Welcome to your future AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR NEW STUDENTS AND PARENTS 2015 WELCOME TO YOUR FUTURE 3 2015 key dates Session 1 University classes 23 February–2 April Mid-session break 3–17 April University classes 20 April–5 June Contents Exams WELCOME 4 YOUR FUTURE STARTS NOW 5 9–26 June UNIVERSITY 101 7 YOUR FIRST CONTACT POINT 8 Session 2 A HELPING HAND 10 MAKE OUR CAMPUS YOUR SECOND HOME 12 University classes A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY AWAITS 14 27 July–11 September CHANGING THE WORLD BY DEGREES 15 WE’RE HERE LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE 16 Mid-session break TO HELP GETTING THE JOB DONE 17 CAMPUS SECURITY 19 14–25 September Whether you’re in your first year or final year, don’t be afraid to ask ALL ROADS LEAD TO MACQUARIE 20 questions. Whatever your enquiry, STAY CONNECTED 22 University classes there’s someone on-hand to answer your question such as your lecturers, WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN? 23 28 September–6 November tutors, mentors or counsellors. A great place to ask your first question: Exams ask.mq.edu.au 9–27 November PHOTOS: All photos by Chris Stacey unless otherwise noted. This document has been prepared by the Marketing Unit, Macquarie University. The information in this document is correct as at the date of publication but the University reserves the right to vary or withdraw any general information; any course(s) and/or unit(s); its fees and/or the mode or time of offering its course(s) and unit(s) without notice. Prospective students are advised to check whether there has been any variation or withdrawal affecting any course(s) in which they wish to enrol with Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au or 1800 351 117 prior to proceeding. 4 WELCOME TO YOUR FUTURE WELCOME TO YOUR FUTURE 5 Your future starts now Dear new students and parents, Going to uni is all about learning who you want to be and Macquarie I warmly welcome you to the Macquarie University community. wants to be part of that journey with you. We know the transition from The experiences and friendships made here will last a lifetime. I encourage all students to school to uni is big, and your first few weeks will be especially hectic, take advantage of every opportunity Macquarie has to offer, including our 170-plus student which is why we’re here to help you every step of the way. clubs and societies, competitive and social sports, and peer study groups. This guide is designed to provide everything you need to know after enrolment: from getting started with classes, making friends and discovering campus life, through to finding your This is your time. Get excited. way around. It also outlines our fantastic range of transition programs to help you hit the ground running in your first few months and the support services that are available throughout your studies. STUDY SMARTER STAY IN THE KNOW Studying at uni is about independent To keep up to date about what’s happening I hope that your time as part of the Macquarie community exceeds your expectations. learning and being proactive – no one on campus visit students.mq.edu.au tells you what to do, unlike high school. Attending scheduled lectures, tutorials and GETTING INVOLVED practical classes may take up only 10 to Get involved with our 170-plus student 20 hours of your week depending on your groups and clubs – play, act, dance, pray, degree but this shouldn’t be the end of debate or anything else that helps you meet your studies. like-minded people and make new friends. Visit handbook.mq.edu.au to find out Success at uni is all about balance and being about your specific degree and program part of everything Macquarie has to offer. of study. Contact us Campus Hub Building C10A, Level 1 GET A MENTOR T: (02) 9850 6901 Our mentors are current students in second E: [email protected] year or above who’ve completed their first mq.edu.au/on_campus/get_involved/ Kind regards, year of study at Macquarie. They support student_groups Deidre Anderson new students with administrative, academic Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students and Registrar) and social aspects of uni life by sharing their own unique experiences. T: (02) 9850 4386 E: [email protected] mq.edu.au/transition 6 WELCOMETips for TOparents YOUR FUTURE WELCOME TO YOUR FUTURE 7 in the first weeks • Chat about what your child is looking forward to, what their concerns are and how you can help. • Be aware that their university experience is a balance between studying and socialising. • Encourage them to develop new friendships, join student groups and get connected with what’s University happening on campus. • Respect their subject choices, while checking they understand how their chosen subjects lead to 101 their desired pathway. • While the