Graduate and Research Higher Degree
There is no single graduate experience, just as there is no typical graduate student. As you would expect, Orientation in something as complex as graduate study involves far more than pointing to the library and saying 'Good luck!'. That's why we've developed a multi-layered, multifaceted program to ensure that you get access to the information and resources you need, as well as to the people who will make a difference to your graduate experience.
Orientation connects you to University life at multiple levels:
The Melbourne School of Graduate Research (MSGR), the University of Melbourne Postgraduate Association (UMPA) and the Transition and Orientation Team co-host introductory sessions for all research and graduate coursework students. Going through the nuts and bolts of graduate study, they outline what the University expects of you as a graduate student and what you can expect from the University.
MSGR runs a comprehensive academic, social and cultural program for all international graduate students. The Academic Orientation Program for International Postgraduate Students (AOPIPS) will welcome you to Melbourne - the city and the University - and assist you with the transition to living and learning in a new and often different cultural environment. International students are, of course, also warmly encouraged to attend all events in the central Orientation program.
Graduate life is centred in faculties, graduate schools and departments. Faculty or Graduate School orientations will introduce you to resources, services, people, facilities, and administrative requirements. This is a great opportunity to get to know others who share your general academic interests. Departmental inductions - whether formal or informal - give you an insight into the day-to-day reality of studying at a graduate level in a particular discipline. Here you'll get to meet the people who you will be working most closely with in the coming years.
These layers of academic orientation are integrated with the central Orientation Program. One of the central Program's key aims is to make sure you're familiar with the libraries, resources and other IT services that will support you in your academic pursuits. Last but not least, there's having fun, meeting people, and finding that elusive balance between study, work and life. Nobody studies in a social vacuum, and the central Orientation Program offers plenty of opportunities to socialise with other graduate students. At carnivals, expos and events, you can find everything you need to know about student services, Clubs and Societies, Melbourne University Sport, employment, housing and health.
Each of these levels of Orientation is designed to introduce a distinct facet of the graduate experience while complementing the other parts of the Graduate Orientation Program. Whether you're a big picture person, or someone who likes to have the details sorted out from the word go, each level of Orientation will add a new dimension to your understanding of what the months ahead will hold.
Please note: International students who have negotiated an alternative arrival time with their supervisor should see the International Students Service (ISS) website for information on late arrival.