CURTIN STUDENT GUILD
ANNUAL REPORT 2015
OUR VISION Our vision is to be the leading independent student run organisation in Australia, which is highly valued by all of the University community, especially our members.
OUR MISSION THE MISSION OF THE CURTIN STUDENT GUILD IS TO: •
Actively represent and advocate on behalf of Curtin University students;
•
Encourage and facilitate student participation in University decision making;
•
Provide a range of services, facilities and activities for our members helping them to have a fulfilling university experience; and
•
Provide competitive services to the wider Curtin University community to ensure the relevance and sustainability of our operations.
OUR VALUES IN WORKING TOWARDS ITS VISION AND MISSION THE CURTIN STUDENT GUILD SUBSCRIBES TO THE FOLLOWING VALUES AND PRINCIPLES: AUTONOMY Ensuring student control of student affairs, underpinned by democratic decision making;
INTEGRITY Acting at all times with integrity and ethical consideration based on open and honest behaviour and mutual trust;
INCLUSIVITY
ACCOUNTABILITY Be responsible and accountable to our members, ensuring transparency of actions, with the resources of the Guild applied for the maximum long term benefit of our members, present & future;
INNOVATION An attitude of welcoming change and growth with an emphasis on best standards and continuous improvement in our services and staff; encouraging individual and organisational development and creativity in all that we do
CO-OPERATION
Demonstrating a sense of community with respect for and acknowledgment of diversity;
Active co-operation with both internal and external organisations and groups who have similar goals and values, offering benefit to our members; and
ENGAGEMENT
BOLDNESS
Ensuring engagement and consultation with our members, the University and the wider community;
We will boldly question university decisions to ensure that they are in the best interests of our members.
STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE
Mr Colin Beckett Chancellor of Curtin University of Technology Kent Street, Bentley, Perth, Western Australia, 6102
Dear Chancellor In accordance with section 12 (3) of the Curtin University of Technology Act – Statute No.4 Student Guild, we hereby submit for your information and presentation to Council of Curtin University the Annual Report of the Student Guild of Curtin University of Technology for the year ended 31 December 2015. Yours sincerely
Jake Wittey Liam O’Neill President General Secretary On behalf of the Guild Council Dated 29th of April 2016
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CURTIN STUDENT GUILD ANNUAL REPORT 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HISTORY OF THE GUILD
7
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
10
MANAGING DIRECTOR’S REPORT
13
2015 GUILD REPRESENTATIVES
16
COUNCIL GOVERNENCE
17
EDUCATION & REPRESENTATION
21
EVENTS 24 STUDENT PUBLICATIONS
27
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
27
COMMERCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOOD & BEVERAGE
29
RETAIL
33
SUPPORT / STUDENT ASSIST
37
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION
40
STAFF LIST
45
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
46
CURTIN STUDENT GUILD ANNUAL REPORT 2015
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OUR HISTORY
HISTORY OF THE GUILD
A FEW YEARS AFTER THE WA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (WAIT) (NOW KNOWN AS CURTIN UNIVERSITY) WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1966, IT BECAME CLEAR THAT THERE WAS A LACK OF COMMUNITY AMONGST THE STUDENTS.
WAIT decided that the formation of a student association was required to manage student facilities and improve community life on campus. With approval from the Minister for Education, the WAIT Student Guild was established - opening its doors for business in February 1969. The Guild started to distribute its first newspaper ‘Aspect’ and other weekly publications, ‘Spectrum’ and ‘Wisgo’ shortly after. The Guild organised George James Week (named after the St Georges Terrace and James Street WAIT sites), Orientation Week, and the Recovery Ball. The Guild also recommended that the WAIT implement the common free time we still enjoy every Wednesday afternoon to this day. In 1971, amendments to the WAIT Act allowed student representation on University Council and a few other Boards.
In 1972, three years after the official Guild establishment, the Guild Building was finally opened. As a result of the new amenities available to the Guild, the 1970s was a time of expansion providing more services to the students. A second-hand bookshop, fruit and vegetable market and Guild Emporium were set up, with the establishment of a full pharmacy. Bookshop grants were introduced along with student insurance coverage, a taxation advisory service, external student’s newsletter, student radio and the appointment of environmental and homosexual affairs officers. During the late 1970s, in an effort to subdue student voices in higher education, the WA Government abolished compulsory membership of student associations and compulsory charging of student service fees.
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HISTORY OF THE GUILD
In 1979, the Guild President took the extraordinary measure of halting all Guild operations; this led to an increased awareness of the Guild’s significant role in providing amenities and services for students on campus. A unified group of 1,000 students protested at the Government’s attempt to restrict student organisations. Although the Guild suffered from financial and internal turmoil in the 1980s, it continued to provide support for students and even extended its services through new projects. Commercial services were expanded to include a Guild owned hairdresser (Campus Cuts) and leased a health food shop, an optometrist and a health appraisal centre. Guild regulations needed to be changed to suit the new WAIT divisional based system and a policy handbook was developed. In 1994, Voluntary Student Unionism legislation was passed by the WA Government thereby enforcing a voluntary student services fee. Fortunately, with the ever-present threat of the new legislation, the Guild had taken precautionary measures pre-empting the decline of student funding. This included the closing of the Guild Emporium, Guild Shop and the tool library and a suspension of the Emergency Student Loan Service. On the other hand, the Guild began operating the Curtin Tavern (previously run by the Curtin Student’s Social Club) and set up the Sports Store and Copy Centre. The Guild also took over catering on campus. To enable the continued prosperity of the range of free services offered to students, the Guild became more commercially focused in these trading areas. Commercially generated profits allowed the Guild to operate during voluntary student unionism without heavy reliance on the University and would continue to allow the Guild to function autonomously.
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CURTIN STUDENT GUILD ANNUAL REPORT 2015
When the Guild celebrated its’ 30 year anniversary in 1999, it was calculated that Guild Representatives had sat on around 19,500 boards and committees, organised over 100 rallies and petitions and written over 10,000 reports. In 2002, the State Government reintroduced compulsory student amenities fees, which students paid to the University, some of which was distributed to the Guild. This once again allowed the Guild to provide more free services to students. However by 1 July 2006 Federal legislation came into effect which prohibited the University from charging a compulsory amenities and services fee. In line with Western Australian legislation, a student still automatically became a Basic Guild Member on enrolment, which granted students limited access to the Guild’s basic services at no charge. Despite these setbacks, the Guild continued to expand its range of benefits and provide great service and representation to all students. In October 2011, the Australian Parliament passed the Higher Education Legislation Amendment (Student Services and Amenities) Bill 2011 to allow Universities and other Higher Education providers, to charge a compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) from 2012 (see the Higher Education Legislation Amendment (Student Services and Amenities) Act 2011). The Guild has successfully negotiated to receive a fifty percent share of the funds which has helped the Guild continue to provide essential services and amenities for students. Since the introduction of the Student Services and Amenities Fee, the Guild has been able to expand its services and invest in its infrastructure with the new funding. The Guild maintains that students are in the best position to decide where the SSAF is spent while the legislation exists and will continue to establish and maintain projects that support students and will improve life on campus for years to come.
“[THE STUDENT GUILD] WILL SURVIVE AND WORK FOR STUDENTS FOR AS LONG AS THERE ARE STUDENTS PREPARED TO WORK FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THEIR FELLOWS� Ken Gibbons, 11th Guild President.
As a result of the influx of funding from the SSAF, the 2013 Guild decided to make Guild Membership free for all students who paid the SSAF. However, the next year, student representatives reinstated the Guild Membership fee. The 2015 Council once again abolished the Guild membership fee alongside the SSAF legislation and membership remains free to this day. While the SSAF has been around for some time, funding within the higher education sector has become a major subject of debate. It is currently unknown how long the SSAF will exist in legislation and more importantly, be made available for the Curtin Student Guild to use to provide services and amenities for its members. In both 2014 and 2015, threats to higher education funding and staff cuts at Curtin University saw the Guild stage a number of rallies in opposition to policies which would disadvantage students. Large contingents of students protested on campus and in the city at the National Days of Action to fight back against an unfair budget, fee deregulation, higher education funding cuts, proposals to privatise HECS and cuts to student welfare. Moving forward, the Curtin Guild will continue to represent students while maintaining relevance and being responsive to the needs of the student community it serves.
Sources: Curtin Student Guild, 1989-2000, Grok [Official Guild Newspaper], Perth. WAIT Student Guild, 1969-1971, Aspect [Official Guild Newspaper], Perth. WAIT Student Guild, 1972-1987, Grok [Official Guild Newspaper], Perth. WAIT Student Guild, 1974-1985, Annual Reports. White, M., 1996, WAIT to Curtin, Paradigm Books, Curtin University, Perth.
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PRESIDENT’S REPORT Welcome to your Guild’s 2015 Annual Report. It is with great pride that I reflect on the year that was and what we did for the organisation and its members. In 2015 the Guild fundamentally reformed itself to encompass all areas of the student experience, as well as undertaking structural reforms for greater transparency and accountability and to set in stone a strategic direction for the Guild as we enter a more uncertain period of our operating history.
THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE The fundamental purpose of the Curtin Student Guild first and foremost is to serve the interests of its members. In 2015, your Guild redirected its efforts to create a more holistic experience that went beyond the traditional “either/or” approach of service provision, advocacy and activism. 2015 was a big year for events and place activation, with the underspent Student Services Amenities Fee (SSAF) being spent to build diverse and unique events on campus. These included Rad Sex and Consent Week, the Family Funk Picnic, Queers on the Lawn, Athena Magazine Launch, two pop up roller rinks, increased activity during mental health week, Curtin After Dark, and the Life Hacks program. By all accounts, this expanded our engagement with students beyond just Tavern events, and provided a diversity of choice for our diverse student population.
