LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

LETTER FROM THE RUSU PRESIDENT

AKSHAY JOSE

Hi everyone,

As the new academic year begins there is a lot happening for students. But while we are now partially back on campus, the impacts of COVID-19 are still being widely felt. COVID-19 has presented many challenges over the last year, but your Student Union has been working tirelessly to make sure you have the best student experience possible, both on campus and online. We are here to support you during your time at RMIT, whether it’s related to your studies, your personal life, or the way the pandemic continues to disrupt both. I want to offer a huge welcome to all the students that already have, and will, make their way to RMIT to start their university journey.

International students continue to be severely affected by the pandemic, especially in the form of travel restrictions that have left thousands unable to enter Australia. It is inequitable to ask students to pay a premium price for an education that is not only inferior to pre-pandemic standards but also inferior to the education received by onshore students. However, RMIT continues to extract full fees from these students. We don’t think this is fair, which is why we are demanding a 20% discount on fees for international students who cannot return to campus. Also, onshore students do not receive the full suite of face-to-face tuition, practical, lab and studio classes that they envisaged for their studies. That’s why we are also asking RMIT to freeze fees for all other students in 2021. We believe that no student should have to pay more for less.

On a lighter note, RUSU is really pleased that our clubs and societies will be able to take part in Clubs Fest, which will be running throughout Week 6 of the academic year. With stalls, live performances, and free food across all Melbourne campuses, the event will provide an opportunity for clubs to meet with students face-to-face, share common interests, and hopefully make some lasting connections. It’s been hard for clubs to stay active over the last year, so we encourage everyone to support them as they ramp up their activities. Whether political, academic, social, cultural or creative, RUSU clubs are a fantastic way to enrich your experience at university.

If you want to stay up-to-date with everything RUSU has to offer, make sure you follow us on Facebook and Instagram. You can also check out

our website. And don’t forget that membership only costs $10 for the whole year, and grants you access to a range of exclusive competitions, discounts, merchandise and newsletters. Take care, stay safe, and look out for each other.

AKSHAY JOSE RUSU PRESIDENT

JASPER COHEN-HUNTER

@JASPERRILEY

We ARE Infinite (2021)