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.

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 Student Representation

1,060,557 1,142,808 -82,251 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

FLINDERS UNIVERSITY STUDENT ASSOCIATION

FUSA@FLINDERS.EDU.AU FUSA.EDU.AU LEVEL 1, STUDENT HUB, FLINDERS UNIVERSITY, BEDFORD PARK