June 3, 2019, by Lisa Chin

Postgraduate Induction #2

What is it about?

Postgraduate Induction is an opportunity for all new postgraduates to hear about how the Graduate School can support them with training and development opportunities. It also offers a great chance to meet other new postgraduates and establish rapport with senior postgraduates over some light refreshments.


Our second mini postgraduate induction 

Welcome presentations were delivered by senior staff from the Graduate School which introduced the additional facilities and support available to postgraduate students.

Our second mini induction for new postgraduates was held on 28 May 2019. This induction was for postgraduate students who were not able to attend the first induction in February or have joined the the University thereafter.

Welcome address

“…the Graduate School is committed to providing postgraduate students with the skills and confidence to maximise their potential here at the University and beyond.” 

A welcome address by Ms Deepa Kumari Veerasingam, Head of Graduate School, who also introduced the role of Graduate School in providing a range of dedicated support and services for its postgraduate students.

Deepa then highlighted the importance of building and maintaining an effective and efficient student-supervisor relationship. She also talked about two important topics, Research Ethics and Research Integrity, to the new postgraduate students where they are now at the stage of embarking on their research degrees.

Introduction to our training programmes

“…our training and development provision aims to help you develop a range of transferable skills.”

An informative presentation by Dr Tissa Chandesa, Research Training Development Manager, which delved into the details of Researcher Development Programme (RDP) and Postgraduate Student Teachers (PST) programme.

“…PhD is like a marathon.”

Dr Chandesa encapsulated his PhD experience as hard work as he compared it with a marathon. Yes, it is hard but there is a finishing line out there somewhere. Most importantly, he urged the postgraduate students to enjoy themselves and have a good time while they are at it.

A network for postgraduate students

“…we are the representative body of postgraduate students at the University.”

An introductory to Postgraduate Students’ Network (PGSN) by Olaoluwa Duro-Bello (fondly known as Ola), Students’ Association (SA) Postgraduate Officer, who is currently leading the PGSN.

If you would like to find out more about PGSN, please follow and/or get in touch via their Facebook platform or email sapgofficer@nottingham.edu.my.

“…enjoy or endure? Enjoy your PhD, don’t endure it.”

Ola echoed the comparison of PhD with a marathon. PhD can be a lonely and miserable journey. If we get too caught up in the negatives, it is easy to lose heart (passion) and interest. So remember why you decided to do a PhD in the first place.

A council of postgraduate student representatives

“…we are the intermediaries between postgraduate students and faculties.”

An introductory to the Postgraduate Students’ Council for the Faculty of Science and Engineering by Apurav Krishna Koyande, a 2nd year PhD student at the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, and Janet Tan Sui Ling, a 4th year PhD student at the School of Pharmacy. The council is under the banner of the Faculty Research Operations Group (FROG) which deals with the progression and welfare matters of postgraduate research students in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

“…enjoy your PhD experience and have fun!”

Apart from the above, some of the key advice that Apurav and Janet shared during the session were:

  • Keep in constant touch with your supervisors.
  • If you are stuck in the black hole of your PhD, seek help and get advice.

Introduction to our support & services

“…there are loads of fun and engaging activities that we do here at the Graduate School.” 

Last but not least, an informative presentation by Ms Vimaleswari Danapal, Assistant Manager at the Graduate School, which delved into the details of competitions, events and activities by Graduate School.


Join us next time

The next induction programmes are scheduled for:

  • Friday 30 August 2019, 2pm – 3pm
  • Monday 30 September 2019, 10am – 4pm

Get in touch

As a postgraduate researcher, you may start your research degree at different times of the year. We send out a welcome email upon request to new postgraduate researchers which contains information about registering on Moodle, university support services and upcoming events as well as training and other opportunities.

Please email us at graduateschool@nottingham.edu.my for more information.

Posted in News and EventsPostgraduate lifeResearcher Development