Orientation Week Handbook 2013 by SRC USyd Publications

Students’ Representative Council The University of Sydney

MMXIII

Orientation i SRC n U y e n d y S

Handbook

t uni a s t h g i r our Protecting

BER! ce, SRC Bookshop or 9660 5222 M E M A E SRC Offi ECOM

Students representative COuncil University of Sydney

ll,

sta -Week SRC

on at O Join in pers

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS Support & Advocacy

• Centrelink • Academic Appeals • Discontinuing/Withdrawing • Show Cause • Exclusion • Tenancy • Fee Refunds • Harassment & Discrimination • International Students • Plagiarism & misconduct

Free Legal Advice

• Referrals • Discrimination & Equal Opportunity • Employment law • Minor criminal matters/traffic offences/ fines • Victims of violence • Debts

The SRC’s operational costs, space and administrative support are financed by the University of Sydney.

SRC Books - Buy your textbooks cheap! • Buy & sell your textbooks • Search for books online SRC website Wentworth Level 4 (next to the International Lounge)

Emergency Loans

$50 emergency loans for students in need

Student Publications

• Honi Soit weekly newspaper www.src.usyd.edu.au/honisoit • International Students Handbook • Orientation Handbook • Counter Course Handbook • Growing Strong - Women’s Handbook

Student Rights & Representation

SRC Representatives are directly elected by students each year to stand up for students’ rights on campus and in the wider community. Find the SRC at...

Level 1 Wentworth Building (under City Rd footbridge) Ph: 02 9660 5222 www.src.usyd.edu.au If you are at another campus, email: help@src.usyd.edu.au

www.src.usyd.edu.au

dow

SRC

n sta

irs

Student Central Wentworth building

Students’ Representative Council The University of Sydney

www.src.usyd.edu.au

The University of Sydney Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Representative Council acknowledges the traditional owners of this land, the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. We stand on this land today as beneficiaries of an uncompensated and unreconciled dispossession which occurred over 200 years ago. Many of the descendants of those dispossessed live just down the road in abject poverty, and as young people it is important to recognise how this history of dislocation and disenfranchisement has contributed to the inequity we observe in contemporary society, particularly in the area of education. We acknowledge both our privilege and our obligation to redress the situation at best we can: to remember the mistakes of the past, act on the problems of today, and build for a future for everyone who will not call this place home, striving always for practical and meaningful reconciliation. If you are reading this, you are standing on Aboriginal land. Please recognise and respect this.

office bearers

3 4 Vice President General Secretary 6 8 NUS 10 Education 12 Welfare PResident

13 womens 14 Sexual harassment 15 college 21 intercampus 29 International

src

About THE src Important Dates DRUGS ACCOMMODATION SATELLITEs

around campus

USYD Landmarks Map Drinks Coffee Food Enemies

collectives

7 16 18 22 29

Your RIGHTS SSAF MEntal HEALTH

20 24 26 27 28 48

Collective Organising Queer Collective Disability Collective Indigenous collective Anti Racism Collective Enviro Collective

CENTRElink

36 37 38 39 40 42

30 32 44 46

Welcome to Sydney University. To the brave few of you reading this, let us explain ourselves. We’ve been commissioned by your SRC to create a marvtellous handbook to help you orientate yourself with the University of Sydney. You don’t have to read every single page, but this handbook is chocked full of useful information, as well as hints and tips to make your uni experience a comfortable one – so have a flick through and see what university life has to offer! We’ve got info on your legal rights as a student, and other basic stuff you should know like how to get around, where the best food and accommodation, and what you should do if you get into trouble. The SRC is located down the stairs at the side of the Wentworth Building and is your voice on campus. We fight for the rights of students against the forces of evil who work to devalue your degree and damage the welfare of students, whether they come in the form of careless university executives or overzealous deregulators. Please stop by and have a chat to any of your student representatives or caseworkers, we’re here for you. In this handbook we’ve also got reports from all corners of the SRC. There’s really essential information about what each department does as well as what the SRC and National Union of Students (NUS). So have a read and get acquainted with the departments and collectives. If you feel interested in a particular area, we strongly urge you to join a collective – you’ll meet tonnes of friendly people with the same interests and it’s a great way to plunge into the deep end of student activism and make the world a nicer place to live in. Last but not least, remember to check out the Counter-course handbook as well if you’re deciding about what you should study! Regards, The Editors: Dylan Parker, Callum Drake, Oscar Coleman, Luke Dassalikas Penina Su, Vivian Huang, Max Schintler and Casey Thompson.

T r U t

W o f f

W s a

O C a w

M l c E u b

Y c t o m u t A s

S t w

O l h t

PA G E

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

Welcome to Sydney Uni! My name is David Pink and I’m your SRC President for 2013. The Students’ Representative Council is the peak representative body for undergraduate students at the University of Sydney. The SRC exists to defend and advance the interests of USyd students. We are YOUR student association and we have a long history of fighting for student power. We stand for a free, fair and funded education, universal student unionism and a society free of discrimination and oppression. We work with the National Union of Students who represent students at a university and government level. Our collectives are the hub of student activism on campus. Our staff provide vital services, such as SRC HELP (academic, Centrelink and tenancy advice), a secondhand bookshop and a FREE legal service. We also publish Honi Soit, the only weekly student newspaper in the country. My job is to make sure that your voice is listened to at every level of the university. I sit on the most important university committees (including Academic Board and the Senior Executive Group - Education Committee) and meet with university officials including the Vice-Chancellor on a regular basis. You are coming to university during a time of tremendous changes. Federally, the Government has not done enough to reverse the Howard’s cutbacks and rationalisation of education. Fortunately after Howard, the student movement has seen some successes: the repeal of domestic undergraduate full fees was our biggest success of the past the five years, and the introduction of the Student Service and Amenities Fees to replace Voluntary Student Unionism was a step forward Sadly, Abbott’s education policy includes such wonderful things as fee deregulation and the abolition of post-study work visas for international students. Scary. On a local level, management has been waging a yearlong war to complete the logic of economic rationalism that has already conquered every other academic institution in the country. Last year, they tried to cut over 350 academic

and general staff. The staff union (the NTEU) and the SRC managed to put that to a stop, but round two begins in March with a proposed teachers’ strike on the first day of semester. The SRC stand in solidarity with our teachers’ efforts to fight attempts to strip back their conditions in the next Enterprise Bargaining agreement. This is what the SRC would like our education system to look like: Free Education: No HECS! No fees! Fair Youth Allowance: Where ALL students live above the poverty line and 18 as the fixed age of independence. Funded Education: An increase of 20% in base funding by the federal government in higher Education. Real Student Representation: Students representing students at all levels of the university, including the SEG and more student representation on Senate. Affordable Student Housing: No rents over $200p/w for accommodation owned and managed by the university plus an increase in the number of university owned beds. An End to Overcrowding: A cap on tutorial sizes of 15 students per class. An End to Voluntary Student Unionism: The SSAF is a start, however universal membership would guarantee our continued success fighting for your rights! Fair Treatment of International Students: Full transport concessions, as well as a accessible post-study work visa A University Free from Discrimination: No racism. No sexism, ableism, and equal opportunity for students from all backgrounds,particularly indigenous students. I actually believe in a ‘user pays’ funding system. When we graduate businesses and governments use our skills – they should pay. David Pink 2013 SRC President

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

PA G E

Heya! Welcome to 2013 at USYD! I’m Amelie, your SRC Vice President, but before I divulge into what I do, you might like to know what the SRC is… SRC?

The Student Representative Council (SRC) is a student run organisation whose role is to ensure YOU are heard by the university. Contrary to the union, the SRC is more political in its standpoint and attempts to promote, protect and ensure the welfare of students who need it most (or even just a little!) EVERY undergraduate student is entitled to SRC’s free services. If you’ve run out of money, you can apply for interest free loans or a bursary for those sneaky extra costs compulsory to your course work. If you blinked through that red light, immigration is unjust or you’ve been arrested at a protest, the legal service can help with your case. The SRC bookshop means you can sell last years textbooks to fund the semester’s coffee budget and buy the next stack more affordably (See 4th floor of Wentworth). The SRC student newspaper, Honi Soit, seeks to give the student perspective on campus affairs, satirise the university governance and provide a worthy procrastination tool! (P.S. they’re always looking for contributors!) Moreover, the SRC acts as a centre for activism on and off campus through issue and identity based departments and collectives. Corresponding Office Bearers then meet monthly with the 33

PA G E

elected councillors, ALL are welcome to contribute to these debates about what you’d like to change at your uni, and how we can go about it. Wait…Collective?

