What is an AGM and Why should I attend?

The PSA Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be taking place on the 31^st of October at 4.30pm, in Law Lecture Theatre 1.

The PSA AGM has three main purposes:

   1)      The PSA President and Treasurer give reports.

Want to know what the PSA has been doing for you all year? Want to know how we have spent out budget? Now is your chance to hear all about it, and ask some questions.

   2)      Vote and discuss any big issues in regards to postgrads and the PSA.

Most issues the PSA Committee and executive can deal with on their own, but occasionally we want input from the rest of you! This year we will be making some *minor* changes to the Constitution (the big ones went through at the SGM- but we made some typos that need to be corrected).

We would also like to ask you all what YOU want out of your PSA. What should we be doing for you in 2014 and beyond?

   3)      Elect the 2014 PSA Committee.

Usually nominations will run before the AGM. Those that nominate for positions will then be elected at the AGM. This year we only had singular nominations for 2014 PSA Committee positions so many positions are already filled. However, there are many positions that received no nominations and have therefore not been filled. At the AGM we are allowed to take nominations from the floor to fill position on the 2014 PSA Committee.

Positions that we still have open are:      Media Officer,

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Officer, Events Officer,

Off Campus Officer,

Arts Faculty Representative

Education Faculty Representative

ALVA Faculty Representative

Law Faculty Representative

MDHS Faculty Representative

Ordinary Committee Members (two)

Need a little incentive to come to the AGM? We will have providing free pizza at the AGM!

AND the November Connect will be shifted to be AFTER the AGM on October 31st.  The kicker- if you want to come to the Connect, you have to attend the AGM first- we will be ticking off names, and giving out arm bands to enforce this. 

2013 Committee!

It is my great pleasure to announce the results of the elections for the 2013 PSA Committee!!

Executive

President: Gemma Bothe

VP: Kara Salter

Secretary: Siddartha Verma

Treasurer: Elliot Smith

Office Bearers

Media Officer: Rukmini Pande

Equity Officer: vacant
International Officer: Jenny Tung

Coursework Officer: vacant

Indigenous Officer: vacant

Faculty Representatives

ALVA: Simon Kilbane

Arts: Charmaine Fernandez

Business School: Fatima Khushnud

Education: vacant

Engineering: Revanth Garlapati

Law: vacant

Science: Vipul Agarwal

MDHS: vacant

Ordinary Committee Members

Peter Derbyshire

Christofer Bester

Vacant Committee positions

Vacant positions will continue to be advertised, and people may nominate for them ad hoc. Notice of nominees will be posted for a period of 7 days (on the website, newsletter, and PSA Noticeboard.) for comment by the Association - if there is no objections or further nominations, the nominee will be appointed to the new committee. 

AGM Documents

The minutes, amended Constitution, President's Report, and AGM presentation will all be available from the website next week!

Election Updates!

Postgrads, the election is tomorrow night!
Absentee ballots close in just over an hour!
Exciting time all around!

I must inform you of a late withdrawal from the the Presidential nominees. Below is an email I received from Nima at 15.37 25th October:

Dear Aisling

I had a meeting with my supervisor this afternoon and I talked with him about nominating myself for PSA committee position. Unfortunately he was not happy with my decision at all as my work load is going to increase in a couple of months starting some new external projects for the industry. As a result I have decided to cancel my nomination for the President position and would like to wish the best for the remaining candidates

Regards

Nima  

The Presidential candidates are now: Gemma Bothe, Elliot Smith, and Siddartha S. Verma.

 

See you tomorrow for the election!

(By the way, totally started a Twitter hashtag for the AGM! You can follow my excitment about the election on #2012PSAGM)

 

Aisling

Newsletter 24th October 2012

Hi posties!

Wow, these three weeks are HUGE for the PSA! We have had committee nominations and Leadership Award applications close last week, AGM and elections this week, and my last Connect as President and the Cocktail party next week!

