Aims
The aims and value of CASH are threefold:
- Recruit high calibre honours students from UQ, Go8 and NZ universities into our RHD programs;
- Develop graduate attributes relating to communication skills;
- Support research culture within Schools and Institutes.
Recruitment value
CASH can support the RHD recruitment aims of Schools and Institutes through academically-focussed activities such as research conferences and “open days” where potential RHD candidates have the opportunity to meet potential supervisors and see the research facilities and support available.
Communication Skills
Organising and/or participating in student conferences provides opportunities to:
- gain experience in writing and presenting conference papers,
- network with other graduate students working in similar fields, and from different Universities,
- acquire administrative/organisational/financial experience in staging a conference,
- demonstrate and disseminate research excellence from UQ,
- recognise UQ's commitment to providing a superior research graduate student experience,
- gain experience in application writing and seeking funds.
These activities support key graduate attributes for the Bachelor degree with Honours programs (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25095&pid=25075):
In addition, bachelor with honours graduates will display:
· The ability clearly to communicate the results of research in a format suitable for publication in the field of study; and
· The ability to explain clearly and defend research findings through oral presentations, including at conference standard.
Research culture
The Graduate School recognises the importance and benefits of a healthy research culture in Schools and Institutes. A healthy research culture that is inclusive, supportive and intellectually nourishing extends horizontally (between peers) and vertically (from undergraduate students through RHD to Postdoctoral and Academic staff). However, many academic and professional staff have heavy workloads and are ‘time poor’. Graduate School activities such as the “Three Minute Thesis” competition and the ongoing PACS program provide evidence that student-initiated activities promote and support healthy research communities and cultures without adding significantly to workloads.
How much CASH?
CASH will match up to $2000 in funding committed by the initiating School to each CASH event.
Three levels of funding according to the scale of conference/event:
- Local (visitors from Qld universities only): $1000
- National (visitors from interstate universities, esp Go8): $1500
- International (visitors from NZ and beyond): $2000
Only one CASH application per year for School/Institute that enrol Honours and RHD will be considered. Combined applications from one or more school/institute are permitted. Applications combining CASH with Postgraduate Academic Conference Scheme (PACS) funding are also permitted. Organisers might also consider how their event and students could link to the UQ Summer Research Scholarships scheme.
What will CASH fund?
- travel and accommodation for visiting UG/Hons students
- registration fees for UG/Hons students
- promotional support from OMC
What will it not fund?
- catering, alcohol, operational costs of Schools such as photocopying
- departmental expenses such as phone/fax, basic photocopying needs
- cash prizes.
Obligations
Schools to report on CASH outcomes:
- conference outcomes including attendance, publications etc
- prospects and subsequent enrolment of RHDs
- realisation of UG Hons graduate attributes
How to apply?
- Application for CASH funding by Schools/Institutes. To be completed by the event organiser and submitted to Graduate School
- Sample application form for students. Event organisers may edit and send this form to potential conference attendees (visiting students)
Contacts
- about the CASH scheme: Tony Miscamble or phone ext. 58846
- to submit applications: graduateschool@uq.edu.au or phone ext. 69563