Student Services and Amenities Fee. UQ collects from students something called SSAF, a fee to fund non-academic services and amenities to support you while at university. As a significant service provider, APS is allocated a portion of this fee to help provide things like health and wellbeing services, events, and bursaries for postgraduate students. Postgraduate students play a critical role in advancing research and knowledge in their fields, which can have a significant impact on society. Supporting their development and success can help create a pipeline of talented and motivated individuals who can drive innovation and progress in a variety of areas. To ensure SSAF is being used to the optimal benefit of students, the university is required to consult with students through a formal engagement process (i.e. the annual SSAF Survey and an advisory group of democratically elected representatives). ​ ​APS continues to demonstrate its ability to provide SSAF funded services which provide value for money, quality, probity, and reliability. As always, enhancing student involvement and empowerment is part of our core mission.

School of the Environment SEPA ​ The University of Queensland School of the Environment Postgraduate Association (UQ SEPA) works to foster research and social connections among postgraduate students within the School of the Environment. It will do so through meetings, social events, and an annual conference where students can present their research in a friendly environment. This Club also hopes to foster mentorship among new and old students to promote successful research and collaboration within the school. ​ The University of Queensland School of the Environment Postgraduate Association (UQ SEPA) works to foster research and social connections among postgraduate students within the School of the Environment. It will do so through meetings, social events, and an annual conference where students can present their research in a friendly environment. This Club also hopes to foster mentorship among new and old students to promote successful research and collaboration within the school. These goals will be reached through regular weekly events, such as the School of the Environment Rooftop Drinks, Environment Postgraduate Conference, and morning tea meet-and-greets for new students. It will also aim to collaborate with the school to both introduce students to resources already provided and advocate for the needs of students that are not currently being met.

Enhance your journey As a UQ postgraduate student, you’re automatically part of the vibrant APS community, committed to enriching and supporting your academic journey. Register for free to strengthen your connection with APS. Networking Opportunities Professional Development Advocacy and Support Social Events ​ You're part of a group that understands your journey and is here to support you every step of the way! First name* Last name* Email* UQ Student Number (8 digits)* Faculty, School or Institute* What is your current PROGRAM LEVEL? * Higher Degree by Research (PhD, MPhil etc.) Postgraduate Coursework (Masters, MD, Diploma etc.) Undergraduate (Bachelors etc.) Other When are you expected to GRADUATE? * Sem 2, 2024 Sem 1, 2025 Sem 2, 2025 Beyond 2025 Are you an INTERNATIONAL or DOMESTIC student?* Domestic International What CAMPUS are you usually based? * St Lucia Gatton Herston Dutton Park Other Would you like to VOLUNTEER for APS in the Ambassador Program? * Yes, sign me up! No, thanks. Maybe later. Do you agree to register your details with APS Inc., and do you acknowledge and consent to abide by the association's bylaws, rules, and policies, including the respectful treatment of other members? Submit

< Back Penny University (TRI/PACE) ​ 12 July 2023 Calling all HDR Students - come get a free coffee and form those fabled interdisciplinary connections we've all heard so much about. When : 1pm-3pm second Wednesday every other month Where : Pacemaker Cafe In 17th Century Oxford the first coffee houses opened up around campus where you'd pay a penny and come in to enjoy your coffee, chat with other scholars and learn about what going on outside your field, and we invite you to do exactly that!We also know that research can sometimes feel a bit lonely and we realise the reduced opportunities for social interaction may be proving hard for you to meet new people at the university right now. Penny University is your opportunity to get out of your silo, enjoy a coffee (or tea) on us, and take a break from research that isn't just procrastinatory scrolling. This event series is a collaboration between the Student Society at Frazer Institute (SSoFI) and the UQU Association of Postgraduate Students (APS). Previous Next

< Back End of Semester Character Gala ​ 22 June 2023 Celebrate your end of semester with the Association of Postgraduate Students! www.eventbrite.com.au APS End of Semester Party Celebrate your end of semester with the Association of Postgraduate Students! ✨U nleash your imagination at the Character Gala, the most anticipated end-of-semester party organised by APS! 🎉J oin us on 22nd June at Lina Rooftop for an evening of fun, food and unforgettable memories. 🥳 G et ready to dance to the beats of our talented DJ, showcase your best outfit and stand a chance to win exciting prizes! 🎊 S ecure your spot now for just $30 and indulge in delicious food and drinks. Don't miss out on this epic celebration! Previous Next

< Back Concerns for the Proposed Levy on International Student Income Thursday, 2 November 2023 Contact Info: Association of Postgraduate Students Co-President Jeryn Chang postgrad@uqu.com.au In July, Education Minister Jason Clare announced a proposed levy on university income from international students. The levy is proposed to be used to fund research or protect universities from future economic shocks. The Association of Postgraduate Students (APS) has concerns about the impact of this proposed levy on international students, as well as the reliance of a vulnerable student cohort to effectively recycle funds within the same sector. The APS is concerned that the levy will place further financial pressure on international students, with income from the levy being used to fund things that international students are already paying for. If tertiary education remains a top priority for the federal government, then Australia should be investing more into the tertiary education rather than relying on international students to fund the sector. The APS is pleased that the University of Queensland (UQ) has similarly expressed their opposition to the levy in their submission in response to the Australian Universities Accord Interim Report. Since its announcement, the proposed levy has also received staunch opposition among many UQ postgraduate students. Cost-of-living crisis at UQ has reached an all-time high. Hundreds of UQ students, most of them international students, line up every day to purchase discounted staples and receive free breakfast and dinner from the University of Queensland Union (UQU) in St Lucia and Gatton. International students are often the most vulnerable when it comes to economic shocks in student fees and everyday living costs. Richard Liu, a regular volunteer at Kampus Kitchen, the free dinner program provided by the UQU, said “The rent is the biggest challenges where the rental price per week in Brisbane is increasing significantly…I sometimes feel [worried] about [being] homeless if I cannot find a proper place to live.” Liu reflected on this proposal, “This could be a very sad news that makes Australian University become not a very favourable destination for international students which might also impact on the Australia national strategy to less attract global talent people come to migrate and serve for Australia in the future because the high cost of studying and living.” Placing extra pressure on universities and their international students will only further harm Australia’s reputation on the international stage. Other revenue streams must be considered to fund the important initiatives proposed in the Accord Interim Report. This should not be done at the cost of international students. END