It is so very important that you participate in the process of electing the new President, postgrads. I hope this year you have realised how much representation this person must do for you – so you want someone who will actually keep in touch and let you know what is going on! (If you don’t know who they are and what they’re doing, how can they represent you?) There are four nominees – read about them here: http://uwapsa.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/election-next-steps.html

Keep the PSA strong and independent, and working for you!

Absentee voting: If you can’t make it to the AGM, you can still vote. Email psa@guild.uwa.edu.au to get the ballot paper. Absentee voting opens on the 19^th of October and closes 5pm on the 25^th of October. If you lodge an absentee vote, you cannot vote at the AGM.

The AGM is on Friday the 26^th of October, from 5.30pm, Arts Lecture Room 5. We will have a sundowner at the Club with drinks and nibbles afterwards! IT’S A MINI CONNECT! We’re also going to be presenting the Inaugural Leadership Award, and discussing the future of the PSA!

The cocktail party is on the 2nd of November, 7.30pm, at the Llama Bar. Keith Johnson let me know that I confusingly wrote in the Supplementary Newsletter last week that Cocktail tickets are $25 each for committee members – I meant Association members (that’s all of you!)! Cocktail Party is for you, and your partners! We’ve put a lot of time into creating a magnificent party for you all, so please come and get your tickets from Guild Student Reception quickly! (They’re selling fast! Please bring exact cash.)

Two very quick good news stories: Master of Clinical Psychology and PhD Student in the School of Psychology David Erceg-Hurn was named 2012 WA Student Scientist of the Year! Congrats David! Lauren Hollier, winner of the UWA 3 Minute Thesis, came runner up in the Trans-Tasman level of the competition! Congrats Lauren!

Apologies for the long editorial, I promise they’ll return to being short, sweet, and full of !!! soon!

Aisling

Notices

Single parent? The following is a request for participants: I am interested in how you came to decide to continue on postgraduate education and how being a sole parent influences your studies. Your participation would include an initial 90 minute interview and your participation is confidential. To find out more and/or participate please contact Genine: genine.hook@monash.edu

EMPLOYMENT AT ST. CATHERINES: St. Catherine’s College is seeking tutors!

Tutorials are run at the college located across from UWA (usually after 5pm although this is flexible) once a week for one hour. You will be paid $55 per hour tutorial. Classes are small usually 1-4 residents attending. If you are interested please contact Kim Louw at directorofstudies@stcatherines.uwa.edu.au with a list of your availabilities to run the tutorial.

Currently required are tutors with expertise in:
LAWS4401: Constitutional Law II

ECON2234: Macroeconomics

ECON2235: International Trade

SCIE1106: Molecular Biology of Cells (Preferred availability Tuesdays 7pm-8pm)

The Director of Studies position is also seeking Expressions of Interest! The details are on the website: http://sponsored.uwa.edu.au/psa/notices_for_postgrads

RECLAIM THE NIGHT: This year women and their allies are coming together on Friday, 26th October to Reclaim the Night. The march will begin at Pioneer Park, Fremantle at 6:30pm. It will be organised and led by self-identifying women but everyone that supports our goals is welcome to attend. Email Anita at anita_creasey@hotmail.com for more info.

Education Research Forum! Register to attend the 2012 Fogarty Foundation Postgraduate Research Forum at Faculty of Education. This is a free event providing an opportunity for UWA postgrads to present their education-related research.
DATE:  Tuesday 20 November 2012
TIME:  Registrations: 1.30pm to 1.50pm
FORUM: 1.50pm to 4.45pm Refreshments from 4.45pm onwards
REGISTER: Email the following information to Suzanne Dawkins (10562859@student.uwa.edu.au) no later than Friday 9 November 2012:Your Name
Institution
Email address
Contact phone number
Whether you attended the forum in 2011
Whether you will be attending the social hour after the forum

Like science AND communication? You should totally check out the Science Communication Seminars, Fridays, 4.00pm at the UWA Centre for Learning Technology. No RSVP required, snacks and drinks available – email Sophia Bickford at 20228745@student.uwa.edu.au to join the mailing list!

