Source: University of Otago
Ravneel encourages postgraduate students to speak up when they are experiencing issues.
This year’s Postgrad Rep has plans to help postgraduate students with finance issues, and to address any of their student-supervisor communication issues.
Originally from Fiji Islands, Ravneel Chand arrived at Otago University in 2019 to do a PhD in Toxicology.
While 2022 is his final year of study, he was initially supposed to finish in February but had to get an extension because of COVID-19, a situation several postgraduate students have found themselves in.
As a result, many of these students have serious concerns regarding their finances, he says.
“The cost of living, it’s just too high. At times it gets really hard.”
Another major concern Ravneel hopes to address is the postgraduate student-supervisor relationship which plays a fundamental role in student success.
“Our voice does matter. As a student, our voice does matter.
“If you’re being quiet and struggling with so many problems, particularly with your study, people will not know. When you speak up, then people will know and help you out.”
Ravneel encourages students to speak up when they are facing issues, particularly with their supervisors or course.
The University is here to address such issues, he says, but he felt the process could be improved with a better level of communication between OUSA and the Graduate Research School.
Currently, any issue raised would be elevated right to the Graduate Research School, whereas there were times when it could have been dealt with in a lesser manner, he says.
Ravneel also plans to raise the profile of the Otago Postgrad Association.
“We are here for you, so make the best use of it.”
Vinaka vaka levu.