Most of the fundamental SRC services are fairly self explanatory, however I’d like to take a second to explain what exactly a ‘collective’ is (and why they are so important!) Collectives unite students with a passion for action to direct change in the world- organising and socialising together is what brings about fantastic campaigns ranging from gender inequality to environmental justice. Meeting weekly on campus, organising is ‘non-hierarchal’- that is, there is no ‘leader’, everyone is equal, and has the right to contribute. Collectives receive SRC funding for flyers, art supplies and travel subsidies for relevant events to enhance the success of these campaigns. Most collectives are interlinked with a broader university network and attend respective annual conferences to not only collaborate at USYD- but be productive and foster friendships around the country. For example, Education organise Edufactory, Womens’ have Nowsa, Queer attend Queer Collaborations (QC) and Enviro organise ASEN’s Students of Sustainability (SOS).

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

Why be involved?

I became involved with the SRC through the environment collective. I’m passionate about environmental and social justice and find the best way to make yourself heard is to become involved with groups of like-minded individuals who are willing to take action on these passions (the defining feature of a collective!). At the risk of sounding cliché, so much (arguably more!) of the learning that takes places at uni is outside the classroomtalking with friends about your classes is a start- however it is in connecting with other students and through becoming properly immersed in campus-life which remains THE most inspiring, shaping and valuable experience that will extend beyond the readings. So what is my role?

I see Vice President of the SRC as a communication facilitation role. I meet regularly with the other seven Executive members to discuss the SRC’s general business (e.g. budgets). I also sit on several committees with the president to discuss student concerns with the university administration. This dialogue is paramount to having student interests foregrounded at every administrative level. Increasing communication between the student body, collectives, SRC Office Bearers, Executive and university administration is hence (super!) essential. I also regularly

communicate with the faculty societies, so that the University and SRC discussions can be relevant to current issues specific to your courses. This year I’d like to discuss how we can enable and empower intense-workload faculties like science and architecture to engage politically on campus (and would love to hear your ideas and experiences!) As an activist, the wiggle-room remaining in my role means I have capacity to engage with the superb campaigns SRC Office Bearers and collectives are running- and this is where I plan to spend most of my time!!! Exciting initiatives are in store for 2013! The Education Action Group (EAG) are campaigning to defend your courses, teachers’ jobs and overall education from damaging interpretations of the university as a business. The staff cuts at Sydney University are part of a broader trend in cuts to higher education in Australia and across the world, and the Edufactory Conference to be held at Sydney Uni in April will be Education’s punctuator of the year. Amongst these arbitrary cuts is the Koori centre - whether you identify as Indigenous or not, you can help retain this autonomous space and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students! The Anti-Racism Collective actively support and raise awareness for another oppressed group in “lucky” Australia, through regular trips to Villawood Detention Centre to visit asylum seekers. In addition to organising delegates for equal marriage campaigns, Queer Action Collective are creating their own float for Mardi Gras. The empowerment of women through performance nights, publications and on-campus sexual assault services is fundamental to achieving gender

equality, so keep your eyes open for the Women’s Collective’s ‘Bluestockings week’celebrating women in higher education, and ‘Reclaim the night’- taking back rights to starlight safety. Further, everyone needs safe, affordable housing, and if you think university accommodation should be so, with student input instead of privatisation, the welfare collective is where to turn. Social and environmental justice intersect like never seen before on the coal seam gas issue- Enviro collective will be working in solidarity with local affected (and fighting!) communities as well promoting the ‘lock the campus’ campaign to keep Sydney Uni CSG free. These ideas (and more!) are crystallised at the Australian Student Environmental Network’s (ASEN) Students of Sustainability conference- held this year Tassie! This is just a snapshot of the campaigns Office Bearers are running in 2013- there are so many- so flick to their pages to find out more!

Please feel free to contact me about any questions regarding the SRC. I always love a chat. You can find me in the SRC office (Wentworth basement)… or more likely on the Cadigal grass outside… or just send me an email at vice.president@src. usyd.edu.au.

This year I’m also organising cross department skill shares- from Womens, Queer and Indigenous to everything in between, our oppressions often intersect. The tools to fight these are hence cross disciplinary. Sharing our skills and experience, creating safe spaces and brainstorming brilliant tacts for our activism will be invaluable to SRC and external campaigns in the year ahead! Continuing the communication throughout the year and aiding each other in our fights will be even more invaluable! Come chat!

As the fortunate ones who can go to university we need to protect not only our education but the world around us. We have the opportunity to create the world we want to live in. Get active. Get involved. Join a collective!

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

PA G E

Hey, I’m Dylan Parker, General Secretary of USyd Students’ Representative Council for the 2013 year. I put my hand up to be the 2013 General Secretary because I love my SRC. As someone who has had to rely on both the casework and emergency loans when I was in a bad way, I saw first-hand how important it was to have a well-run, reasonable and student-centered SRC to provide free student support services, such as accommodation, centrelink and legal advice. That’s why I’ll fight to make sure the SRC stays on its feet, and doesn’t get distracted by ideological frivolities on either end of the spectrum. At the end of the day, whether you're involved a little or a lot, left or right the SRC having its shit together can potentially mean a lot for you. It sure did for me. As an introduction to what I actually do as General Secretary, along with David (Pres.), Amelie (VP), and the Executive, I’m in charge of making sure that the SRC runs smoothly so that you can enjoy all of the pretty amazing and, compared to many other student organizations across the country, unique services provided by the SRC. A core element of my role is to act as the Chief Finance Officer for the SRC. Essentially, my job is make sure the budget is in the black, the bills are paid and the lights stay on. I’m the first to admit it’s not the sexiest role in the SRC

PA G E

but it’s pretty important considering that after the Howard Government took a pole-axe to student services with Voluntary Student Unionism, student associations across the country folded like cheap deck chairs because their finances were cut off. Howard attacked student associations because they fought for and tried to protect our (always remember it is our not their) education. Conservatives have time and again shown they do not believe in quality, affordable, and accessible education; indeed, they seek to dismantle it. If elected, the Coalition have already announced a return to full fees places and slashing of start up payments. So it’s not hard to imagine why having a well-run and financially sound SRC is pretty important in the long run. The 2010 introduction of the Student Services Amenity Fee by the Gillard Labor Government was definitely an improvement. While by no means ideal (thanks a lot hung parliament!) the legislation was a step forward for the SRC after 2 steps back under VSU. It allowed the University to charge $273 to go towards student services. Sadly, the money goes to the University so it’s up to David and I to negotiate with the Vice Chancellor to guarantee that your money actually gets spent on your services. However, the General Secretary role is actually a lot more diverse than balancing the books as it’s ultimately about helping the SRC manage its competing priorities. How we focus on activism yet maintain our services, how we expand our casework yet keep up

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

the fight for our education. It’s about helping our amazing Office-bearers organise their events and campaigns. The role of the General Secretary is also about helping people get involved in the SRC in every which way. That’s why with the amazing talents of the Orientation Committee members Callum Drake, Penina Su, Oscar Coleman, Luke Dassalikis , Vivian Huang, Max Schintler, and Casey Thompson I and they have put this O-week Handbook together. Cheers, Dylan

As your first point of call, I am more than eager to meet up, point you in the right direction, or field any questions you might have about SRC services, joining a collective, or even taking the leap and running for Council. Email me at general. secretary@src.usyd.edu.au or call me on 0434 346 091. If not, feel free to say hi, I am sure you’ll see me at a faculty welcome, at the O-week stall, or in the offices.

T i t a r a a r

Y u C o g s i

T c r u E a c B b a

A M s t s c a

S a t a N o a t

Governance

The Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Representative Council is the platform for students to make their voices heard on everything from academic issues, like tutorial sizes or retention of honours, to student welfare, as well as wider issues that students feel are relevant, including equal marriage, refugee rights and climate change. Your President has the ear of top university officials, including the ViceChancellor, and sits on a number of university committees. You can be guaranteed that there is always someone speaking up for the student interest because frankly he is one. The SRC is made up of a 33-person council - approximately one representative per every thousand undergraduate students - an 8 person Executive Committee, that makes administrative decisions on behalf of council, and a number of student Office Bearers, who run campaigns for the benefit of students at Sydney University and in the wider community. At times, we also hold General Student Meetings (GSMs) which serve as the supreme decision-making space of the SRC. Open to all undergraduate students to attend and vote, we usually convene a GSM when we need to amend the constitution. SRC Elections take place annually, with all undergraduate students eligible to vote. The directly elected positions are the President, the 33 councillors, 7 NUS delegates, and up to 10 editors of Honi Soit. All other Office Bearers are elected by the Council, including the Executive, which is comprised of

5 general members, as well as the President, General Secretary, and Vice President. It is positive to note that we have had steadily increasing participation in student elections over the past few years, with roughly 20% of students voting in the 2012 elections.

Sydney Legal Service

Unlike most student associations, the SRC doesn't have a non-student General Manager. We believe in student control of student affairs - this means that the President is the Chief Executive Officer, which means that Office Bearers and staff report directly to the President and ultimately to Council.