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Inherent in this experience is student welfare. In 2015, your Guild moved this to the front of its priorities by allocating further funding for weekly welfare barbeques and fortnightly cooked breakfasts. Additionally, we assisted the University in earmarking SSAF to subsidise the provision of low-cost healthcare at the Curtin Health Centre and created the Students with Disabilities department to provide much needed representation and advocacy. Within about a week of the 2015 Guild Council taking office, the dangerous and woefully unpopular policy of fee deregulation was defeated in the Senate. The efforts of the Guild in 2014 and 2015 were largely to credit for this victory. Despite this win, the 2015 Guild did not sideline the issue and given its actions saw this as equally important to its other objectives. This support materialised as funding for transport to the protests in the city, advertising rallies, and offering various forms of material support. Your Guild in 2015 fought a few different battles concurrently, with changes to the University Acts first appearing on our radar, as well as the changes to the fee structure for parking. Currently, the Guild’s petition to oppose any changes that would see our share of the SSAF reduced, and students appointed rather than elected to University Council has nearly 1000 signatures. The identification of the proposal to
change the Acts to alter our share of the SSAF and remove elections to University Council was achieved through the Guild President utilising networks amongst the University and the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU). It was this groundwork that has put this years’ campaign in good stead and will ultimately be more likely to win. Speaking of wins, the Guild President last year was also wildly successful in lobbying the University to backflip on their proposal to charge parking fees during exam periods. The Guild is best positioned to deliver for students when it engages with the University. This by no means that our relationship must be entirely cordial – though it was largely throughout 2015 – but at the very least there must be something of a dialogue going. In 2014, there was very little engagement with the University by the Guild. Fortunately in 2015, there was substantial engagement with the University which enabled the Guild to have significant input in academic matters (such as the review of pass requirements in Humanities and the Student Retention and Engagement forum), and changes to the operation of the campuses amenities and the like. Unfortunately due to a limitation of space in this report, I cannot list all of the positive and productive engagements we had with the University in 2015 – but if you are interested in greater detail, I would recommend reading the 2015 reports on the Guild website.
Figure 1: CASS satisfaction results 2010-2015
Additionally, the Curtin Student Guild recommenced regular sittings of its various internal committees and boards. This meant that the input of your representatives increased dramatically on the operations of the Guild, and enabled greater transparency in decision making by increasing the steps taken, and the number of people involved when creating policy or the strategic direction of the Guild.
GOVERNANCE REFORM
MOVING FORWARD IN 2016
The last time the Curtin Student Guild Rules and Regulations were reviewed, it was 2012; Although this eview created some sweeping changes to council and the organisation, it was the opinion of the 2015 Guild council that they did not go far enough. In 2015, the Curtin Student Guild:
The actions of the 2015 Student Guild were warmly received by our members. As you can see in Figure 1, the satisfaction of students with our services has increased itself above the long-term response trend to the question “I am satisfied with the services provided by the Curtin Student Guild”. If nothing else from this report is heeded other than this fact, it should be clear that 2015 marked a undamental reform in our operations for the betterment of our members and the broader student population.
• Removed group voting tickets;
The Curtin Student Guild still faces many of the same challenges presented in the 2014 Annual report. Currently, your Guild’s lease has not been renewed, and as we move closer to its expiry in 2019, we will continue to work tirelessly to engage the University on the matter. This has culminated in the Guild submitting its first strategic plan to the University in February of 2016, as well as a commitment to revise our rules, regulations, policies, and our overarching mission in a rapidly changing higher education environment.
• Stopped external groups from campaigning; • Delegated the responsibilities of organising the Annual General Elections to the Managing Director; • Updated definitions to reflect a more applicable usage of terms; • Reduced Executive wages to align with the rest of the officebearers;
It is our objective to continue to diversify our services and provide a strong voice on all student matters in as many forums as possible – and if all goes to plan in 2016, this will be achieved.
• Regulated the declaration of conflicts of interests; and • Amended the default clubs constitution. • This also included the creation of an office-bearer engagement agreement that furthered office-bearer accountability to the Guild and its members.
Jake Wittey 2016 Guild President
CURTIN STUDENT GUILD ANNUAL REPORT 2015
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MANAGING DIRECTOR’S REPORT
A YEAR IN REFLECTION At the completion of 2015, the Guild has current assets totaling $6,114,645. Inclusive in this total are cash reserves totaling $2,408,543. If we include non-current assets such as property, plant, equipment and goodwill, then we have a total asset value of $10,707,681. We have liabilities totaling $3,346,621. Therefore our net assets at the completion of 2015 are $7,361,060. There was a trading deficit of $889,599 for the 2015 calendar year. Please note that this was inclusive of significant amortisation and depreciation (non-cash) expenses which totaled $1,270,996. A breakdown of our departmental operating surpluses/deficits identifies the areas that contributed to the overall result. The administration services of the Guild provided a deficit to the Guild of $208,889, as did our representation service at -$877,532 and our membership services at -$1,501,763. In contrast, our commercial services provided a surplus to the Guild totaling $1,698,595. The trading deficit may seem irresponsible at first glance however it must be understood that the Guild has returned significant surpluses in previous years. In the three years between 2012 and 2014 the Guild amassed a collective surplus of $1,863,640. As a member based
operation it is important to give back to our members, so after years of conserving 2015 became the year of realigning the Guild, making it relevant and providing what our members want. In addition to this, the Guild has no tenure of facilities at the University after December 2019, therefore it is important for us to appropriately expend funds in view of securing a future long term lease. Traditionally the Guild has charged a fee for Guild membership and the range of benefits it provides. However in 2015 the Guild decided to make membership free for all enrolled students. In 2014 we charged a membership fee which generated $326,910 worth of income, so in essence we waived this income in 2015; however we still had the overheads associated with servicing our members. The Guild stands by its decision to make membership free at this time – when students are contributing a Student Service and Amenities Fee (SSAF). Although the SSAF cannot be directly associated with Guild membership, we understand the financial pressure this fee may create for students. The Guild also receives 50% of the University’s SSAF collection, which allows us to provide additional services and amenities to our members, offsetting a portion of the Guild’s requirement to reinvest any operating surplus
into new services. For this reason we think a responsible and relevant Guild can offer free membership. Our catering business unit continued to generate profits for the Guild. These profits are then redirected towards our vital student representation and advocacy services. The turnover was a 2.5% increase on the 2014 performance; this is a pleasing result considering the increased competition from the Park’d initiative which saw daily food van offerings from up to 12 different vendors and the Wednesday food market. In April 2015 we engaged an external consultant to undertake benchmarking and business analysis of our food and beverage operation. The benchmarking highlighted the Guild’s aggressive pricing strategy, and confirmed we offer significant savings when compared to like products available at Waterford Plaza. It compared us to University catering operations around Australia and the results put the Curtin Student Guild in a positive light – offering quality products at student prices. In addition to our profits we are also pleased to report that our food and beverage outlets provided Guild member discounts totaling $768,659.
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We must acknowledge that funds from the SSAF have contributed to the success of our food and beverage offerings. During 2015 the Guild invested in capital improvements of our cafes. These improvements include: the redevelopment of Angazi Café and the introduction of The Bubble Lab. The Guild also commenced improvements to the: Guild Courtyard, Guild Undercover Courtyard and Vege Patch Café. These projects are to be completed in the first half of 2016. In addition to the capital improvements, we were also able to apply some SSAF funding to increasing the span of opening hours of our cafes. Traditionally the cafes could not afford the trading deficits incurred during these quieter times therefore choosing not to trade, however we have prudently applied a proportion of SSAF funds to the wage allocation of these quieter periods to ensure we could continue to provide our high level of service to the Curtin community during these quieter periods. Our Tavern and Bistro operations once again provided a surplus to the Guild. They have consolidated their position as one of the most integral providers of University Life. This is evidenced by their turnover of $1.59M. Whilst the University is maturing and has an outlook that includes small bars and other commercial initiatives, we must remember the vital space the Tavern represents in terms of social experiences and networking gained in an informal and pleasant environment. As has been the case with our café businesses, the Bistro has been the beneficiary of some SSAF funding. In 2015 the Tavern’s kitchen and internal dining was refurnished. Funds were also applied to small
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kitchen fit out and upgrade of plant. This has allowed the Bistro to meet the increasing student demand whilst also increasing the quality and diversity of the menu items. The Tavern provides an important social hub within the University. SSAF funds have allowed us to increase the frequency and quality of our live entertainment and the introduction of large movie screens. Many of these initiatives are delivered under the supervision of the Tavern management however they are available to students in an environment that is external to the Tavern’s licensed area. Our student clubs have also benefited from the introduction of the movie screens. As a means of fundraising, clubs have access to sponsorship funds from the Guild which can then be applied to the public display of movies on our big screens. The retail business unit works under the ethos of providing essential services rather than providing the Guild with substantial financial returns. The provision of printing services, stationery supplies, computer peripherals and accessories, second-hand books, vending and University memorabilia are all considered essential services for University students. The operation of these services is part of the Guild’s all inclusive service delivery package and is an imperative business operation as we strive to be the preferred third party business provider on campus. As we move forward and in an effort to secure a long term lease with the University we will be undertaking a thorough retail review and implement a strategy which ensures the retail mix is robust, relevant but has the ability to evolve to our market as new trends present themselves.
Our Member Benefits department and their portfolio of advocacy, events & engagement and clubs have been a real shining light in 2015. This growth and their resultant increased outputs has been achieved as a result of the available SSAF funding, the kind contribution of a University grant, and surpluses generated by commercial activities. Postgraduate Mentoring, International Student Assist and Kalgoorlie Student Assist were all directly funded by SSAF funds. The remaining 3 Assist Officers funded through a University grant. The social activities of the Guild, inclusive of, but not limited to: O Day, O Week, Guild Day, Club’s Carnival, Pasar Malam, Multicultural Week, Mental Health Week, the Life Hacks program, Roller Rinks, Guild Ball, Grill the Guild’s, Queers on the Lawn, Brinner and International Coffee Hour were very well received by our students. In fact the Member Benefits team coordinated in excess of 100 activations during student weeks. This is integral in providing our students with the “University Experience”. The Guild recognises that clubs are an essential partner in providing achieving a campus community and driving a culture of fun and inclusiveness. The Guild has significant but also finite resources to assist in the development of campus life, however we now actively engage with and empower clubs to assist us in providing an invigorating campus culture and as
2016 ONWARDS
result the campus is now a much more vibrant place. SSAF was again helpful in the funding our support to Clubs and Societies. Over 15000 students enrolled in one or more of 111 Guild affiliated clubs. This is the largest club affiliation ever enjoyed by the Guild. Over the last few years the Guild has been at the forefront of opposing major threats to the Tertiary Education Sector. The education cuts proposed by the Government (in excess of $2billion) were of grave concern to our students and as a result Curtin Student Guild took a lead role in opposing these cuts. We are very proud that our vocal criticism to the proposed reform proved to be successful, with the Higher Education Reform Bill (deregulation) being defeated in the Senate in March 2015. The 2015 Guild Council recognise that while comment and consultation on large federal policies affecting our students is very important, we must not forget the local needs of our students at their university – Curtin. We must engage with Curtin University on policy, education and culture issues to ensure they provide best delivery of service to our students.
