In 2014 the Veterinary Science Post-graduate Association (VeSPA) was re-established. We held and attended a number of events throughout the year including a welcoming BBQ, trivia nights, 3MT BBQ, the stampede obstacle course, the vet ball, and a combined end of year mixer with the School of Agriculture and Food Science. The end of year mixer was a highlight for many students. It enabled post-grads across the Gatton campus to meet and enjoy a good meal, indulge in a few drinks and receive some great awards/prizes. With approximately 40 attendees across the two schools the night was enjoyed by all and, for a few keen souls, a dabble on the karaoke machine or game of pool was a highlight at the end of the night. We are very happy with the way this event ran and are hopeful that this will become an annual event on campus.
In 2015 VeSPA aims to continue to grow as a club, putting on more events for its members. As a club we aim to provide a support group for veterinary science postgraduate students regarding both academic and social aspects of their degree and life and to build networks between postgraduates and academic/professional staff within the vet school.
Upcoming events for 2015 include;
- TBA March – Annual general meeting
- 12th, 26th March – SAFS/SVS student seminar series
We are also working with the graduate school to encourage a variety of workshops currently held for post-grads at St Lucia to be trialled at Gatton. Attendance by a good number of post-grad students may see further workshops being held on campus, eliminating the need to travel to the St Lucia campus for such courses. Details on future workshops will be distributed once finalised. Students may also be unaware that we have a folder on the G-drive (G: drive > Postgraduate students > VeSPA). Here you can find vital information for milestone processes as well as membership forms, hints and tips for data management, seminar timetables, and meeting minutes and agendas.
In March (date yet to be confirmed) we have our annual general meeting. We will look at forming a new executive committee for 2015, as well as discuss other business of what VeSPA can provide for post-grad students, and how we can grow as a club. Anyone interested in being involved in the executive committee, or wishes to have a say please come along and join us at our AGM or you can contact Lana at l.harriott@uq.edu.au or Des Tutt at d.tutt@uq.edu.au at any time throughout the year.
Lana Harriott
VeSPA President