LITERARY RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM: IAS and the Chair of Australian Literature are presenting a research symposium titled Christina Stead and Literary Ownership. It’s on the 23^rd of November from 9.30am to 5pm, at the University Club. See http://www.ias.uwa.edu.au/conf/stead for the info!

Idea-ful? The Day of Ideas is sponsored by the IAS, and focuses on important themes.

Manning Clark House is running a special public lecture “Night of 100 Objects - Creating histories through Objects” by Dr Jeremy Hill, Head of Research, The British Museum. The lecture is on the 8^th of November 2012, from 6.00pm-7.00pm, at the WA Museum, costing $30.

The IAS’s 2012 Day of Ideas lecture series will focus on the theme: “Objects/History/Humanity: Museums in Contemporary Society”. It will take place on the 9^thof November 2012, from 9.30am –5.00pm, in Banquet Hall South, University Club, UWA, costing $75/$70 (concession). The day is followed by sundowner until 6.00pm.

More info and registration: http://www.ias.uwa.edu.au/conf/2012-doi

Institute of Advanced Studies Lectures and Masterclasses

25 Oct: 10am – 4pm, “Uncovering Oceanic Transport Barriers”, Thomas Peacock, Old Senate Room, (Masterclass)

Registration and questions should be directed to the IAS: http://www.ias.uwa.edu.au/about

Do you want to put a notice in the newsletter? You should email me! I’ll spruik most things related to postgrads, professional development, and activities. Newsletter day is currently Wednesday, so email two sentences and any links to psa@guild.uwa.edu.au by 9am on Wednesday to be included!

Website: http://www.psa.guild.uwa.edu.au
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/uwapsa
Blog: http://uwapsa.blogspot.com.au
Email: psa@guild.uwa.edu.au
Internal Mail: M300
Phone: (08) 6488 3194
Office: Guild South Wing, First Floor, Office 1.03
Lounge: Guild South Wing, First Floor, Room 1.05

2012 PSA AGM Agenda

 2012 UWA Postgraduate Students’ Association Annual General MeetingAgenda: 26^th October, 5.30pm, Arts Lecture Room 5

Reports

1.       President’s Report

2.       Treasurer’s Report/Presentation of PSA Financial Statement

Issues for discussion and debate

3.       The position of the PSA within the Guild: Possible models for change

a.       Merger

b.      Reform

c.       Separation

4.       Recommendations of 2012 PSA Committee, for ratification by the members of the PSA

a.       Cessation of PSA membership for Association members

                                                               i.      From the minutes of the Committee 20^th of September: Given that membership of the PSA is automatic once a student enrolls in a postgrad course at UWA, the committee was asked when membership should cease. The committee determined that membership ceases once the student has a ‘disenrolled’ status.

b.      Terms of Office for PSA Committee members

                                                               i.      Given that some postgrads may complete before their committee term has ended, the 2012 committee was asked to determine whether the elected rep would still be eligible to remain as part of the Committee. The committee determined that they were.

5.       Constitutional Amendments

a.       Section 11, A, iv, j: “Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Representative” to “Faculty of Arts Representative”

b.      Section 11, A, iv, o and Section 11, A, iv, q: “Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences Representative” and “Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences Representative”. Delete both, and replace with Section 11, A, iv, o “Faculty of Science Representative”.

Election of the 2013 Committee

6.       The election will run in the following order:

a) President and Senate Representative
b) Vice-President
c) Secretary
d) Treasurer
e) Media Officer
f) Equity Officer
g) International Student’s Officer
h) Coursework Student’s Officer
i) Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Visual Arts Representative
j) Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Representative
k) Business School Representative
l) Faculty of Education Representative
m) Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics Representative
n) Faculty of Law Representative
o) Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences Representative
p) Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Representative
q) Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences Representative
r) Ordinary committee members (2 positions)

Other Business

7.       Presentation of inaugural PSA Leadership and Community Service Award

8.       Thanks of the 2012 PSA Committee

9.       Close of meeting

The meeting will be followed by a sundowner for all members and guests who attended the entire meeting.