BIG ACHIEVEMENTS 2015 presented some exciting times for the Guild as we looked to responsibly partner the University. In order for the University to view the Guild as an integral representative and advocacy body, and the preferred third party service provider for University we identified and implemented the following strategies: • An overhaul of our Governance documentation and practices in order to bring us into line with 2015 best practice. This includes mechanisms for accountability and transparency (delivered but ongoing); • Development of a strategic plan that considers and compliments the direction of the University (developed in 2015, adopted in 2016); • Increased consultation with the University across all facets of its operations (delivered); • Increased engagement and consultation with our students (delivered); and • Ensuring the advocacy, representation and trading services are relevant to our students (commenced but ongoing).
The Student Union environment has evolved over the past decade, in particular with the introduction of Voluntary Student Unionism. Some Unions have folded in their entirety while others have been enveloped into the University system. Thankfully the Curtin Student Guild has been able to weather the storm. This is a result sound management and oversight, effective representation and advocacy, event expertise; and strong trading facilities. We are one of the last bastions of pure student unionism. The Guild must ensure that its operating environment remains strong, so we can continue to offer unparalleled levels of representation, advocacy and peripheral services. We will achieve this by: • Finalisation of the Strategic Plan • Transforming the Guild initiative - A simpler, faster, accountable and smarter work environment. This will result in highest possible level of service delivery to the Curtin community. It will allow our services to evolve. • Development and implementation of a Retail Strategy • Development and implementation of a new medium term Operational Business Plans • Implementation of the Student Experience – An events based initiative ensuring campus life and culture is relevant to our students • Further Increased engagement and consultation with our students; and • Further investment in our Clubs and Societies.
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2015 STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES EXECUTIVE
2015 GUILD PRESIDENT Jason Giancono
EDUCATION VICE PRESIDENT Saraya Martin
ACTIVITIES VICE PRESIDENT Rami Tawil
GENERAL SECRETARY Jake Wittey
HEALTH SCIENCES Jayne Kazich
HUMANITIES Liam O’Neill
FACULTY REPRESENTATIVES
BUSINESS Amy Bracegirdle
CUPSA
SCIENCE & ENGINEERING Ammar Fazillah
EQUITY DEPARTMENTS
(CURTIN UNIVERSITY POSTGRADUATE STUDENT ASSOCIATION)
CUPSA PRESIDENT Achmad Room Fitriano
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS COMMITTEE PRESIDENT Natasha Woenarso
INDIGENOUS OFFICERS Fabian Yarran / Sharleah Ramirez & Madison Ludwig
QUEER OFFICERS Sarah Franz & Rey Jabonero
MATURE AGE OFFICERS Gareth Thomas & Jodie Best
WOMEN’S OFFICERS Siobhan O’Hara & Grace McDonald
COUNCILLORS
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Aaron Bearsall / Lewis Whittaker / Clare Francis / Sarah Formentin / Layal Ghalayini / Helman Alfonso / Sam Cavallaro / Keelee Hadland / Dylan Gojak / Georgi Ivers / Georgia Tree / Jack Martin / Sharleah Ramirez
The Guild Council is the governing body of the Curtin Student Guild and its powers are set out in Curtin University of Technology Act 1966 Statute No.4-Student Guild. It has “the entire control and management of the affairs and property of the Guild and may act in all matters concerning the Guild in such manner as appears to it to be best calculated to promote the interests of the Guild and the enrolled students.”
The Guild regulations provide for the Guild Council to be made up of between 25 to 30 members who are elected annually by the enrolled students of Curtin University. In 2015, The Guild Council met on thirteen occasions. At the meeting on the 4th of December 2015 the Guild Council appointed Mr Brent Penberthy for a further three year term as Managing Director of the Curtin Student Guild.
KEY GOVERNANCE RELATED ACTIVITIES CONSIDERED BY GUILD COUNCIL IN 2015 INCLUDED: Recommendations to the University Council of the following: • Amendments to the Curtin Student Guild Regulations • Amendments to the Constitution of the Academic Board
Approval of the following: • A revised Vision, Mission and Values statement • The removal of the Guild membership fee for full Guild members for 2015 and 2016 • A operational policies and procedures manual for Guild employees to follow • Policies relating to the Disclosure of Interests, Transparency of Guild Council Decisions, Communication with Guild Staff, Alternate Revenue Streams and Key Performance Indicators • Student Services and Amenities Fee expenditure proposals up to 2018 • Approval of extended tenancy agreements for the majority of the Guild’s tenants up to the end of 2019
COUNCIL GOVERNANCE
• Capital works in the Main Café to establish a sushi bar • Capital works to establish a pop up shop in the vacant pharmacy space • Guild Code of Conduct for employees and office-bearers • The budget for 2016 • A new default student society constitution • Amendments to the Guild Rules • A number of transparency measures including the recording of Guild Council meetings which are publically available on the Guild website • The 2016 – 2019 Curtin Student Guild Enterprise Collective Agreement
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COUNCIL GOVERNANCE In 2015 Student Representatives sat on the following University Boards, Committees, Groups, Panels and Working Parties.
PRESIDENT - Jason Giancono University Council Academic Board
EDUCATION VICE PRESIDENT
GENERAL SECRETARY - Jake Wittey
University Council
Curtin Community Safety & Security Action Group
- Saraya Martin
Academic Services Committee
Academic Board
Curtin Community Safety & Security Action Group
Academic Services Committee Courses Committee
Curtin Extras Committee
Curtin Community Safety & Security Action Group
Curtin Student Advisory Forum Guild University Liaison Committee International Committee PEP Group Student Housing Advisory Committee Student Services and Amenities Fee Expenditure Advisory Committee University Health and Safety Committee Monthly meetings with the Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Bi-Monthly meetings with the Academic Registrar
Curtin Student Advisory Forum Disability, Access and Inclusion Plan Implementation Committee Guild University Liaison Committee Student Services and Amenities Fee Expenditure Advisory Committee University Teaching and Learning Committee Award Review Committee Centre for Aboriginal Studies Student Discipline Panel Student Retention Taskforce Bi-Monthly meetings with the Academic Registrar ACTIVITIES VICE PRESIDENT
- Rami Tawil
Guild University Liaison Committee Student Services and Amenities Fee Expenditure Advisory Committee Workplace Integrated Learning Advisory Group
Guild University Liaison Committee Student Services and Amenities Fee Expenditure Advisory Committee University Admissions Committee Bi-Monthly meetings with the Academic Registrar CURTIN BUSINESS SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVE - Amy Bracegirdle Curtin Business School Strategic Review Board Curtin Business School Teaching and Learning Committee Curtin Business School Courses Committee Curtin Business School Student Discipline Panel Bi-Monthly meetings with the Academic Registrar FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING REPRESENTATIVE
- Ammar Fazillah
Faculty of Science and Engineering Teaching and Learning Committee Faculty of Science and Engineering Courses Committee School of Science Teaching and Learning Committee Faculty of Science and Engineering Student Discipline Panel Bi-Monthly meetings with the Academic Registrar
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FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING REPRESENTATIVE
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS COMMITTEE PRESIDENT
Faculty of Health Sciences Academic Board
Academic Services Committee
- Jayne Kazich
Faculty of Health Sciences Teaching and Learning Committee Faculty of Health Sciences Student Discipline Panel School of Health, Safety and Environment Board of Study Bi-Monthly meetings with the Academic Registrar FACULTY OF HUMANITIES REPRESENTATIVE - Liam O’Neill Academic Services Committee Board of Discipline Curtin Community Safety & Security Action Group Faculty of Humanities Teaching and Learning Committee Faculty of Humanities Courses Committee Faculty of Humanities Student Discipline Panel
- Natasha Woenarso
Curtin Business School Strategic Review Board Curtin Student Advisory Forum International Committee Bi-Monthly meetings with the Academic Registrar
QUEER OFFICERS
- Sarah Franz & Rey Jabonero Ally Steering Committee PEP Group INDIGENOUS OFFICERS
- Sharleah Ramirez & Madison Ludwig Curtin Indigenous Policy Committee
CURTIN UNIVERSITY POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
- Achmad Room Fitriano
Academic Board Academic Services Committee Curtin Business School Strategic Review Board Curtin Student Advisory Forum University Graduate Studies Committee University Research and Development Committee University Teaching and Learning Committee
Bi-Monthly meetings with the Academic Registrar
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EDUCATION & REPRESENTATION
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EDUCATION / REPRESENTATION In 2015 the role of Education Vice President (EVP) moved to include representation, advocacy and welfare as well as maintaining a strong activism focus; this lead to an increase in the areas that the Guild covered and the amount of students that were engaged in Guild services.
MAJOR CAMPAIGNS
EDUCATIONAL ISSUES
SAVE OUR VOICE
FEE DEREGULATION
The Save Our Voice Campaign was run in conjunction with the Guild President and the Presidents of the other WA Guilds. This campaign was around the changes to the university Acts. They wanted to remove students and staff being democratically elected to the University Council, the highest governing body of the University, and change it to an appointment system. The Guild started up a petition that got over 800 signatures and was handed over to the next Guild President and EVP to be tabled in Parliament.
in 2015 fee deregulation was defeated twice in the senate and temporarily put on the back burner. During this time the Education Vice President worked with the Cross Campus Education Action Network to assist in organising National Days of Action in conjunction with the National Union of Students (NUS). The EVP organised buses into the city for the various rallies and ran BBQs and breakfasts where flyers and other information was handed out.
