2021 Annual Report FLINDERS UNIVERSITY STUDENT ASSOCIATION
2021 ANNUAL REPORT 1
Flinders University Student Association acknowledges the traditional owners of the various locations that Flinders University operates on and recognises the continued relationship and responsibility to these lands and waters by traditional owners past and present. The following is an indicative (but not exhaustive) list of traditional owners on whose country Flinders University has campuses.
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Arrernte Boandik Bungarla Gunditjmara Jawoyn Kaurna Larrakia Nau Ngarrindjeri Peramangk Ramindjeri Wurundjeri Yolgnu
Contents About FUSA
2
Student Council 2021
4
Advocacy & Welfare
6
Representation 8 Events 10 Clubs, Collectives & Associations
12
Media & Communications
14
Financials 16
2021 ANNUAL REPORT 1
About FUSA Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) represents the rights and interests of Flinders University students. As an independent body, FUSA is governed by an elected Student Council who direct the priorities of FUSA each year with the support of dedicated staff. We provide a welcoming and lively student experience which focuses on campus culture, giving support to students in need, and facilitating opportunities for students to be a part of the wider University community. The services that FUSA provide include: •
Student representation, including in central University bodies and across Colleges
•
Academic advocacy, financial counselling and welfare services.
•
Administration of student clubs and academic associations.
•
Events and activities on campus and online.
•
Student led communication and media, including the student magazine, Empire Times.
Under the FUSA Constitution the function and purpose of FUSA is to: • • •
•
•
•
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Promote and advance the rights, interests and welfare of students Represent students within and outside the University. Coordinate and support activities for students, including the provision of support for affiliated clubs. Provide the means for effective communication between students, the Association and the University. Oversee the delivery of student services, which are funded from the Student Services and Amenities Fee and are the responsibility of the Manager, Student Engagement. Deliver other services, amenities and programs for students funded from the membership fee and other income received by the Association.
Student Council Student President
Disabilities Officer
General Secretary
Mature Age Students Officer
Ethan Zimmermann
Zofia Maria Kolodziej Courtney Lawerence Nathan Cheetham Brie Dark
Social Activities Officer
Nus Conference Delegates
Sean Henschke Molly Turnbull
Education Officer
Benika Bhoola
Welfare Officer Jesy Murphy/ Rachel Hemer
First Nations Students Officer
Keenan Smith
International Students Officer
Rubayat Sarwar
Women’s Officer Luca Sardelis
Queer Officer Shanii Sparrow
Environment Officer
Anu Francis
Ange Nishimwe
Postgraduate Students Officer
Emily Williams
General Council Members
Empire Times Editor Team
Benika Bhoola Sean Henschke Caitlin Allman Artin Arjomandi Josh Rayner Lachlan White
Caitlin Fenwick Naz Dehghani Hieu Hoang Kaylen Scurrah Darlyn Tan-Sik Riley Jones Rafael Aquino Rachel Hemer Callan Alexander
Amy Tschirn
2021 ANNUAL REPORT 3
FUSA Staff 2021 Manager Student Engagement Ben Smith Administration Assistants Stacy White David Hopkins Nikki Esmaeili Lila Juwayed Tim Townend Student Representation and Development Officer Kate Walsh/Fletcher O'Leary Student Representation Support Officer Tamzyn Willmott-Daly Media and Communications Coordinator Robin Cole/Steph Walker Media Officer Jess Nicole Media Assistant Alexander Ninnes
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Clubs and Societies Officer Adam Rau/David Hopkins Events and Projects Officer Caleb Osborne Events and Projects Assistant Alexandra Mibus Claudia Bradley Student Finance and Advocacy Officer Helen Laity Stacy White
Student Advocacy Officers Ally Drew Ali Barnes
Student Council 2021
Molly Turnbull General Secretary 2021 Student President 2022
Student Council is responsible for the overriding governance of FUSA and seeks to promote and advance the rights, interests and welfare of students; coordinate and support activities for students, including the provision of support for affiliated clubs; and oversee the delivery of student services, which are funded from the Student Services and Amenities Fee. 2021 was another year in which the disruptions of the pandemic were widely felt by the student community. This had a significant impact on the welfare of students and the operations of student clubs and societies. In fact, a primary focus for clubs and societies in 2021 was re-engagement after the first year of COVID disruptions and will continue to be a focus in future years. Student Council was able to achieve some significant wins in 2021. There are too many to mention, but I would like to briefly highlight the achievements of Student Council and FUSA that I feel proudest about. A pilot for a new project which provides menstrual hygiene products to tackle period poverty among students was delivered in partnership with Properties, Facilities, and Development. Student Council instigated renovations of the Clubs Space, Women’s Space and Queer Space. After a long period of lobbying and work, a space for students with disability is now established on a permanent basis in the Library. New lockers were purchased for the use of clubs and societies – a valuable infrastructure that will help them. FUSA now has management of the McHughs
Building on the South Ridge of Bedford Park, with plans to make this space open and accessible to students and clubs. The Clubs Regulations went through a period of review and updating, including the introduction of a new requirement for each club to have a member protection policy, which will help govern rights of student members and grievances. Finally, at the instigation of our Indigenous Students Officer, FUSA changed the title of the Student Council position from Indigenous Students Officer to First Nations Students Officer – part of an ongoing commitment to decolonisation. I’d like to thank all the members of Student Council in 2021, all of the students who have volunteered and worked with us to achieve our goals, and all the staff of FUSA and the University who made 2021 such a fulfilling experience for all of us. A special thanks should go to the SRSO Tamzyn Willmott-Daly, who worked with so many of Student Council to develop their ideas into achievable projects.