Committee Q&A

The delightful Gemma Bothe emailed me about committee positions with some fabulous questions, which she has very kindly allowed me to share with you all. I hope that you'll all find something of value in this Q&A!

Gemma: How much experience is good to have already in relation to the positions?

Aisling: I think it helps to have experience working in a team, and particularly for the President position it is advisable to have some experience in leadership. However, having specific PSA experience is not essential - the first Connect I went to was the Connect at which I was elected to this position!

G: If you do end up in a position is there a period of hand-over or do you just get thrown in the deep end?

A:To be honest, handover will depend to some extent on the committee member. Some positions may get little handover, and others no longer have a member to handover from. I will be making the effort to try and meet with every new committee member though, at least once. The handover period is all of November, with the new committee officially commencing on the 1st of December 2012. I hope to ensure that no one is thrown in the deep end!

G: Do you think being on the PSA is worth it/rewarding?

 A: I have absolutely loved being part of the PSA this year. It is challenging at times, and you will always (in anything you do) have to deal with prickly personalities. But the experience you gain is definitely worth it. It will also be stressful leading up to events, as you finalise arrangements and cross your fingers that people will actually turn up - but the buzz when it all comes together is so rewarding!

G: Is it better, if you have little (to no) experience in these kind of things, to contemplate a minor position, then maybe once you know how things work better think about the more major positions?

 A: Well, it depends what you mean by 'these kind of things'. I'd say having no experience in student politics is good, because that kind of thing can create some bad habits and ways of working! As I mentioned, I jumped into the President role with no previous experience of the PSA at all - and this informed what I wanted to do as President. So there are advantages. At the same time, previous experience with how committees work and deadlines etc can also be an advantage to understanding what to expect - but this can be learned. The best approach for you will depend on your personality and your other commitments. I think taking on a larger role can be very beneficial, becuase you simply have to learn more as part of your role. Taking on a more minor position may mean you only help coordinate one or two events.

G: At what point during your candiditure do you think having a position with the PSA works best?

A: The standing advice from previous committees is that your second year is the best point at which to try your hand at PSA - you know the uni, your proposal is passed, and you still have a year and bit to finish up after your term. Again, it will depend on your personal situation. I see no reason someone 3-4 months in couldn't manage it, if they were keen.
I hope that this has answered any lingering questions you might have had! If you'd like to add to the list here, just email psa@guild.uwa.edu.au

I wish Tony Jones was here.

Newsletter 15th October 2012

Hi posties!

I need to draw your attention to two very important dates:

Nominations to the 2013 PSA Committee close 5pm THURSDAY 18^TH OCTOBER

Applications for the Leadership Award close 5pm FRIDAY 19^TH OCTOBER

Committee nominations: If you’re thinking about nominating for a position, be sure to email me by the closing time and date. If you don’t nominate prior to that time, and someone else nominates for that position, we will not be taking nominations from the floor at the AGM (this is written into the Constitution). The other benefit to nominating now, is that any absentee voters will only be able to vote on people who nominate by the closing date.

You can see the position info on the website (http://sponsored.uwa.edu.au/psa/elections_for_2013/position_info), and I’m also putting up nominees names as I get them.

Leadership Award: The physical copies of the nomination form and referee reports must be in my office by this Friday. Not email, not in internal mail – in my office. I will be checking the PSA pigeon hole in Guild Student Reception at 5pm. Anything left there after I’ve checked it cannot be accepted.

Absentee voting: If you can’t make it to the AGM, you can still vote. Email psa@guild.uwa.edu.au to register for an absentee vote. Absentee voting opens on the 19^th of October and closes 5pm on the 25^th of October. If you lodge an absentee vote, you cannot vote at the AGM. You will receive a list of the nominees for each position and their candidate statement (if included).

