providing support and advice since 1961
Caulfield campus - seminars & social events
Semester 2, 2009
exPERT
MPA - social events (Caulfield)
Postgraduate orientation coffee club
Missed postgraduate orientation? Come along to the following session, meet new and returning postgraduates and find out what is available to you as a postgraduate while you enjoy a cup of coffee.
Date: Thursday 23 July
Free lunch: Italian
Yes another free lunch. Leave that assignment or thesis for a little while and join us for a free lunch with an Italian theme. This is a great opportunity to catch up with friends and meet postgraduates from other areas. Vegetarians and halal catered for. It is a free lunch, but you need to book. Please bring your booking confirmation, it is your entry ticket!
Date: Monday 27 July
Afternoon tea with the MPA
All coursework and research postgraduates are invited to come and find out about the services that MPA can provide on Caulfield campus, including advice and advocacy, postgraduate seminars and social events. This is also an opportunity to inform the MPA about the needs of Caulfield postgraduates. Meet other postgraduates and help us develop a postgraduate network. Afternoon tea will be provided.
Date: Wednesday 19 August
Free lunch: Chinese
Come along to meet postgraduates from other areas or catch up with old friends. Vegetarians and halal catered for. It is a free lunch, but you need to book. Please bring your booking confirmation, it is your entry ticket!
Date: Wednesday 23 September
Free lunch: Indian
Come along to meet new postgraduates or catch up with old friends over a free lunch with an Indian theme. Vegetarians and halal catered for.
Date: Tuesday 13 October
Coffee Clubs
Don't forget we hold weekly coffee clubs during semester (see right hand column) co-hosted by GSB (but postgrads from all faculties welcome).
MPA sponsored seminars (Caulfield)
Language Exchange Program (HWD)
Are you interested in practising a new language with native speakers? The Language Exchange Program matches international students with local students who are either studying a foreign language at Monash or are interested in improving their foreign language skills. All you need to commit to is one hour per week throughout the semester for an informal exchange of language and culture. Please note that this session is open to both undergraduates and postgraduates.
Date: Ongoing
Book by email or call or call 9903 1498
Academic writing in a second language I (linguistic aspects)
This workshop will be divided into two parts – the first part will cover the linguistic aspects of academic writing in English, and provide some tips and practice for editing your own work.
Date: Tuesday 21 July, 12:00 – 1:00pm
Venue: HB.32
Book
Academic writing in a second language II. (Structural aspect)
The second part of the workshop will cover the structural / contextual aspects of academic writing including structuring paragraphs, transitions between paragraphs, using writer’s voice etc.
Date: Wednesday 22 July, 12:00 – 1:00pm
Venue: HB.32
Book
Understanding and using assignment writing guidelines (IL/LS)
By using the assignment requirements as writing guidelines, this workshop will explore the expectations of writing at the postgraduate level. This will include understanding the task, appropriately using research literature and structuring a well-developed and logical assignment.
Date: Tuesday 28 July, 12:00 – 1:00pm
Venue: HB.32
Book
Writing a thesis/minor thesis: early tasks and considerations (IL/LS)
In this workshop you will explore the research and writing skills required for the early stages of your research. You will investigate strategies for navigating the world of academic literature, refining your research topic, critically analysing texts, reading and note-taking effectively and mastering referencing. You will also examine the nature of literature reviews and learn strategies for writing a clear and effective review.
Date: Tuesday 28 July, 2:00 – 3:30pm
Venue: HB.38
Book
Getting the most from your reading (IL/LS)
This workshop will develop techniques for getting the most out of textbook and other academic readings.
Date: Wednesday 29 July, 12:00 – 1:00pm
Venue: HB.32
Book
Writing an academic essay (IL/LS)
This workshop will focus on how to structure different types of essays and write an academic essay following academic requirements.
Date: Tuesday 4 August, 12:00 – 1:00pm
Venue: HB.32
Book
Time management for postgraduate students (HWD)
Are you concerned with how you manage time? Want to improve how you plan for assignments? If so, then this session is for you! This session will review time management principles and will provide you with strategies for prioritising and planning your time more effectively and practical tools for minimising time wasting.