2021 ANNUAL REPORT 5
Advocacy & Welfare Overview
Staffing
The Advocacy team provide independent, free, and confidential advocacy services to enrolled students at Flinders University who are experiencing academic, administrative, financial or welfare difficulties. The Advocacy team is a service provided by Flinders University Student Association (FUSA).
The advocacy team is staffed by 2.8 FTE staff members, in 2021 the team consisted of Helen Laity (Team Leader and Financial Counsellor 0.8 FTE), Ally Drew (Advocate 0.8 FTE), Ali Barnes (Advocate 0.6 FTE) and Stacy White (Financial Counsellor 0.4FTE). At times during the year Joshua Elvin and Hannah Browne also worked as Advocates.
Our primary role is to provide students with advice and support regarding the University‚ is policies and procedures. Advocates ensure that students are fairly represented by providing relevant information, referrals, advice, and acting as an advocate on matters involving the University's policies and procedures.
Case Management 2021 continued to see the team adapt to COVID conditions whilst maintaining service to students. Throughout the year we provided face to face appointments, and when COVID conditions changed we transitioned to work from home doing phone and Microsoft Teams appointments for students.
Our Financial Counsellor provides information, advice and advocacy to students experiencing financial difficulty. This includes budgeting, understanding which debts are priorities, negotiating with creditors, accessing grants and/or concessions, understanding your rights and referral to external services.
Our case numbers dropped from the highs of 2020 when issues caused by COVID made up the bulk of our case load. Our case numbers increased from 767 in 2019 to 858 in 2021, an increase of 12%. Each case can consist of multiple issues and in 2021 we assisted those 858 students with 959 issues.
We also provide welfare support including Emergency Financial Assistance, Interest Free Loans, Financial Support Grants, and information on Centrelink.
307
87 F: Emergency Financial Assistance
A: Complaint: academic matters
Issues by Type (n = 959) (W) Welfare (F) Financial (A) Academic
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74 A: Remission
63 A: Review of Grade (Final Topic Grade)
57 A: Placement
Academic Advocacy Of the 490 Academic issues, the most common were - Complaint re academic matters (topic/ course/teaching/extension issues) (87:18%) - Remission (74:15%) - Review of Grade (Final Topic Grade 63:13%)
We managed applications for the International Student Support Grant for the University. This was funding provided by the South Australian Government to eligible International Students. We distributed 1371 grants of $500 to students, valued at $696,500. Partnerships In 2021 we continued our partnership with the Australian Tax Office, volunteers were on campus between July and October to assist eligible students submitting their 2020/21 tax returns.
- Academic Integrity (57:12%) Financial Issues Of the 468 Financial Issues, most common were - Emergency Financial Assistance (307:66%) - Student Loan Application (52:11%) - Financial Counselling (36:8%)
We also continued our partnership with Uniting Communities hosting a team member one day per week who can provide additional financial support to students who are experiencing ongoing financial difficulties because of COVID19.
