The Senate Votes Tomorrow

Dear Members,

The last week has seen some significant developments occur in the continued negotiations between the University of Sydney and the University of Sydney Union. By this point, you are probably aware of the challenges that the USU faces in attempting to maintain control of its commercial operations, and by extension, the student-run student experience.

We suspect that this Monday (December 5th), the University Senate will vote on a motion that details the University's intentions for a USU commercial takeover, presented by the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), Professor Derrick Armstrong. The confidential nature of this motion and discussion means that no USU representation at the meeting is allowed, and with no voice to speak against the motion we run the very big risk that it will pass.

Tomorrow the Senate is likely to endorse a plan that supports a purchase of the USU's commercial operations for the price of $3 million or less - a far cry from what they’re worth in independent financial support for the growth of the USU’s student programs. Further, if the USU doesn't accept such an offer, the University has made it clear that they will refuse to fund the USU at all in 2012, cutting off all support until a form of their offer is accepted. These conditions are unacceptable, and fly in the face of the steady "good faith" negotiation tactics that the University had agreed to abide by.

To add further to this distrust is the fact that this motion was not brought to the attention of the USU or any stakeholders of the University community; the board is only aware of these developments because it was leaked to them late last week. The University administration did not go to any effort to consult its students on such a significant proposal. Such a shift could represent a colossal change to the USU's ability to provide events, clubs, food, bars and festivals at the high quality that Sydney students are accustomed to and deserve.

The Senate meets this Monday, the 5th of December, at 3:30pm. Show your support for the USU and demand better from a University that should not have to resort to deception and bullying in order to reach its desired outcome. Please show your support and write to the Chancellor by emailing Mrs. Liz Cartwright (The Chancellor's Assistant) and ask that the student voice is heard tomorrow. We’ve suggested an email to send below:

Dear Chancellor, 

As a member of the USU I’m concerned about the proposal going to Senate this Monday outlining a transfer of the commercial operations – the most important element ensuring the USU’s independence. I’m particularly disappointed that the University has not consulted students in regards to this proposal, and that the USU Board only learnt of the motion due to a leak. Please defer the Senate’s decision until after the USU is afforded the opportunity to address the Senate and ensure our concerns are heard.

Yours sincerely, 

Concerned USU Member

Thank you for all your help and encouragement. We’re really glad you’re with us.

Yours sincerely,

USU Board of Directors

USU Board November Update

Thank you everyone for joining in on the discussions regarding the USU-University Negotiations. It’s been excellent to see so many people taking the time to make their voices heard, especially during the exam season. There have been a number of comments requesting further explanation so I would like to pick up from where we left off in the last blog and answer some contested issues. If you have any more questions or thoughts, please post a comment below.

STUDENT SERVICES AND AMENITIES FEE (SSAF)
First, allow me to clarify the misconception surrounding the new Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). Many are calling this a return of compulsory union fees, which is untrue as no-one will be obliged to join the Union, SRC, SUPRA, Campus Rewards or SUSF. Every cent of the $263 paid by each student goes to the University’s administration to distribute as they see fit, as long as it falls within the legislative guidelines (click here for more details). The decision about where the money will be spent is made in consultation with student organisations – that is, representatives of the student organisations sit on a Consultative Committee led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Derrick Armstrong. The second meeting of this committee will be held next Monday. There is no onus on the University to provide the USU with any of the funding, but we feel very strongly about providing more services for students, particularly those currently marginalised in student experience programs, such as students at the affiliated sites.

THE USU’s FINANCIAL SITUATION
Much discussion has focused on the USU’s financial health since VSU and what happens on our balance sheets. The VSU’s impact on the USU in 2006 - the loss of $8.4 million dollars annually and a completely new business environment, was a challenge we overcame. The USU’s strength and ability to survive and evolve is why we exist today as the largest and most extensive student union in the country; an incredible feat that is largely thanks to the support of our student members. Numerous initiatives and business plans were enacted that meant the USU not only stayed afloat, but over time reduced deficits and increased cash flows. The last few years have seen a hostile global financial landscape that made most organisations around Australia feel the pinch – including the USU and University itself. Agreements with the University have aided us specifically for the occupation and upkeep of our buildings – buildings built with Union funds over the last 100 years. Without such Agreements, the USU would still exist – but the student experience program we deliver would have been at the mercy of the accountant’s chopping block. The USU would have simply been a diluted example of what it used to be and we wanted to guarantee this did not happen.