Date: Tuesday 4 August, 12:00 – 1:00pm
Venue: H2.37, Caulfield
Book
Paraphrasing & integrating sources in your writing (IL/LS)
This workshop will focus on dealing with different relevant reading materials and incorporating these into your writing. This workshop will also cover paraphrasing techniques.
Date: Wednesday 5 August, 12:00 – 1:00pm
Venue: HB.32
Book
Writing a case study report as an assignment (IL/LS)
This workshop will analyse techniques for creating / writing purposeful and effective case studies.
Date: Tuesday 11 August, 12:00 – 1:00pm
Venue: HB.32
Book
Job seeking with postgraduate qualifications (ECD)
Attend this session to receive advice on job searching using a range of methods and practical tips to manage your career decisions including exploration of career options.
Date: Wednesday 12 August, 4:00 – 5:30pm
Venue: to be confirmed, Caulfield
Book
Academic Saturday for part-timers (IL/LS – MPA)
This workshop is especially designed for part-time students returning to study at postgraduate level. It covers the following areas: Cohesive Academic Writing, Structuring Academic Assignments, Tasks & Considerations and Efficient Library Research Skills.
Date: Saturday 15 August, 10:00am – 3:00pm
Venue: Room 238, Building H, Caulfield Campus
Book
Interview skills (ECD)
This session gives practical advice to help you prepare for interviews, present as a professional and deliver responses with confidence. The opportunity to practice your skills is available to interested participants.
Date: Monday 17 August, 4:00 – 5:30pm
Venue:to be confirmed, Caulfield
Book
Giving effective seminar presentations (IL/LS)
This workshop will provide strategies for giving effective oral / seminar presentations and opportunities to practice with other participants.
Date: Tuesday 18 August, 12:00 – 1:00pm
Venue: HB.32
Book
Effective literature research for your thesis (IL/LS)
This hands-on workshop will cover the use of key online information tools and techniques for efficient and effective literature research including: developing and using database search strategies; keeping up to date automatically with journal, search and citation alerts; finding theses and working papers; tracing research over time using the multidisciplinary Web of Science database; effective research using Google.
Date: Tuesday 18 August, 2:00 - 4:00pm
Venue: IT Training Room, Caulfield Campus Library
Book
Writing a minor thesis: structure and presentation (IL/LS)
This workshop will focus on the writing skills required for communicating your research clearly and effectively. You will explore ways of developing your critical voice while meeting the expectations of your academic audience and conforming to the conventions of the genre. You will develop strategies for presenting a convincing and cohesive argument, creating a logical structure, and achieving coherence and cohesion between and within chapters.
Date: Tuesday 8 September, 2:00 – 3:30pm
Venue: HB.38
Book
Library (Caulfield)
Voluntary classes listed below may be cancelled due to clashes with compulsory classes requested by your faculty. As well, further classes may be scheduled according to demand. Visit the Caulfield Library's classes page for up to date information.
Library tour
This tour gives you important advice about how to use or find Library facilities and services including service points, books, journals, computers, printing, study spaces with power for laptops and the information available on the Library website.
Dates: Monday 20 July,11:00 – 11:30am, & 5:00 – 5:30pm; Tuesday 21 July,11:00 – 11:30am, & 5:00 – 5:30pm; Wednesday 22 July,11:00 – 11:30am, & 5:00 – 5:30pm; Thursday 23 July, 11:00 – 11:30am, & 5:00 – 5:30pm; Saturday 25 July, 12:30 – 1:00pm; Saturday 1 August, 12:30 – 1:00pm
Venue: Meet at Caulfield Library Information Desk, Level 2, Building A
Book
Introduction to EndNote for Arts
Endnote is a software package for managing citations and references and creating bibliographies. The session will cover: creation of an EndNote library of references; transfer of database records into an EndNote library; applying EndNote styles to a bibliography in a word document.
Date: to be confirmed
Venue Caulfield Library IT Training Room, Level 2, Building A
Please email Janet McGarry to express interest in this session
Library 101
This class includes hands-on practice using the library catalogue to find books and online articles on your reading lists and using databases to find your own online articles for your assignments.