The Sydney Legal Service (the first student-owned legal pratice in Australia) provides FREE legal advice, representation in court and a referral service to all undergraduate students. We offer legal advice on tenancy, immigration, credit & debt, discrimination and harassment, traffic offences, criminal law, employment law, administrative law, victims compensation, consumer complaints, domestic violence, insurance law and more. Book an appointment on 9660 5222 or just drop in (no appointment needed) on Tuesdays and Thursdays 1-3 pm.

Services

Honi Soit

The SRC has 12 full time staff and a number of part-time as well as casual employees.

Since 1929, Honi Soit has been the official student newspaper of the University of Sydney. It is the only weekly student newspaper in Australia and is edited by ten elected student editors. The SRC allows any student to contribute to the paper, and two special Queer and Womensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; autonomous editions are produced ever year.

SRC HELP

SRC HELP caseworkers provide undergraduate students at the University of Sydney with independent advice, advocacy and support on academic and welfare matters. They can help you with Academic Appeals (including special consideration, plagiarism allegations, marks, show good cause and exclusions), Centrelink, tenancy, discrimination and harassment issues. SRC Books

The SRC bookshop sells second-hand textbooks and a number of new textbooks at the cheapest prices on campus. It is located on the 4th floor of the Wentworth Building (opposite the International Student Lounge) and is open Monday-Friday all year long.

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

PA G E

The National Union of Students (NUS) is the peak representative body for university students in Australia. It is the national organisation that is tasked with fighting for your rights as a university student. The reason I got involved in the national union was because of its core principle that ‘student services should be student run’, that’s why NUS is run by students for students. Hopefully this article will help answer some of the questions you may have about NUS. What is NUS really?

Just about every university in Australia has an SRC or Student Union. Here at the university of Sydney you’re lucky to have one of the most active and well-funded SRCs in the country. These SRC’s can help you out with some of the everyday problems of being an university student in this day and age. Their job is to look after you on a campus but where they stop NUS starts. As the national representative body for university students, NUS is your voice to the political parties, to the Department of Education and to the other stakeholders in higher education. We take stands on all manner of student rights issues and run campaigns to improve your standard of education and living.

PA G E

What does NUS do?

NUS is both an activist body and a representative lobby group. This means that NUS holds a number of positions politically on different policies such as increasing education funding, improving the quality of student services and increasing student access to support such as Youth Allowance. This means the Union interacts with the core decision makers of Australia every day. But that’s not all it does. NUS is also an activist body which means its office bearers run campaigns framed around core issues such as welfare, education or ethno-cultural diversity. These campaigns are for all university students to participate in and are usually supported by student associations like the one here at USYD. Also this year we’ll be having our national day of action (also known as the NDA) on the 27th of March. The NDA is a day in which student activists all across Australia take part in taking a stand on improving the quality of their education.

Todd Pinkerton is the National General Secretary of NUS and a student here at the University of Sydney.

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

What has NUS ever done for me?

Who funds NUS?

Sometimes we hear this question, and it’s a fair one to ask too, as NUS is there to represent you, so you’d better be getting value from your union. The National Union of Students has run a number of successful campaigns that

Student associations like your USyd SRC are like many others members of the National Union of Students and spend an amount of money each on afflation to NUS. The General Secretary’s job is to work with these campus organizations to maintain that NUS is well funded but never at the cost of the overall activity of a student association.

Got rid of Domestic Undergraduate Full Fee (DUFF’s) places. DUFF legislation allowed universities to enrol people who could afford to pay the full amount of their degrees to be admitted to those degrees, over people who could not afford to pay the full fee amount – regardless of the marks of these students. Lowerered the age of independence to 22, making it easier for University students to get Youth Allowance. Introduced the Student Services and Administration Fee (SSAF) legislation that resulting in many student organisations being now better funded and better prepared to fight for you. What is NUS doing this year?

How can I become involved? There’s a few ways you can get involved with NUS this year. For starters, we have a wide variety of campaigns going. You can find out which campaigns are happening through your SRC and volunteer to help on a stall, or do a survey or share our Facebook page. You’ll be able to find out heaps about the National Day of Action and other NUS events at O-week, so don’t be shy and go ask your SRC about NUS. This union is only ever as strong as the people that get behind it, with your help the National Union of Students can continue to fight for student rights and make higher education the issue it deserves to be.

This year is a big year for NUS, with the future of SSAF on the line with the federal election. Never before has it been so important to get involved with the national union and its campaigns to make education better funded, more accessible and of a higher quality. The different departments of NUS are each running campaigns this year, such as the Welfare Department’s survey on how best to deal with the intricate administration of university special considerations, or the Women’s Department’s campaign, the “Talk About It” survey, which seeks to lift the lid on sexual harassment in our universities, as well as the Education campaign to make higher education the high priority issue it deserves to be at this year’s federal election.

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

PA G E

As the SRC Education Officers our role is to organise campaigns around decisions made by the University and/ or Government, which adversely affect university students’ education. Over the past twenty years our tertiary education system has descended into crisis. While Gough Whitlam introduced free education in 1973, this was quickly reversed. In 1988 fees were reintroduced through the user-pays HECS no interest loan system, while international students were burdened with upfront full fees. And thus the idea of education as a community benefit was quickly eroded. To the Government, and the University, your education is a commodity. As the Education Officers, we convene the Education Action Group (EAG). In 2012 the EAG fought hard to defeat university management – a bunch of business people who wanted to fire 340 academic and general staff, so that they could afford $385 million worth of new infrastructure. While new buildings are great, it’s hard to benefit from them if there aren’t any staff. Here’s an example of the actions we organised in the opposition campaign:

PA G E

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

A 1 500 person rally in semester one, followed by a five hour occupation of the Dean of Arts’ office A symbolic ‘crime scene stunt’ outside the Vice Chancellor’s office An ultimatum was issued to the Vice Chancellor “Stop the cuts, or we’ll intensify our campaign” An all-day picket outside the University Senate building, which shut down the Senate meeting that was intended to ratify the budget cuts A petition of 10, 000 student signatures in opposition to the cuts A referendum where 4 000 students voted, 97% of which said ‘no’ to the cuts

2 013

Our campaign was hugely successful. Despite the less than twenty voluntary redundancies, we saved our lecturers and tutors’ jobs. However, as you can no doubt see, the struggle for quality, accessible and free education - detached from standardised testing and generic performance indicators - is far from over. Around the world universities are continuing to have their government funding reduced, their staff numbers cut and fees raised. Neoliberalism is making its way onto campuses everywhere. If we want to graduate with a quality education - that not only guarantees us employment but has expanded our mind and ignited within us a love of learning, all without tens of thousands of debt- we have to fight for it. The Vice Chancellor continues to demonstrate that he does not want to back down from his plans to implement a neoliberal, business-like, model for the university. Luckily, we aren’t backing down either. The fight for quality education continues on into 2013. Beginning in August 2012, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU), entered into the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) negotiation period with university management. The EBA essentially functions as the ‘Terms and Conditions’ for the

staff’s employment. Spence attempted to have staff agree to reductions in sick leave, superannuation provisions, intellectual freedom, workload provisions and job security. Such an agreement would be extremely detrimental, not only to the livelihood of the staff, but to the education they can provide us as students. Therefore the NTEU has refused to sign the agreement as it stands. However, the University refuses to alter the document and thus the membership of the NTEU has voted unanimously to take industrial action (in the form of a strike and rally) on the first day of semester one, the 5th of March 2013. We will be holding a student solidarity strike with our teachers on this day. We are coming out to show the university that poor treatment of staff severely affects students. No matter what you study, if you care about receiving the quality education you came to the prestigious Sydney University to receive, get involved in the EAG and come along to the week one strike. Remember that we will all be leaving here with an sizeable HECS debt that will, on average, take a decade to repay. Therefore, it is not unreasonable that we demand to receive a high level of teaching in return. The EAG is committed to reminding the university that it is OUR future and we WILL fight for it.

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

PA G E

Hey team! We’re Eleanor & Harry, and we’re your Welfare Officers for 2013. Together with our crack team of caseworkers & lawyers, we’re here for you if you’re struggling with life outside of the classroom. That means if you’re in financial trouble, if your landlord’s a bit of a dick, if your boss isn’t treating you right or if your “university experience” is a bit less glossy than the brochure, we can help you cope. Some of the things our team can do for you include: • Helping you out with emergency loans when your budget is tight; • Finding you emergency accommodation; • Sitting you down with a confidential counselor; • Directing you to healthcare and the SRC’s free legal service; • And making angry phone calls to your boss/Centrelink to stop them short-changing you. The other half of our job is campaigning to make student life generally more liveable, be it for more childcare services, better mental health care or union-subsidised meals for low SES students. In 2012 our department provided free breakfasts and fought for travel concessions cards for international students. In 2013 we’re planning campaigns around student housing, drug education and mental health.