The USU’s commercial operations have been financially improving each year and in 2010 the USU made an $83,616 operating profit, the first operating surplus since VSU. The profits generated from our commercial operations, which exceeded $4 million were duly invested directly back into the student programs. A focused strategy to improve USU outlets has been a long-running project that is beginning to pay dividends; and more steps and continual improvements are planned by the USU. Last year’s surplus is proof that with a commitment to improved service delivery, the USU’s commercial services will continue to be an important source of independent revenue in the future. We strongly believe that we are able to deliver these services from a financially-sound business platform, and importantly, in a way that truly reflects the wants and needs of the campus community.

THE USU’S PLANS

Access
The SSAF Bill is another game-changer for the USU and the University. Given that the University is the gatekeeper to these student-paid funds, future plans are dependant on their decisions regarding distribution. The USU believes that the best way to give students value for the payment or the SSAF is through the universal provision of the Access Benefits Program - our membership program that was established in the wake of VSU to recoup lost membership revenue. Access delivers tangible benefits through discounts both on and off campus, free membership packs at O-Week, exclusive deals, leadership opportunities, access to Clubs and Societies and much more. Its founding premise is our belief that students deserve value for money, which is why we hope that the Access Benefits Program can be delivered to each and every student to tangibly demonstrate value for students’ fees (SSAF). This is, of course, dependent on the University’s distribution of SSAF funds, and we will discuss this possibility with the University in the very near future.

Retail Strategy

The USU was not satisfied with the Retail Plan delivered by the University’s Campus Infrastructure Services, as it did not address specific student needs. Considerations such as affordability and opening hours, or student choice in regards to outlets and catering options were not addressed. Throughout the negotiations, the University have repeatedly assured us that we would be able to deliver our own Retail Strategy in response to the University’s plan, as a vision for how we would improve food and beverage facilities on campus. The detailed Retail Strategy is currently being developed, and while I cannot reveal specifics as yet, rest assured that at every corner of this plan the whole campus community is at the forefront of our mind. We seek to reach out to the campus community to gauge wants and needs so we can deliver them. You inhabit the campus and your money is invested into it, therefore we believe your opinion is what really matters, not the interests of external commercial entities.

USVC
The USU has operated the University of Sydney Venue Collection (USVC) successfully for the last four years. The business model uses joint assets of the USU and University to benefit the entire community. As the USU had a pre-existing functions business (called The Venue Collection) and the University had a vast array of desirable venues, by combining the two we provided a one-stop shop for corporate, wedding and University clients to have all their event management needs met, including catering. This business became highly valuable for the USU, providing over $900,000 in operating contribution back into student services. The University gave us 12 months termination notice last December, and it is disappointing that the University is adamant on breaking up such a successful business unit by the end of 2011. We are also concerned with the University’s suggested proposal for the operation of the venues on campus, as it is not a sustainable alternative to that offered by the USU, which has a proven track record.

WHAT YOU CAN DO…
The USU Board will continue to negotiate with the University in seeking to arrive at a mutually beneficial outcome. Over the last nine months of negotiations, we have agreed on a number of core principles. We have strong agreement on the importance of student life being student-run; acknowledgment that the food and beverage services need to be improved for the benefit of our students; and a keen desire to reach a shared vision for service delivery in the future. We believe that there are more conciliatory, cost-effective and inclusive ways to improve the food and beverage services on campus than the University’s proposed takeover, and we will work hard to negotiate with the University in exploring those alternative solutions.

However, with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s November 2 email, the University signalled an unwillingness to confine the discussions regarding the future of the USU’s commercial operations to the negotiation room. We don’t think this communication should be a one-way street - we’d like you to share your thoughts with the University administration, and more importantly, the University of Sydney Senate. The Senate is the University’s governing authority, and is the body responsible for keeping this University a world-class institution; a leader in education, academic research and achievement; and a leader in student experience and life within the campus community.

