The Commerce Research and Learning Skills (CRALS) Program

CRALS is a free, not-for-credit subject intended for international students about to begin studying in the Faculty of Economics and Commerce. It focuses on developing discipline-related generic skills that provide the foundation for student learning in Masters by coursework programs in the Faculty. Research students may also participate.

This page is designed to answer your questions about the CRALS program. Please read the Frequently Asked Questions below BEFORE contacting the subject coordinator Tim Beaumont.

Also, see information on CRALS teaching staff and student testimonials.  

• When it CRALS held?

• What is covered in CRALS?

• How can CRALS benefit me?

• I am interested in participating - how can I join?

• Do I have to formally enrol in CRALS?

• Is CRALS compulsory?

• I am an AUSAID student - do I have to do CRALS?

• How does CRALS differ from the Graduate Enrichment Program (GEP)?

• Can I come late for CRALS (i.e. arrive later than the start date)?

• How many students elect to arrive early and do CRALS?

• CRALS is a not-for-credit subject - what does this mean?

• What is the advantage of completing CRALS ?

• What is involved in completing the CRALS assessed tasks?

• What do I need to bring and how can I prepare?

• Why does the Faculty offer CRALS as a free subject?

• How do I get a VISA to attend CRALS three weeks early?

• How do I get accommodation early?

• Do we get picked up from the Airport by CRALS staff?

• How can I prepare for CRALS?

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What is CRALS and when it is held?

CRALS runs from 9am-5pm everyday for three weeks before semester starts. As a result, students need to arrive early and obtain temporary accommodation before CRALS begins. CRALS is only available in a three-week intensive mode prior to the start of each semester. The next program will be offered oveer the following dates:

Dates:
Monday 1 February - Thursday 18 February

Location:
All sessions will be conducted in room 513-514, 'The Spot' 198 Berkeley Street

Please refer to the CRALS information brochure (PDF, 171Kb) for more information.

What is covered in CRALS?

You will learn how to write clear reports, critical reviews and essays based on what constitutes sound research methods and evidence. Students will acquire information literacy, mathematics and computer literacy skills of particular relevance to their course of study.

Students will obtain vital assistance with English language fluency (oral and written).

Students will obtain hands-on skills in database searching in the Library and other critical information literacy skills. Effective reading, writing, citation and referencing skills and summarising and paraphrasing techniques will also be practiced. They will also learn how to use Endnote, a referencing software that is a vital tool for graduate students.

Students will enrol and obtain their student cards three weeks earlier than other students, enabling them to integrate within the Faculty. For further information, see the subject schedule (this will be provided to you when you register).

How can CRALS benefit me?

In all of the ways mentioned above. Evaluation of written materials will provide the basis for acquiring critical thinking skills and skills of analysis and synthesis, essential for graduate study in the Faculty. Competence and confidence in oral presentation skills will also be developed. Finally, it is a great way to make new friends and 'study buddies'.

I am interested in participating - how can I join?

By registering. You can register to join this program by entering your details on the registration page. (If you do not yet have a student number, just type: '123456')

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Do I have to formally enrol in CRALS?

No. However, you will need to register (see above). Enrolment is completed on the first day when you receive your student card. The CRALS subject code: 300-626. If you complete CRALS successfully (including the assessment tasks) the subject will appear on your student transcript.

Is CRALS compulsory?
No. It is entirely optional for the smart students who want to prepare early for their graduate courses. CRALS consists of three modules: academic literacy, computer literacy, mathematics and information literacy. It is available ONLY in three-week intensive mode prior to the start of each semester. Some academic literacy units in CRALS are repeated in the Graduate Enrichment Program (GEP) program during each semester. You may elect to do CRALS or GEP or both if you wish. Both are FREE and not-for-credit subjects.

I am an AUSAID student - do I have to do CRALS?

AusAid students have their own academic orientation program called IAP. This is run by Dr Paul Gruba from the School of Languages. If you are an Ausaid student you are required to complete the IAP, not CRALS. If you are an AusAid student you cannot attend CRALS as they are run at the same time (IAP is several weeks longer).

For more information regarding AusAID, please contact the International Student Services division. 

How does CRALS differ from the Graduate Enrichment Program (GEP)?