GHOST WRITING Another major campaign in 2015 was around ghost writing or ‘contract cheating’. After the Four Corners exposé on it and after much discussion in university boards, the 2015 EVP wrote a report that was tabled at the faculty Teaching and Learning committees and also passed to the academic registrar and Tara Felton, the Head of Student Discipline and Appeals. This report not only lead to better awareness on the issue and the Guild being part of the university’s retention taskforce, but also meant that the University was more willing to collaborate with us on other projects as they could see the Guilds passion for helping students.
STUDENT RETENTION One of the main educational issues we saw on campus was student retention rates. The 2015 EVP was invited to be part of the University Retention Taskforce that aimed to create a two year retention strategy. The committee included several key university staff as well as Julianne Reid, the associate DVC of Learning and Teaching. The EVP wrote a feedback report to taskforce that outlined the areas that retention issues were most common in and how the Guild and the University could address this.
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EQUITY DEPARTMENTS The equity representatives exist to represent groups that historically have faced oppression either inside or outside of a university setting. In 2015 the guild had six equity departments which were all run and operated differently to one another, hosting various events throughout the year. QUEER DEPARTMENT The Queer Depar tment expanded from its usual group of events to produce its first ever Queers on the Lawn which worked to showcase and promote the depar tment and the impor tance of inclusion and acceptance.
WOMEN’S DEPARTMENT The true highlight for the Women’s Depar tment in 2015 was the production of their Athena Magazine. A magazine which was 100% made by women or people who had experienced women’s oppressions. It was a fantastic success and culminated with a launch par ty close to the end of semester two.
MATURE AGE DEPARTMENT In second semester the Mature Age Depar tment ran a Family
Funk Picnic for mature age students and their families. The event included face painting and balloon animals and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS COMMITTEE Paragon was truly a highlight for the International Students Committee (ISC). It is the first time the committee had produced the magazine since 2008. Led by their publications of ficer, ISC managed to produce a full colour 40 page magazine in a relatively shor t time span.
EQUITY KITCHEN AND STUDENT WELLBEING BREAKFASTS
which included bacon, eggs and toast as well as keeping the equity kitchen stocked with milk, tea, cof fee spreads and bread for students to use for free.
INDIGENOUS DEPARTMENT The Indigenous Depar tment was fairly quiet until second semester where they worked to establish better links with CAS and set things in motion for 2016.
CUPSA Finally the Cur tin University Postgraduate Student Association (CUPSA) continued to assist postgraduate research and coursework students by issuing grants to help them in their studies.
With the help of the 2014 AVP the Guild star ted a for tnightly free break fast barbeque for students
FACULTY REPRESENTATIVES The faculty representatives are there to assist the students in their faculties with whatever they need. They sit on their relevant faculty Teaching and Learning and course committees as well as the faculty Student Disciplinary Panels to help get the best outcome for the students. HUMANITIES FACULTY REP The Humanities representative undertook the huge task of conducting a faculty wide review of every unit and their pass requirements, to ensure that they properly complied with the University’s policy and were fair and equitable for all students.
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SCIENCE & ENGINEERING FACULTY REP One of the largest events run from our faculty representatives was Guild Does DOTA and was largely co-ordinated and run by our Science and Engineering representative. The event had over 2000 attendees and overall was very successful.
HEALTH SCIENCES FACULTY REP Our 2015 Health Sciences Representative made tremendous changes in the school of Physiotherapy with regards to their course structure and the equity issues which surrounded it.
CURTIN BUSINESS SCHOOL Finally our Curtin Business School representative worked with the Commerce Club to ensure that they were able to keep their common room and assisted students on a range of matters relating to various units.
FUTURE CAMPAIGNS
2016 will see a continuation of the work done in 2015 as well as informing students about the upcoming federal election and the importance of voting. This is imperative given that fee deregulation is still a looming issue for students. We will also continue to place emphasis on supporting students’ wellbeing as it is a vital aspect of what the Guild does and is something that we will continue to support into the future.
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EVENTS In 2015, Curtin Student Guild’s events calendar was revitalised; an influx of new events and activities were trialed which saw a greater focus on social events as well as celebrating and highlighting academic, faculty and social issues. There was strong collaboration on events between Equity departments, our Activities Vice President and Guild services and outlets such as Student Assist.
NOTABLE EVENTS IN 2015
SEMESTER 1 O-WEEK / 23-27 FEB O-DAY / 25 FEB START UP PARTY / 27 FEB QUEERS ON THE LAWN / 6 MAR SUMMERFEST / 13 MAR ST PAT’S DAY PIE & PINT / 17 MAR CLUBS CARNIVAL / 18 MAR OPEN MIC COMEDY / 20 MAR WICKED WEDNESDAY (WW) - TIGHT AND BRIGHT NEON / 25 MAR
TRAVEL FIESTA / 29 APR WW - THROWBACK 80/90S / 6 MAY ROLLERAMA @ GUILD / 11-16 MAY YOKAI / 13 MAY COMEDY NIGHT / 15 MAY STRESS LESS DAY / 19 MAY FREE MOVIE - STEP BROTHERS / 22 MAY GUILD AGM / 27 MAY WW - WHEN I GROW UP / 27 MAY END OF SEMESTER BASH
/ 5 JUN
BRINNER / 10 JUN
LINH DOH - CANNING SPEAKER SERIES / 25 MAR
STOP STUDY WEEK PARKING FEES / 11 JUN
FREE MOVIE - MEAN GIRLS / 27 MAR
SEMESTER 2
ART FAIR / 1 MAR
SECOND SEMESTER O-WEEK / 27-31 JUL
NATIONAL CAMPUS DJ COMP - CURTIN HEAT / 2 APR
START-UP WINTER WONDERLAND / 31 JUL GUILD DAY 2015 / 5 AUG
EASTER BASH / 2 APR MATURE AGE FAMILY FUNK PICNIC / 7 AUG THE BUBBLE LAB BUBBLE SOCCER / 22 APR FREE MOVIE - IVORY TOWERS / 18 AUG FUNK N FRIDAY / 24 APR FREE MOVIE - V FOR VENDETTA / 24 APR
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NATIONAL BAND COMP - CAMPUS HEATS / 12 AUG
ZOMBIE CRAWL / 21 AUG
PASAR MALAM / 16 OCT
QUEERS ON THE LAWN 2 / 26 AUG
GAME OF THRONES QUIZ NIGHT /20 OCT
FREE MOVIE - HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON / 28 AUG
FREE MOVIE – YOU’RE NEXT / 23 OCT
SCIENCE @ THE TAV / 19 AUG
MULTICULTURAL FOOD FAIR - KALGOORLIE CAMPUS / 23 OCT
WW - PYJAMA PARTY / 19 AUG
RAD SEX AND CONSENT WEEK / 26-31 OCT
NATIONAL CAMPUS BAND COMP - STATE HEATS / 2-3 SEP
WW - HALLOWEEN PARTY / 28 OCT BEER APPRECIATION NIGHT / 30 OCT
NATIONAL CAMPUS BAND COMP - STATE FINAL / 11 SEP
ENROL FOR A BOWL / 4 NOV
COMEDY NIGHT / 11 SEP
END OF SEMESTER BASH II / 6 NOV
INDIGENOUS ARTISTS AT ATKINSON / 16 SEP
BRINNER (BREAKFAST FOR DINNER) / 13 NOV
WW - PIRATE PARTY / 16 SEP
GUILD MARKETS / EVERY WED DURING SEM
FREE MOVIE - THE HANGOVER / 18 SEP
GRILL THE GUILD / FORTNIGHTLY DURING SEMESTER
ZOMBIE CRAWL / 21 SEP MID SEMESTER BASH / 25 SEP GUILD BALL - MONTE CARLO / 2 OCT GUILD DOES DOTA / 3 OCT THE GUILD SYRIA APPEAL / 5 OCT MENTAL HEALTH WEEK (ROLLERAMA) / 5-9 OCT MULTI-CULTURAL WEEK / 12-16 OCT
STUDENT WELLBEING BREAKFAST/ FORTNIGHTLY DURING SEMESTER ISC INTERNATIONAL COFFEE HOUR / EVERY WEDNESDAY DURING SEMESTER QUIZ NIGHTS @ CONCEPT CAFÉ / EVERY TUESDAY EVENING IN WINTER CURTIN AFTER DARK, THE GUILD OPEN TILL 8PM / EVERY TUESDAY OF SEMESTER TWO
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NEW IN 2015 FOCUS ROLLERAMA AS PART OF MENTAL HEALTH WEEK
MATURE AGE FAMILY FUNK PICNIC
QUIZ NIGHTS AT CONCEPT CAFÉ
As part of Curtin Student Guild’s Mental Health Week activities for 2015, a roller skating rink was erected in Agora Courtyard. This was after the successful Rollerama activation ran in Semester 1.
A 2015 first, run by the Mature Age department was the Family Funk Picnic. The event was created to give mature age students a chance to network and meet one another in a time that they were able to be on campus. Curtin Student Guild organised children activities like face painting and balloon artists for Mature Age Students that have families as well as providing live music and a pop up bar.
During second semester from week 1 until week 8, Concept Café held weekly quiz nights on Tuesdays. Quiz nights at Concept, were part of Curtin Student Guild’s larger After Dark Initiative to provide alcohol free night events to sustain night time campus activity and safety. These were well received by all who attended.
Running with the tag line “skate your stress away”, Rollerama saw over 200 participants, 5-9th of October. The activations purpose was to alleviate stress, provide something fresh and active. Our Student Assist services were also heavily promoted through the week with Student Assist engaging and interacting with students at these activation zones.