The Senate decisions are largely informed by the advice of the University administration, and student voice is not often recognised with the exception of the two student Senate Fellows. If you feel strongly about the situation facing the USU, please inform the current (and recently re-elected) student Senate Fellow, Ben Veness as well as the Chair of the Senate, The Chancellor, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO.

Below is an example template you may wish to use, or feel free to write your own message.

By emailing them and asking them to bring your concerns to the next Senate Meeting on your behalf (the next meeting is being held on 5 December), you can ensure your student voice is heard.

As always, thank you for your support and patience throughout these negotiations, and please don’t hesitate to post your comments and questions below.

Yours sincerely,

Sibella Matthews

Email contact details:

Ben Veness, Student Senate Fellow: (email)

Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Chancellor: (Chancellor’s Office)

EXAMPLE EMAIL:

SUBJECT: USU-University commercial takeover 

Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO / Ben VenessI write to you in support of the University of Sydney Union, and its autonomy as Australia’s leading Student Union – and the last truly independent one left standing. The proposed takeover of the USU’s commercial services will deny the USU crucial funding to deliver the extensive student programs and services that the entire campus community holds dear. 

As such, I request that within the next senate meeting this decision be addressed, and may the USU’s independence and financial autonomy be recognised by allowing them to retain the rights to run the commercial services (including the USVC). 

I also request that the Senate consider my personal wish for the Student Service and Amenities Fee that I will pay to be put towards programs and services that I value, in particular, those that are run by peers that I trust in the Student Union.
Please consider the student voice in this important decision. 

Sincerely, NAME

Update on USU-University Negotiations

Dear members,

You will have received an email yesterday from Professor Derrick Armstrong, the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), regarding the University’s proposed future of the USU, in particular the catering and retail outlets.

The USU Board found the email highly concerning and feel it is important to begin by looking at the bare facts of the relationship between the USU and the University.

It is true that Voluntary Student Unionism, which took away $8.4 million in funding from the USU, led the University and the Student Union to enter three working agreements.

These agreements are:

-          The Occupation License: The USU built three buildings upon University land using member funds, the Holme, Manning and Wentworth Buildings. This agreement provides the USU the right to occupy these Union buildings without incurring a rent, as well as the right to occupy affiliate site catering outlets run by the Union, such as, The Conservatorium of Music, Bosch and Mallet Street. This license is not due to expire until 2017.

-          The Service Level Agreement: This is funding (approx $3.6 million annually) provided to the Union by the University to spend on the student spaces for maintenance, cleaning, repair and utilities of its three buildings. This expires on 31 December 2011.

-          The University of Sydney Venue Collection (USVC) Joint Venture: This agreement allows the USU to book University venues (such as MacLaurin Hall and The Great Hall) and to provide the catering for corporate, wedding and University clients using the venues for event purposes. As a result of the joint venture, the USVC now receives 50 per cent (from 12 per cent prior to the joint venture) of all catering, resulting in greater revenue (approximately $900,000 per annum) back into the USU student experience. With the ending of this agreement, the University will take back the responsibility of booking their venues (but not USU venues – Holme, Manning and Wentworth which will remain under the existing USU Venue Collection). This agreement expires on 31 December 2011.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor failed to mention the fact that USU members hold the ultimate authority in deciding the future of the Union. Any transfer of commercial services or termination of the Occupation Licence prior to 2017 must be put to a vote of USU Members (of which there are over 13,100).The proposals outlined in Prof. Armstrong’s email breach the Occupation Licence and cannot occur without the consent of Union Members. Specifically, a two-thirds majority vote is required by USU members at a Special General Meeting. We find it disappointing and concerning that the University went ahead and sent this email to all students without acknowledging this crucial fact.

The USU Board was not consulted about the email sent by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor. Judging from the response on social media, many students were also shocked by the content. The University did advise us of the termination of the Joint Venture and the SLA late in 2010, and when the negotiation process began this year, the University requested it not become a public negotiation and as such asked both parties to enter the negotiations in good faith.

