Complete the SSAF survey to have a say in where your money goes

At 9.30am on Friday 1 June, you will receive an important email in your inbox. It’s an email from the University with a link to a survey, which gives you the chance to express your opinion on how you feel your compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) payments should be spent.

The survey will ask you to rate the importance of 19 permissible uses for the SSAF funds, such as supporting student artistic activity, providing food and drink on campus and information to help students in their orientation.

The survey is important as it also gives you the opportunity to comment specifically on where you would like your SSAF money to be invested. The information you provide will be used by the University to determine the 2013 funding priorities, so it’s imperative you take this chance to make your voice heard.

The USU’s main priority is to secure enough SSAF funding to make the Universal Access Scheme a reality, which will see every student who has paid the SSAF able to receive an Access Card and enjoy all the opportunities and benefits at no cost. This will allow you to realise the true value of your SSAF payment through significant discounts both on and off campus, and opens up hundreds of opportunities to be involved in the USU’s wide-ranging student experience programs, including Clubs & Societies, leadership positions, competitions, grants and more.

The ‘transitional funding’ the USU has received from the University will cease at the end of this year, so it’s vital the USU continues to work with the University for a multi-year financial commitment and long-term certainty. At present, the 2012 allocation of $3.184 million puts the USU in a consolidated financial position but unfortunately does not allow longer term planning. The Universal Access Scheme would allow for additional investment into expanding current student programs and the pursuit of new avenues to engage the entire campus community and enrich student life.

If you agree that the SSAF funds should be used to remove financial barriers to a truly inclusive and valuable student experience then please let the University know. Use the 1 June survey to comment on areas of expenditure such as providing food and drink to students on campus or supporting Clubs & Societies. Make it loud and clear to the University that you want value for your SSAF payment, and that means free and Universal Access Benefits.

This is your University and your student experience. Complete the survey. Make your voice heard.

Click here to see the USU's FAQ page on the SSAF.

We would love to hear from you, so please leave your thoughts or questions on SSAF funding below.

Election Soapbox

USU Elections have begun, as you will have noticed from the brightly coloured A-frames and t-shirts dotted around campus. Yesterday was also the Candidates Soapbox – a chance for the public to hear the candidates speak on their policies and take hard-hitting questions from the audience, and a panel made up of Bull Editor Bronte Lambourne, Honi Soit Editor Bebe D’Souza and myself. In case you missed it, here’s a brief wrap-up:

John Harding-Easson was first cab off the rank and spoke about how great the USU is for creating a sense of community on campus, but “under the surface lies great potential” for the USU to engage with more students. He drew on his own experience of coming to uni and finding it quite isolating. His ideas included better utilisation of campus spaces, and more accessible USU benefits. He was asked about his political affiliations with the ALP club, the time commitment of being on Board considering that he is also on the SRC Executive and also how he would fund his universal Access policy.

Sophie Stanton was up next, and also spoke about her desire to engage more students on campus. In particular, she said that she is the candidate that represents students who are not your typical USU member, and promises to speak up on their behalf. She drew on her experience of not seeing the value of buying an access card in her second year, and believes her experience gives her a “fresh perspective”. She was asked about her role as President of SUBSKI and gender equity, as well as what ideas she has for inclusive events for students who don’t drink.

Tom Raue described himself as the left-wing candidate who will fight for fair trade, solar panels on USU buildings, and workplace democracy within the USU. He highlighted his experience in grass-roots activism in setting up the Education Action Group in the SRC. Tom was asked about his policy to improve transparency in the USU, his desire to increase USU-owned outlets, and his time-commitment given that he is currently Vice President of the SRC. Unlike John, he didn’t say that he would resign from his Vice President position, but said that he feels capable of managing the two roles.

Karen Chau listed her love for the USU and club experience as reasons for running for USU Board, particularly her executive roles on the UN Society. She spoke about her ideas for expanding programs such as Kickstart grants and new initiatives such as a USU Music Festival and twilight noodle markets. Questions for Karen included what new ideas she has that the USU Board are not pursuing already, how she can provide cheaper food, and what similarities and differences she sees between the roles of representing students as an SRC Councillor and as a Board Director of the USU.

Hannah Morris spoke about how all her favourite memories and experiences from university have been provided by the USU, and her enthusiasm and excitement to direct the future of the organisation. Her ideas included a Hermann’s Grill, recharge room, and Inauguration Day Party. Hannah was asked about what ideas she has for more off-campus Access partners, how the USU would fund her capital intensive initiatives, and also answered a question about which policies from other candidates she disagreed with by saying that “everyone has put a lot of time into developing their fantastic policies”.

Nick Coffman said he “is proud of his Union”, and spoke off the cuff about his ideas for increasing communication between the USU and students including an iPhone/Android app, and a commemoration day party to engage with a wider variety of students. He was asked about what policies he has for including minority groups on campus and whether he holds sufficient experience outside the college environment to bring to the USU Board. He was also asked about colleges having a separate induction that clashes with USU O-Week, and responded by calling for more integration between the two.