responsibilities that come with university study rest with The essential information you need to know about being a uni student. your child, there are many support services to offer help. TIMETABLE CONTACTING LECTURERS AND TUTORS Plan your classes for the next session/year It’s your lecturers’ and tutors’ job to help by visiting timetables.mq.edu.au you understand your course, so if you have any questions don’t be afraid to ask. Often LECTURES you can catch staff at the end of a lecture Lectures are where you learn most of your or tutorial. Alternatively, you can chat with degree content. Some lectures take place in lecturers during set consultation times. large theatres with hundreds of students, Their contact details and consultation times while others are held in smaller rooms with are available in each unit guide. only a handful of other students. PRACTICALS TUTORIALS ‘Pracs’ are similar to tutes, but as the name ‘Tutes’ are smaller classes where you can suggests you’ll be looking at the practical discuss lecture content, ask tutors questions applications of lecture content. and engage with fellow students. You can find weekly readings at units.mq.edu.au STUDY GROUPS Study groups are a great way for you to TEXTBOOKS improve your understanding of lecture You can find out which textbooks you’ll need material and make new friends. through ‘Textbook Finder’ on the student homepage. Textbooks and course notes can ACADEMIC HONESTY be purchased at the on-campus Co-op, in Academic honesty and plagiarism are taken Building C9A. Get in early to avoid missing very seriously by the University and the out. For assistance contact (02) 8986 4000 penalties can be severe. Departments use or email [email protected] electronic plagiarism software and check references for anything you submit. Read the SESSIONS policy at mq.edu.au/academichonesty There are three study periods at Macquarie. Sessions 1 and 2 run from February/March to STUDENT ADVISORY BOARD November. Session 3 runs over summer from The Student Advisory Board is the December to January in a more intensive University’s peak consultative body for study period. students. Made up of undergraduate and postgraduate representatives, it gives UNIT GUIDE students a voice at the University Council. Each unit you enrol in has a guide that lets The Student Advisory Board can be contacted you know what to expect from the unit, and at [email protected] what’s expected for you to pass. For further information visit units.mq.edu.au FJ GAYLOR FJ 8 WELCOME TO YOUR FUTURE WELCOME TO YOUR FUTURE 9 Your first contact point You’ll probably have many questions in your first weeks so find out where you can go to have them answered. STUDENT CONNECT CENSUS DATES FEES AND LOAN SCHEMES Student Connect provides information Before census date, you can withdraw Fee statements and due dates are available and administrative support to all students. from units without financial or academic from eStudent, and you should check They’re your main contact for: penalties. If you make changes after the regularly to make sure your fees are paid • alternative entry pathways (such as entry census date your student funding, formal on time. There’s a $200 charge for late not via UAC) student records and course qualification payment, and you may be removed from may be affected. a unit if payment isn’t received. Check • bonus points Courses have different session dates payment due dates at ofs.mq.edu.au/ • campus cards so it’s important you check your own student_finances/due_dates_2015.htm • concurrent and cross-institutional studies program carefully. A full list is available at Commonwealth supported students may mq.edu.au/unifees/census-dates.htm be entitled to government help with their • course transfer and change of major If you’re thinking of withdrawing, it’s always fees. For more information on this and other • deferment and discontinuance of studies good to get advice before making a decision. government fee and loan schemes, visit • disruption to studies You can visit the Counselling Service, or chat studentadmin.mq.edu.au/fees/csp.htm • fees with your tutor or unit convenor. Contact us MUSE Building C7A, Level 2 • how to apply and entry requirements The Library Information Desk also runs ‘Drop in B4 U Drop Out’ immediately T: (02) 9850 6410 • on-campus enrolment days, unit prior to census to help you understand ask.mq.edu.au enrolment and re-enrolment your options. Opening hours • recognition of prior learning Weekdays: 8.30am – 5.30pm • transport concession • unit withdrawal after the census date. 10 WELCOME TO YOUR FUTURE WELCOME TO YOUR FUTURE 11 A helping hand IT AND WEB RESOURCES THE LIBRARY NUMERACY CENTRE STUDENT HOMEPAGE Macquarie’s state-of-the-art library is The Numeracy Centre offers free help with Visit students.mq.edu.au to access system unique in Australia.