Forming a good-faith working relationship was stressed as a priority in these negotiations, which the USU took very seriously. Unfortunately, progress was slow; meetings were often short with no agendas, the University failed to abide by their own deadlines and repeated assurances were made that a resolution of mutual benefit was in sight. In May this year, the University advised us that formal negotiations had begun and at this time they would present us with their proposed Retail Plan. However, this plan was not received until October and it proposed that the University take over catering and retail outlets in 2012.

The University’s proposal to take over the catering and retail outlets has not been agreed upon by the USU. In fact, the USU expressed several concerns relating to the plan to the University of Sydney Senate’s Safety and Risk Management Committee. Several Senate Fellows also shared these concerns, in particular the University’s desire to market the USU outlets to external commercial operators. We know the catering and retail operations require improvements, and we’re committed to delivering that outcome. However, unlike the University, our methodology is to reach out directly to the campus community to set our targets and to make changes based on the wants and needs of the student population. The University made a commitment to the USU throughout the negotiations that they would consider the USU’s own vision for commercial operations which was to be delivered after we received the University’s Retail Plan. The email sent by Prof. Armstrong demonstrates a breach of that commitment, and an unwillingness to negotiate any outcome other than a complete transfer. At no point in the negotiations was it indicated that the University would be so audacious as to inform the student populace of a proposal not agreed upon by the USU, without even consulting or warning the USU. The move has left the USU’s Student Board feeling somewhat betrayed that this trust in good faith was compromised.

The Board also find it unsettling that the University shifted its negotiation tact immediately after the Student Service and Amenities Fee (SSAF) was passed by the Federal Senate in October (it should be noted that the SSAF is not a compulsory union fee and goes directly to the University – see previous post.) From the SSAF it’s estimated that the University will receive approximately $10 million per year. Despite this windfall in student funds, the University has attempted to threaten the USU into accepting their proposal by stating that any funding for next year is contingent on a transfer of our commercial operations. The USU will not be intimidated by such negotiation tactics into an unsatisfactory outcome for students.

We feel at the heart of the issue lies the interpretation of the term: ‘student experience’. As the Student Union believe the student experience goes beyond the programs and services, the Clubs and Societies and the big events like O-Week and Verge. To us, it is about making every experience on campus ideal for students – that includes your morning coffee; your lunchtime break and the grey bits in between class. We strive to fill that with colour – it is the USU’s directive as an organisation led by students and has been since 1874. The University, as you can see from Prof. Armstrong’s email, assume to know what students want, but we believe students can and should decide for themselves. We want to continue the wonderful evolutionary trademark that makes the USU such an historic and relevant organisation – driven by student ideals - not by profit.

The Union is a non-profit organisation. The revenue we generate goes directly back into our student experience programs, which is why the operation of our outlets, our Venue Collection and the Access Program is so important to us. We seek to serve the students. It makes sense to us that students are the ones who define what a ‘student experience’ entails.

Allow me to stress that nobody is here to politicise student affairs. The vision of the University and the USU are the same: to deliver the best possible experience to the campus community. We believe that a student experience becomes superficial when it is restricted to programs and services - the USU is an organisation that wants students at the University of Sydney to appreciate every moment they have on campus. We know the University provides a world class environment for learning and an educational experience that is second-to-none. We, as your Student Union, are responsible for providing a world class experience outside of the lecture halls and classrooms; we believe it should stay that way. Maintaining student control over student spaces is key to achieving this aim.

So we turn to you, students and members to make your voice heard, because it’s your voice that really matters. This is a valuable chance to have your say on what direction you believe the future of these essential components of the student experience – food, retail, bars, and student spaces – should be. Comment below, put your hand up for the Are You With Us cause on Facebook and be vocal. Keep student life, student run – it makes sense, doesn’t it?