Dates: Monday 20 July, 9:00 – 11:00am; Tuesday 21 July, 9:00 – 11:00am; Wednesday 22 July, 9:00 – 11:00am; Thursday 23 July,9:00 – 11:00am; Saturday 25 July,10:30am – 12:30pm; Monday 27 July,6:00 – 8:00pm; Tuesday 28 July,4:00 – 6:00pm; Wednesday 29 July,11:00am – 1:00pm; Saturday 1 August,10:30am – 12:30pm
Venue: Caulfield Library IT Training Room, Level 2, Building A
Book
Strategies for success: introduction to learning
Explore ways to make a flying start in your postgraduate studies.
Dates: Tuesday 21 July, 1:00 – 2:00pm; Wednesday 22 July, 1:00 – 2:00pm; Wednesday 22 July, 5:00 – 6:00pm; Thursday 23 July, 1:00 – 2:00pm
Venue: Caulfield Library Meeting Room 5, Level 4, Building A
Book
EndNote for social work
Learn to use EndNote to organise your references and to generate bibliographies. Social Work databases and the Harvard style will be used.
Date: Wednesday 29 July, 2:00 – 4:00pm
Venue: Caulfield Library IT Training Room, Level 2, Building A
Book
EndNote for Psychology
Learn to use EndNote to organise your references and to generate bibliographies. Psychology databases and the APA style will be used.
Date: Thursday 30 July,2:00 – 4:00pm
Venue: Caulfield Library IT Training Room, Level 2, Building A
Book
EndNote for Business and Economics
EndNote is software for creating and managing collections of references. It interacts with Word so that citations can be inserted and bibliographies created, according to a chosen style, as a document is being created. The software is freely available to Monash staff and students and is especially recommended to anyone undertaking a thesis or other research writing.
Dates: Wednesday 5 August,6:00 – 8:30 pm; Thursday 6 August,2:00 – 4:30 pm; Saturday 8 August, 10:30 am – 1:00 pm
Venue:Caulfield Library IT Training Room, Level 2, Building A
Book
Researching companies and industries
The Library provides a large range of databases for researching Australian and overseas companies and industries. This workshop will focus on familiarisation with the content and functions of the key databases and comparisons between them.
Dates: Tuesday 11 August, 5:00 – 5.55pm; Thursday 13 August, 11:00 – 11.55am; Saturday 15 August, 11:00 – 11.55am
Venue: Caulfield Library IT Training Room, Level 2, Building A
Book
exPERT (Caulfield)
exPERT seminars are designed to meet the needs of research postgraduates.
exPERT Gen
Completing your thesis on time
Some will argue that the ultimate success or otherwise of a research project is determined in that first vital year of candidature. Our speakers will discuss strategies for getting your project on track and keeping it there. In particular, the development of a well-focused research proposal, progress in the literature review, negotiation of a schedule of regular and structured meetings with your supervisor and a timeframe for completion will be covered.
Date: to be confirmed
Venue: to be confirmed, Caulfield
Book
Confirmation of candidature
All postgraduate research students commencing studies from 2003 are initially enrolled on a probationary basis and need to have their candidature confirmed after 12 months of study. An absolute “must see” seminar for all recently commenced postgraduate research students.
Date: to be confirmed
Venue: to be confirmed, Caulfield
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Relating to your supervisor
The quality and success of a student’s educational experience is strongly dependent on their relationship with their supervisor or supervisors. This workshop provides the opportunity to explore aspects of this relationship. During this session speakers will draw upon their own experiences to discuss what expectations supervisors have of their research students and what rights and responsibilities a student has with regard to establishing and maintaining good supervisory practices. Potential difficulties can arise within a supervisory relationship, so this session also provides strategies that students can use to overcome problems.
Date: to be confirmed
Venue: to be confirmed, Caulfield
Book
Thesis by publication
Outline of MRGS specifications. A panel with representatives from Arts, Education and Science will be on hand to answer faculty-specific questions.
Date: to be confirmed
Venue: to be confirmed, Caulfield
Book
exPERT IT
e-Research and collaboration tools for HDRs
e-Research utilises cutting-edge IT technology for faster, better, more secure and more creative research. The Monash e-Research Centre (MeRC) will outline the various services they have to enhance your research project. Collaboration Tools for research will be fully demonstrated and participants of this session will be made registered users.