RAD SEX & CONSENT WEEK Rad Sex and Consent Week presented the opportunity for students to learn, experience and have an open forum to discuss sexual health issues. From feedback given to our student representatives, Curtin Student Guild found that many students had misinformation on sexual health or hadn’t had access to sexual health education. Rad Sex and Consent Week covered topics from basic sexual health, mental health issues surrounding sexual activity, legalities in sexual health and exhibitions of different sexual interests. Based in a marque in the Sculpture Garden, a safe space was created and had high student engagement.
AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATION OF CAMPUS ACTIVITIES In 2015 Curtin Student Guild continued its role as state coordinator of all local Australian Association of Campus Activities (AACA) competitions. These included National Campus Band Comp (NCBC) and National Campus DJ Comp (NCDC). Curtin organised the State Heats at the new venue Four Five Nine and the State Final at The Rosemount Hotel. Curtin Band, Great Gable won the state finals at The Rosemount Hotel on September 13th 2015 and went on to compete in the national finals in Sydney. Curtin Student Guild secured premium sponsorship for the winning band, which included a $1200 Xpress Magazine street and online magazine package with editorial and a Foxhole Studio rehearsal room package.
A LOOK TO THE FUTURE - NEW EVENTS PLANNED FOR 2016: After a successful and bright 2015 with extensive trialling of new events and activations, 2016 will see greater focus on all inclusive social events that activate the campus and Guild resources. Social events play an important role in improving campus life for students and there is a clear want to continue to expand social events and increase student engagement on-campus in 2016 through making Curtin a true social hub. Moving forward in 2016, the Curtin Student Guild has over 100 events planned. With a new outlook to events and activation in 2016, proposed events will ensure that campus will remain vibrant and engaging, whilst also being aligned to student’s needs.
NOTABLE PLANNED EVENTS FOR 2016 THUS FAR: ATHENA MUSIC FESTIVAL
- to showcase the importance of women’s equality in all sectors and provide a platform for change
GREATER FOCUS on faculty
specific events
SCI-FI WEEK (including ComiCon)
- to provide interesting and stress relief activities on campus
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- to provide social and international interaction in central areas of campus through sport
OLYMPICS WEEK
RAD SEX AND CONSENT WEEK - to provide students with
skills and knowledge in areas of sexual health they may not have had access to so far in their lives in a safe and unintimidating environment
YOKAI - A community event that provides a fair celebrating indigenous culture, health and life - to provide a welcome break from academic activities and celebrate spring starting and new Curtin Student Guild activities
SPRING WEEK
of a focus on stressrelieving events in the lead up and during exam week.
MORE
STUDENT PUBLICATIONS GROK
STUDENT DIARY
Grok continued to be one of Australia’s premier student publications, with an increased circulation rate of 2000 copies per issue. Across the four issues, Grok covered many themes. Grok also proved a popular avenue for student representatives to promote events and causes. Feedback taken from the year has given a new spark to the 2016 Grok, increasing the issues from four to six to provide more relevancy at printing and the introduction of Grok Online.
The 2015 diary was once again hugely popular, alternative covers featured art from local artist RLSM as well as a cover from the Guild’s in house designers. The corny theme of Uni-Corn ran through both. Based on previous years the print run was once again 20,000 with the diaries running out after Semester Two Orientation. In late 2015 the Guild began working with app company Oohlala on a digital version of the popular diary.
2015 PUBLICATION LIST GROK - 4 ISSUES
DIRECT MAIL LETTER TO STUDENTS
GUILD DIARY
FORTNIGHTLY G-NEWS EMAIL
GUILD IPHONE AND ANDROID APP NEWBIE GUIDE STUDENT ASSIST Terminated Guide
Steps To Success Guide Information Flyer Resume Guide Managing Your Money Guide Postgraduate Mentor Program Information Booklet
THE 2014 ANNUAL REPORT THE CANDIDATE - Election Newspaper WOMEN’S DEPARTMENT ATHENA MAGAZINE (INDEPENDENTLY)
CAMPAIGN POSTERS PROMOTING EVENTS AND STUDENT ACTIVITIES REGULARLY UPDATED NEWS AND EVENTS ON THE GUILD WEBSITE REGULAR MEMBER UPDATES VIA SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT COMMITTEE PARAGON MAGAZINE (INDEPENDENTLY)
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
2015 MEMBERSHIP PACKAGE
DISCOUNTS
In 2015 the Guild returned to a Universal Membership model, providing essential services to all students and driving greater equity on campus. The 2015 membership package included 10% discount on all food items across Guild outlets as well as 20% off hot drinks. Membership numbers swelled to over 20,000, though numbers were still below 2013’s universal membership numbers as the Guild recovered from confusion relating to 2014 membership fees.
On Campus Discounts were well utilised in 2015 with universal Guild Membership meaning more students could access cheaper, food, drink, stationery, clothing, computers and more. Nearly $875,000 worth of discounts were claimed by students on campus in 2015 reinforcing the high value of membership to students.
The off-campus discount package for 2015 continued within the Guild’s smartphone App. This is being rebuilt in 2016.
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COMMERCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOOD & BEVERAGE
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FOOD & BEVERAGE
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY? FOOD & BEVERAGE DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2015
NEW POINT OF SALE SYSTEM
YOU’RE A GOOD EGG
April 2015 saw the introduction of a new touch screen till system in the cafes. These units are modern, quick to programme, very responsive and much better for our friendly and efficient customer service.
Working in conjunction with your student “Eggsecutive” Committee, we spent much time looking for free range, organic & locally sourced fresh eggs. We researched the processes and values of many companies, and found a few bad eggs, before deciding that Margaret River Fresh was the best fit for Curtin Student Guild. Now any cracked eggs served at Guild sites on campus are certified free range.
NO MINUMUM SPEND ON EFTPOS You asked for it and we delivered. In 2015 faster integrated EFTPOS were introduced to our café’s allowing us to abolish the minimum spend. Now, about 50% of all transactions are conducted via EFTPOS.
ANGAZI REFURB FINISHED APRIL 2015 The interior of Café Angazi received a complete refresh in early 2015 to bring it up to date with the Wesfarmers Courtyard and give it a cleaner, more modern feel. The project kept the café closed throughout April and into May. This, along with the restricted access to the café due to ongoing works in the courtyard and building 408, put pressure on the cafés turnover for the year.
WOOD FIRED PIZZA Main Café introduced a mobile wood-fired pizza oven in 2015. On Thursdays in Agora Courtyard, for a mere $5 for our members, you could grab a whole, hot, fresh pizza straight from the wood-fired oven.
OPERATIONS REVIEW General Manager of TAG, Andrew Leontarou has relationships with Universities and Guilds across the country and comes from a retail & hospitality background visited Curtin to conduct a review of our sites and services to members and
to get an understanding of how the Guild’s food & beverage services are perceived in the market place. As part of the process, Andrew hosted a number of focus groups with some of our catering customers (from Curtin) and our student customers. The feedback from these sessions has been a valuable tool and we have acted on several suggestions brought up through these meetings. Overall, we were pleased that we are perceived as a relevant service provider on the Campus.
COLD BREW WHO? Cold brew hit our café menu’s early in Semester 1 (check out the amazing brewer in Concept Café). We ran promotions for cold brew during the lead up to exams in both semesters as a natural alternative to carbonated energy drinks. It’s been incredibly popular and features as a regular menu item in all of our cafes forming the base of our iced coffee beverages.
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FOOD & BEVERAGE
HOME MADE IS BEST Our talented and awesome team of chef’s continue to strive to produce top quality, affordable and tasty food for the Curtin community. In 2015 we focused on producing more items “in-house” and in doing so, we are able to create items that are a little left of centre and are not your mainstream, mass produced “staples” that you can find everywhere else.
SO CLOSE The 2014 National Campus Barista of the Year, Kevin Mitchem, once again won the Campus and State heats of the Campus Barista of the Year competition to represent WA in the national finals. He travelled to the Gold Coast to defend his national title. Unfortunately, he was pipped at the post by Andrew Wong from the University of Sydney Union.
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AND THE WINNER IS… KIRRIBILLI CATERING! We entered our cafes and catering services, under the umbrella of Kirribilli Catering, into the Savour Australia Hostplus Awards for Excellence. These awards are a nationally recognised, independently judged awards program that recognises exceptional service and culinary talent across Australia. The Awards have been designed to recognise and promote industry best practice. In August Kirribilli Catering was announced as the State Winner in the Institutional & Education Section. We represented WA at the national awards in Brisbane in October.
LIFE ON CAMPUS AFTER 4PM In 2015 we continued to operate our sites for extended trading hours during semester to ensure that students and the wider Curtin community can enjoy our delicious fare from as early as 7am through to 9.30pm with Bookmark Café supporting weekend campus visitors.
THE TAV Throughout 2015, the Tavern enjoyed a continued good reputation on campus with many staff and students enjoying the facilities. The weekly meal deals increased in popularity throughout the entire year regardless of time in semester; this directly assisted in increasing patronage over the student free weeks. Additional pressure from market stalls and food vans will require additional measures to retain Tavern bistro patronage. Gross sales were maintained from 2014 although with minimal growth. Although expenses were monitored closely and amended due to a reduction in anticipated sales it wasn’t enough to provide the additional profit to reach budget. Themed Wicked Wednesday Student Nights proved to be very popular with much greater attendance compared to previous events. Comedy nights also went from strength to strength with many more participants registering than required for each event. To meet this high demand, The Tavern has decided to increase the amount of Open Microphone events during 2016. Throughout the 2016, Clubs and Societies held Movie Nights as a relaxed social evening in a casual setting. Unfortunately, attendance is usually well below expectations. The large scale events held at the Tavern continue to be a success. Our Toga, Easter Bash and End of Semester Bash events all reached capacity early on in the night. Pyjama Party and Winter Wonderland did not reach capacity but were not far from it. Positive attendance is prompting the ever increasing question of how/ where can we hold a larger event for more to enjoy.
An all-weather solution for the beer garden is still being sought in conjunction with the University; which will make the Tavern a much more usable venue all year round.
THE FUTURE SUSHI The Guild catering department will be launching our own brand of sushi, Sushi Me, made fresh on campus daily in early 2016. Operations will be based at the Main Café and will supply all of the Guild cafés and Kirribilli Catering. Main Café itself, will have a unique offering of high quality hand rolls and fresh nigiri.