We will keep you updated throughout the process and we will seek to answer any questions you may have. Find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Yours sincerely,
USU Board of Directors

Storytelling: Tales from the Union Art Collection

“The Union’s art collection stands at approximately 650 works spanning six centuries of production, and is nearing its 100th anniversary.”
Bethany Cannan & Elyse Horan

This October-November drawing to a close the Verge Gallery’s incredible successes is the exhibition ‘Storytelling’. The USU’s wonderful Art Collection Interns for 2011, Bethany Cannan & Elyse Horan curated ‘Storytelling’ using pieces from the USU’s art collection.

Their exhibition realises how essential storytelling is to the development of our selves and our society. They chose art from the USU collection that shared stories worth telling. The exhibition seeks to inspire others to tell their stories. So, Bethany and Elyse sought out local emerging writers asking for compositions of prose or poetry that responded to one or more of the works being exhibited.

‘Storytelling’ is a wonderful exhibition and well worth a visit when you need a break from that pesky StuVac. Go and appreciate the USU’s Art Collection, the fabulous work of our Art Interns and how awesome it is to have a student-run gallery on campus!


WHAT: Storytelling: Tales from the Union Art Collection
WHO: Curated by Elyse Horan and Bethany Cannan

Featuring works by Bill Henson, Trent Parke, Terry Gilliam, Del Kathryn Barton, Hayley Linz, Gareth Sansom, Noel Counihan, Richard Lewer, Maurice de Vlaminck, Matheus Van Helmont and Albrecht Dürer.

Check out what's coming up at the gallery at their blog spot: http://verge-gallery.net/

When: Until the 4th of Novemeber, 10am – 5pm
Where: Verge Gallery, Jane Foss Russell Plaza, City Road, University of Sydney.




Rhys Pogonoski
Honorary Treasurer

Student Services and Amenities Fee to be charged in 2012

Dear Members,

Some of you will have heard about the recent passing of the Higher Education Legislation Amendment (Student Services and Amenities) Bill 2010, in the Federal Senate. In short, this legislation will allow the University to charge a compulsory fee up to $263 to be spent on student services and amenities. The fee will be a deferrable payment for all students, except for international students who will have to pay the fee upfront.

Under the legislation, the University is obliged to consult with democratically elected student representatives regarding the distribution of the funds, including publishing priorities for proposed fee expenditure and allowing opportunities for students to comment on these priorities. As part of their obligations, the University has set up a Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) Consultation Committee, in which the USU, SRC, SUPRA, Campus Rewards, SUSF and international students are represented. The University’s Student Support Services Department is also represented on the committee, and chaired by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Derrick Armstrong.

Legally, the University is restricted to spend the funds generated by the SSAF on non-academic purposes. The full criteria is listed in the legislation and includes services such as providing food and drink to students, supporting the administration of student clubs, supporting artistic activity by students, and promoting the health or welfare of students; the majority of which are currently provided for by the University of Sydney Union. The USU is constantly striving to expand these services to more students, and an increase in funding from the SSAF would allow us to do just that.

We strongly believe that the funds generated by the SSAF are best administered by democratically elected student organisations, that is, those institutions that are most in touch with student needs. The SSAF is a positive step forward for the University and students alike, as it will relieve the financial dependence of student organisations such as the USU on the University administration. Since voluntary student unionism (VSU) was enacted in 2006, the USU has relied on the University for approximately $3 million of indirect funding per year under our Service Level Agreement, which is due to expire at the end of this year. The loss of $8.4 million in compulsory fees post-VSU was crippling for USU student services, and it was the students of Sydney University that bore the brunt. We therefore look forward to co-operating with the University to ensure that the funds of the SSAF are spent wisely to create more insightful, inclusive and in-tune programs for all our students.

The University is legally obliged to take your views into account in the distribution and administration of the funds. Please leave your thoughts and comments below so I can take them to the SSAF Consultation Committee. The Board are concerned that the University will not fully recognise the role that student organisations such as the USU play in the delivery of student services. As the process to distribute the SSAF gets underway, we would appreciate your support in advocating for student life to remain student run.



Yours sincerely,


Sibella Matthews

President

What is the USU?

