GSA statement: graduate student support during conflict
Across the world, a variety of conflicts, attacks, and difficult situations are unfolding. GSA recognises the extreme impact these events have on graduate students, especially those whose family, friends and communities are directly affected.
During times of tragedy and conflict, it’s important to ensure we take care of each other as a community. We understand that graduate students are affected by world issues in a variety of ways, including financial strain, visa implications and insecurity, logistical challenges, mental ill-health, and higher academic support needs. GSA believes that support must be holistic, trauma-informed, and tailored to the unique circumstances graduate students face.
A variety of supports are already available within the University, including:
- Reduced study load
- Leave of absence
- Deferral of your course commencement
- Transfer to another education provider within the first 6 months of study
- Fee Remission in special circumstances
Other supports include:
Academic supports:
- Special consideration
- Short extensions
- Student Equity and Disability Services (SEDS)
- Supports for graduate researchers
- Academic Skills
- GSA Academic supports
Financial supports:
- University financial aid
- University food relief programs
- UMSU Union Mart
- Visa information
- GSA student aid vouchers
- GSA Parents resources
- Australian Red Cross emergency relief support
- Empower Australia
Health, wellbeing and mental health supports:
- Health and Wellbeing Digital Hub
- Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
- Medical services
- Chaplaincy service
- MOST – digital mental health support
- GSA wellbeing supports
- Headspace — National Youth Mental Health Foundation
- Beyond Blue — 24/7 health support
- The Black Dog Institute resources
Social connection:
We acknowledge that these are fantastic supports, but for many they will not be able to address all issues graduate students in these situations may be experiencing.
If these services can’t address your needs, please contact GSA’s Policy and Advocacy team at Policy_Advocacy@GSA.unimelb.edu.au. While we may not be able to resolve every issue directly, we’ll do our best to connect you with the right avenues for support.
GSA continues to work with the University to advocate for more inclusive and accessible support services, especially those required by graduate students in uniquely challenging circumstances. Your input plays an important role in informing that work.
GSA recognises that behind every concern or issue raised is a personal story, and that many in our graduate community are facing real hardship. We extend our empathy to graduate students, and their families, friends and communities during these difficult times.