SOMETHING NEW SPROUTS AT THE VEGE PATCH Look out for a new “Cubby” under the trees at The Vege Patch in early 2016.
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COMMERCIAL HIGHLIGHTS RETAIL
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RETAIL HIGHLIGHTS
CURTIN CONCEPT Concept is the flagship outlet of the Commercial Department and shares a location with the Guild’s more recent addition, IT Works. These two outlets were brought together in mid-2010 after the individual spaces they occupied were required for expansion of the neighbouring businesses. Since the amalgamation, Curtin Concept has increased and diversified its range from four basic hoodies and a handful of tees off set by a large selection of Bonds brand clothing to a 200sqm purpose built outlet with over 100 different garments all emblazed with the Curtin University name in a variety of logos. All of the designs, excluding the official corporate logo, were designed by or for the Curtin Student Guild and Curtin Concept.
In 2015 Curtin Concept became the preferred supplier for student and staff faculty uniforms. We now provide the uniforms for nine disciplines with three new departments currently in production. • Curtin Concept had a sales turnover of $265,205.80 in 2015 • Sold over 3100 units of Curtin Wear including 1450 Curtin hoodies • Created 62 unique clubs merchandise lines • Saved students over a whopping $32,000 on their uniform purchases when compared to the previous supplier.
IT WORKS IT Works is one of the youngest of the Guild’s commercial businesses and at the time of the amalgamation, IT Works focused on stocking a very narrow line of items and brands which left us failing to meet the needs of Curtin Students and the greater Curtin population. After the move, we began stocking a larger variety of computers brands & accessories, as well as importing our own brand of the most commonly used accessories, such as headphones, power cables & phone chargers. This allowed us to become much more competitive, offer better priced products to Curtin Students and increase turnover. • In August 2015, IT Works was appointed as an Authorised Garmin Dealer and began stocking Garmin fitness activity products. • In September 2012, IT Works was appointed as an Apple Authorised
Reseller and began stocking iPads, iMacs & MacBook laptops. • To build on this, we have recently (October 2015) partnered with PayWise, Curtin University’s staff salary sacrificing company to be their preferred on campus salary sacrificing provider. From November 2015, we will be included as part of their email marketing to staff, have our logo and contact details on their Curtin micro-site and participate in their Staff Benefits day in February and November 2016. • In 2015, IT Works had sales in excess of $303,292 • IT Works assisted over 280 students with computer repairs/servicing, sold over 550 USB drives, 145 Apple Tablets or Computers & over 600 pairs of headphones!
THE SPOT The Spot is The Guild’s newsagency & convenience store located in the heart of The Guild Precinct. The Spot is considered the most popular of the retail outlets amongst students due to the 60 variety lolly wall. During semester, it is often hard to even walk around the area due to the amount of students trying to get their sugar fix.
In 2015, the Spot supplied students with over 25,000 movie tickets! Saving the average person $7 per ticket totaling over $200,000. In addition to this, over 3 tonnes of pick and mix lollies were sold, which if put end to end, would stretch out over 4,250 KM.
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RETAIL HIGHLIGHTS
BOOKENDS The Second Hand Book Shop is the oldest in the Guild Commercial Department. Bookends has three important income categories; Stationery, Safety Equipment & Book sales, the latter being the largest contribution financially.
(students, staff & the general public) lodge their books for sale and are sold on their behalf. Bookends takes a commission of 15% for Full Guild Members & 20% for Non Guild Members as well as offering a 10% discount on all stationery & safety equipment.
Bookends operates a consignment based business where by clients
I n 2015, B o o ke n d s retu r n e d ove r $ 413,0 0 0 b a c k to s tu d e nts.
THE BUBBLE LAB The Bubble Lab is the Commercial Departments new Bubble Tea & Frozen Yoghurt (Froyo) outlet. The business concept was originally devised in mid-2013 from the massive growth in the Asian beverage market in and around Perth. Through the Student Services Amenities Fee & University contributions, we were able to convert an old store room to a modern hole in the wall beverage bar serving Curtin’s population Taiwanese Bubble Tea & Frozen Yoghurt. The Bubble Lab produces three key items; Bubble Tea, Froyo & Asian Confectionery and recently introduced waffles to the menu. Bubble Tea is produced entirely in house from local and imported products. We utilise two main wholesalers, one based in Perth, the other in NSW. Our Perth based supplier kindly passed on all their knowledge and experience to The Bubble Lab and as available to provide support on-going.
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Froyo is produced throughout week and is sourced from a Perth based froyo company. We have utilised their product knowledge to minimise any waste while still producing a fantastic product. The froyo comes in a variety of flavours, some pre-blended, some we research and develop in house using new and fun ingredients. In late 2015, The Bubble Lab partnered with a new company called ‘Be Cool’. Be Cool produce a frozen dessert which is dairy free, gluten free, added sugar free and is also vegan. This item is made from fruit and fruit juice in Australia and has a similar consistency to froyo. The Bubble Lab is the first retail store in WA and the first University based store in Australia to sell the Be Cool product. In 2015 The Bubble Lab served up over 10,000litres of delicious Bubble Tea and over 1000litres of fresh Froyo!
COPY & DESIGN OVERVIEW 2014 sales picked up after an erratic 2013 due to the many disruptions caused by the shop’s redevelopment. 2015 saw some challenges as Curtin University advanced further to digital technology in particular the area of printing hard copies affecting the gross sales figure $456,389 compared to 2014, $500,608 (figures include Guild internal department jobs).
SALES COMPARISON 2014-2015: Self-service printing dropped drastically at -12% from $90,370 to $ $78,320 in 2015 due to the challenges discussed earlier. Although the shop’s prices were cheaper than the computer labs around the campus and the library, we were not able to compete with You-Print-It so we may have had significant number of students using their self-printing. The Guild Web Print service was introduced in March 2015 allowing students to print jobs online from
home or anywhere on campus from their laptop and then release in person at the Guild Copy & Design self-service print room. Print jobs are held for 12 hours from when the files are submitted. Web Print options are limited to standard A4 and A3 single-sided prints only and non-mixed sizes file. New users were given an FAQ sheet and instructions and new service promoted in the Guild website. More online promotion will be looked into in 2016 to create awareness of the service. Ideally, further updates of the print management system would include better optional print features otherwise it offers only basic print options. Both the black and white and colour production machines continue to pick up larger run jobs like booklets in 2015. There was a significant 13% increase on the BW machine but a -12% drop in the colour compared to 2014 sales. The KIPC7800 toner base printer continue to offer a cheaper poster printing option for students and clubs, a plus for students not wanting to pay premium price for
a high quality inkjet print. Hence a -12% drop in the overall large format sales as students opt for the cheaper toner based prints. The existing large format high quality inkjet Canon 8400 poster printer remain widely used for conference posters, backlit films, scrim vinyl banners and photo quality prints. 3rd party printing supplier sales dropped -54% in 2015 as the shop tried to keep as many jobs in-house as possible. However, this has to be looked at in 2016 as the cost of labour, production time during business hours and the stress of processing “jobs-while-you-wait” may counteract whatever profit is generated. There were other decrease in sales compared to 2014: Laminating -24%, binding -24% and artwork -13%. However, there were encouraging increases in heat transfer 3%; permanent binding 6%, Curtin name badges 9% and sundry sales (includes manual labour, button badges, postage and packing for Curtin name badges) at 19%.
CHALLENGES AHEAD Despite some of these challenges, Copy and Design continues to provide an economical and convenient printing and finishing on-campus centre for students, Guild clubs, Guild departments, University departments and external customers. Battling the nature of students’ habits, beginning of semester events and end of semester assignments and associated stresses, Guild Copy & Design continue to provide a much needed on-campus service and benefit as part of the Guild’s mission statement.
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SUPPORT / STUDENT ASSIST
STUDENT ASSIST CASEWORK During 2015, the Student Assist Department dealt with a total of 934 student cases.
ACADEMIC/UNIVERSITY ISSUES - 80% This category includes issues such as; status appeals, assessment appeals, academic misconduct, grievances etc.
The confidential nature of the service restricts the level of detail into which cases can be discussed in this report. However, the demand for Student Assist increased again during 2015 and can be summarised in to the following general issue based categories:
PERSONAL ISSUES - 14% This includes assistance with job search/resume writing, career/course counselling, legal issues etc.
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WELFARE ISSUES - 6% This final category covers Centrelink, housing/tenancy advice, Emergency relief.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ASSIST OFFICER During 2015 the International Student Assist Officer, in addition to providing direct support to students via case work also undertook the following activities: • Worked with Counselling and Disability Services to conduct workshops for International Students. Topics covered ranged from awareness of homesickness and depression to adjusting to the Australian Culture and lifestyle. Feedback received was positive.
• We were engaged by Curtin English again this year exclusively for their individual cohorts. Workshops were also run exclusively for International students living in Guild House. • Co-Presented to Medical Imaging postgraduate students on integrity. • Re-looked at Student Assist materials for Terminated status to modify language to fit culturally diverse student population.
Workshops were conducted on both Bentley and Kalgoorlie campuses. • Participated in the “International Student Services Showcase” held by START. • Panel member in the ITCH (International Tea & Coffee Hour) Special Edition: Q&A Panel about work exploitation.
TAX HELP
BOOKSHOP GRANTS
The Guild has continued to act as a Tax-help centre, coordinating and delivering the program from the main reception building. The Tax-help program is an initiative of the Australian Tax Office (ATO) which aims, through the recruitment and training of volunteers, to provide a program “designed to provide assistance to an identified target client group (students), to help them comply with their tax oblations at tax time.”
The Bookshop Grant program provides grants to eligible undergraduate Curtin students in financial need, to assist with purchases of course related materials from the University Bookshop.
The Tax-help program is open to all Curtin students who meet the basic eligibility criteria of the program of low income and simple tax affairs.
The BSG program attracted $156 200 from The University’s Scholarships Department. This generous support enabled the program to offer 415 grants in semester 1 with a face value of $280.00 per grant and 200 grants in semester 2 with a face value of $200.00 per grant.