Grants and Emergency Financial Assistance We partnered with Anglicare SA who administered our Emergency Financial Assistance program during the University Christmas Closure period both in 2020/21 and 2021/22
Our Emergency Financial Assistance program distributed food vouchers, food parcels and transport assistance to the value of $37,661 to 307 students on 671 occasions. We opened applications for Financial Support Grants in July 2021 and 47 students were successful in each receiving a grant of $500, a total of $23,500
top 3 colleges by case number
1
College of Nursing & Health Sciences
2
College of Education, Psychology & Social Work
3
College of Science & Engineering
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Representation Through FUSA, Flinders University is part of the Student Voice Australia network committed to building authentic student partnerships. Topic and Course Representatives work with teaching staff to improve the student learning experience. Students also sit on important decision-making committees including the College Education Committees and Student Progress Committees. FUSA provides training and support for these representatives across the six Colleges, with the number of students trained and supported nearly doubling between 2019 and 2021 The experience is a positive for students who step up to the role. Eva Coussens, a Course Representative for Criminology in 2021, graduated with Bachelors in Psychological Science and Criminology in 2021. Eva says “I have thoroughly enjoyed the experiences afforded to me through this role. Representing fellow students has made me feel valued and has taught me important skills including giving effective feedback and conducting myself in a professional manner. Being a course representative has allowed me
2020 2021
BGL 13 40
EPSW 21 25
HASS 18 19
MPH 7 35
to enhance the student experience for the Criminology cohort by working with staff members and actively engaging on committees, including the College Education Committee (CEC) and Course Quality Advisory Committee (CQAG). I have also been able to work closely with many students, amplifying their voices and allowing them to have their say on their learning experience.” Development Grants In 2021, FUSA awarded more than $33, 000 worth of grants over four rounds to Flinders students to help their professional development, develop leadership potential, or help with finding work while they study. Because of COVID-19 restrictions on interstate and international travel, there were few applications for conference attendance compared to 2020. Each grant could be up to $800. Master of Clinical Education student Charlotte Velik used a Development Grant to attend the Australia and New Zealand Prevocational Medical Education Forum: “An excellent opportunity to network with educators across the globe, sharing knowledge NHS 92 99
SE 167 174
TOTAL 318 392
23% increase
96% increase from 2019 8 FLINDERS UNIVERSITY STUDENT ASSOCIATION
and experiences within the clinical education sphere”. Shevaun Rutherford, Bachelor of Creative Arts (Honours) student, attended an Institute of Professional Editors Conference: “I made an important networking connection with the speaker, who’s research heavily aligns with my own. We exchanged contacts and resources that will greatly benefit my honours thesis on the subject”. Student Led Teaching Awards 2021 saw the first Student Led Teaching Awards, hosted by FUSA. A fun way for students to voice and celebrate the best parts of the Flinders learning experience. A selection panel composed of student representatives from across the University (chaired by the Student President) assessed nominations received from students in categories the students themselves chose. Despite being a new project, over 90 nominations were received. Joss Rankin
in the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work took out the University Ducks – the top prize at the FUSA Student Led Teaching Awards. Elections Each year, elections are held for FUSA Student Council, Empire Times editors, and National Union of Students Delegates. Voting is one way that all students can contribute to democracy at Flinders by having a say in who represents them, or by themselves standing for positions. Voter turnout has been lower in the past two years than previously – a reflection on the impact of COVID-19, and the restrictions and uncertainty that this creates. FUSA staff worked hard, in conjunction with University Health and Safety and the Returning Officer, to manage risk and plan contingencies to ensure the elections would go ahead.
2021 ANNUAL REPORT 9
Events FUSA ran a diverse range of successful events that combined fun, information, awareness, and education. These events help to build FUSA’s profile as a student focused and student centric organisation. During 2021, FUSA was again challenged by COVID restrictions. However, we continued to strive to engage with students both on-campus and online through a variety of events. We also collaborated with multiple stakeholders to assist with student events across the University. Events and activations included: - FUSA Uni Ball (Great Gatsby) - So Fresh Flinders (Spring Party) - Stop The Student Poverty Crisis - RUOK? Day - Pride Fest - National Reconciliation Week (NRW) - World Tour Through Cooking - Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Keep Australia Beautiful (KAB) - Day for Biological Diversity - Exam Support - University Mental Health Day (UMHD)
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Highlights from 2021 include: - Stop The Student Poverty Crisis: Student Council hosted an event to generate conversation and awareness about student poverty, with a focus on four issues that most impact students: (1) Rights to Work, (2) Housing (3), Health & Wellbeing, and (4) Food Security. - Uni Ball: this popular event made a comeback after being on hiatus due to COVID in 2020. Whilst capped at 150 attendees, tickets sold out fast. The Great Gatsby theme proved popular, and the event was enjoyed by those who attended. - Campus Activation: focused heavily on activating the campus with a range of live music sessions and picnic furniture at Bedford and Sturt campuses throughout the year. Orientation Program 2021 FUSA ran a successful Semester 1 Orientation program with activities across several days including clubs, stalls, live performances, free lunch, games and more. O’Week events included a Comedy Arvo, Quiz Night, Bingo Bash and O’Week After Party.