But most importantly, your breakfasts will remain free. Student Housing Affordable housing means that students have more time to focus on studying rather than working, and that students from lower SES and rural backgrounds have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a university education.

months of your degree In 2013, we’re campaigning for the university’s new housing development in the Abercrombie Precinct to be guaranteed affordable accommodation, and kept out of the hands of price-gouging private operators. We’re also lobbying for a rent freeze at Sydney Uni Village until student incomes have time to catch up. Drugs As the brochure says, university is a time of exciting new experiences, some mind-blowing and others just mind-altering. For some, drug experimentation is part of that experience, and if you’re one of them we want you to be able to do it as safely as possible and be able to reach out for help if it becomes a problem for you or your friends. In 2013 we want to help educate students about drug safety and prevent your university from punishing you for an illness, not a crime. That means helping you make an informed decision and minimizing that decision’s academic consequences, because a choice you make at eighteen shouldn’t fuck up your future. Mental Health The transition to university’s hard for everyone, but it’s especially difficult for some. While the university has some support networks for those with mental health issues, unfortunately each student can only have a limited number of appointments with a free university counselor. In 2013 we want these services expanded to meet everyone’s needs. We’ll also campaign to raise awareness about mental health so that students with these issues know they’re not alone and aren’t afraid to seek help. Those are our plans for 2013 so far, but remember, we’re YOUR welfare officers and this is YOUR SRC. If there’s an issue that’s troubling you or something that makes you angry, shoot us an email at welfare.officers@src.usyd.edu.au, or pop down to the SRC bunker for a visit. Depending on Harry’s mood there may even be cookies waiting for you.

Unfortunately, your university doesn’t seem interested in providing you with decent accommodation, unless you can afford to live at Paul’s. These past few years have seen rent at Sydney Uni Village rise by almost 25%, rendering it almost as Harry Stratton– 0438 141 869. costly as college life. There is some affordable accommodation Eleanor Morley - 0448 029 165. available at Darlington House, but waiting lists are growing longer and even if you do get in you can only stay for twelve

PA G E

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

Hello there! The International Students Collective of the USyd Students Representative Council would like to firstly welcome you (back) to a brand new semester! If this is your first year, we hope you will get used to uni life soon and enjoy it! The SRC is an important part of your uni life – it protects and advocates for your rights to make sure your time at USyd and in Australia is wonderful! In case there are issues between you and your landlord or instances of academic unfairness, the SRC provides caseworkers and legal advice services that can assist you. The SRC also publishes Honi Soit every week on campus – the USyd student newspaper that keeps you updated about what’s going on around our uni. Make sure you grab a copy! Also, grab a Countercourse handbook during O-Week and have a read – it tells you a lot of information in regards to units of study choices. If you are looking for cheaper textbooks, head to the SRC’s second hand bookshop located in the Wentworth Building, outside the International Students’ Lounge. So what is the International Students’ Collective? This year, Ashley, Bowie and Jay are your International Student Officers. As a collective, we

strongly believe that international students should be treated equally like every other student regardless of our nationalities. We are a group dedicated to representing all international students to make sure your voice is heard – from broad issues such as travel concessions, workplace rights, to personal academic or housing issues. We host collective meetings every month to raise and discuss your concerns. Or swing by to make some new friends! (Lunch provided!) This year, we would like to work with some national international students organizations and host seminars on important subject matters for you – such as visa and women’s rights. Feel free to email us in regards to your rights – we fight for your student equality! International.officers@ src.usyd.edu.au Lastly, we wish you a wonderful year and don’t forget the SRC is always here to help. All the best, Ashley, Bowie and Jay

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

we strongly believe that international students should be treated equally like every other student regardless of our nationalities.

PA G E

The Women’s Collective is a diverse group of woman-identifying students who meet weekly for discussion and to plan events and campaigns around issues that affect women on campus. The Women’s Collective is autonomous, which means it is open to all those students who identify as women, or have lived experience as a woman. What we do! The Women’s Collective holds a number of social events throughout the year including dinners, outings and picnics. We also began a women’s performance night (Knightess) in 2012, which showcased the many talents of women at Sydney Uni and in the wider community. Through this, we were also able to raise money for Lou’s Place - a women’s drop-in shelter based in King’s Cross. We are responsible for a number of publications each year. We produce an annual publication called Growing Strong each January, which is filled with writing, poetry and artwork from women students. We also publish a Women’s edition of your student newspaper, Honi Soit in Semester One. Both of these publications allow women students to showcase their talents and gain important skills in writing, editing and publishing. The Women’s Collective co-ordinates and participates in a number of important women’s events each year. In 2012, many Women’s Collective members were involved in organising the successful Reclaim the Night March and the Reclaim the Night dance Party. We also celebrated International Women’s Day and International Day of the Girl Child together. A number of Women’s Collective members also participated in a flash mob to “end the

PA G E

stigma” around abortion. Women’s Collective also stays updated on issues and events happening on campus and in the community which may affect women students. Some of our members have campaigned around issues like pro-choice advocacy, Affirmative Action, affordable student housing and education cuts. Aims for 2013! Women’s Collective has big plans for 2013. We plan to continue holding social events which will allow collective members to build networks, friendships, and their own opinions on feminism and women’s issues. We also plan to hold another Knightess performance night. Women’s Collective aims to expand our membership in 2013. This begins with additions to our collective from incoming women students. If you are interested in women’s issues or feminism, and are woman-identifying, we would love to have you! We hope to begin some sub-groups within the collective that will allow us to make sure our events and activism are catered to a strong intersection of women - these may include (but are not limited to) a queer women’s group, a women of colour group, a rural women’s group, a (dis)ability group and/or a women in science group. In addition to this, we aim to work towards establishing a cross-campus women’s network in Sydney. We look forward to contributing to International Women’s Day Celebrations, Reclaim the Night and International Day of the Girl Child, as well as running our

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

campus specific campaigns. We are also very excited to take some women down to Melbourne University in the mid-semester break for the National Organisation of Women Student’s Australia (NOWSA) conference. In 2013, we will be continuing work around the “Talk About It” Survey, which is a biannual survey conducted by the National Union of Students. The aim of the survey is to record incidences of sexual assault and harassment at university campuses and provide universities with practical steps to improve these statistics. Last year the collective started a campaign and made significant progress but there is still much more to be done and we hope to achieve big changes in the coming year.

All women are warmly invited to sign up for women’s collective! We meet on Wednesdays at 1pm in the Women’s Room (Level 1, Manning House). Women’s Officers, Hannah and Emily are responsible for running women’s collective and representing the interests of women students on campus. Get in contact with them at any time through our email: usydwomenscollective@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter: @SRCwomens Search for and join our Facebook group: Usyd Women’s Collective

S a a s s C

C n c p d b c y i a r ‘ ‘

R c a u T l j a s i f w U s ‘

Sex is great. Good sex is a sweaty amalgamation of heart-fluttering amazingness. But you know what the best sex is? You know what will leave your sexual partner wanting more? You got it. CONSENSUAL SEX. Consensual sex is made possible by a safe non-threatening environment, and clear communication between you and your sex partner about what both of you want and don’t want from the experience. It should be widely recognised that coercion is not consent – and it’s not consensual sex when you’re too frightened to say no. Consent is not something that you have the right to assume or are entitled to, and it’s a sad reality that our society teaches children ‘NOT TO GET RAPED’ as opposed to ‘DON’T RAPE’. Rape is only one form of what is considered to be sexual harassment and violence. Sexual Harassment is any unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature. This includes verbal harassment, so things like unwelcomed sexual questions, sexual jokes and the use of sexist language, and also physical harassment like touching someone against their will, staring, physical intimidation as well as assault. The statistics for sexual harassment and violence against women are alarming. When the National Union of Students’ Women’s Collective surveyed female students in their report, ‘Talk About It’, 86% of respondents had

experienced someone making sexual comments at them, 35% had experienced unwanted physical contact, with 25% of respondent experiencing this behaviour on more than one occasion. Sexual Harassment can affect any person of any gender, age, sexuality and culture (although women are the highest victims). The Sexual Harassment Officers believe that everyone should be taught the perpetrator is ALWAYS responsible, and that sexual violence is never provokedpeople have the right to have sex with who they wish, wear what they like and act how they like WITHOUT running the risk of being sexually harassed. If you find yourself a victim of sexual violence or harassment there are a number of places, which you can go to seek help. This year, we plan to run campaigns alongside the Women’s Collective regarding consent to raise awareness about sexual harassment, as well as starting a video channel on YouTube for general sex information, tips and tricks (!!) for making sex as enjoyable as possible.

SRC HELP and the SRC Sexual Harrassment advisers Ph: (02) 9660 5222 (9am-5pm Monday to Friday) help@src.usyd.edu.au University of Sydney Counseling Service Ph: (02) 8627 8433 Fax: (02) 8627 8482 ccaps.admin@sydney.edu.au www.usyd.edu.au/counselling Lifeline: 13 11 14 NSW Rape Crises Centre Counseling 1800 424 017 or for online support go to: www.nswrapecrises.com.au The Sydney Women’s Counseling Centre 4/2 Carrington Square, Campsie Ph: (02) 97181955 Fax: (02) 9718 7072 RPAH Sexual Health Clinic (Marrickville) Ph: (02) 9515 3131

Your Sexual Harassment Officers; Tabitha Prado-Richardson, Rose Wallace McEwen & Eve Radunz.