USU Annual Dinner

The USU celebrated a busy and successful year at its Annual Dinner held last Friday at the Refectory in the Holme Building. The black-tie event was attended by students, staff and alumni who have spent 2011 working tirelessly for the Union. Several University figures also attended, including Vice-Chancellor Dr Michael Spence and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (education), Derrick Armstrong.

For the second year, the USU awarded some of the most outstanding members who made significant contributions towards the Union in the past year. The Union Blues award recipients were announced at the dinner after several dozen nominations were received. The 2011 Union Blues recipients were: Anshu De Silva Wijeyeratne, Bridie Connell, Cameron Creigh, Luke Liang, and Marina Lauer. Former USU President and Vice- President Patrick Bateman and Courtney Tight also received Union Blues – demonstrating admirable continued dedication to the USU.

The USU also awards an Honorary Life Membership to an alumnus or friend of the Union, who display tremendous commitment towards helping the USU achieve its goals. In 2011, John Blount was announced as an Honorary Life member for active involvement in various Alumni organisations. Mr Blount was a USU President in the early 70s and spent much of his career in the Australian diplomatic service, working In Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Denmark and Holland. Previous Honorary Life Members include radio and television personality Adam Spencer and accomplished neuroscientist and journalist, Dr Robin Fitzsimmons.

The USU’s debating team was honoured for another success-filled campaign in 2011. Veteran USU debater, Tim Mooney won the prestigious Chancellor’s Award for Most Outstanding Debater of the Year. The best of the USU’s Clubs and Societies were also announced during the night. The Speleological Society was declared Best Club with less than 100 members, while music-lovers Beat the System took out the big prize – announced Best Club with more than 100 members.

The Annual Dinner also featured a guest-speech by television star and former USU member, Juila Zemiro. The lively RockWiz host recounted tales of her days at the University of Sydney in the early 90s, where she exhibited her passion for acting and comedy on the stage in the USU’s Cellar Theatre and became a regular in Theatresports.

University of Sydney Union cease sale of tobacco

Dear Union Members,

The University of Sydney Union has recently ceased the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products through its outlets as part of the USU Board’s commitment to a healthy campus environment.

The move comes ahead of a pending decision on the University’s ‘smoke-free’ campus policy proposal, which will go to the University Senate later this month.

The USU has requested an opportunity to consult with the University prior to the final policy goes to Senate on 31 October. We are seeking to maintain designated smoking areas for patrons at Hermann’s and Manning Bar, particularly during enclosed events. You can see our previous post detailing this request here. We are yet to hear a response from the University.

The USU will provide assistance to any customers seeking locations of alternative local tobacco suppliers.

Please let us know your thoughts by posting a comment below.

Yours sincerely,

Sibella Matthews

President

Interfaith Week: an inaugural success

You may not have realised it, but last week was the start of something special. The never seen before, Interfaith Week hosted by the University of Sydney Union splashed onto the stage. It was the first of its kind at an Australian university, and with it came a profound and spectacular display of the history, culture and beliefs that different faiths adhere to. With great diversity and imbued respect, these different faith-based communities came to discuss and more importantly share what shapes their identities.

As a recognition of the thousands of faithful students at the University of Sydney, Interfaith Week first manifest as a policy in a Union election one and a half years ago. With much encouragement and support of the USU, the idea found its way into the hands of the two inaugural Interfaith Week directors, Kate Wilcox and Sarah Segal who with great enthusiasm, breathed life into the festival. Kate who hailed from the Evangelical Union and Sarah, an executive of the Australian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS) had differing experiences within their communities but came together with one mandate, to start a discussion about faith. Whilst that sounds straightforward, their job became more complex, as they weaved in events that displayed the depth of culture that surround the different faiths, be it their art, music or food.

The outcome of the week was not a mere discussion between the religious societies on campus, for that would have only met the lowest criteria. But rather, issues of great significance and personal prominence were discussed between students of all creeds, faith-based or not. Interfaith week as an act of pluralism allowed for the faith-based societies on campus to give proper consideration to antithetical views and work with members from other societies. However Interfaith Week also an act of outreach was of great significance, bringing together faith-based communities with students that don't hold great affinity for faith, or are aggrieved by certain issues and having honest dialogue. The impressive turnouts at 'Religion and Women' and 'Religion and LGBTIQ' showed that the week held the perfect temperature, cool enough not to inflame or offend, and warm enough for satisfying and serious discussion to be had.

