Con “grad” ulations on your choice of Law School. Murdoch is great place to study and you will find your time here an intoxicating combination of intellectual challenges and stimulating camaraderie. It is said that in the first year the lecturers scare you to death, in the second year they work you to death, and in the third year they bore you to death. So if you are feeling a little intimidated you have much in common with everyone else.

Being a “grad” myself I recognise that for many fellow “grads” becoming a university student once again is a very serious decision to make. It often involves financial and personal sacrifice and can bring a lot of stress and anxiety to your life; and that is before you go to lecturers, begin assignments and sit exams. A “grad” student can be an isolating experience; we often juggle family, work, study and community obligations, leaving little time for joining the many social and professional development activities the both the Law School and MSLS offer.

But I am here to let you know that there are a few things you can do to make your life here a little easier. MSLS is a terrific group of people who work hard to make student life just a little more fun. It only costs $20 to join and it’s really value for money. We organise events and activities that help students to get acquainted and to develop a sense of belonging to both the faculty and the profession of law, and many of these will be designed especially with ‘graduate’ students in mind. These will be listed on the MSLS web site and advertised on notice boards around the faculty, so take the time to read these to find out what’s going on. One of the important things you can do is to introduce yourself to your fellow ‘grads’. They are easy to spot, they are usually at the front of lectures, with very earnest looks on their faces, and you can be sure that if a student asks a question in the lecture there is a good chance it is a grad; drives the undergrads mad!

I did not know anyone when I first started two years ago and I have met many wonderful people who will remain my friends and colleagues long after I leave the law school. I hope to meet with many of you over the course of the year – make yourself known to me –come and say hello, have a chat, have a coffee. I would love to met you and if there is anything I can do to assist you settle into student life, let me know, and MSLS will do what it can to meet your request. Once again welcome to Murdoch!

See ya round!

Jeanne-Mare Gruenthal
Graduate and Mature Age Student Rep