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

PA G E

Have you got a date? The University has a few for you. Love The Census Date

Your next best friend – the DNF Date

If you withdraw from a subject before the Census date, you will not receive an academic penalty. Your transcript will show a “withdraw” grade.

If you withdraw from a subject before the final DNF date but after the Census date you will not receive an academic penalty. Your transcript will show a “DNF” grade, which stands for Discontinue Not to count as Fail.

Domestic students will not be charged any fees. International students may be charged an administration fee. In case you’re wondering, no, we don’t think that’s fair. The census date means that you can try a unit of study and if it is not for you or you think you are doing too many subjects, you can discontinue in the first few weeks without penalty. In first semester the census date is 31st March (or if that falls on a weekend then the Friday before). In second semester it’s the 31st August (or if that falls on a weekend then the Friday before). For summer and winter school you should look these dates up before enrolling. In some circumstances, when you can show that you have had an illness or misadventure that forced you to effectively stop studying after the census date, you may be able to get a apply for a fee refund. Local students can get the form on the student administration part of the website, and have 12 months to apply. International students should write a letter. You will need supporting documentation. Talk to SRC Help for advice about how to make a strong application. (help@src. usyd.edu.au)

The final DNF date is the Friday of Week 7 for both first and second semesters. You can vary your enrolment before week 7 online or at the faculty office. For summer or winter school check the dates when you enrol. It will be about half way through the course. In some circumstances, when you can show that you have had illness or misadventure that forced you to effectively stop studying after Week 7, you can apply for a late DNF. Lots of faculties have forms on their website for this. Sometimes it is called a DNF form, sometimes a Variation of Enrolment form. You frequently have to write a statement also and will need supporting documentation. Talk to SRC Help for advice about how to make a strong application. (help@src.usyd.edu.au)

A DNF grade will not bring down your Weighted Average Mark (WAM). Note that a DNF grade does not mean that your HECS or fees will be refunded. You will need to make a separate application if you wish to pursue this.

A withdrawl will not bring down your Weighted Average Mark (WAM).

PA G E

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

The SRC Social Justice Office strives to encourage members of the SRC (and other interested students) to be engaged in social justice initiatives run by the department. These initiatives aim to enhance the student experience for minority groups and/or those potentially suffering hardship/ disadvantage. By standing up for these issues, the social justice office is continually working towards an SRC that is not only inclusive of all students, but engages its members, Executives and Office Bearers in a way which heightens their social conscience and activism. This office aims to abolish discrimination related to (but not exclusive to) each student's background, race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and physical or intellectual abilities. This allows for the preservation of the welfare of each student. Moreover, the Social Justice Office will attempt to ensure that those who most need assistance within the student body are provided with it. This year’s social justice team will particularly focus on two main areas; assistance for scholarship applicants/holders and, the continuation and expansion of services and initiatives run by the Koori Centre. The Social Justice Department’s scholarship initiative for 2013 strives to assist future students with disabilities and/ or experiencing disadvantage/hardship in their scholarship applications. In doing so the department will organize regular sessions outlining the key areas required for a potentially successful application. This service aims to ensure that scholarships and bursaries are awarded based on meritocracy and appropriate means testing. The scholarship initiative will also see that ongoing emotional, educational and vocational support/guidance are provided for successful applicants on top of the financial assistance.

The SRC’s social justice team is proposing a potential expansion of services for the University’s Koori Centre. Currently, it provides academic assistance, orientation guidance and modern study spaces; the Koori centre is an integral part of the University’s support for its students of indigenous heritage. The Centre also promotes intercultural understanding and dialogue between indigenous and non-indigenous students. In 2013, the Social Justice will push to expand the services of the Koori Centre through collaboration with its director and the deputy vice chancellor (indigenous strategy and services). A particular focus will be on encouraging further dialogue between indigenous and non-indigenous students. The social justice office aims to achieve this through collaborating with the Koori Centre in hosting monthly events open to all students regardless of race, socioeconomic background or gender. These discussion-based events will not only heighten awareness of all students involved but will highlight the importance of the Koori Centre and the services provided by the University to its indigenous students. Following our 2012 predecessors, we the 2013 team are committed to shaping the SRC in a way that effectively achieves its social justice objectives. We are committed to an office that acts upon any social justice issues deemed urgent and/or necessary by the student community at the University of Sydney and will be devoted to any relevant initiative.

Emily France is the 2013 Social Justice Officer. social.justice@src.usyd.edu.au

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

PA G E

Kyu Won Timothy Kim. The solution to the drug problem is more compassion towards drug-users rather than harsher penalties. Much political debate has focused recently around the decriminalization of prohibited drugs. Certainly, it is a good and promising sign that public discussions in general tend to resist both the irrational and irresponsible arguments for unrestricted personal choice, and the bigoted prejudices of some traditional groups and organizations which are largely unsympathetic towards individuals suffering from addiction. But Professor Jan Copeland for instance, still articulates a

The responsible and regulated decriminalization of prohibited drugs must be directed towards the rehabilitation of drug users, and the fresh resources which political shifts will permit must be aimed at the lifting of social stigmas regarding mental illness and disease. It is sensible for the economy to treat drug-abuse as a community health issue and not a criminal and judicial one. Jessica Irvine documents that it is estimated that the total annual cost to US state and federal governments to the enforcement of prohibition of marijuana is $US14 billion in 2005. But it is tempting for good people

“Daniel’s big problem was that he would always use alone… On the morning he died, I feel that if he had had somewhere to go – like a safe room in a hospital or an injecting centre – there would have been help for him.” Judy Smith, Mother.

familiar opinion that ‘People have no middle view about cannabis,’ perhaps due to the allegorical and partisan nature of political dialogue about manifold issues including drugs. Our coarse fingers often find it intimidating to tease out complex issues. It is perhaps difficult therefore, in this polemical climate to tread robustly along the middle-path, but a nuanced discussion is both necessary and vital. That much sensible debate has been generated by members of our community who sincerely wish to help drug users by encouraging fresh and pragmatic political shifts instead of engaging in purely ideological battles is inspiring, and the desire to help and uplift drug addicts is the best starting point and end goal for sensible discussions. Ex-addict Kate Holden proposes a ‘reconsideration of prejudicial legislation that is wrong,’ not to signal the public’s acceptance, enthusiasm for, or submission to drug use, but to permit more understanding of the health issue of addiction in order to offer consolation an institutional help to people suffering from neurological addictions to threatening substances. Compassion and goodwill towards one another therefore, must form the foundation for any further political and social change.

PA G E

to transfer blame onto drug users because of prejudicial fear and lack of knowledge of the issues. Serious drug abusers therefore, suffer the double-punishment of addiction and social isolation. Our community must demonstrate compassion to one another in order to encourage and foster the efforts of these afflicted people to turn from their past and build a stable future through rehabilitation and responsible choices. The opportunity for positive change must not rest on political shifts alone, but on the sincere efforts of each person within the community. Daily we must choose to be caring, responsible and kind to one another by putting others first in order to build an environment of togetherness and overcome these broader issues. The increasing sense of alienation and emptiness which many people experience within our present social and economic systems must be filled with spontaneous activity and love, not fear, prejudice or substance misuse. We must continuously ensure that individuals feel intrinsically valued and worthy, not in their acquisition of achievements but in being human. Most importantly, we must protect our vulnerable youth from bearing the harsh consequences of many of our cultural deficiencies.

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

Basically, learn the names and locations of these places; it’ll come in handy for meeting people and getting places and stuff. Use in conjunction with the map. Manning When people agree to meet at Manning, it’s generally assumed to be in the bar area upstairs. “Out the front of Manning” refers to being next to the newsagent on Manning Road. The Manning Lawn, also known as the Sunken Lawn, is down some stairs that are surrounded by hedges and garden as you walk down Manning road. Manning’s middle floor is home to the Access Desk – this is important if you need to buy an Access Card outside of O-Week, or have any USU-related enquiries.

The Quad Sandstone paradise, the most recognisable building around campus – now if you’re doing engineering, wave goodbye until graduation day. Fisher When people say “hey, I’ll meet you at Fisher?” just wait out the front on the benches. If they tell you they’re “in the stacks”, it means they’re in the tall section of the building, the right hand side. Remember, level 3 is actually somehow the ground floor.

PA G E

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

Eastern Avenue It’s like Main Street of the Camperdown campus, it’s long, and has a heap of buildings on either side. If someone says they want to meet at Eastern Ave, it helps to specify which building you’ll be near.