FUSA was also involved in the extended Orientation program of Connect Week, Skills Week, and Wellbeing Week with a range of events, live music and picnic furniture at the Bedford Park and Sturt campuses. Semester 2 O’Week was cancelled due to a COVID lockdown and associated activity restrictions. During this time, we focused on increasing online engagement with a range of social media competitions, giveaways, and online events.
FUSA Grab 'n' Go FUSA launched the Grab ‘n’ Go program, a weekly welfare initiative providing free snacks and stationery to students. We run one activation per day from Monday to Thursday between 10:30am and 12:30pm, rotated across the Bedford Park, Sturt, Tonsley and FMC campuses. We focused on expanding our reach to students, and the event proved popular.
84 Grab ‘n’ Go events $11k of free snacks provided to students $2k of free stationery provided to students
2021 ANNUAL REPORT 11
Clubs, Collectives & Associations Despite the continuing impact of COVID-19 on the Clubs, Associations & Collectives program, 2021 saw significant increases to the number of student-driven events and activities, and a strong return of student participation within the program. While the program has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels of club activity and student participation, the club volunteer community remains committed to improving their engagement with the Flinders student body. Data comparing 2020 and 2021 results within FUSA’s Clubs, Associations & Collectives program can be found below. As evident within the data, funding of club events and activities provides excellent value for money; with an average cost of $128.57 per club activity, equating to an average cost of $3.84 per participant in club activities.
More than 75 affiliated clubs, associations and collectives engaged Flinders students in a variety of events and activities throughout the year; such as academic workshops, quiz and game nights, film screenings, camps, language tutorials and more. Unfortunately, Australian border restrictions had a significant impact on FUSA’s cultural club affiliates, as they struggled to fill executive and committee positions while international students were unable to return to South Australia . As border restrictions relax we expect to see cultural clubs and cultural activities increase, and in 2022 an area of focus will be to support the return of cultural clubs and international student engagement in the club program. Support for the Flinders club community increased in 2021 through the employment of a Clubs Officer to assist the Program Coordinator and support club executive and committee
2020
2021
%
Registered events/activities
598
748
+25
Registered activity attendance
15994
25031
+56.5
Affiliation Applications
20
19
-5.0
Requested funding for new projects (Pool Funding)
$41,579
$50788
+21.1
Funding approved for new projects (Pool Funding)
$34,764
$40,295
+15.9
Total Funding Applications
125
128
+2.4
Total distributed funding
$84,196
$96,169
+14.2
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members. In line with 2020 objectives, a formal club marketing plan was implemented to encourage students to both start and join existing clubs. In addition, club regulations underwent a complete overhaul to both improve club operations and the safety of club members. The number of facilities available to clubs increased, including a new club storage room and the provision of new dedicated office spaces to academic associations/clubs. The most exciting addition to the program is the handover of management of the McHughs building to FUSA, providing access to the second largest function space in the university. Following a successful infrastructure bid, $280,000 has been allocated toward renovations and audio-visual upgrades in the building to convert McHughs into a multipurpose student and club community space. It is expected that these upgrades will transform the building into a highly versatile space
for a wide variety of club and studentdriven activities, while providing more appealing facilities for student study and collaboration. As COVID-19 restrictions continue to decrease, a strong focus of 2022 within the program will be to develop skills and knowledge amongst club executive and committee members through the development of new training workshops and online courses. It is expected that this training will assist clubs to become more resilient, while improving both the quality of club operations and student engagement. Marketing will continue to remain a focus of the program, with a focus on highlighting club achievements, while encouraging students to translate creative ideas into the development of new clubs.
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Media & Communications Throughout the year the Media Team assists in a range of projects, events and initiatives and provides support to FUSA staff, Student Council, Empire Times editors, student clubs and more. This support ranges from the provision of graphic design solutions, communication and marketing strategies, and promotional goods and web development. In 2021, the Media Team helped facilitate a variety of Student Council initiatives including Carparking Petition, Good Vibes Experiment, Arts workshops, International Day of World's Indigenous Peoples. World Tour through Cooking Competition, Keep Australia Beautiful Week, FUSA AGM, Wear it Purple Day, Student Poverty Crisis, Period Product Dispensers and International Day of People with Disabilities. In addition to Student Council initiatives the Media Team also assisted with
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departmental projects - Development Grants, National Student Saftey Survey, Student Saftey and Respect at Flinders Survey, Exam Support Campaign, Financial and Academic Assistance during lockdown, Uni Ball, Tax Help, and Financial workshops. Be a Better Human In 2021, the award-winning Be A Better Human campaign – an initiative created in response to the Change the Course Report – continued rollout across campuses. The campaign has begun redevelopment, redesign and updates to better reflect students. The incoming National Student Saftey Survey will be released in 2022 which will inform direction in the future.
