etching and relief printing processes.

Technical advice for each of these processes (except weaving) is available by appointment.  A small range of fine art papers and fabrics are also available for students to purchase by arrangement. Undergraduate classes are conducted in these studios, so access to facilities is not always possible during class time. Weekday after hours access may be negotiated with your supervisor/s and the Technical Officer.  Weekend access to these studios is not possible.

Please note that students are expected to have access to their own studio space and provide their own studio facilities.

The Technical Officer responsible for the visual arts area is:
Robyn Douglass
Office: 25:129A.  Telephone: 02 4221 3586.  Email: robyn_douglass@uow.edu.au

The Technical Officer responsible for these processes and equipment is:
Didier Balez
Office: 25:G35b.  Telephone: 02 4221 3790.  Email: didier_balez@uow.edu.au

Financial Assistance

Higher Degree Research (HDR) Student Support

Postgraduate research students may be able to claim reimbursement from the HDR Student Support fund for expenses associated with their research.

The fund is intended to provide a means to partially cover the costs incurred by HDR students pursuing research related to their studies.  Claims can be made against the following items:

Consumables-Documentation of p/g exhibition and performance
Conference Registration/Travel-Research Travel Assistance (interviews/fieldwork)
Direct Research Support-Publication/Editorial Support

Entitlement Amounts:
Full time Students may claim up to $500 each per year until HDR Student Support funds are exhausted.

Part time Students may claim up to $250 each per year until HDR Student Support funds are exhausted.

In special cases, students may be granted permission by the Head of Postgraduate Studies to pool 2 years allocation and claim up to a maximum of $1,000 (full-time students) or $500 (part-time students).  In the following year, such students will be entitled to claim the balance of the second year's allocation of $500 or $250 respectively.

All claims must be made on the appropriate form which must be lodged no later than 14 November each year. Applications after this date can not be accepted. (Original invoices or tax invoice receipts, which include an ABN and GST information, must be attached)

Application forms for the Higher Degree Research (HDR) Student Support are available from the PG Lab in Room 25:153 or from the Faculty's web site at:
http://www.uow.edu.au/crearts/PG/PostgraduateStudies.html

Research Student Conference Fund

Research students (not in full time employment) who are presenting a paper at a conference may be eligible for financial assistance through the Research Student Conference Fund.  Applications from Creative Arts students taking part in an exhibition or performance will also be considered.  The application for assistance must have the support of your supervisor/s and the Head of Postgraduate Studies. 

The maximum grant is $500 for events in Australia and $750 for overseas events.

Further information and application forms are available from the Research Student Centre located in Building 20.  Telephone: 02 4221 5452 or at:
http://www.uow.edu.au/research/rsc/

Faculty Events

All postgraduate students are invited and encouraged to come along and join in Faculty events.  Throughout the year information about activities such as exhibitions, performances, presentations, seminars and Artists in Residence will be available on the Faculty's web site at: http://www.uow.edu.au/crearts/

One of the purposes of PG Week is to provide an opportunity for students and staff to discuss their research and creative work in a friendly and stimulating environment – and it is expected that all students currently enrolled will attend where possible.

This year PG Week will be held in Week 7 of Spring session again - that is, Monday 3 to Friday 7 September 2007.

Wollongong University Postgraduate Association (WUPA)
WUPA represents over 3000 postgraduate students enrolled at the University of Wollongong (2500 coursework and 500 research students).  WUPA has a 13 member council which includes a variety of office bearer and general representative positions. Some of the members sit on University Committees.  WUPA is involved in policy development, advocacy and complaint resolution.  WUPA also offers social events, functions and three types of funding and provides services to students including a computer room with free printing and study areas.

WUPA's Postgraduate Resource Centre is located at 116 Northfields Avenue.
Telephone: 02 4221 3326. Email: wupa@uow.edu.au   Web site: www.uow.edu.au/wupa/

Occupational Health and Safety

The University of Wollongong is committed to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of its staff and students and encourages all members of the University community to regard accident prevention and working safely as a collective and individual responsibility.  In the first instance, students should consult with their supervisor/s to ensure their research activities comply with all relevant legislation and standards.

Students are also advised to refer to the following University of Wollongong web site for access to information and regulations concerning Health and Safety:
http://staff.uow.edu.au/ohs/

Within the Faculty, the Workplace Advisory Committee meets on a regular basis to discuss OH&S issues and welcomes input from students. If you would like to become a student representative or if there are OH&S concerns you wish to raise, then please contact the Chair of the Committee. The current Chair is Dr Penny Harris. Room 25:135.
Telephone: 02 4221 5553.  Email: penny_harris@uow.edu.au

For further information go: http://staff.uow.edu.au/ohs/

Applying to Graduate

Students who have completed their course requirements and wish to graduate must lodge an Application to Graduate by the due date.  Graduation ceremonies are normally held in July and December each year.  Students may attend the first ceremony following the completion of their course, have their degree conferred in their absence or defer graduation to a later ceremony.

Application forms are available from the Student Central or online at:
http://www.uow.edu.au/student/graduation/

Security/Accidents/Safe Escorts

The University's Security Service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the calendar year. The Service employs both male and female security officers who are licensed under the Security Act.  Matters relating to an emergency, accident or security issues should be referred to the Security Services Office immediately.  Security telephones are located across campus and connect directly with Security.  The Security Service can also provide students with a safe escort after dark.

The Security Office is located in the UniCentre on the Lower Level of Building 11. 
Telephone: 02 4221 4555. Web site: http://www.uow.edu.au/about/security/

Social Life on Campus

For information about eating places, entertainment, clubs, societies, sport and recreation, go to:

UniCentre UniShop
Enquiries Counter Building 11. Telephone: 02 4221 8000
http://unicentre.uow.edu.au

University Recreation and Aquatic Centre
Building 13. Telephone: 02 4221 4700
http://www.uow.edu.au/urac/