Griffith University Postgraduate Students Association
Griffith University Postgraduate Students Association is the representative students' association for postgraduate research, coursework and honours students at Nathan, Logan, Mt Gravatt, QCA and QCGU.
Welcome to Semester 1, 2009
We would like to extend a warm welcome to all new and returning postgraduate students. May the upcoming year be filled with opportunities to grow and learn. Best wishes to you in your studies during 2009!
New committee members needed
The current committee has been in place for approximately two years and is in the process of moving on. The Association needs new members on the committee to drive existing and upcoming issues relevant to postgraduate students. If you would like to get involved in your postgraduate student association, please get in contact with us at gupsa-admin@griffith.edu.au. Please support your student union.
Impact of voluntary student unionism
Over the past two years, voluntary student unionism has become a part of the university landscape. This government policy prohibits automatic or compulsory membership to a student union on enrolment. Instead, as the name implies, membership to a student union organisation is voluntary. Voluntary student unionism was enacted in universities nation-wide when the Senate passed the Higher Education Support Amendment (Abolition of Compulsory Up-front Student Fees) Bill 2005 (PDF 19k) on December 9, 2005. The loss of up-front fees has meant a loss in revenue for student union organisations, which translates to a reduction in what were previously considered standard services.
Thus, 2006 saw the start of changes to academic, social, and financial services associated with the Association. Importantly, key areas of assistance, such as student advocacy, have been retained. Many academic support services were successfully transitioned to the Griffith Graduate Research School. Unfortunately, the loss of revenue has meant that some initiatives, such as student bursaries, are now on hiatus. In the future we look forward to once again offering our full complement of student services.
Voluntary student unionism, the Association and you in 2008
Adapting to voluntary student unionism has been challenging, but we aim to continue providing a high standard of student services during the upcoming year. As a voluntary organisation, we need student support so that we, in turn, can support you. Join our team.
If you would like to become more involved or become a member of our graduate community, please contact gupsa-admin@griffith.edu.au.
Executive Committee meetings
According to Rule 15.15 of the Constitution, "All ordinary members of the Association may attend meetings of the Executive Committee with full rights of audience and debate, but may neither put forward nor vote on motions nor constitute a quorum. The Committee shall have the power to declare a meeting or portion of its meetings in camera, subject to Rule 16.4, and to require any attendees who are not members of the Committee to leave for the duration of the in camera proceedings".