New Law Also known as “the law building”. It’s the big shiny new one, on your right as you walk away from City Road. Featuring the delicious and expensive Taste baguettes.

Engineering Most people don't know this place exists. hat is of unless you are an engo student in which case you will leave there until you get a job. Five points to whoever can get a better photo of the secret garden then we did.

Graffiti Tunnel Possibly the coolest place in the entire university, this tunnel is at your imagination’s service. Mind the terms and conditions and go play!

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

PA G E

Finding Good Accommodation Lots of people want to rent in Sydney, few do it easily. To find good accommodation quickly it may help to show landlords/real estate agents the following:

Need advice on understanding, negotiating or ending a contract? Contact SRC HELP.

Confirmation of Enrolment to prove you are a student. Provide a certified copy and keep the original yourself.

Moving In

References from previous landlords to prove you are a good tenant who will pay rent on time and look after the accommodation. Try and have a written reference, if not provide an e-mail address and phone number for your old landlord. Proof you can pay rent. Eg. proof of a scholarship, income or money in the bank. You may show your bank account details or passport, but DO NOT give them a copy to keep. Some real estate agents prefer it if you have a full time work co-signing the lease with you. Remember that whoever signs the lease is financially responsible for all debts incurred.

Make a condition report both when you move in and when you move out - record all contents & any damage in writing and take photos. Show the condition report to the landlord when you move in. You have seven days to submit this form. Similarly give them the condition report when you move out.

Accommodation HELP

It is best to have a written contract if possible.

University of Sydney Student Accommodation Service www.sydney.edu.au/current_students/accommodation/

Be sure what you get for your rent eg. Internet, heating.

The Sydney Morning Herald Domain www.domain.com.au

Know your responsibilities Understand and agree with all conditions and house rules. If you want to change any rules ask the landlord before you sign the contract or pay a deposit. If there is a contract make sure any agreed changes are included. Penalties for breaking rules should be in the contract. Understand these.

Your Accommodation Rights

Know the end date of your stay If you want to change the end date ask the landlord before you sign the contract or pay a deposit. If the landlord agrees, the new date should be written on the contract. If the end date cannot be changed, you must normally pay rent up to the end date on the contract or be subject to penalties. If there is no contract, you can give 1 week’s notice if you pay rent weekly, or 2 weeks’ notice if you pay rent fortnightly.

Always get receipts for the bond/deposit & any other payments you make.

Before signing a contract and/or paying a deposit See the accommodation & make sure you are happy with it.

PA G E

Keep a copy of the contract!

SRC HELP, Students’ Representative Council (undergraduates) Level 1 (basement) Wentworth Bldg help@src.usyd.edu.au | 02 9660 5222 www.src.usyd.edu.au (search: Accommodation Rights) Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service Find your local service www.tenants.org.au/publish/contact-us/ Tenants Union NSW factsheets http://www.tenants.org.au/publish/factsheets/

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

J C

T s p a e e

C l

T t h o s r

2 p e a n

O i i

Jordan Smith, Harrison Steel, and Lucy Cowman are the 2013 College Officers. The University of Sydney is home to almost two thousand students who live in the six residential colleges. The colleges provide a deep immersion in university life offering various academic, cultural, social and sporting programs, facilities and events. No two colleges are the same, their diversity ensuring each has their own unique place in the Sydney Uni community.

competition are given due recognition of their achievements and time committed by the university in regards to their academic load. The Oficers also intend to work with the university to expand the visibility of the college competitions, providing entertainment for students and an increased impetus for the competitors. There will also be discussions on how to better involve the other on-campus communities (such as Mandelbaum, International House, and the Sydney University Village) in to the inter-college programs.

College officers are elected by the wider university to be the link between it and the college communities. The underlying premise of the office is that the university and the colleges are both greatly improved by an active and healthy relationship. The facilities and events offered by colleges offer great opportunities for involvement from non-college students, and college residents benefit greatly from university recognition and consideration of their endeavours on campus. 2013 promises to be an exciting year for the College Officer portfolio. Some of the more interesting initiatives include the establishment of a dedicated online resident book exchange and the organisation of pub-crawls with both residents and non-residents. On the less visual but equally important side, the officers intend to set up a simple service where athletes who compete in the college sporting competitions, or artists in the cultural

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

PA G E

If you’re not from the inner-west and inner-city suburbs of Sydney, the sheer volume and variety of pubs, bars and assorted watering-holes may surprise you, here is a brief guide to the best on and around campus, catering to every budget and taste!

smoking in the beer garden, only one pool table, but shows live AFL, cricket and league games on the multiple tellies. Prepare to get carded five thousand times, it’s been notoriously an underage pub that was cracked down on. Fantastic though, check it out!

The Campus Bars:

Kelly’s:

Manning Bar:

The Irish pub on King street brings in live musicians; fantastic if you like hearing covers of old rock/pop hits played at a volume that prohibit conversation. Find relief from that upstairs, where you will bump into roughly half the people you know from 9pm onwards on a Friday or Saturday night. I once heard someone remark that Kelly’s was the place you go when everywhere else is closed; it is open til the wee hours (3 or 4am) and not the best, but it’s not bad either.

The refurbished default campus bar for many, its upgrade included updated Manning Grill where you can purchase basically burgers and chips. Manning hosts to a number of events including lunch time theatresports on Thursdays, bingo, trivia nights, band comps and society events. As per the new smoke-free campus policy, the balcony area is technically no longer a smoking area, although this is loosely observed. Hermann’s Bar: At the corner of City Road and Butlin Ave, this hole in the wall next to the Wentworth food court is, in this editor’s opinion, consistently underrated. It sports lawns out the front where you can take your drinks, and where society events invariably spill over. There is a pool table, free table tennis and even a couple of retro arcade games! Hermann’s regularly hosts Beat the System music nights and has late night reggae on Saturdays. Unfortunately, No food unless Wentworth is open.

The Royal, 370 Abercrombie Street: I’ve never seen this place crowded; it’s a little too clean to be a pub, a little too messy to be a bar, not bad but not great. A place to get a pub meal.. The Abercrombie: My god, what a first impression. Bookcases next to the dance floor stocked with, as far as my inebriated self could make out in the darkness, a number of old editions of classics. Not bad. Oh and did we mention it’s hipster as fuck

Off campus options: The Landsdowne, (corner of City Road and Parramatta Road): Downstairs is often rowdy, upstairs quite relaxed; though some may be disparaging of this establishment, it offers a variety of live music acts, is open late and has a number of filling meals for under 10 dollars, including many vegetarian options. Scrabble set and armchairs beside the fireplace upstairs are excellent relief from the downstairs scene for the quiet customer. Easy walking distance from CamperdownDarlington campus. The Courthouse Hotel: Always packed in the evenings on weekends or semester breaks, with good reason. The Courty has different deals for every night of the week, including 10 dollar vegetarian dinners on Wednesdays, and 10 dollar Coopers jugs on Thursdays. Has a jukebox with great classic rock albums,

PA G E

Bar under Broadway (literally underneath the Broadway shopping centre): Barely rates a mention unless you want to play pool and want to be sure of getting a table; this one virtue is occasionally handy on a dull evening. A dungeon, ned we say more. The Annandale: A true live music venue on Parramatta road, the pub provides an opportunity for young aspiring bands to sell tickets to their friends. Unless you’re going to see a band I’d recommend investing in Newtown instead.

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

The Campus Bars:

Kelly’s:

Manning Bar:

PA G E

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

So you’re a hungry, cheap-skate uni student and you want to eat something?

On Campus food: The food and drink outlets on campus are notoriously limited in quality, affordability, and the all-important category for students, portion size. Taste in the New Law Building makes a fucking tasty baguette, if you like paying obscene amounts for sandwiches. Uni Bros kebab shop in the Wentworth food court is probably the best price-for-quantity-and-quality option on campus; it has a wide range of snacks and large, filling meals, including vegetarian and vegan options. As well as the established food outlets, you can join dedicated food societies as part of the University of Sydney Union’s Clubs and Societies program; number one on the agenda: The Vegetarian Society. Even for meat eaters, Vegesoc has a certain appeal: a large, filling, nutritious and tasty curry, put on at the Manning Lawns 3 days a week, at 5 dollars a serve for members (10 dollars to join, which you easily make back) is an excellent option. Pro-tip, you can ask for seconds, they gladly dish it out; also bring a container and you can take some home for dinner! May I just emphasise that’s five fucking dollars for two main meals.

Glebe Point Road: Baja Cantina is a Mexican must; the head chef is a California-Arizona Mexican restaurant veteran and the menu reflects this class. Recommended: the nachos – large enough for two, which makes it exceedingly affordable, and it’s delicious too! (Pro-tip, if you’re particularly hungry, split 2 nachos between 3 people). Next stop, Badde Manors, the all vego café – it’s open late, does a number of tasty dinners, although it’s a bit overpriced, it’s a good place to hunker down. (Pro-tip, a Vegesoc membership card gets you a 10% discount). Clipper café: recommended, the baked beans for 12 dollars (which includes poached eggs, toast and 5 kinds of beans done in a homemade Napoli sauce). Most meals are around 12 dollars, but generally they are filling, tasty and nutritionally sound.

