Wollongong University Postgraduate Association (WUPA)

The Wollongong University Postgraduate Association (WUPA) would like to advertise the opening of the Casual Vacancies

• Honours Student Officer
• Koori Officer
• Vice President (Coursework)
• Women’s Officer

These positions will be for the remainder of the term, ending 31^st December 2023.

Nominations for the position are now open and close at 5pm on 24^th February 2023. The Nomination forms and additional information are available above. Select the following for information regarding WUPA Constitution.

Nominations for the position are to be received via email Attention: Deputy Returning Officer wusa-bookbank@uow.edu.au.

Following the close of nominations the WUPA Council will appoint a nominee to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the current term, nominees will be able to be present to speak to their nomination at the WUPA Council meeting to be held in late February. Only suitable candidates will be contacted.

To apply for a position on the WUPA Council or for further information about the positions, please visit the Governance elections page.

Mission

Wollongong University Postgraduate Association (WUPA) aims to

• Advance and defend the interests and welfare of Postgraduate students at the University of Wollongong
• Achieve and maintain specific representation for Postgraduate students on all official University bodies which affect Postgraduate students
• Afford Postgraduate students a recognised means of representation both within and outside the University
• Organise professional and social activities for Postgraduate students with the aim of fostering collegiality within the Postgraduate community
• Provide facilities and services for Postgraduate students
• Carry out research relevant to the educational and other needs of Postgraduate students and to report the results of such research to Postgraduate students
• Liaise and where appropriate, affiliate with other student organisations and tertiary sector unions in order to carry out the above objects

Constitution

• View/download WUPA Constitution (PDF)

Meeting minutes

• 02 Sep 2020 - WUPA Council meeting minutes (PDF)

WUPA Council

WUPA has a 13-member council elected by the Postgraduate student body each year.

The term of office is January 1^st to December 31^st of the calendar year.

Contact WUPA representative

Email wupa-uow@uow.edu.au

Representative positions and what they do

WUPA President

Represents the Postgraduate Student body for all Formal interactions. The President is responsible for overseeing the day to day running of WUPA, supervise the Council members, develop the agenda and preside over Council meetings.

Vice-President (Research)

Represents the Postgraduate Student body for Formal interactions, when requested by the President, Co-ordinate the work of the Association. Preside over the Council Meetings, in the absence of the President. Take particular responsibility for matters pertaining to postgraduate research education and training, and to liaise with the University administration and other bodies concerning this matter.

Vice-President (Coursework)

Represents the Postgraduate Student body for Formal interactions, when requested by the President, Co-ordinate the work of the Association. Preside over the Council Meetings, in the absence of the President. Take particular responsibility for matters pertaining to postgraduate.

coursework education, and to liaise with the University administration and other bodies concerning this matter.

Secretary-Treasurer

Represents the Postgraduate Student body for all Formal interactions, when requested by the President. Ensures all Financial records/budget/files are maintained. Oversee all Secretarial duties for Council Meetings (preparing agendas, meeting minutes, maintain student body files).

Women’s Officer

Represents any female identifying as women at UOW. Ensures any issues/concerns for Postgraduate Women are discussed at Council Meetings and actioned on when needed.

International Students’ Officer

Represents all International Postgraduate Students studying at UOW. Ensures any issues/concerns for International students are discussed at Council Meetings and actioned on when needed.

Koori Officer

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.

Events Officer

Organise professional and social activities for postgraduate students, as directed by the Council.

Media Officer

• Oversee the production of WUPA’s printed and electronic newsletters;
• oversee the maintenance of WUPA’s web page;
• oversee the publication of any other publications WUPA may offer.

Honours Student Officer

Take responsibility for matters pertaining to the particular educational, welfare, and other needs of honours students, and to liaise with the University administration and their bodies concerning this matter.

External Students Officer

Represent students enrolled at satellite campuses (including the Sydney Business School). It is also the duty of the External Students Officer to represent and promote the interests of postgraduate students who study externally or from a distance from the main Wollongong Campus.

General Representatives (x3)

Communicates ideas from the Postgraduate Student body to the Council. Serve on – or chair committees and assist with volunteering when available.

Membership is free for postgraduate students studying at UOW

All postgraduate students automatically have access to representative and professional advocacy services, free printing, social events and WUPA activities.

Free printing services for WUPA members

WUPA funds a free printing service for all Postgraduate students at UOW. Students are able to print up to 15 pages, each day (within office hours).

• Register for the free printing service electronically (PDF)
• Register for the free printing service in person: visit Ground Floor, Building 19, between 9 am to 2 pm, Monday to Friday.

Family and Friend Movie Night

WUPA held a major event on the 18^th October 2019, through Unimovie. WUPA issued 70+ tickets through Eventbrite for Postgraduate students to attend a free movie session. The Governance unit helped WUPA verify the students’ enrolment status, to ensure the attendees were Postgraduate students

Coronavirus Donation Appeal

In January 2020, WUPA initiated a Coronavirus donation appeal with support from Chinese Academic Business Learning & Education (CABLE), the Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA) and others. This event served as a great comfort to Chinese students on campus.

Orientation Week (O Week)

WUPA takes part in every O week Orientation to promote WUPA services/support and to distribute free merchandise such as notebooks, umbrellas and shopping bags.

UOW support video

WUPA participated in filming a video to send messages of support for new and continuing students who are unable to return to Wollongong to begin or resume their studies. This video was filmed by a range of staff and students on campus and was sent to students in China to keep their spirits up and let them know that people at UOW is looking forward to welcoming them back to university.

View UOW support video on YouTube

Girls' Talk sessions

On 28^th February, WUPA organised the first Girls’ Talk. We invited Claudia Kielkopf as our speaker who is Homeward Bound 3 Participant and Co-founder of coffee gathering for women in STEM.

The title of the talk is Share and Connect: How coffee can facilitate discussions around gender equity. This new event aims to provide a platform for female postgraduate community.