Venue: Clayton and Caulfield
Book
MS Word 2007 fundamentals for thesis writing
This is a hands-on workshop and will introduce you to the features of MS Word to help you manage your thesis writing efficiently. It will cover efficient text entry techniques, use and management of styles, controlling page formatting through the use of section breaks, creating tables, captions, inserting pictures and graphs, how to create drawings and an introduction to equation editor. Note: basic knowledge of computers, file management and word-processing is required for this workshop.
Dates: Wednesday 5 August, 10:00am – 1:00pm;
Wednesday 9 September, 10:00am – 1:00pm;
Wednesday 7 October, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Venue: to be confirmed, Caulfield
Book
Endnote for thesis writing
This hands-on workshop will take participants through the bibliographic database tool, Endnote. A working knowledge of computers is needed for this workshop. Participants will be instructed on how to: create and manage a library; import databases; and create a bibliography using required styles.
Dates: Wednesday 28 October, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Wednesday 28 October, 1:45pm – 4:45pm
Venue: to be confirmed, Caulfield
Book
exPERT stats
exPERT stats at Caulfield
This workshop will comprise two sessions. The first session will establish the fundamentals of statistical research. The most important feature of any statistical analysis is presented in this session: the design must match the objective. Various designs, variable types and hypothesises will be considered. The second session will demonstrate these fundamentals on real research data illustrating some of the problems incurred when analysing data. This workshop is a must for anyone who is thinking of conducting statistical analysis as part of their postgraduate study.
Date: to be confirmed
Venue: to be confirmed, Caulfield
Book
exPERT writing
Academic writing: style and structure
This workshop will investigate what it means to be an “academic writer”. What are the conventions? What is the style and tone required? Do these vary depending on your discipline?
Date: to be confirmed
Venue: to be confirmed, Caulfield
Book
Designing a conference poster for the humanities
This workshop will present the basic principles of creating a conference poster, including software, layout, balance and content. It will present previous examples of posters and evaluate them in order to show what to do and what not to do. Finally, strategies for attracting and maintaining attention will be outlined.
Date: to be confirmed
Venue: to be confirmed, Caulfield
Book
In the abstract
Being able to write a good abstract is a very important skill for a researcher. The abstract is usually the first contact a reader has with your work. It will help people to decide whether to read your thesis or your article, or to attend your conference paper (or, in the case of conference abstract reviewers, whether to accept your paper). In this workshop we will look at the structure of both thesis and conference abstracts and approaches to writing them, through activities using authentic examples.
Date: to be confirmed
Venue: to be confirmed, Caulfield
Book
Reading strategies at postgraduate level
This workshop will look at managing large reading lists, prioritising reading, skim-reading and making notes while reading.
Date: to be confirmed
Venue: to be confirmed, Caulfield
Book
Writing about quantitative data: supporting an argument
This workshop will outline the basic principles of how to present quantitative data in a thesis or conference paper in such a manner so as to support and contribute to the development of your argument. Matters such as organisation, description and structure will be covered. It will not look at statistical analysis techniques but will cover validity and applicability in the context of argumentation.
Date: to be confirmed
Venue: to be confirmed, Caulfield
Book
Making your thesis more readable
This workshop examines the features that make writing easy or difficult to read. It looks at the way words on the page are used to tie information together to help the reader follow the writer’s line of reasoning. It will analyse information density, flow and topic focus, and help you tighten your paragraph structure and make your argument clear. Together with “Editing and your thesis”, this workshop will provide you with tools to revise your writing effectively – whether you are a new or more experienced postgraduate writer.
Date: Tuesday 4 August, 2:30 – 4:30pm
Venue: to be confirmed, Caulfield
Book
Editing and your thesis
This workshop will show you how to become a more effective editor of your own work (and avoid the things that really annoy examiners). It will consider how editing fits into the writing process, when to edit, what knowledge you need to edit effectively, and provide practical examples and activities. Together with “Making your thesis more readable”, this workshop will provide you with tools to revise your writing effectively.