The AGM is on Friday the 26^th of October, from 5.30pm, Arts Lecture Room 5. We will have a sundowner at the Club with drinks and nibbles afterwards! Please come, it’s important to have your say on what your committee looks like!

The cocktail party is on the 2nd of November, 7.30pm, at the Llama Bar. I’m working hard to get tickets finalised!

Aisling

Notices

EMPLOYMENT AT ST. CATHERINES: St. Catherine’s College is seeking tutors!

Tutorials are run at the college located across from UWA (usually after 5pm although this is flexible) once a week for one hour. You will be paid $55 per hour tutorial. Classes are small usually 1-4 residents attending. If you are interested please contact Kim Louw at directorofstudies@stcatherines.uwa.edu.au with a list of your availabilities to run the tutorial.

Currently required are tutors with expertise in:
LAWS4401: Constitutional Law II

ECON2234: Macroeconomics

ECON2235: International Trade

SCIE1106: Molecular Biology of Cells (Preferred availability Tuesdays 7pm-8pm)

The Director of Studies position is also seeking Expressions of Interest! The details are on the website: http://sponsored.uwa.edu.au/psa/notices_for_postgrads

RECLAIM THE NIGHT: This year women and their allies are coming together on Friday, 26th October to Reclaim the Night. The march will begin at Pioneer Park, Fremantle at 6:30pm. It will be organised and led by self-identifying women but everyone that supports our goals is welcome to attend. Email Anita at anita_creasey@hotmail.com for more info.

Limina Fundraising screening of The Words:

The Words follows young writer, Rory Jansen, who finally achieves long sought after literary success after publishing the next great American novel. There's only one catch – he didn’t write it. Head to the event page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/284645314973840/ for more info or contact Charmaine at fernac06@student.uwa.edu.au.

Don’t miss our annual movie fundraiser! Your chance to show your support for Limina.

WHERE: The Windsor Cinema, Stirling Hwy, Nedlands

WHEN: Wednesday, 17th October 2012, 6.45pm

HOW MUCH: $20 (includes a raffle ticket for a chance to WIN PRIZES!)

TICKETS: Tickets are available for purchase at the door or via email

Free wine and cocktail food at the venue from 6pm.

Education Research Forum! Register to attend the 2012 Fogarty Foundation Postgraduate Research Forum at Faculty of Education. This is a free event providing an opportunity for UWA postgrads to present their education-related research.
DATE:  Tuesday 20 November 2012
TIME:  Registrations: 1.30pm to 1.50pm
FORUM: 1.50pm to 4.45pm Refreshments from 4.45pm onwards
REGISTER: Email the following information to Suzanne Dawkins (10562859@student.uwa.edu.au) no later than Friday 9 November 2012:Your Name
Institution
Email address
Contact phone number
Whether you attended the forum in 2011
Whether you will be attending the social hour after the forum

Like science AND communication? You should totally check out the Science Communication Seminars, Fridays, 4.00pm at the UWA Centre for Learning Technology. No RSVP required, snacks and drinks available – email Sophia Bickford at 20228745@student.uwa.edu.au to join the mailing list!

LITERARY RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM: IAS and the Chair of Australian Literature are presenting a research symposium titled Christina Stead and Literary Ownership. It’s on the 23^rd of November from 9.30am to 5pm, at the University Club. See http://www.ias.uwa.edu.au/conf/stead for the info!

Idea-ful? The Day of Ideas is sponsored by the IAS, and focuses on important themes.

Manning Clark House is running a special public lecture “Night of 100 Objects - Creating histories through Objects” by Dr Jeremy Hill, Head of Research, The British Museum. The lecture is on the 8^th of November 2012, from 6.00pm-7.00pm, at the WA Museum, costing $30.

The IAS’s 2012 Day of Ideas lecture series will focus on the theme: “Objects/History/Humanity: Museums in Contemporary Society”. It will take place on the 9^thof November 2012, from 9.30am –5.00pm, in Banquet Hall South, University Club, UWA, costing $75/$70 (concession). The day is followed by sundowner until 6.00pm.