So what actually happened during the week? 

Monday - Launch Brunch

Brunch was on the Union, and whilst it was a light spot of tea the questions dug deep. 

The presidents of different religious societies came together to discuss in panel form, the possibilities of interfaith dialogue and what its value was.

Many thanks to the presidents who spoke;

- Joel Einstein (AUJS)

- Hugh Chilton (EU)

- Hajar Rafiq (SUMSA)

- Martha Gouniai (Baha'i)

- Savitha Narayan (HinduSOC)

- Alison Chau (UniBodhi)

Tuesday - Religion and Women

An impressive range of speakers aimed to reconcile the modern concerns of women and religion, their rights and roles.

- Anisa Memari (President of Baha’i Society)

- Dr Laura Beth-Bugg (Lecturer in Sociology of Religion at USyd)

- Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio (Rabbi at Emanuel Synagogue)

- Ghena Krayem (Lecturer in Law at USyd)

- Bhante Sujato (Buddhist community leader)

Tuesday - the Great Debate

The Law School foyer was beaming with life as Scott Stephens (ABC Religion and Ethics editor) dove right into the issue of whether society has outgrown religion.

In an impressive and well informed discussion there was an impressive lineup;

- Scott Stephens (editor, ABC Religion and Ethics)

- Greg Clarke (journalist and CEO of the Bible Society Australia)

- Avril Alba (Director of Education at the Sydney Jewish Museum)

- Peter Bowditch (immediate past president of the Australian Skeptics Association)

- Martin Hadley (Barrister)

Wednesday - Faith Fair

In a strong display of community, the faith based societies gathered outside the law lawns in celebration of their beliefs, accompanied with food, music and cultural expressions of faith.

Thursday - Religion and LGTBIQ

In a true display of diversity, speakers from different Christian and Jewish communities came to address a full Isabel Fiddler room on the issues of sexuality and spirituality with;

- Amy McBurney (EU)

- Curtis Dickson (CSU exec)

- Brandon Srot (Head of Youth Dayenu, the Jewish LGBT community)

Friday - Poetry Slam 

As a conclusion to the week, real dosh was put up as winnings for the poetry competition. 14 contestants went to heads for a $500 first prize, a $250 second and $100 third prize.

Apart from the range of USU organised events, clubs and societies were called to organise their own events. 

Notable events were SUMSA's 'Islam: a fundamental discussion', the combined event 'The Historical Jesus: Does he have a leg to stand on' run by the EU, Catholic Society (CSSP) and Fellowship of Orthodox Christian University Students (FOCUS). Likewise AUJS held '10 Things i hate about Jews', CSU "Is Jesus the only saviour' and 'Buddhism in the Modern Word' by Unibodhi.

It was a successful week and a strong start to a new addition to the USU calendar, but the week never ends. The strength of Interfaith week testifies to the energetic nature of the religious societies on campus, who work tirelessly to help students better understand faith and religion year round. If you have further interest or desire more discussion, make sure to get in contact with your society of choice through; http://www.usuonline.com/find_a_club/

James Flynn

Board Director

End of Semester Carnival TOMORROW!

With Week 12 already here and exams and assignments looming over our heads, every student studying in the dark and lonely corridors of Fisher Library will be gazing out the window, day-dreaming about the good old times when they could soak up the sun and enjoy hanging out with friends on the front lawns.

“Wouldn’t it be nice if we could have a carnival tomorrow, full of colourful balloons and giant bubbles, yummy treats like fairy floss, ice cream and candy, some groovy tunes and blasting beats, and.. FREE RIDES?”

You bet your 45% weighted essay it would be!

That’s why Campus Culture Directors, Milla McPhee and Ashleigh Morse have worked their socks off to bring to you, the End of Semester CARNIVAL, Tuesday 10am- 3pm at the University of Sydney Front Lawns!  So bring yourself and your mates, and don’t miss out on some fun times before you return to memorising those text books because well... us poor, hard-working university students deserve it!

