Upcoming Start of Semester Party

The USU Board acknowledges that the now re-themed 'Day of the Dead' Start of Semester Party caused significant concern for a large segment of our community who found the event offensive.  We apologise unreservedly and have taken steps to ensure that such cultural insensitivity will not be repeated. 

Cultural appropriation is a topic which has generated significant discussion among the student body. We agree it is an important topic, and one we wish to explore further through a public panel forum that will feature academics and experts of the field.  

The forum will be held in two weeks’ time and will explore the topic in general; focus on some recent events; and assist in the development of guidelines to inform the planning and development of future events. 

The USU board are committed to ensuring that our programs are in line with the USU's values outlined in our Constitution and policies.

Last year, the USU Board added a themed party program to its event schedule. The change has overseen marked improvements in attendance and student interest in USU parties. It is an important program which will be reviewed annually. 

Please watch this space for more information on the forum. 

USU June Member Forum

The USU Board is holding the next open Members Forum next Thursday, 20th of June at 6pm in the Holme Student Lounge.

At present the following topics are up for discussion:

1. Proposed dates and times for future Members Forums 

2. Presentation on Universal Access  

3. Capex Request Approval Update 

4. Business arising from last forum: LifeChoice Pamphlet

5. Member Concern: Maintenance and management of the Queerspace and role of the Queer Coordinators 

6. Member Concern: Removal of EFTPOS Minimums 

If you want to contribute:

To ensure your concerns are addressed, please post the up the issues that matter most to you on the USU's Facebook Event or by emailing Astha at president@usu.usyd.edu.au, and we'll be sure to add the most popular topics to the agenda.

Don't forget to bring your Access Card for entry. Refreshments will be provided.

Hope to see you there!

Further Industrial Action

On Wednesday 5 June a number of university staff will be involved in a 24 hour strike. This strike is part of an ongoing campaign the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) and Community and Public Sector Union for a fair enterprise bargaining agreement.

The university management and staff unions have been negotiating for a new enterprise bargaining agreement since August last year. The unions have achieved some concessions, but have chosen to strike again because they believe that management is not negotiating in good faith. The unions are seeking basic conditions including leave entitlements, funding for career development, and the right to union office space on campus. More information on the EBA campaign can be found here: http://www.nteu.org.au/sydney/article/Compare-the-pair-14559

USU supports the NTEU in its negotiation for a fair enterprise agreement and the right to a safe campus for all staff and students.