King Street, Newtown: Two words: Thai La-Ong. Several more words: Thai La-Ong’s $6.50 lunch special from 12-4pm is a generous serving of stir-fry (rice included) with your choice of beef, chicken or tofu. Just five minutes’ walk from the City Road gate of the uni, Thai La-Ong is in fact just one of approximately thirty Thai restaurants in the area, get on it. Now, if you’re not into Thai food every day of the week, Urban Bites is nice, with a good atmosphere, but often out of the price range of frugal students. Also great is Citrus Café/Restaurant which does a great omelette, and serves imported beer (like Peroni) at 60% the price it costs in pubs – in the middle of King St, a good bet for dinner and drinks before an evening out, or a nice lunch spot.

PA G E

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

Dear Satellite students,

Hey guys!

If you are a student studying on a satellite campus and are feeling isolated and a bit left out, don’t despair. The SRC treats all students equally, (yeah I know what a revolutionary concept)! The SRC is committed to supporting students in nonCamperdown campus and there is an SRC Caseworker who works on satellite campuses and has expert knowledge on the problems that satellite students experience. The SRC Caseworkers provide advice and representation at: -Cumberland (Health Sciences) -Sydney Conservatorium of Music -Westmead Hospital (Dentistry &Medicine) -The Sydney College of the Arts -Nursing & Midwifery, (including in Singapore) -Vet Sciences at Camden. Here are some of the issues you can get help with: -Centrelink -Academic Appeals -Placement issues -Progression requirements -Harassment & Discrimination -Plagiarism allegations -Show Cause & Exclusions -Tenancy Breda Dee (satellite worker) Appointments can be made for any satellite campus by contacting 0466169664/(02) 96605222

Annie King, Oscar Coleman and Grace Roberts here - at your service as Intercampus Officers for 2013. If you're a USyd student with classes on satellite campuses-don't fear, the SRC is here to lobby on your behalf and fight for your rights. We are determined to bring an equal level of student services to every undergraduate student no matter where your classes are – whether it's the Con, Cumbo, the SCA, Mallett St, Surry Hills or Camden. As Intercampus Officers, we stand firm against the university servicing one campus more than another and lessening other students’ experience. Similarly, we disapprove of cuts to staff regardless of which campus they occur as they harm the high-standard university experience that we expect and pay for. In 2013 the SRC is more dedicated than ever to stopping the cuts and we will be an active voice on satellite campuses against such cuts. In 2012 we continued our crusade for a FREE shuttle bus between Cumberland and the Camperdown campus, this was a success and we additionally lobbied to have the bus hours extended at night, to ensure that safe transport was provided to those students travelling between campuses. The SRC has overcome significant hurdles to provide outreach on satellite campuses, but we are proud to say that the SRC now is able to help maintain student welfare through the excellent work of Breda Dee, our dedicated Satellite Casework and Policy Officer. She provides support to Cumberland Campus in the library on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the Con on Thursdays and Dentistry faculty mainly by appointment. The SRC will strive to offer student services on all satellite campuses, so watch out for dedicated information sessions and social events in the coming year. We also cannot reiterate the point enough that we will require YOUR feedback for new ideas and change that you would like to see around your campus - so make sure you have your voice heard and approach or email us! Hopefully we'll see you at a free SRC event on a satellite campus in 2013! PS: The SRC works in conjunction with other campus organisations for the benefit of student services, so remember to get involved in the Sydney College of the Arts Students Society, Sydney University Dentistry Undergraduate Organisation, Con Student Association or the Cumberland Students’ Guild.

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

PA G E

There are many different types of payments available to students. Here is some information about the more common ones. Youth Allowance – Full time students under 25 years old (at the time of applying).

Some students may have to wait for specified periods of time to receive payments if they have money saved or assets.

Dependent vs. Independent?

Austudy - Full-time students 25 years or older (at the time of applying).

Independent

Abstudy – replaces Youth Allowance and Austudy for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students.

Being “independent” for Centrelink means your parents’ income is not assessed in determining your eligibility.

Disability Support Pension – must satisfy strict assessment by Centrelink on disability. Do not need to be a student.

If you are 22 years or over you are automatically independent. The most common ways students are classified as independent include:

Newstart – Part time student (less than 20 hours study per week) who is looking for full time work.

How To Apply Lodge an intention to claim with Centrelink: call 132 490, visit an office or go to their website (www.centrelink.gov.au). You’ll have 14 days to get together all of your paperwork and you should be paid from the day you lodged your intention to claim.

How To Qualify You qualify if you satisfy ALL of the following conditions: · “Australian resident” for two years or more and in Australia when you claim; and · Studying an “Approved Course” (most undergraduate courses); and · Have not previously “completed” a Doctorate; · Studying “full-time” – usually a minimum of 0.375 HECS load (18 credit points) per semester (there are some exceptions); and

PA G E

· Making “satisfactory progress” (you have not exceeded the minimum time it takes to complete your current course, plus one semester). Exemptions exist.

“unreasonable to live at home” due to extreme circumstances, including physical, emotional or sexual violence, or

Y o C i h

C a e $ a

C h S h I

relationship – you are married or in a marriage like relationship for more than 12 months (same or different sex couples)

Check with the SRC’s Centrelink Independence leaflet for other ways of being independent. (Available on our website – www. src.usyd.edu.au)

I y $

Dependent

T D e

If you cannot prove your “independence”, you will be treated as financially “dependent” on your parent/s, even if you are not getting any monetary support. Parental income over $46,355 per year may start to reduce your Youth Allowance. Parental income over $150,000 per year may render you ineligible. For a more detailed look at your specific situation check the SRC How Parental Income Affects Youth Allowance leaflet. (Available on our website – www.src.usyd.edu.au)

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

Y S l S y t a

Earning Money While on a Payment

Health Care Cards

You may like to supplement your payment with part time or casual work. Some people try to do this without telling Centrelink. The SRC very highly recommends you to report all income. The risks and the penalties of getting caught are very high.

Most Centrelink recipients will also have a Health Care Card. This gives the holder access to very cheap pharmaceuticals, free ambulance, free dental and other medical services.

Centrelink assess your gross income. Every fortnight you are allowed to earn $400 before your payment is reduced. If you earn over $400 in a fortnight your payment is reduced by $0.50 in the dollar for the amount between $400 and $480, and $0.60 in the dollar for amounts more than $480. Centrelink understand that students often earn more during holidays than semester and have something called the Student Income Bank to try and reduce the impact this can have on your payment. For more details check the SRC’s “Your Income” leaflet.

Low income earners (approximately $486 per week) not on Centrelink may also be eligible for a Health Care Card. The SRC has a series of leaflets available on our website www.src.usyd.edu.au. These explain most aspects of Centrelink payments including Parent Income Tests, Personal Income Tests, Partner Income Tests, Your Income and Assets Tests.

Important Hint Keep a copy of everything that you send to Centrelink. Keep a diary of telephone conversations including the person you spoke to and the date and time. Sometimes they’ll be able to give you a receipt number too. Hang on to this information until after you’ve graduated!

Rent Assistance If you are paying rent to someone other than your parent/s you may be eligible for a rent assistance payment of up to $121 per fortnight. Check with the SRC Help for details. This should not be confused with Rent Start, a NSW Department of Housing interest free loan to low income earners for your bond. Again, ask SRC Help for details.

Student Up and Relocation Scholarships Youth Allowance recipients also receive a Student Start Up Scholarship of $1025 per semester. Dependent students living “away from home” may also receive a Relocation Scholarship of $4000 for their first year and $1000 for each year after that. An additional $1000 for the second and third year of study is available to students from “regional” areas.

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

PA G E

Your rights as a student at Sydney Uni.

Your assessment rights.

As a student at Sydney Uni you have certain rights when it comes to your study and progression through your degree. These are laid out in policy, some of which you will come across as you study, some of which are a bit harder to find.

You have a range of assessment rights including the right to:

The SRC employs a team of SRC HELP caseworkers to provide you with independent advice and advocacy about your rights as a student, as laid out in university policy and legislation. These caseworkers are employed by students, for students. Yes, that’s right – they work for you! When you have a problem at uni these are the people to talk to. SRC HELP caseworkers will help you better navigate your way through policies and better understand how they apply to you. They also help you work your way through the university bureaucracy, identify relevant processes and persons to contact. Our team are professional staff with years of experience in working with students to protect their rights. Here are just a few of the things they can help you with.

Your rights when you are sick or have extraordinary circumstances that affect your study. You have the right to apply for Special Consideration when your studies are affected by illness or ‘misadventure’. This can be useful in extending a deadline for an essay or rescheduling an exam. You must provide independent supporting documentation (eg. A medical certificate) with your application. Get this on the day of the exam/deadline itself. In our experience, applications with supporting documents dated after are regularly rejected. Applications must be submitted within 5 working days of a deadline or exam.

