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

Are You With Us?

Are You With Us is away! In the twilight of 2011, the USU and SRC campaigns are over. But there's still one group of students who are out, wearing t-shirts, postering and having a rant. Though this time it's different.



'Are you with us' is about spreading awareness of what the Union does. In a nutshell it has 13,000 student members and 200 passionate staff devoted to creating the halcyon days of your tertiary education. It's also the last remaining Australian student Union that is independent of University control and run by students. That's the way the 'Are you with us' peeps like it, and it shows - the National Union of Students consistently report that the USU provides Austraila's best student experience. That's the country's largest Clubs & Societies programme, two bars, Hermann's and Manning, an epic Revues season, ace events like Verge and O-Week, mint publications, the world's best debaters and a plethora of places to fill your tummies and have a yarn.  



The Union exists for your student experience and that's what the 'Are you with us' mob are out to make known. They're not pedalling a political persuasion, nor scrambling for your vote. They're the students who are impassioned by the work the Union does to enrich the time you spend in between lectures and tutes. So when you see someone in an 'Are you with us' shirt walking by, know that they're with their Union. Know that they value the work the Union does to keep their student life rocking.

Still foggy? Then check out this toe tappin' video:

So, are you with us?

Show your support by liking the facebook page at: facebook.com/areUwithus. Also, come along to the campaign launch at Hermanns' this Thursday at 3.30. Grab a shirt, chow down on some free food and drink (you know it tastes better) and get merry with the 'Are you with us' crowd.

Are You With Us Launch Party

When: 3.30PM, Thursday

Where: Hermanns' Bar

Cost: FREE

Food and drink provided with ACCESS

 

 

Zachary Thompson

Vice President