The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne

About

The Graduate Union of The University of Melbourne (trading as Graduate House) is an incorporated membership association and registered charity established in 1911. It operates Graduate House in Carlton as a graduate-focused residential college, a meeting and conference venue, and a lifelong alumni and professional network providing opportunities for learning, collegiality, and public-benefit education activities. More information can be found on their website.

Events

Graduate House hosts a wide range of events and networking opportunities including seminars, lectures, continuing professional development workshops, small-to-medium conferences, research committee meetings, alumni reunions, formal dinners, and other social networking events. The venue reports that over 2,000 people meet there each month. Details about specific events can be found here.

Programs

Program activities include academic and professional development meetings and courses, publication programs (such as a monthly newsletter and the biannual magazine The Melbourne Graduate), awards, scholarships, and residential fellowship opportunities. Donor-funded bursaries and scholarships are also available to support residents and research. For more information, visit their FAQ page.

Member Experience

Members gain access to face-to-face and online networking, preferential booking, and member pricing for meetings and functions. They can also use the Johnston Library and meeting facilities, subject to availability, enjoy subsidised dining rates, receive member publications, and receive invitations to events. Opportunities to join committees and participate in philanthropic support through bequests and society events are also available. More details can be found on their website.

Membership

Membership categories include Individual (non-resident) Member, Resident Member, Life Subscriber, and Associate Member. Benefits include networking, member pricing or waived space hire for events, access to dining at reduced rates, publications, and eligibility to stay at Graduate House as a resident or short-stay guest. The application process requires sighting degree documentation, and a membership card is typically issued within ten working days. For more information on how to apply, visit this link.

Eligibility

Membership and residence are open to graduates of universities worldwide. Resident membership is available for postgraduate students, visiting academics, researchers, and clinicians. Associate membership is offered to those without a degree who wish to participate in the Union’s activities. More details can be found here.

Reciprocal Clubs

The Graduate Union maintains reciprocal arrangements with numerous domestic and international clubs and faculty/university clubs. Members can request a letter of introduction and arrange stays or visits with listed reciprocal associations. More information is available on their website.

Facilities

Graduate House provides multiple configurable meeting and event rooms, including U-shape, boardroom, classroom, cabaret, theatre, cocktail, and dining configurations. It also offers residential rooms, including en suite and self-contained apartments, a dining room and bar, the Johnston Library, laundry and housekeeping services, and an on-site car park with delegate accommodation options. Further details can be found here.

Dining Options

Graduate House operates an on-site Dining Room and café/bar with daily breakfast, lunch, and weekday dinner service. Members pay a reduced meal rate, and booking is required. Dinner is prioritized for members, and menus are provided for functions and daily lunch. For more information, visit this page.

Guest Information

Guests and non-members may attend some events and lunches, although non-member prices apply. Certain services, such as weekday dinner, are reserved for members. Event bookings for non-members incur space hire and delegate-package fees unless a Daily Membership or other member arrangement is used. More information can be found here.

History

The association began in 1911 and has evolved into the Graduate Union, which owns and operates Graduate House as a graduate-only residential college and meeting place. The Union's long history, campus location on Leicester Street in Carlton, and building expansions across the 20th and 21st centuries are detailed on their Wikipedia page.

Seasonal Operations

Accommodation bookings are offered for flexible durations, ranging from one night to multi-year stays. Events may be scheduled on weekdays, evenings, and weekends, subject to availability. Dining and serving hours follow a weekday schedule, and event catering adheres to the venue’s published menus and booking procedures. More details can be found here.

Contact Information

For inquiries, you can contact Graduate House at +61 3 9347 3428 or via email at admingh@graduatehouse.com.au. For event-related queries, use meetingservices@graduatehouse.com.au, and for publication inquiries, contact publications@graduatehouse.com.au. The address is 220 Leicester Street, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia. More contact details are available on their website.