This year, the Curtin program was delivered by a team of 11 dedicated volunteers who in the three month period (August - October), provided a total of 676 appointments to assist students with their tax lodgment.
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STUDENT ASSIST
STUDENT ASSIST KALGOORLIE During 2015 the Kalgoorlie Student Assist Officer was able to provide direct assistance to students on the WA School of Mines campus. This role has continued to develop and adapt to cater to the needs of the WASM campus community. Benefits resulted from this position included: • Providing a number of presentations, workshops and activities for students during orientation. • Delivering support services to Kalgoorlie students on a daily basis, mirroring the services provided on the Bentley campus. • Working closely with the Kalgoorlie WASM staff to uncover and resolve issues impacting on students studying in Kalgoorlie. • Regularly meetings with the WASM student guild representatives to discuss and work together on a range of issues on the Kalgoorlie campus. This included student and staff conflicts, improving International
and domestic student interactions, and strategies to support students. • Supported the Guild in running events held on campus to promote student involvement and a stronger university community. • Free distribution of a WASM Guild Diary to all students. • Helped to run workshops for students. • Built relationships with local support services within the Kalgoorlie and wider Goldfields community, in order to better support students • This included gathering and distributing information to students on the local support services available for legal, welfare, and personal issues. • Built relationships with local Kalgoorlie businesses and securing discounts for WASM students
managed organisations throughout WASM (ISA, Social Club, AusIMM, WASM Wombats) • Significantly increased engagement with international students through different cultural events and the providence of multilingual service • Worked closely with Student Wellbeing to provide Stressless workshop, activities, and morning tea for student during exam weeks During 2015 the role of the Kalgoorlie Student Assist Officer continued to include co-ordination of a number of events that have cultivated student involvement within the WASM community, and helped foster relationships among students and with staff. These events included Orientation, Eid-al-Fitr, Can You Dig It, Mental Health BBQ and Multicultural Twilight Market. These events have been well received and attended by students, staff and local community.
• Assistance of sub-committees and other important student-
REBOOT
(COMPUTER RECYCLING PROGRAM) Since 2014, the Reboot Program has not been advertised due to a severe drop in computer donations. Despite this, we still had a few applications to the program. A total of 10 students applied and received a Reboot computer. With only about 5 computers remaining, this side of the program will cease moving forward.
We have given out a total of 326 Reboot computers to students since the program commenced.
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With the help of SAAF funding we have purchased 8 new laptops for the Reboot Loan Program replacing our existing laptops as they are now too old to meet the demands of student’s needs. The REBOOT Loan Program will be our main focus moving forward in 2016 and hopefully we will have more funding to purchase more laptops to keep up with student’s needs.
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION
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SUPPORT AND PROCEDURE
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Guild Information Technology (IT) had a very successful 2015 with a number of key, high impact projects which enhanced and streamlined Guild retail and operational outcomes. It was also the final year of transitioning the systems from legacy hardware and frameworks. There were also some considerable culture changes in the way retail outlets developed customer interfaces and processes.
RETAIL POS IT was instrumental in deploying and commissioning POS terminals in all dining outlets. This was made possible by constant, and sometimes intense, negotiations with all levels at Curtin Information Technology Services to ensure a well prepared and configured backbone for these systems. The project was completed transparently and in full consultation with all stakeholders. All outlets opened on schedule and without issue.
GUILD FLEET REPLACEMENT - DESKTOP Commencing in late 2011, the IT Manager was tasked with developing and implementing a fully budgeted, and warranted, computer fleet for all Guild staff. As at September 2015 all computers in the fleet are Dell warranted machines. We now have to start a fleet replacement for those machines that have expended both normal and extended warranty.
This will continue to late 2018 and is standard business practice.
GUILD FLEET REPLACEMENT – BACKEND Employing the same model as the desktop replacement, all Guild core servers have been replaced physically or virtually. Non critical servers including Antivirus, EFT, Windows update and others have been virtualised. Core servers including data, financial and data security are hosted autonomously on dedicated, purpose designed hardware. The same warranty model is being applied at end of warranty life.
GUILD STANDARD OPERATING ENVIRONMENT (SOE) Mr Slade Lever has spent considerable time researching, testing and implementing a standard desktop environment with all the necessary, licenced and up to date productivity packages.
The IT team has a task/fault resolution window of less than one calendar day for most jobs. All users enjoy the ability to engage with IT staff and most support requests are walk-ins and the rest email or phone.
CITS AND THE GUILD The relationship between Guild IT and CITS at all levels is very strong and allows a free flow of information between the two entities with regard to IT operations affecting both organisations. This has had a significant impact on the timely completion of Guild projects (see para 1) and allows Guild IT to preemptively plan works in direct consultation with CITS.
MILESTONES FOR 2015 • Implementation of Retail Management System – Copy and Design Centre – July 2016; • Migration of Messaging system – hardware and version upgrade; • Migration of Financial, Archiving and Catering systems to new hardware; • Replace end of life server hardware.
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION During the year of 2015, the Finance Department introduced some new processes in order to streamline, become more productive, save funds and protect the Curtin Student Guild. The Finance Team upgraded the Curtin Student Guild’s Terms and Conditions Agreements. These now need to be signed by all our customers receiving either goods or services from the Guild. We hope that his measure will prevent bad debts, which until then were very few; however with the economic climate worsening, these could potentially increase. The Finance Team also upgraded our electronic filing system to be able to reduce physical storage space, which is a premium at the Guild, as well as fulfil the Government’s requirement for maintenance of safe records. We are now able to produce files electronically as and when required. The upgrade to our electronic filing system also allows us to save all customer invoices directly from our
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accounting system and invoices, so that now invoices do not need to be printed. These can be forwarded to our customers directly, thus saving photocopying charges and paper. This upgrade also allows us to email remittance advices to our suppliers, again without having to print them. The Finance Team also introduced some changes to our payroll system whereby individual payslips can be distributed electronically to all employees without having to print the payslips. This also tightens the security of confidentiality as the payslips are emailed to the employee’s private email addresses and not their work emails. This measure is saving the Guild unnecessary stationery costs. Implementing the above now means that the Finance team can use their time in a more productive manner as well as saving unnecessary administrative costs to the Curtin Student Guild.
SSAF Throughout 2015 the Guild continued its strong participation in the University’s Student Services and Amenities Fees Expenditure Advisory committee. This committee, made up of equal students and university staff, has allowed both parties to ensure SSAF is spent where most needed. This serves to enrich student life, delivers essential services and builds a better Curtin for you, the students.
IN 2015 THE FOLLOWING PROJECTS RECEIVED SSAF FUNDING THROUGH THE CURTIN STUDENT GUILD:
• Building 106 Northern (Undercover) Courtyard Redevelopment • Building 106 Southern (Guild) Courtyard Redevelopment
• Student First Aid Training • International Student Assist Officer • Kalgoorlie Student Assist
• Vege Patch Redevelopment
• Legal Assist
• Clubs Pod
• Guild Day Expansion
• Kitchen and Bistro Upgrade
• Post Grad Student Mentor
• Guild Event Vehicle
• Curtin After Dark
• Golf Cart Transport
• Support for Student Events & Activities
• Contribution to University Overspend • Childcare Grant • Increased Club Funding
• Increase in Food and Entertainment • Guild Share Bike Pilot Program
• Emergency Student Aid
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CAPITAL EXPENDITURE BUILDING 106 NORTHERN (UNDERCOVER) & SOUTHERN (GUILD) COURTYARD REDEVELOPMENTS The facility provides one of the few undercover informal study spaces at Curtin University. Whilst the area was previously utilised by students it never operated at capacity due to the fact that it appeared run down and unappealing and was in need of a cosmetic overhaul. Students now have a vibrant weatherproof area to convene for social, recreational and study purposes.
Kebabs and Tavern special events. In addition it is in close proximity to Simply Delicious and Main Café. The removal of obtrusive walls and creation of a flexible space are in line with modern developments and ensure Curtin students feel at home on campus.
The renovation of the Southern Courtyard has created a dynamic and attractive food and beverage precinct. The area services The Bubble Lab, Concept Café, George’s
Although the engagement of multiple consultants and stakeholders caused delays to the projects the end result (delivered February 2016) is highly beneficial to students. We thank Curtin University Properties for their support and advice.
VEGE PATCH REDEVELOPMENT
GUILD EVENT VEHICLE
The importance of Vege Patch in servicing students in Curtin’s southern end of campus cannot be understated. The Guild worked tirelessly with the University to deliver a high quality offering to complement the area and better enrich students from the Humanities and Engineering faculties through this outlet. In early 2016 the Vege Patch will open a standalone coffee pod, greater seating and alfresco area with a new alfresco canopy, providing an inviting space even on a winters day.
The Guild has partnered with Beyond Custom on the creation of a dedicated events vehicle. A Volkswagen Kombi Van has been purchased and has undergone a mechanical rebuild prior to the custom modifications being made. This project has been very frustrating. The contractor was appointed in June 2014 however the build has taken over 18 months. Unfortunately due to the specialised market they operate within there has been no alternative for the Guild but to wait for the project to be completed.
Although the engagement of multiple consultants and stakeholders caused delays to the projects the end result (delivered March 2016) is highly beneficial to students. We thank University Properties for their support and advice.
CLUBS POD Clubs are an essential part of university life and the creation of a dedicated space for clubs has long been on the Guild’s agenda. Throughout 2015 the Guild undertook a range of consultations and meetings to work toward the delivery of a clubs space or pod. After several false starts the first space will roll out in mid-2016 with the remainder of the infrastructure being developed for late 2016. As this is a new concept at Curtin much effort has gone into developing the right space for clubs and building clubs as part of Greater Curtin.
KITCHEN & BISTRO UPGRADE The popularity of The Tavern as a dining destination has grown over the years and the kitchen was unable to meet the high demand for its services. In 2015 the kitchen space underwent renovations to update both layouts and equipment. The update of this plan has enabled more efficiency in the bistro’s kitchen and decreased the wait times.