< Back Penny University (St Lucia) ​ 3 Aug 2023 Calling all HDR Students - come get a free coffee and form those fabled interdisciplinary connections we've all heard so much about. Register here . When : 1pm-3pm first Thursday of the Month Where : Darwin's Cafe In 17th Century Oxford the first coffee houses opened up around campus where you'd pay a penny and come in to enjoy your coffee, chat with other scholars and learn about what going on outside your field, and we invite you to do exactly that!We also know that research can sometimes feel a bit lonely and we realise the reduced opportunities for social interaction may be proving hard for you to meet new people at the university right now. Penny University is your opportunity to get out of your silo, enjoy a coffee (or tea) on us, and take a break from research that isn't just procrastinatory scrolling. Previous Next

< Back Bubble Tea Workshop ​ 19 June 2023 APS and GUTS invites you to our Bubble Tea Workshop! www.eventbrite.com.au Bubble Tea Workshop APS and GUTS invites you to our Bubble Tea Workshop! 🎉 Join us for a refreshing Bubble Tea Workshop! 🥤🍃 Explore the exciting collaboration between APS & GUTS as we dive into the world of tasty jellies and teas 🌈🍵 Save the date: June 19th, from 4-6pm at the Holt Room 📆 Get your tickets now for just $5 and get ready to sip, swirl, and create your perfect blend! 🎟️✨ Don't miss out on this delightful experience! 😍 #BubbleTeaWorkshop #APSxGUTS #TeaLoversUnite Previous Next

< Back Long Overdue: National Action Plan for Sexual Violence on Campus Wednesday, 22 November 2023 Contact Info: Association of Postgraduate Students Co-President Jeryn Chang postgrad@uqu.com.au The Association of Postgraduate Students (APS) welcomes the national action plan on addressing sexual violence on university campuses that was proposed by education ministers, following a meeting of state and territory ministers on Tuesday night. This includes a national code on gender-based violence in tertiary education, mandatory annual reporting by universities, and a national students ombudsman. The action plan also includes the implementation of a dedicated unit within the Department of Education, instead of matters being referred to the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). “This represents an important first step in addressing sexual violence on campus across the country” says APS Co-President Ms Chang. “But this could all lead to nothing but words on paper if education ministers don’t work together to enforce positive change in universities.” Sexual violence on campus continues to be prevalent in today’s universities. Over the past few years, major steps have been made to increase awareness of sexual violence on campus, as well as the implementation of policies, support, and prevention programs in many universities. Key among these is the Universities Australia Respect. Now. Always. campaign, which was launched in 2016. In addition, UQ Respect has been making significant improvements in addressing sexual misconduct prevention and response. Nationwide however, a chorus of discontent has only grown for how some universities are handling sexual harrasment and assault cases. It's time for a National Students Ombudsman that can address this crisis. If implemented, this action plan will hold universities accountable for how they respond to cases that will lead to improved student outcomes. Not only should students across the country feel safe on campus, but they should also feel safe and heard when reaching out and asking for help – especially for those in minority groups. However, this action plan must also be accompanied by strong enforcement powers that can meaningfully change how universities approach sexual violence on campus. END

Students of the Institute for Molecular Bioscience Association (SIMBA) The Students of the IMB Association (SIMBA) aims to maintain a strong sense of community among IMB students and make sure that the IMB student experience is both positive and rewarding. ​ We run various social events, career development workshops and competitions throughout the year. ​ Some of our regular events include: IMBar on Friday evenings on Level 7 Inter-Institutional Trivia Night (IMB vs AIBN vs QAAFI) Last Lecture Series (hear from renowned science figureheads) Hills to die on (your strongest opinions on the most trivial of topics) And smaller social events throughout the year (Earth Day, Halloween, Uno tournaments, etc) Our major professional development event is the Annual IMB Student Symposium, which is a one-day on-site event that provides students with a chance to share their work in the form of poster presentations, a 3-minute thesis competition, and short talks by PhD students in their final year. Other professional development events include thesis writing workshops, career discussion panels, and HDR training. SIMBA is also a platform for students to raise student-focused issues and ideas with senior management at IMB. SIMBA executive members sit on various institute committees— including EMCRA (Early and Mid Career Research Association) and the Culture and Inclusion Committee —to ensure our students’ voices are heard and contribute to the strategic and operational activities of the Institute. The SIMBA committee is also interested in collaborating on joint events within IMB as well as within the wider UQ postgraduate community. All students are eligible and encouraged to become members of the SIMBA committee but everyone can help out with events, without needing to take on an official role.