WUPA Needs You!

There are plenty of ways to get involved in WUPA. Gaining academic qualifications is important, but this is only part of the total university experience. Immerse yourself in study and life at the University of Wollongong by participating in WUPA. You can make a difference!

There are two major ways to participate in WUPA:

• fill a vacant Council position, or
• join a committee.

Council Vacancies

There are currently 11 vacant WUPA Council positions, because of delays to the 2008 elections. (To date, the University has withheld funding for the elections, and has not appointed a Returning Officer. The President is in talks with Uni admin representatives regarding this.)

Sitting on the postgraduate Council is your chance to make an impact on postgraduate student issues, help fellow postgrads and just generally be involved! You'll gain valuable experience in committees, teamwork, communication skills, negotiation skills and organising events.

The appointment will be until the 2008 WUPA elections (the date of which is subject to discussion with the University; see above).

To apply, you must submit your application before 5.00 PM Friday 8 August. You can download the application form (32 Kb PDF) from this website. All nominations must be submitted to Dan Morgan in the WUPA Administration Office in building 115.

Please note that Council members are expected to work a certain number of hours in their position (e.g., by attending meetings of the Council and its committees, sitting on University committees, liasing with students, etc.). The exact amount will be negotiated at the first Council meeting. For reference, the President is expected to work 2½ days a week on WUPA matters (and the Secretary-Treasurer half that).

The WUPA constitution (download the PDF) outlines the positions and the Association.

Who is eligible?

In general, any PhD, Masters by research, Masters by coursework, Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate or Honours student enrolled in any Australian campus of the University of Wollongong may apply for a position on the Council.

However, restrictions do apply to some positions, as indicated in their descriptions below.

Vice-President (Coursework)

It is the duty of the Vice-President (Coursework) to take responsibility for matters pertainng to coursework postgraduates. In addition, the VP(C) (with the help of the Vice-President [Research]) may assume the duties of the President, in the President's absence.

You must be enrolled as a coursework postgraduate to apply for this position.

Vice-President (Research)

It is the duty of the Vice-President (Research) to take responsibility for matters pertainng to research postgraduates. In addition, the VP(R) (with the help of the Vice-President [Coursework]) may assume the duties of the President, in the President's absence.

You must be enrolled as a research postgraduate to apply for this position.

Women's Officer

It is the duty of the Women's Officer to take responsibility for matters pertaining to the particular educational, welfare and other needs of women postgraduates, and to liaise with the University administration and other bodies concerning this matter.

You must be a woman postgraduate to apply for this position.

International Students' Officer

It is the duty of the International Students' Officer to take responsibility for matters pertaining to the particular educational, welfare and other needs of international postgraduate students, and to liaise with the University administration and other bodies concerning this matter.

You must be an international student to apply for this position.

Indigenous Officer

It is the duty of the Indigenous Officer to take responsibility for matters pertaining to the particular educational, welfare and other needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander postgraduate students, and to liaise with the University administration and other bodies concerning this matter.

You must be an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student to apply for this position.

Activities Officer

It is the duty of the Activities Officer to organise professional and social activites for postgraduate students, as directed by the Council. One of the Activities Officer's most important duties is the organisation of the Association's annual function, the Postgrad Ball. (Note that this will not take place until October.) Other social events WUPA has held in the past include trivia nights, karaoke nights, and bowling nights. Professional events include a postgraduate forum, careers seminars, and visits by prominent guest speakers.

The Activities Committee exists to assist the Activities Officer with their duties.

Media Officer

It is the duty of the Media Officer to coordinate production of all WUPA publications, including The Postgraduate Reporter, the Association's newsletter/magazine; WUPAnews, the Association's e-mail newsletter; Rhizome Magazine, the Association's magazine about UOW postgraduate research; and this website.

Important: You do not need to have all the skills necessary to produce all these publications! We have a staff member to handle magazine layout and related desktop publishing/graphic design elements. You also don't need to have web design experience. What you do need is interest in our publications, ideas for their future directions, and a willingness to promote and encourage contributions.

The Media Collective exists to assist the Media Officer with their duties.

Honours Student Officer

It is the duty of the Honours Student Officer to take responsibility for matters pertaining to the particular educational, welfare, and other needs of honours students, and to liaise with University administration and other bodies concerning this matter.

You must be enrolled in a discrete Honours year program to apply for this position.

General Representative (3 Vacancies)

It is the duty of General Representatives to assist the other Officer Bearers in their duties as directed by the Council, in accordance with the objects of WUPA set out in Part 2 of the WUPA Constitution.

WUPA Committees

WUPA committees do such things as plan campaigns, formulate policy, organise events and promotes student equity. Perhaps you could contribute to publications like The Postgraduate Reporter or the Rhizome Magazine.

Positions on WUPA committees are open to all postgraduate students. You do not need to be part of the WUPA Council to be involved in a committee.

By getting involved, you can:

• help create a better university environment and community;
• further a cause you are passionate about;
• receive recognition for volunteering;
• develop professional and personal skills;
• gain experience in a range of areas;
• meet new people form great new relationships;
• have fun!

Interested? Then contact the WUPA President, , or phone 4221 5397.

Activities Committee

Responsible for suggesting and planning all of WUPA's social activities.

Media Collective

Responsible for production of the Postgraduate Reporter.

Policy and Research Committee

Responsible for shaping WUPA policy.

Related Topics

• About WUPA