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GOLF CART TRANSPORT With the introduction of the University’s Vehicle Access Management Plan (VAMP) the Guild deemed it important to invest in some electronic vehicles so we could ensure efficient delivery of food and beverage and event services. The vehicles have allowed for events and food distribution on campus to continue strongly with great benefit to service delivery.
CONTRIBUTION TO UNIVERSITY OVERSPEND After lengthy discussions with the University, the Guild has agreed to fund part of the University’s overspend on: Creative Quarter, Vibrant Campus, The Big Screen and Low Cost Health Care. Some of these projects are still in their infancy and others are ongoing. The Guild believes its work with the University on these projects will provide greater benefit to students and represents a strong sense of collaboration between the two parties on wanting to enhance the student experience.
ONGOING PROJECTS
CHILDCARE GRANT The Childcare Assistance Grant allows students with standalone childcare requirements to seek funding to cover short term childcare. The grant cannot be used for regular childcare schedules. The program consistently offers assistance to students who may require childcare as a one off to attend class, university related conferences or to cope with having to balance parenthood, study and unexpected issues. In 2016 this grant will be rolled into general emergency aid funding.
INCREASED CLUB FUNDING The club development and funding growth strategy increases the ability of clubs to grow and operate providing essential activities, events and social interaction throughout Curtin. The additional funds go to the increase of direct club funding through doubling the amount of money the Guild provides clubs based on their membership base through our voucher system. The funding also grows the grant system where clubs apply for funding based on special events and activities. The evidence is strongly reflected in not only the very high increase in clubs at Curtin but also the increasing uptake of clubs of traditional and new grants. The merchandise grant made available through this funding is now one of our most requested. The strong funding and support of clubs is essential for Curtin to be an inclusive and diverse environment as well as enriching the student experience. In 2016 club funding will form part of the Life Builder Program and will continue to be strongly supported through SSAF.
EMERGENCY STUDENT AID The Guild has found an increasing demand for emergency aid from disadvantaged students. With the increased cost of living, high Perth rent and many mature age students, the need for emergency aid has never been greater. The purpose of this plan is to ensure that the Guild can provide emergency aid to students in the form of food from Food Bank, food from Guild outlets, computers through the Reboot program and other emergency financial relief. The program went well in 2015, with regular demand and a very quick response rate from Student Assist. The program’s inception came online at the right time for the Guild as external support which used to aid our program has now ceased.
In 2016 the emergency funds grogram will operate within the Student Welfare & Support Service Provision SSAF project.
STUDENT FIRST AID TRAINING Through the Guild’s Life Hacks program it has always provided first aid training to students at a discounted rate, with the addition of SSAF funding this discount can increase and provide students the cheapest first aid training on the market. The discounted first aid was an overwhelming success in 2015 (767 students undertook the training) with courses booked out several weeks in advance and additional courses needing to be put on to cover demand. Based on the strong demand and proven results it is expected the Guild will negotiate a cheaper rate in 2016 to reduce the subsidy required. The project is being incorporated into the Life Builder SSAF program for 2016.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ASSIST OFFICER This position has evolved greatly since its inception in 2012 and provides an essential service to international students in need. The service ensures international students are dealt with by a specialist in any specific welfare and advocacy issues to ensure they get the best service available. The program has been running now for over three years and there has been a noticeable benefit to international students. Multilingual skills and a specified working scope have allowed the position to better deal with and assist international students with Student Assist matters. The service has solidified itself as essential for delivering advocacy to international students. In 2016 the program will form part of the greater Student Welfare & Support Service Provision SSAF project.
KALGOORLIE STUDENT ASSIST (FULL REPORT UNDER STUDENT ASSIST) This position has been one of the most successful from SSAF funding, it has allowed the Guild to provide wide ranging support to students in need at our Kalgoorlie Campus. Since this position has been implemented a wide range of issues have been dealt with at the campus and a greater knowledge of the student makeup has occurred. The ability to deliver strong services such as this regardless of campus is an important use of SSAF.
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ONGOING PROJECTS (cont.)
This program has been strong since inception and has expanded in the past six months to accommodate for a staff member five days a week instead of four. The funding for it is essential to ensuring Kalgoorlie students receive strong advocacy and assistance. It is highly recommended the program be expanded in the future. In 2016 the program will form part of the greater Student Welfare & Support Service Provision SSAF project and operate five days a week.
LEGAL ASSIST The Guild’s Legal Assist program partners with Sussex Street Legal to provide essential legal support to students in need. Legal Assist can be used for many issues including tenancy issues, domestic violence, harassment, and more as well as criminal issues which the student may be facing. The majority of clients however are seeking legal action against another party. The uptake, while not as high as it could be is more than made up for by the strong nature of many cases presented. The service has proved essential for many desperate students and the strong abilities of not only Student Assist but also Sussex St Legal mean the program has now become vastly important to the Guild and students. This service will continue and in 2016 the program will form part of the greater Student Welfare & Support Service Provision SSAF project.
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O AND GUILD DAY EXPANSION The O and Guild Day expansion SSAF funding has allowed the Guild to reach and engage with more students through the delivery of vibrant events focused at new to Curtin students. The funding provides the Guild with the tools and money it needs to deliver the best festival it can to Curtin students in a colourful, ecclectic and truly interactive way. This funding has made significant impacts in the Guild’s service delivery of O Day and is strongly benefiting students, the University and Guild. In 2016 this project will be incorporated into the Experience SSAF program
POST GRADUATE STUDENT MENTOR PROGRAM This program works to provide a supportive program to postgraduate students where they can rely on student mentors for peer assistance. It also allows the opportunity to enhance the overall educational experience that is not covered in the classroom/ academic arena. In 2016 the program will form part of the greater Student Welfare & Support Service Provision SSAF project.
CURTIN AFTER DARK Curtin’s desire to be a constantly flowing campus 24 hours a day is hindered by the lack of dedicated funding to evening events. This proposal aims to create a range of initiatives to help create a vibrant campus at all times of day and night though entertainment, activities, extended opening hours and programs.
STAFF LISTING FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION
RETAIL
Brent Penberthy
Darren Carter
Managing Director
Commercial Manager
Sylvia Hahn Finance & Admin Manager/Accountant
John Hew Copy & Design Centre Manager
Karen Rennie
Management Accountant
Justin Manson
Copy & Design
Jo Alvey
Finance & Admin Officer
Leigh Howson
The Spot Supervisor
Sally Corbett
Accounts Clerk
Slade Lever
I.T
Helen Bartlett Senior Supervisor, Bookends
Tony Wilson
I.T
Paul Kent
I.T
MEMBER BENEFITS Reece Wheadon
Member Benefits Manager
Cassandra Jordon Coordinator
Events and Marketing
Rebecca Barendrecht Student Engagement Officer Rozanna Johnson
Graphic Designer
Shelley Stoddart
Receptionist
Caitlin Creeper
Grok Editor
Simon Roy Officer
Senior Student Assist
Olivia Colja
Student Assist Officer
Juliana Desker-Lim
Student Assist Officer
Jo-Ann Naidu International Student Assist Officer Onki Yiu
Student Assist Officer - Kalgoorlie Campus
Andrew Cameron Post Graduate Student Mentor Program Coordiantor Financial Councillor
Jess Jansen
Maree Reed
Supervisor, Bookends
Curtin Concept & IT Works Nikki Maury Supervisor Kat Hossen
The Bubble Lab Supervisor
Shaun McMahon
Guild Logistics Officer
FOOD & BEVERAGE Francois Leuenberger Food & Beverage Manager Kelli Knight Catering Operations Manager Noelle Cavanagh
Food & Beverage Administrative Support Officer
Christophe Jerome
Executive Chef
Ann Maree Foran
Functions Coordinator
Leah Mahony
Functions Coordinator
TAVERN Tanya Della-Santina
Tavern & Bistro Manager
POLICY AND RESEARCH Corrie Filmore
Project Research Officer
Marjory Perkins
Student Services Administration Officer
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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STUDENT SERVICES EXPENSES WHAT DOES OUR INCOME ACTUALLY PAY FOR? WE GET INCOME FROM TRADING REVENUE, SSAF, GRANTS & MEMBERSHIP
REPRESENTATION & ADVOCACY ($895,880)
CLUBS & RECREATION ($335,729)
These costs are directly associated with the running of the departments dealing with issues relating to disadvantaged and special interest equity groups (CUPSA, International Students Committee, Women, Part-Time & Mature Aged, Indigenous, Sexuality) and includes funding provided to regional centres and covers the cost of projects such as the ‘Excellence in Teaching Award’, the ‘Newbie Guide’ and student surveys.
Expenses include: grants and sponsorship provided to clubs and societies, and costs associated with the Guild’s recreation and activities programme.
STUDENT SUPPORT - STUDENT ASSIST ($603,394) Covers costs of delivering welfare and grievance appeal support including the Guild’s Legal Assist service.
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES ($172, 462) Expenses in this category include: Student Accident Insurance, costs associated with running Guild membership stalls, student diary and other items.
STUDENT DISCOUNTS ($874,763) This is the value of discounts claimed by students at Guild outlets.
STUDENT PUBLICATIONS ($197,376) Costs of producing student publications such as ‘Grok Magazine’.
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PROMOTION & EVENTS ($473,485) Expenses include the Guild’s huge range of events across the year as well as the cost of promoting services and events.
SECOND HAND BOOKSHOP ($583,322) Represents the money paid back to students who have sold their books through the shop, as well as the costs of running this service (this cost is matched by income from the sales).
OTHER STUDENT SUPPORT COSTS ($1,457,972) This includes the cost of providing finance, administration, IT & C support services to the above areas as well as other infrastructure costs such as public liability and other insurance.
VISION Our vision is to be the leading independent student run organisation in Australia, which is highly valued by all of the University community, especially our members.
MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Curtin Student Guild is to: • Actively represent and advocate on behalf of Curtin University students; • Encourage and facilitate student participation in University decision making; • Provide a range of services, facilities and activities for our members helping them to have a fulfilling university experience; and • Provide competitive services to the wider Curtin University community to ensure the relevance and sustainability of our operations.