< 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 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

< 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 GradCon 2023 ​ 2 July 2023 The inaugural Australian postgraduate student conference, hosted at The University of Queensland. www.eventbrite.com.au GradCon 2023 The inaugural Australian postgraduate student conference, hosted at The University of Queensland. The UQ Union and the UQU Association of Postgraduate Students is proud to present the inaugural 2023 Graduate Conference. The conference will be held from 3-4 July 2023 under the theme of Postgraduate Accord: Urgent Conversation for a Collaborative Future .This two-day conference will bring postgraduate student leaders across the country to discuss contemporary issues around higher education coursework and research. The conference will touch on topics such as the value of accessible education, HECS indexation, and other topics around the 'public good'. GradCon is a project organised by the UQ Union, UQU Association of Postgraduate Students, QUT Guild, Southern Cross Postgraduate Student Association, Sydney University Postgraduate Student Association, UWA Student Guild Postgraduate Association, National Aboriginal & Torre Strait Islander Postgraduate Student Association, University of Melbourne Graduate Student Association, Griffith University Postgraduate Students Association, and the Macquarie Graduate Research Union.Please note: Full conference details will be emailed to delegates before the event. KEY EVENT INFO - Venues: Steele Building (3) and ModWest (11A), The University of Queensland - Catering provided (includes a cocktail networking event in the Brisbane CBD) - Registrations essential - All are welcome ACCESSIBILITY - This is a wheelchair accessible event. - Steele Building: Conference rooms are accessible via stairs or two options of elevators in both the Steele Building and adjacent Global Change Building. - ModWest: Conference rooms are accessible via ramp at the front of the building. You can access information on campus accessibility here: https://campuses.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/access/campus-accessibility We also recommend checking out the campus accessibility maps here: https://campuses.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/maps/print?fbclid=IwAR2DXae1pIrrpF_0N6xZ1If2TosMKX_qZu30M2wwhgePgletZ8sRaKCbuDM Please contact us here or via postgrad@uqu.com.au if you would like to communicate any access needs to us. Previous Next

< 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 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