At the start of every semester, the MGA runs orientation sessions for Monash graduate coursework students. These sessions run on both Clayton and Caulfield campus. If you were not able to attend one of our orientation sessions, you can browse through this online orientation.
First things first!
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Now you’ve done that, have a read through this page to find out what you need to know about being a graduate student at Monash University. We’ll cover both the facilities and services available to you and give you information on the academic journey.
Facilities and services
Parking
Before you even set foot on campus, you will need to work out how you’re going to get here. If you plan to drive, you will need to purchase a parking permit which will allow you to park on any of the campuses during (and yes, you will get fined if you don’t have one). Alternatively all campuses have paid casual parking, but this can quickly cost more than a permit. If cost is an issue, consider buying a permit – you’ll save money, the environment and make new friends!
Study space
Let’s start with the basics… that is, a place to study. Departments and faculties don’t have the capacity to provide study space for graduate coursework students, but there are some graduate student-only study spaces around the various campuses which you’ll need to know about.
The libraries are also a great study location and offer extended hours during the exam period.
IT
It’s important to make sure you’re connected to the Monash IT network, so you’ll need to get your username and password set up. Once you have your Monash account, you can log into the university-wide intranet portal, called my.monash.
Library
If you haven’t been in a library for a while, you’ll definitely need some help familiarising yourself with the library services available.
The library runs programs and drop-in sessions or you can make an appointment with your subject librarian, who can help you find and use discipline-specific information. Graduate coursework students can borrow up to 60 items at a time, and can make use of the document delivery service which can locate and deliver materials that are only available from external libraries. If you don’t live close to campus, you could consider getting a CAVAL card, which allows you to borrow from other university libraries.
Seminars
The MGA runs seminars on all four Victorian campuses and at off-campus locations and online – you are welcome to attend any of those within your reach!
Social events
After all that intellectual stimulation you can debrief and share experiences with other graduate students at the MGA’s social events such as free lunches, games nights and online trivia.
The academic journey
In the first week of semester, you should receive unit guides for all of your enrolled units. It contains important information about the unit content, intended outcomes, assignments, assessment criteria and attendance requirements.
Allocate+
Use Allocate+, the university online allocation system, to submit your preferences for timeslots for lectures and tutorials.
Missed a lecture?
The library also provides a large number of lectures online as audio recordings through Learning Capture.
Stuck for words?
The University has some great online resources about language and learning that are worth a look. Want to speak to someone? Make an online or in-person appointment with a Learning and Language Advisor who can provide advice about academic writing.
Referencing
It’s important to properly reference and cite other people’s work used in your assignments. Plagiarism, even when unintended, is taken very seriously and the consequences can be severe.
Concerns?
Your experience at Monash should be academically challenging and stimulating. If you have any concerns or comments about your course you should speak to your course coordinator. Whatever you do, don’t let the situation deteriorate without acting. If you do find yourself in need of some independent and confidential advice, make an appointment with one of the MGA advocates.
Advice & Advocacy
Feeling lost or confused about university processes? Got a problem with your course or program? Can’t make a deadline due to personal circumstances?
MGA advocates offer free advice and advocacy for all Monash graduate students. The service is confidential and independent from the University. Drop into one of the MGA offices to speak with the MGA staff, or make an appointment to see an MGA advocate to help get you back on track. You can also check out our Advice and Advocacy pages.