Australasian Research Training Administrators

What is ARTA?

The Postgraduate Research Administrators Taskforce (PRATS) was established in 1997 and the first meeting was held in Adelaide, April 1998. The group was renamed at the 2007 Conference as the Australasian Research Training Administrators (ARTA). ARTA is the administrative support network closely aligned with the Council of Deans and Directors of Graduate Studies (DDOGS). The group consists of staff engaged in the administration of research degrees within higher education institutions in Australia and New Zealand. These administrative areas include, but are not limited to, scholarships, thesis examination, management, professional development, training, support, projects and policy development.

ARTA includes members from 52 higher education institutions across Australia and New Zealand. A conference is held each year and is open to all members. Some state groups also meet more frequently to encourage cross-institutional discussions and collaborations. More on the history of ARTA can be found under "Papers" in the left-hand menu.

For more information, to contact the ARTA Executive Committee members, or if you have any specific questions, please contact the relevant ARTA Member.

What does ARTA do?

ARTA meetings have become an acknowledged forum for networking and brainstorming for staff from universities and institutions whose enrolments range from hundreds to thousands of research students, and whose research offices are staffed by two or three people or a large team of administrators. It is this diversity which has made, and continues to make, ARTA such an encouraging and dynamic group.

How does ARTA operate?

ARTA is driven by staff desiring to meet with others in similar roles to gain a better understanding of national issues and day-to-day procedures. Membership and involvement are voluntary.

Who can become a ARTA member?

Membership is open to anyone involved in the administration of scholarships and research degrees within higher education institutions. There is no fee to join. If you would like to become a member please contact the relevant volunteer.

How does ARTA communicate?

Communication takes place at the annual conferences or via the website and the GSnet email list.

Website: The website is maintained by the University of Melbourne and content is managed by ARTA members at Curtin University of Technology. The pages belong to the ARTA group and provide information about the organisation, its members and meetings.

GSnet Email List: The electronic mailing list is maintained by ARTA members at the University of Adelaide and allows members identify mutual problems and discuss procedures and solutions. View further details via the "GSnet" link in the left-hand menu.