Society for Postgraduate Students
Society for Postgraduate Students (SPS), established in 2024, is the primary postgraduate student organization on campus.
Our mission:
Our main purpose is to support YOU as a postgraduate student through:
- Fostering academic and professional development
- Creating a supportive community for postgrads
- Facilitating networking opportunities
All you must identify as is a postgraduate student to engage with SPS. Whether you’re a PhD, Masters, Honours, DipGrad, Postgrad Diploma, or Postgrad Certificate student, then SPS is for you!
You can email us at otagosps@gmail.com if you have any questions. Follow us on Instagram, and join our Facebook group to keep up to date with events and news!
We are super excited to ideate with you to provide better services for Otago postgraduate students and we are super eager to serve you all a calendar full of fun events and opportunities!
MEET YOUR 2024 EXEC (email linked to name):
Chair
こんにちは! 花です~
Kia ora e te whānau,
I’m Hanna and I am thrilled to be your OUSA postgrad rep and chair of SPS for 2024. 💚 The club is all about turning the possibilities of our community at Otago into realities.✨My aim as Chair is to ensure that YOU, as a member of our community, feel heard, valued, and your experience enriched while pursuing your academic and personal goals.🎓👏As your rep, I am here to advocate for your needs and address your concerns with the University.😊Together, we can elevate the postgrad experience to create memorable experiences and build meaningful connections during our time here.🤩❤️
Events Coordinator
Kia ora everyone. 👋
My name is Roger and I am your Events Coordinator for SPS in 2024!! 📋 I'm a Psychology PhD student finishing up my thesis on why social class differences exist! 🤮 In my spare time you can find me pumping through one piece episodes 🏴☠️, playing Yu-Gi-Oh at Card Marchant 🎴, or telling my supervisors I’ll be sending a draft in after the weekend (they don’t need to know it’s not happening😮💨). The role of the Events coordinator is to make sure your events are run as smoothly as possible. 💃 This means making sure people are where they need to be and that the venue is as ready as can be by the time y'all start funnelling in. 🏃♂️ If you wanna see an event from SPS this year I 👏 AM 👏 YOUR 👏 GUY 👏!
Academic Liaison Coordinator
Mālō e lelei everyone!
I’m Bella and I’m the academic liaison officer for SPS 2024! My job is to help bridge the gap between students and academics. I’m keen to get some projects and programmes going this year that can help students get involved and learn more about postgrad options! 😊
Secretary
Greetings, beautiful souls!
I'm Guantian, your Secretary for SPS this year, and I'm absolutely thrilled to be embarking on this incredible journey with each and every one of you! This year, my role is to oversee general administrative matters, but more importantly, I'm passionate about connecting with like-minded individuals who share our insatiable curiosity and thirst for knowledge. A little about me: I'm currently immersed in my fourth year of Psychology, pursuing a Bachelor of Science with honors. 🎓 Beyond the realms of academia and SPS, I enjoy fine art 🎨, beach walks 🏖️playing the trumpet 🎺and guitar 🎸. I invite you to join me on this exhilarating adventure as we navigate the vast landscape of academia and beyond, surrounded by individuals who share our passion for learning and discovery.
Welfare Officer
Hi everyone!
I’m Georgia, your welfare officer this year. I’m starting my postgrad journey this year with a bachelor of honours in Neuroscience. I’m very excited for the events we are planning for the year, hope to see you there! 🎉
Adam Harris
Treasurer
Hiya!
I’m Adam grew up in California, did my undergrad in Washington and am now pursuing my masters of neuroscience here! Come have a chat if you see me around!!
Marketing Officer
Hello!
I’m Daniella and I will be the marketing officer for SPS 2024! I am so excited to be sharing news about what we’re doing this year and promoting the awesome events that we’re working on. I am beginning my honours in neuroscience and am looking forward o seeing our postgrad community grow!
Networking Officer
Unfilled position
The SPS exec is still looking to fill one executive position: the networking coordinator exec role. This role entails (but is not limited to) organizing networking events, building connections with other student groups, alumni, and professionals. But frankly, the exec just works together on different events we want to run, and we have a lot of fun together!
Please contact us at otagosps@gmail.com or postgrad@ousa.org.nz if you might be interested or if you would like any more information!
SUPPORT SERVICES:
Postgraduate study can be stressful and challenging, and we want to ensure that you have access to any available support that you might need during this time. You can find below a list of contacts and spaces that are useful.
- The OUSA Postgraduate Students’ Representative is your elected rep on campus, and can answer questions or support you at the governance, committee, and/or advisory level. They are part of the OUSA Executive.
- OUSA Student Support can help you navigate university life in general, and offer support on issues such as tenancy law and flatting, wellbeing and safety, financial hardship, and academic concerns. They employ several advocates, including a Queer Support Coordinator.
- The Graduate Research School looks after all PhD and thesis Masters students. You can contact them about scholarships, Māori postgrad support, graduate wellbeing, and more.
- The International Office is a campus hub set up to support international students. They facilitate a range of initiatives, events, and support structures to help their students feel at home.
- Disability Information and Support is a University service that offers services and support to students with a disability, including academic advocacy, note-taking, and examination alternatives.
- Talk to the Career Development Centre if you would like support or advice around job-seeking or figuring out your career path.