Student life

Telethon Kids Institute provides students with several opportunities to meet other students and staff members, develop professionally and personally, and have a say in student services and the student experience. 

 

Student Circle

Student Circle is the name given to the student community at Telethon Kids Institute. The Circle is led by a group of Student Leaders, who represent the study body on a number of committees and organise the student-only events listed below. For a list of Student Leaders, please see the Key Contacts list on page 6.

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Student Circle Afternoon Teas

Every Thursday at 3pm the Student Circle holds an afternoon tea for all students. This informal catch-up is to discuss all topics of relevance to students including funding opportunities, resources, support, and upcoming events. Feedback from these meetings is provided to the Student Leadership Group by Student Leaders in attendance.

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Student Development Program

The Student Development Program is a two-day, student-only event, organised by Student Leaders with the help of student volunteers. The aim of this event is to provide students with an opportunity to develop on a professional and personal level, and meet students from different research areas. The Program is held off-site and includes workshops, presentations, and fun team building activities.

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Student Symposium

The Student Symposium is a one-day, student-only event, organised by Student Leaders with the help of student volunteers. The event consists of student presentations, as well as talks from guest speakers. Students are invited to submit an abstract for presentation in either 3-minute or 10-minute thesis format.

The Symposium is a safe place for students to practice presenting and receive feedback from their peers. Presenting at the Symposium satisfies PhD students’ first three yearly presentation milestones.

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Student Leadership Group

The Student Leadership Group (SLG) is the Institute’s formal committee for students, chaired by the Student Leadership Group. The Group aims to support research students at the Institute through various initiatives and services.

The SLG consists of representatives from the student body, Leadership & Organisational Development, our Research Development team, the Institute’s Leadership Team, and supervisory body.

The Group discuss all activities related to student recruitment, development, funding, and support. Student Leaders also provide the Group with any feedback or comments received at the Student Circle afternoon tea.

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Professional Development

The professional development program at Telethon Kids Institute is dedicated to the development of all staff and students. Throughout the year, a number of different workshops and presentations are held, which are free for all staff and students to attend.

The Leadership & Organisational Development team also frequently schedule student-only events, to provide students with an opportunity to develop their research skills with peers. All enrolled students will have access to the Institute’s Training Calendar, from which they can RSVP to development opportunities.

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Social Club

The Institute’s Social Club is run by a volunteer committee, with representatives from all areas of the Institute. Past events include sundowners, Easter and Christmas breakfasts, Melbourne Cup lunch, morning teas, and sporting events. Annual memberships for students are offered at a discounted rate of $40/year.