Organisations at the University of Sydney

There are many organisations in the University, so many that it would be impossible to list them all here! Instead, a few have been chosen that may be of use to you as a postgraduate research student in the Faculty of Veterinary Science.

SUPRA - Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association

DOGS - The Dean of Graduate Studies (not an organisation we know, but useful to know about!)

USU - The University of Sydney Union

The Learning Centre

Student Centre

SUPRA

SUPRA is the Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association. It is free to subscribe to become a member and once you are a member, you will be provided with a number of free advice brochures and booklets as well as the knowledge there is someone out there ready to help you should you need it!

SUPRA is a support organisation run by postgrads for postgrads, offering assistance - both academically and personally - during the course of a student’s candidature. SUPRA advises and acts on behalf of individual students and can assist with supervisory problems, appeals, matters relating to your coursework fees: basically anything that may impact on your academic or general welfare.

You may want to access their information and support services, attend their events and use them for social purposes, or you may want to become involved in the running of the organisation or contributing to their quarterly magazine.

Whichever way, it is useful to know they exist and to make use of the services they offer should you need them.

You can see what they are all about and enrol online at the following website: http://www.supra.usyd.edu.au/

You can also pick up an induction pack containing some of their most useful information by filling in the application form when you enrol. We will then swap your completed form with a bag of SUPRA goodies, including their Survival Guide and Thesis Guide.

Dean of Graduate Studies

Click here to see the main page for the Dean of Graduate Studies.

There you will find information about the Dean and some of the services on offer to Postgraduate students.

In previous years, Induction events have been held once a semester for postgraduate students, so keep an eye out to see whether there will be one this semester. It will be your chance to meet other new postgrads from across the University and learn a bit more about life as a postgrad at the University of Sydney.

Useful links provided at their webpage also include the library, SUPRA and the University of Sydney Union.

The University of Sydney Union

The main page for the University of Sydney Union can be found here. Details of clubs and societies, sports centres and theatres can be found here.

Joining the USU is now voluntary. There are many clubs, societies and events organised by the Union and if you want to join one of these, you need to be a member. Being a member can offer more than this though as it gives you discounts both on and off campus, at a variety of shops, pubs and eateries as well as some tour operators and car hire companies! See the access card website and search the FAQs for details and see whether it is worth it for you.

The Learning Centre

The Learning Centre holds workshops on different skills required as a postgraduate. They also have publications on offer and online enrolment in their courses. Check out their website to see what is on offer.

They offer courses of various lengths on subjects within the following categories:

Academic Reading and Writing

Oral Communication Skills

Postgraduate Research Skills

Studying at University

For more information about the workshops available, visit their website at http://www.usyd.edu.au/stuserv/learning_centre/course.shtml.

The Student Centre

Although the Student Centre is predominantly aimed at undergraduate students, they are able to provide information and advice regarding many issues you may face.

More importantly, they also have a link to a student services website, which contains useful information about learning facilities (e.g. libraries), accommodation, employment, health and welfare amongst other things.