Social Media 2021 saw FUSA concentrate considerable efforts on growing its social media profile and developing its delivery of content and services through social media platforms. A focus on highquality creative content and providing a consistent, student-focused voice has resulted in significant growth in engagement, as we fold in evergreen content with promotion of events and FUSA-led initiatives on and off-campus. Social media has become a primary forms of communicating to students while we redevelop the student
website. Important information about FUSA’s services, initiatives, events and opportunities were platformed through Instagram and Facebook. A social media working group was formed to help platform student voice and ensure the timely communication of news and information relevant to student interest. These fortnightly meetings enabled regular communication-drops and check-ins allowing the channel to quickly pivot or platform issues where necessary.
Instagram Stats
Facebook Stats
+ 708 followers
+ 568 follwers
480 posts
319 Posts
386 stories
994 Messages
1,119 messages
925,285 Impressions
463,294 impressions
52,026 Engagements
8,046 engagements 2021 ANNUAL REPORT 15
Financials The majority of the funding FUSA receives is from the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). The SSAF is a compulsory fee charged by the University which supports non-academic services and amenities for Flinders students. Student consultation takes place when considering how the income will be used to provide or enhance these services and amenities. Every year, FUSA submits a funding request and budget to the SSAF Budget Advisory Committee which provides a recommendation to the Vice-Chancellor regarding how the SSAF income should be allocated across the University.
This funding request is prepared in consultation with the Executive of Student Council and FUSA staff. Student Council then approve the final funding request and budget. In the 2020 round, FUSA was allocated $2,135,000 for 2021 SSAF funds are required to be spent in accordance with the Allowed Amenities and Services as provided for under Section (19-38) if the Higher Education Support Act 2003. Unspent funds for the year are returned to the University’s SSAF holding account to be disbursed as per the above section in the Act.
Breakdown of SSAF Funds allocated to FUSA for 2021 Student Engagement $1,060,557 Salaries, operational costs, support for initiatives that enhance student experience. Student Representation $66,000 Development Grants, support for student academic representation and voice across all colleges and support for the functions of Student Council. Events $275,000 Student focussed events and activities including O’Weeks, cultural and issues specific events and activities on campus. Student Advocacy & Welfare $376,743 Independent and confidential academic advocacy, financial counselling, emergency financial assistance and welfare support to students.
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Communications & Media $136,500 FUSA and Student Council promotion marketing, including website and social media presence, production of Empire Times, Student Diary, and student focussed campaigns such as Be a Better Human Clubs & Societies $149,000 Funding for non-sporting student clubs and societies, including social, political and international clubs, and academic Associations Student Council $71,500 Funds for individual Office bearers to pursue projects relevant to the platforms they are elected on, and for their professional development.
Income and Expenditure YTD Report from January to December 2021 In consultation with Student Council and with the support of University administration the FUSA team were able to adapt to conditions and opportunities throughout the year to respond to student need and changing circumstances. We were able to redirect unexpected savings in some areas to improving our capacity in others. In particular FUSA was able to invest in videography for the first time, and an improved online experience for students. This reflects our ongoing commitment to reach more students learning online, or in rural and remote locations. We were also able to direct some additional salary resources in the Student Engagement line into additional development in Student Representation and clubs. Given the continued limitations on activities due to COVID-19, the final expenditure of all the SSAF resources (and a touch more!) allocated to us to improve the student experience was a satisfying outcome. Ben Smith Manager Student Engagement
SSAF Transfers
Expenses
Surplus/ Deficit
Student Engagement
1,060,557
1,142,808
-82,251
Student Representation
66,000
75,538
-9,358
Events
275,000
270,939
4,061
Student Advocacy & Welfare
376,743
323,166
53,577
Communications & Media
136500
156,359
-19,859
Clubs & Societies
149,000
135,675
13,325
Student Council
71,500
54,147
17,353
Totals
2,135,300
2,158,632
-23,332
2021 ANNUAL REPORT 17
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FUSA@FLINDERS.EDU.AU FUSA.EDU.AU LEVEL 1, STUDENT HUB, FLINDERS UNIVERSITY, BEDFORD PARK