Vale Sloane was the last candidate to take the stage, and also didn’t use a pre-prepared speech. He advocated for free Access cards, pop-up bars, and transforming the USU website. He was asked about his Liberal affiliations and what that meant for voluntary student unionism, to which he replied that universal access, as a form of compulsory student unionism, would allow everyone to experience the great benefits of the USU. He was also asked a question submitted online about the financial viability of universal access.

If you want to join in on the action look out for the twitter hashtag #usudecides and follow @USUAccess and @USUBoard for regular updates. Let us know your thoughts on the Soapbox in the comments below.

See you on the campaign trail!

Sibella Matthews

USU President

Coffee Tender Update

The University of Sydney Union has begun the process for selecting a Hot Beverage Supply Contract from 2013 and beyond. The USU’s Fair Trade Working Party, established in 2010, will oversee this process and report its recommendations to the USU Board.

At the most recent Board Meeting, the USU decided that the coffee supplier tender process will call for socially responsible offers only. This reflects the Board’s commitment to contracting with a socially responsible coffee and tea producer.

The defintion of whether a supplier is “socially responsible” will be determined based on the supplier’s accreditation, such as Fair Trade Certification, as well as through the Tertiary Access Group Flag - a thorough corporate social responsibility evaluation to determine the company’s commitment to sustainable and ethical production.

We will be update the blog with information on the process, and welcome your thoughts. Please leave your comments and questions below.

Yours sincerely,

Sibella Matthews

USU President

A rear-view review of Revue Season – Comedy. Music. Nudity.

Yea, look... I know the title was a bit over the top... I may have gotten just a little carried away...

BUT, with Revue Season on the horizon, it’s hard not to be overly excited and to start to let those creative juices flow. So, what are you waiting for – keep reading to see how you can get involved in the 2012 Revues!

Here are some FAQs!

So... What is a revue?

Revues are student-led comedy performances that integrate singing, dancing, sketches and rampant nudity into one mammary-filled, pecker-packed night. Okay, there isn’t actually that much nudity... But, all the scenes, songs and dances are wholly student-devised and the shows are a whole lot of fun to be part of. Most faculties have a revue society and go on revue camps, have crazy parties and get together to rehearse their awesome shows which take to the many stages of the university in second semester each year. Some of them have a ‘clear’ story line and some are just a series of sketches based around a theme. Either way, they are always entertaining, hilarious and impressive.

That sounds awesome Shane... But!... How do I get involved?

Thanks for asking. Regardless of what you are studying and who you are, there is sure to be at least one revue for you. To get involved, you should CLICK HERE. By clicking here you can check out the facebook pages for each revue. If you shoot them a message, a very nice Revue producer or director will reply to you letting you know when the auditions for the next revues are. You can get involved as an ACTOR, SINGER, DANCER, BACKSTAGE, BAND PLAYER OR DIRECTOR/PRODUCER (if you’re really keen and have been at it for a while).

What Revues are there to join?

•   Commerce Revue

•   Arts Revue

•   Education and Social Work Revue

•   Law Revue

•   Queer Revue

•   Science Revue

•   Medical Revue

•   Engineering Revue

•   Architecture Revue

•   Jew Revue

•   Women's Revue

These links above will take you to the 2011 pages. They should be updated soon!

What if I just want to watch them?

Well, tickets are very affordable and you’re sure to get value for money. I’d say you’re looking at at least 200 laughs in a show. So, doing the maths on those numbers, you’re probably looking at somewhere around ‘20 laughs/$’ (5 cents a laugh) for most shows. Not bad... Keep checking out the website and the facebook pages for the up and coming revues. AND, you get a discount with your super-handy Access card to all revues and shows as well! Blimey!

So, GET INVOLVED! Join a cast, see a show and tell your friends!

Because, revue season is just one quick wardrobe malfunction away...

Shane Treeves

Board Director

Need some nighttime activities this week?

Tuesday

What: Welcome to Sydney Party!

Where: 7pm, Manning Bar 

*Free entry and free BBQ! Bring your Access card and get a free drink!*

Wednesday

What: UNCAGED Costume Party!

Where: 7pm, Manning Bar

*Free for Access Card Holders or $5 for everyone else*

Thursday

What: Send in the Clowns! (Campus Comedy) Featuring Axis of Awesome, Tom Ballard, Michael Hing, Project 52 and hosted by The Chaser's Craig Reucassel!

Where: 7pm, MacLaurin Hall in the Quad

*$15 for Access Card Holders and $20 for everyone else*

Friday

What: The Band Finale! Featuring The Grates, Gold Fields, Cameras and Swimwear

Where: 7pm, Manning Bar

*$20 for Access Card Holders or $25 for everyone else*

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Sibella Matthews
USU President

2012 FAQs

As the start of first semester 2012 draws closer, we've been receiving some questions about changes students will face this year - most notably the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and what it means for the USU. In addition, as announced in our last blog post, the concluded negotiations between the University and USU over control of the commercial outlets has raised a number of questions. 


To help clear up some confusion, we've created a FAQs page to answer all your queries (see tab above or click here).


If you still have unanswered questions please comment below and we’ll get back to you ASAP.

Yours sincerely,

Sibella Matthews

USU President

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