Brought to you (with love) by Your USU Campus Culture Directors.

Astha Rajvanshi

Board Director

Interfaith Week lands at Sydney Uni!

On the wall of the law building library when you enter this week you will find a small exhibition with designs of the Temple of Solomon based on detailed sketches drawn by none other than Isaac Newton, who was a gifted polymath with various interests, among which he took a particular interest in Christian theology.

It is apt that yesterday was the first day of the first week of the first interfaith festival on campus. It marked the reinitiation of a tradition of student institutions engaging with religion on campus after a hiatus starting in the 70s. At the launch event there was a sense of excitement that this was the start of a more full intellectual dialogue on campus. A dialogue which would acknowledge and respect the fundamental role faith plays in shaping the behaviour and beliefs of many. This dialogue, however, is not just between the USU and the students. It's between the religious clubs themselves. In our multicultural community it's essential that we promote harmony between the faiths to prevent the flaring up of sectarian tensions which occasionally occurs on campus and the wider community. Interfaith week, the brain child of 2010/11 Board Director, James Flynn, will be buttressed by an interfaith council next year, to help promote the values of mutual respect and harmony and improve the engagement of the USU with this large and active body of students on campus.

The launch event, which took place at the student owned and run space, Hermann's in Wentworth, was a modest success. A panel including the leaders of various religious societies on campus spoke of the significance of faith in the university experience. The frank and respectful discussion revolved around how university is a time for many when we work out what we believe, how we make ethical decisions, and try to identify the greater purpose in our life. For the 1000 students actively involved in the 18 religious clubs on the main campus and for many others involved with religious institutions in their local communities, God and a sacred text are central to that search for truth.

The 2011 interfaith convenors, Sarah Segal (AUJS) and Kate Wilcox (EU), along with the leaders of the various religious clubs on campus, have put on a fantastic schedule of events for the week. Please check the program below:

The religion and women panel, chaired by the USU Board of Directors' own Brigid Dixon; The "10 Things I Hate about Jews" AUJS event; The Great Debate; The Religion and LGBTIQ Panel; The combined Christian clubs event about the Historicity of Jesus and the Interfaith Poetry Slam (which it's still not too late to enter!) should all prove to be highlights. Rock up to at least one, you never know where it will take you. University events are where relationships are born, faith is won and lost, and formative experiences gained.

Thank you to the convenors and USU staff, especially Mona Jindi for their excellent preparation for and execution of the festival so far. 

The USU Board looks forward to catching you at some of the events during the week.

Best,

Mina Nada

Board Director

Last week for USYD Senate elections!

Are you an undergrad, post-grad, part-time, full-time, international or local student?

You are!? Thank goodness, because you're eligible to vote in the University of Sydney Senate elections.The students who are elected will sit amongst a group of academics, administrators and prominent community figures for the next 12 months.

The Senate is the highest decision-making body at the University, what they decide affects your degree and could change your Sydney Uni experience. More importantly, the Senate has two positions for students, one undergraduate and one post-graduate, so the voice of both student groups can be heard at the top. A uni-wide lunchbreak? Trimesters? PCs or Macs in the computer labs? The Senate addresses a plethora of University issues and your student representatives weigh in on the vote. It is through them that you can weigh in on the debate too, ensuring consultation and accountability. Power!

This is how important the Senate is, in the University’s words:

“The University of Sydney Senate oversees all major decisions concerning the conduct of the University, including staff appointments and welfare, student welfare and discipline, financial matters and the physical and academic development of the University.”

The USU is a major advocate for student representation, and we’re passionate about having your questions, criticisms and opinions heard on Senate. It's especially important for us to have student voices on the Senate given that it is the University of Sydney Senate that will ultimately be making a decision about the current USU/University negotiations. 

The Senate is a big deal. Have your say. Please read all the candidates' statements to make sure you cast an informed vote. It takes two minutes of your time and is completely online when you click here. Polls close at 4pm on 11 October.

Zac Thompson & Jacqui Munro

Vice President & Hon. Secretary