Representation by Postgrads for Postgrads

The PGSA is proud to have committee representatives on many of the boards and committees around the University, covering every faculty. These boards and committees look at many issues including new courses, resources and space, fees, policy and processes that affect students and staff. Our representatives make sure the views of students are considered, and contribute towards improving the postgraduate experience at Victoria. Being a postgraduate committee representative offers valuable insight into the University’s administrative processes, providing experience that is beneficial to future careers in academia and elsewhere.

The PGSA also ensures postgraduate representation on relevant University committees and boards that determine university-wide policies. Once we have appointed representatives, we provide training and support to ensure that they are best able to fulfill the roles to which they have been appointed. Below is all current PGSA student representatives:

Academic Board

• Andrew Tipton

University Research Committee

Tell us about yourself!

I am a PhD student focusing on building tools for working with community science and taxonomy. I have also been a community organizer in open source communities for the past decade.

What are your goals this year as a PGSA Representative? My goal is to represent the needs of PhD and Honours students to the staff, and to ensure that access and representation are fair and equitable. My inbox is always open for feedback and input on how best to help you and your research thrive here. E-mail: richard.littauer@ecs.vuw.ac.nz

Student Success Committee

• Sarah Douglas

Te Wāhanga a Manaia—Faculty of Science and Engineering

• Richard Littauer

• Andrew Tipton

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences / Te Wāhanga Aronui

Tell us about yourself!

I am a Wellington-born and globally-raised student of English and Sāmoan Literatures, currently writing my Master's thesis. I did my undergrad here at Te Herenga Waka in English Literature and Philosophy. I love music, food, and comedy!

What are your goals this year as a PGSA Representative?

    My aim is to make sure that postgraduate students are considered when the Faculty makes decisions. I will also do what I can to make PG life better in FHSS, like improving desk space and tutoring! I hope to be easily accessible for any FHSS postgrad who needs an advocate.

Faculty of Graduate Research / Te Here Tāura Rangahau

• Richard Littauer

• Sarah Douglas

Faculty of Law / Te Kauhanganui Tātai Ture

Tell us about yourself!

I am a Law PhD researcher and currently serve as the Law Postgraduate Representative at the Faculty of Law, Te Herenga Waka. As Law Postgraduate Representative, I am passionate about representing the diverse research interests of our cohort at the university level, ensuring that our postgraduate perspective is considered in all departmental decision-making processes.

What are your goals this year as a PGSA Representative?

My goal is to actively cultivate a supportive community where research students feel connected, especially through collaborative events and networking opportunities. I aim to formalize our feedback loops with the faculty, ensuring that student concerns regarding research culture and academic resources are addressed with transparency and urgency. I am driven to foster an inclusive research environment that encourages the sharing of ideas and peer collaboration, ensuring that every postgraduate law student has the resources they need to succeed.

Wellington School of Business and Government / Orauariki

Tell us about yourself!

I bring over a decade and half years of extensive professional experience in audit, compliance, risk management, and financial operations, having successfully led cross-functional teams of over a dozen professionals for a government sector Bank in India. Beyond my academic and corporate pursuits, I am deeply invested in the local community, contributing my time here in Wellington New Zealand as a Policy Auditor for Volunteer Wellington and a Volunteer Unit Leader for GirlGuiding New Zealand.

What are your goals this year as a PGSA Representative?

I am dedicated to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and highly supportive university environment, ensuring that student perspectives are clearly heard and seamlessly integrated into the university community.