Introduction from the President of UMPA
Welcome
fellow postgrads! UMPA is your postgraduate assoication-here to serve
you. We offer everything from academic advice, study space and
publications to fun activities that give you a chance to relax and meet
other postgrads. Most importantly, UMPA exists to represent your
interests to the University by serving on a plethora of committees and
through lobbying and individual advocacy.
This publication is an invaluable guide to postgraduate life at the University of Melbourne. It contains a wealth of helpful information on finding and settling into your new home for those who have just arrived in Melbourne, plus there's information on a range of venues, events and activities for those who thought they knew Melbourne well already.
Since the advent of Voluntary Student Unionism (VSU), UMPA is increasingly reliant on student subscriptions for a great deal of our funding. We have weathered a two-thirds reduction in funding, which laved our staff in 2006, yet we continue to provide you wiht as many fun and high-quality services as we possibly can. Subscription to UMPA is quite affordable (even for struggling postgrads) at a mere $66 per annum. As well as supporting the core representative and advocacy efforts of the Association, your subscription gets you everything from discounts on day trips and publications to free lockers. Check out the benefits of subscription at www.gsa.unimelb.edu.au
In order to build and maintain a vibrant and engaged postgraduate community, we need your participation. If there is a student event you would like to organsie, we can help with the venues and possibly funding. If you want to represent your peers on a University committee, there is ample opportunity. And if you encounter problems during your time here, let us know so that we can help you surmount them- both for you as an individual and for future postgrads. You may choose to run for a position on UMPA Council and serve as an office bearer. Contact us with all you ideas, comments and queries; your can email me at president@gsa.unimelb.edu.au or phone 8344 8260. My door is also open five days a week unless I'm off at one of the many committee meetings representing your interests!
Wishing you a productive and stimulating year.
Tammi Jonas
UMPA President (2008)