Date: Tuesday 18 August, 2:30 – 4:30pm
Venue: to be confirmed, Caulfield
Book
Writing about qualitative data: building an argument
Does your supervisor say that your writing is “too descriptive”? Do you have trouble finding a way through your mass of data? Using examples from the humanities and social sciences, this workshop will present ways of developing and expressing argument and interpretation, and of integrating evidence into your writing.
Date: Tuesday 1 September, 2:30 – 4:30pm
Venue: to be confirmed, Caulfield
Book
Find your own voice in literature review
Writing a thesis is a very challenging task for both native speakers and non-native speakers of English. Many candidates experience particular difficulty with writing the literature review, especially with finding their own "voice" or stance. In this workshop, participants will work in small groups on extracts from academic writing in various disciplines. The focus of the workshop will be on how the research of others is reported and how different points of view about that research are expressed.
Date: Tuesday 22 September, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Venue: to be confirmed, Caulfield
Book
exPERT final year
Preparing for an academic career
Preparing for an academic career requires commitment, interest and a strategic approach. Receive tips on building a career plan and applying for academic roles, including addressing selection criteria and preparing resumes.
Date: Monday 24 August, 2:30 – 4:00pm
Venue: to be confirmed, Caulfield
Book
Interview skills for academic positions
Learn how academic interviews differ from other interview styles. Receive advice on preparation, delivery and follow-up to an interview. There will be an opportunity to practice your interview skills.
Date: Monday 7 September, 2:30 – 4:00pm
Venue: to be confirmed, Caulfield
Book
Non-academic careers for researchers
This session will provide hints on exploring career paths outside of academia that offer opportunities to use your postgraduate qualifications and skills. Be introduced to some career management techniques that will help identify your work related skills and determine career goals. Topics covered include possibilities in the broader labour market for postgraduates, identifying workplace skills and exploring career directions. Some worksheets will be provided to help this process.
Date: Monday 21 September, 2:30 – 4:00pm
Venue: to be confirmed, Caulfield
Book
Graduate School of Business (GSB)
Professional development workshops
Complementing your academic studies, the Graduate School of Business professional development workshop program delivers leading edge workshops to enhance your professional and employability skills. These workshops are designed to give you an edge in the global marketplace. The workshops are free to all current Graduate School of Business students and you can find more information on what will be available during 2009 at at the GSB website.
MBA career workshops
The MBA Career Workshops are designed and facilitated by Lee Hecht Harrison (LHH), a global leader in creating and delivering customised human capital solutions. Australia’s most respected companies and institutions turn to Lee Hecht Harrison to assist in managing organisational change, career transition or leadership and career coaching. The workshops are usually two to three hours long, offered at several dates and times throughout the year, to small groups of up 12 students. These workshops are for current MBA students only and you can find more information about what will be available during 2009 at the website.
We hold regular coffee clubs at Caulfield
More Caulfield info
Coffee clubs
Postgraduates from all faculties are welcome to attend the weekly coffee clubs co-hosted by the MPA and GSB. There will be speakers and activities to interest all. Details will be advertised via the MPA email news. This is a great opportunity to meet other postgraduates from all over the globe, exchange ideas and build invaluable networks.
Weekly during semester starting 30 July.
Time: 4:00 – 5:00pm.
Venue: Postgraduate Lounge, ground floor, Bldg H, Caulfield
MPA podcasts - informative & entertaining
The MPA is building up a series of podcasts which can help keep students entertained and informed.
We are currently developing a series of podcast seminars on a variety of topics.
Visit our Compass Online podcast collection for the complete list. Podcasts are available in both RealPlayer and Quicktime formats.
Research postgraduates - online support
The Monash Research Graduate School has a number of resources available for research students through their exPERT series.
exPERT presentations & podcasts.
exPERT DVDs - DVDs are available for loan from the Libraries. To find the expert DVDs at your closest library please enter “Monash Research Graduate School” in the “author” section of the search engine in the library catalogue.
The Learning Support unit also offers online guide for higher degree by research postgraduates
Subscribe to email news
Subscribe to the free MPA email newsletter for weekly updates on postgraduate-specific seminars, social events and postgraduate community news.
Note: Research postgraduates who also have staff profiles will need to use their student authcate and email address to subscribe.