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 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

BGL EPSW HASS MPH NHS SE TOTAL 2020 13 21 18 7 92 167 318 2021 40 25 19 35 99 174 392 23% increase

96% increase from 2019

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.