The programs differ in three main ways:

1. CRALS has integrated information literacy component and a mathematics 'refresher' course; GEP does not have these. NB: These are rated by students as the 'most important' parts of CRALS.
2. CRALS has an assessed task which must be completed during the course. It allows scope for gaining vital editing and proofreading skills. Therefore it offers more scope for dedicated assistance with English language fluency before formal classes commence.
3. GEP runs during the semester as one two-hour lecture once a week. CRALS runs before the semester starts everyday for three weeks.

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Can I come late for CRALS (i.e. arrive later than the start date)?

This is very unwise and definitely NOT RECOMMENDED. In the first week, students enrol and get their student card and passwords, learn how to find things in the library, learn about database searching and resources available to them as graduates, and commence their assessed tasks (which take every waking moment of the CRALS course). They are also told about assessment requirements in detail. Arriving late will mean that you cannot complete CRALS. It will also mean that you will miss out of the benefits of early induction into the university. It is your future.

How many students elect to arrive early and do CRALS?

Between 20 and 40. Participants often perform better on average than non-CRALS students during the semester. We have discovered that CRALS student perform around 5 percent points higher for assessed tasks than non-CRALS students. Bonds of friendship are formed during the three weeks and new students gain valuable friends for the remainder of their time at Melbourne.

CRALS is a not-for-credit subject - what does this mean?

It means that if you complete the subject successfully, CRALS appears on your student transcript with no grade.If you do not complete it, there is nothing lost. What have you got to lose?

What is the advantage of completing CRALS?

There are lots of advantages. Students always tell us that the transition to university is very, very difficult. The University of Melbourne is a research-intensive university. Some students may find that their English language skills need to be practiced in a non-threatening environment. CRALS offers a sample of the rigorous academic learning environment of the University. This opportunity gives students greater confidence, and, most importantly, the opportunity to: "make mistakes" before the academic year begins. This advantage cannot be over-stated. Every student needs what CRALS offers.

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What is involved in completing the CRALS assessed tasks?

CRALS has one major compulsory assessed task: the formal Department Report. Examples of these are given below. This allows students to: 1) practice report writing conventions/style (a major assessment task in the Faculty); and 2) become more familiar with their intended department(s). Students complete the task in groups. In practice, the report undergoes three revisions before it is finally acceptable for submission. CRALS also has an optional task, the research essay. This option is available for students who are really serious about preparing in advance for their assessed tasks. These students usually become High Distinction students.

What do I need to bring and how can I prepare?

All you need is an open mind and willingness to work hard. It helps if you have organised temporary accommodation (see below) well before CRALS starts, otherwise you will waste valuable study time. All resources will be provided to you for free when you arrive.

Why does the Faculty offer CRALS as a free subject?

Because we know that our students need it, and because we like you! We also realise that the preparation of students for successful completion of their degrees is important to our reputation.

How do I get a VISA to attend CRALS three weeks early?

Unfortunately we cannot help you there. We suggest you begin this process as early as you can with your government and the Australian government so you can arrive before CRALS commences.   You can find more information on the Visa application process on the International Student Services EOS/Visa website.

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How do I get accommodation early?

There are many options here:

1. The University of Melbourne has an Accommodation Service. This is usually for stays in Melbourne for an extended time, but there is also a section on temporary accommodation.  The temporary accommodation section provides details on accommodation at on-campus residential colleges and they provide a hotel guide which lists hotels nearby the University campus.  Prices are included on the hotel guide. There are also links to the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) website which offers an accommodation guide. 
2. Another tip is to access last-minute standby rates for hotels on websites like wotif.com.
3. If you would like to be near the University of Melbourne campus, carry out accommodation searches for suburbs like Carlton, Parkville, North Melbourne and Melbourne city.
4. You may also find the Hostels (Rooming House) publication useful.
   
5. It might also be useful if you have not done so already to send an email to the Intercollegiate office to enquire about casual accommodation availability at the Residential Colleges.
   
   

Do we get picked up from the Airport by CRALS staff?

CRALS staff are unable to pick up students, however you can book temporary accommodation and airport reception via OASIIS. You must book at least 72 hours before you leave your home country.

Some useful links to ISS webpage for information on preparing to arrive in Australia, cultural information etc can be found below:

Planning your Arrival

When you get Here

Living in Melbourne

How can I prepare for CRALS?

You can start by reading all the lecture materials, and having a look at the sample student reports. If you finish all this, have a look at the wealth of student materials provided by the TLU.

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