A panel of four will deliver a version of the following ironic manifesto on Thursday at the Cultural Research Network’s State of the Industry conference in Sydney. We would be delighted to hear your thoughts on these demands in advance.
Research students account for 57% of Australia’s university-based research and development. Around 50% of the teaching in universities is done by sessionals, many of whom are postgrads. Our average age is 35. We are emerging academics in our own right, and we would like that to be recognised and supported in the following ways:
- Match scholarships to candidature (4 years) and make part-time scholarships tax exempt.
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Increase flexibility in visa conditions for international postgraduates.
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Ensure postgrads have access to adequate facilities and resources, such as office space, printers and meeting rooms.
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Provide sufficient funding over the course of candidature for each RHD student to cover costs associated with the production & dissemination of our research.
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Improve collegiality within our departments, with both emerging and established academics, through regular disciplinary seminars and social gatherings.
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Provide discipline-specific and ‘generic skills’ professional training programs.
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Provide institutional support and guidance for pursuing non-academic careers.
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Offer all RHD students university-funded programs to develop teaching credentials.
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Establish national standards for sessional teaching, with fair and transparent remuneration.
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Establish short-term ‘Early Career Fellowships’ (available 0-5 years post-PhD) to bridge the gap between PhD submission and first appointment/postdoc.
What do you want?