More info and registration: http://www.ias.uwa.edu.au/conf/2012-doi

Institute of Advanced Studies Lectures and Masterclasses

16 Oct: 10am - 4pm, “Optimisation”, J. Hyam Rubinstein, Old Senate Room, (Masterclass)

17 Oct: 6pm, 2012 Reid Oration: “Maintaining a Civil Society: The Importance of Equality and Education”, Carmen Lawrence, Uni Club Theatre, (Public Lecture)

18 Oct: 6pm, 2012 Salek Minc Lecture: “With Occasional Political Overtones: Art and Feminism 1966-1973”, Catherine Morris, Uni Club Theatre, (Public Lecture)

22 Oct: 6pm, 2012 Ian Constable Lecture: “Genetics and the Future of Medicine”, Matt Brown, Uni Club Theatre, (Public Lecture)

25 Oct: 10am – 4pm, “Uncovering Oceanic Transport Barriers”, Thomas Peacock, Old Senate Room, (Masterclass)

Registration and questions should be directed to the IAS: http://www.ias.uwa.edu.au/about

Do you want to put a notice in the newsletter? You should email me! I’ll spruik most things related to postgrads, professional development, and activities. Newsletter day is currently Wednesday, so email two sentences and any links to psa@guild.uwa.edu.au by 9am on Wednesday to be included!

Website: http://www.psa.guild.uwa.edu.au
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/uwapsa
Blog: http://uwapsa.blogspot.com.au
Email: psa@guild.uwa.edu.au
Internal Mail: M300
Phone: (08) 6488 3194
Office: Guild South Wing, First Floor, Office 1.03
Lounge: Guild South Wing, First Floor, Room 1.05

Important! Edition: Newsletter 22nd September 2012

Important! Edition

What’s up posties!

So you’ll note that this edition is not coming out on Wednesday! I’ve been working at getting a couple of things confirmed, and please make sure you read this one because there is some very important info!

First things first: I am very pleased to officially open all positions on the 2013 PSA Committee for nomination. I have created a set of handy informative web pages just for you! Please have a look through them, and ask me any questions not already answered there. http://www.psa.guild.uwa.edu.au/elections_for_2013

AGM: Our annual general meeting will take place on the 26^th of October from 5.30pm in Arts Lecture Room 5. The election will take place at the meeting, so it’s important that you come! You will also be treated to a super bubbly report from me, a super informative report from Treasurer Brock, and any other business for the Association will be addressed – if you want to bring amendments to the Constitution you need to get seven PSA members together to present them to the PSA Committee.

Is this all sounding terribly dull? Here’s the fun part – come to the AGM, stay for the whole thing, join us for a sundowner! Venue to be confirmed, but likely the University Club.

Other fun things!

The Family Picnic has come together very nicely! The details are on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/events/408035109259142/). The 6^th of October from 12.30pm to 3.00pm on the Oak Lawn is when and where we’ll see you – we’re providing a sausage sizzle with vegetarian, beef and chicken (both halal) sausages, fizzy drinks, and native animals (including a koala!).
You need to RSVP so that we can make sure there is enough food for everyone! Send me an email with how many people are coming, and dietary requirements by October 2^nd – we’re welcoming all family, so bring parents, partners, children – our just bring your lovely self and party with your postgrad family!

We have Connect on the 4^th of October from 5pm!

The PSA are co-sponsoring a performance of The Vagina Monologues on campus – on the 4^th of October at 7.30pm. Tickets are $10 – so head along, support the PSA and see a fabulous piece of theatre! (go to Connect first!)

Finally – this is the absolute last call for The Employable Postgraduate seminars – if you want to come, email me by 5pm Monday! Places are strictly limited now!

I’ve kept this super short so that hopefully most people read the whole thing! Have a fantastic weekend postgrads, I look forward to seeing you soon – unfortunately I’ll be away from the 3^rd October to the 12^th at a conference, but take heaps of photos of the upcoming events for me!

Aisling