Annual Report 08 - School of Civil and Environmental Engineering ...

KMP
pOStGraDuate Research Students’ Committee (PRSC)
the postgraduate research Students’ Committee (prSC)
represents the interests of all postgraduate research students within the
School. The objectives are to advance the cohesion and social interaction
within the research students and to develop mutually beneficial relations
with the School. In 2008, PRSC has supported the research students,
fostering long-standing friendships within the students and promoting
wholesome research experiences to all research students.
2008-2009 PRSc committee Members
tian Sing Ng
President
erwin Jeremiah
Vice President
Kamran asghar
Secretary
Mohammad pournaghiazar
Treasurer
urooj Khan
Buddy and International Students Coordinator
alexander pui
Undergraduate Teaching and Learning Committee Representative
abdullah Gokhan Yilmaz
Social Activities
Mark han Qing Wu
Occupational, Health and Safety Representative
T h e S c h o o l o f c i v i l a n d e n v i r o n m e n T a l e n g i n e e r i n g a n n u a l r e p o r T 2 0 0 8 > 4 8
Buddy System
PRSC has been successful in helping
newly-arrived research students make a
smooth transition from home to Sydney,
from other institutions to UNSW, and
from undergraduate to postgraduate. The
primary role of the buddies is to assist new
students and to introduce them to staff and
other students within the School, as well as
facilities and support available to research
students.
a Voice within the School
Supporting the Research Student
PRSC acts as a communication channel
for all research students and the school
management. Members of the PRSC attend
various School management committees
including the Research Management,
Teaching and Learning and Occupational
Health and Safety committees.
Various social activities have being organised throughout the year
including the weekly Friday afternoon soccer matches. A barbeque and
social evening event was also organised at Centennial Park in June. End of
Semester Lunch in conjunction with the Eid Ul Fitr celebration was held at
a restaurant in Randwick early October.
In addition, PRSC has conducted a survey among the research students
who are involved in school undergraduate teaching. The survey outcome
was compiled and concerns were raised to the Undergraduate Teaching
and Learning Committee.
Further, a Career Workshop “Life after PhD” presented by three former
School PhD graduates namely Dr. Zora Vrcelj, Dr. Andrew Rose and Dr.
Shikha Garg was held in mid year. The workshop targeted graduating
research students, assisting them in exploring various career opportunities
after graduation.
The Research Student Forum at the end of November was well supported.
Students presented their research outcomes to their colleagues, academics
and industry partners. The support of the School in facilitating the event
and funding prizes was much appreciated.