- Constructive, timely and respectful feedback - Information about the weighting of assessments, deadlines and late penalties at the start of semester - Information about how your work will be marked and marking that is fair, consistent and timely - A maximum of 2 exams per day - Timely feedback to enable you to further improve - Reasonable adjustments if you have a disability - Special arrangements if you need to be absent for essential religious, cultural or ceremonial commitments; jury duty or court summons; sporting, political or union commitments, where you represent the University, state or nation; the birth or adoption of a child; or Australian defence force or essential services commitments - Confidentiality about your studies, marks, any plagiarism allegations and personal information that you disclose to the university. Any allegation should provide you with details as to what your allegation is beofre your meeting is held or a final decision has been made. The aim of SRC HELP is to understand your situation and your desired outcome; give you advice about processes and university policies, and how to resolve appeals and complaints efficiently and effectively.

If your application is rejected you have the right to appeal and 15 working days to do so. Make an appointment to see an SRC HELP caseworker!

PA G E

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

Your appeal rights. You have the right to appeal any decision that the University makes, whether it is an academic decision (regarding your study) or an administrative decision (such as a fee refund). In order to launch a successful appeal you need to identify something that the University has done incorrectly â&#x20AC;&#x201C; such as not follow university policy or a piece of legislation. This is where the SRC HELP caseworkers come in most handy. They are familiar with the policies and relevant legislation, know which ones are current and which are out of date, and how they may apply to your case. They know where you lodge appeals, and who the relevant people are. They also have thousands of cases of experience to draw from and may be able to advice you on the prospects of success. They can give you advice in writing appeal letters and general advice about your case. In some cases, where students ask, SRC HELP staff can contact university staff directly on your behalf.

You have the right to appeal any decision that the University makes, whether it is an academic decision (regarding your study) or an administrative decision (such as a fee refund).

Your rights in the face of plagiarism allegations. The University takes plagiarism very seriously. Plagiarism can take different forms from not using quotation marks correctly to submitting another personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s essay. If you ever receive an allegation of plagiarism go and get support from an SRC HELP caseworker. They can give you advice about your specific situation, what your rights are, and can attend any meetings you may have with the uni. Any allegation should allow you to know what the details of the allegation are before any meeting is held or final decision is made. The aim of SRC HELP is to understand your situation and your desired outcome; give you advice about processes and university policies, and how to resolve appeals and complaints efficiently and effectively.

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

PA G E

During your time at Uni, you’ll meet amazing people and make lifelong friendships, you’ll learn fascinating things and discover your passions, but you will unfortunately also hit some speed bumps. You’ll have ridiculously oversized tutorials, lectures that are never put online, you’ll be burdened with huge textbook fees, and you might not even feel safe on campus. All whilst you are likely to have your fees deregulated and leave here with a HECS debt that will take you a decade of your life to repay. The prestigous University of Sydney is not as pristine as the brochures led you to believe. Luckily, it’s not all bad news. Because at USYD you’re now part of one of the most thriving student democracies in the country. The Students’ Representative Council (SRC) is an organisation with thirty three elected councillors and a team of over ten office

The thriving student democracy at USyd gives you the chance to have your voice heard. All those horrible things, like ridiculously shit wifi and unfair ancillary costs to overworked teachers that can’t offer you adequate support and cuts to your favourite subjects, are what your student representatives work to improve. Your vote is one in, close to, 12 000. While that may seem insignificant, elections have been known to be won, or lost, by only several votes. So your vote really will be making a difference. Enjoy the fact that you’ve got people who will volunteer their holidays (yes, we know it’s sad) to improve your education. Take full advantage of the fact that you’re now part of the best student democracy, with the best SRC, of all universities in Australia. Get out and vote!

Democracy really is a wonderful thing, because sometimes shit happens, but that’s why you’ve got your SRC.

bearers. Elections for these positions are held each year around November. Candidates will come to ALL of your lectures, and speak with you while you’re trying to quitely enjoy your lunch, to discuss their ideas for improving our university. While this might seem over the top and annoying at first, hear them out. They’re out there volunteering their time because they care about the quality of our education, the price we pay for it and the quality of our campuses. You’ve got the opportunity to listen to their plans and ask them as many probing questions as you like. And once you’re done there are voting days for you to choose who you believe will best represent your interests over the coming year. You will quickly find that university management doesn’t care as much about students as it may have led you to believe. But these guys, student politicans (lovingly referred to as “hacks”), as annoying as you may find them around election time, they do care about students. They’re students themselves. And because of the collective organising power, and persistence, of the SRC the university is forced to listen to your student representatives. And therefore they’re, albeit indirectly, forced to listen to you too.

PA G E

And if you think it all sounds good in theory, but wonder how serious we really are about getting shit done - just look to last year. The Vice Chancellor wanted to fire 340 staff (yeah you read that right) and cut subjects which would have resulted in the loss of several degrees’ international acccreditation. Your SRC organised campaigns that fought these proposed measures, and we won. Minus a few voluntary redundancies, all jobs were saved. For other examples: the shuttle bus between campuses is now free, wifi is free and available in more places than ever before, international students now have greater eligibility for travel concessions, sexism, racism and homophobia are being fought out on campus, there are more lights on campus so all feel safe when leaving here at night, and the SSAF money you pay is reinvested into services for all students. This is all thanks to the student reps that you elected. Not all uni’s have fighting SRCs, not all SSAF money is as as well reinvested into student life, not all uni’s have pro bono legal services, or accademic appeals assistance that is available to all students – so make sure you enjoy it.

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

The Education Action Group (EAG) is the education collective of the SRC. The EAG holds weekly meetings in the New Law Annexe and is convened by the Education Officers, Tenaya Alattas and Casey Thompson. The EAG is a group for students who are concerned with the quality and price of their education to meet and discuss their critique of, and proposed solutions for, the current challenges. The intention of the collective is not only to hold the university accountable to the standard of education it promised us upon enrollment, but to ensure it continually improves upon those standards. The collective works to create a world where education is provided free of charge, academic and general staff work under desirable conditions, knowledge is an end not merely a means, standardised testing and performance indicators do not exist and all are free from any form of discrimination. Essentially a world opposite to the current one we live in of,

“Growing commercialisation and the construction of curriculum content to suit vocational, market-orientated ends [which] has impacted on how and what students learn – and… on their capacity to become active citizens...” The EAG aims to establish a university that “instead of simply encouraging graduates to pursue their personal ambitions… produce[s] more ‘rounded’, more globally aware and ‘citizenminded’ students who subscribe to an ethic of the common good”. (Hill, 2012) The EAG has attempted to improve USYD education with campaigns on a wide range of issues. The most recent, and most successful, was the “Stop The Cuts”

campaign run in semester one and two of 2012. In late 2011, the Vice Chancellor, Michael Spence, announced his intention to reduce the academic and general staff body by 340. The EAG responded by collectively organizing and mobilizing students to save all of the positions - bar the, less than twenty, voluntary redundancies. The education collective also leads campaigns to prevent the proposed cuts to Honours, the reduction of Koori Centre services and the changes in the staff Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA). The 2012 EBA introduces cuts to sick leave, intellectual freedom and workload provisions, with an increasing rate of casualisation. The EAG, in partnership with the NTEU, is campaigning for a fairer EBA that will allow staff to deliver quality teaching. The EAG harnesses many different tactics to protect students’ interests. Such as direct action (physical occupations and blockades which force decision makers to alter their actions as they are physically unable to continue on their current trajectory), to more symbolic lobbying tactics (rallies, referenda and petitions, which attempt to persuade those in charge to change their current plans by demonstrating that there is large support for the campaign aims). The 2012 campaign showed that a combination of all of these techniques can lead to significant change. So, please come along to the New Law Annexe every Tuesday at 1pm and take part in the collective meetings and contribute to the planning and execution of our 2013 campaigns. Also, check out the Facebook organising group: “Sydney University Education Action Group (EAG)”. The 2012 campaign proved the power of collective action. As a result, the EAG will continue to fight for your interests so we get a quality of education that matches the enormous price tag. Join us!

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

PA G E

Fahad Ali, SRC Queer Officer thinks If you want to get involved, the best way to do so is through one of the collectives. Collectives lie at the core of the SRC’s campus activism work. There are a handful of collectives that are supported by the SRC, on issues like racism, women’s and queer rights, the environment, and education quality. A collective is a group of students united by a common set of goals. There is no formal structure in a collective, and all members are considered equal. This allows for everyone’s voice to be heard without being drowned out by those who are more vocal or dominant. Collective organizing can be overwhelmingly effective. Last year, a ‘stop the cuts’ campaign run by the Education Action Group saved <?> staff from getting the sack. We’re looking to forward to another great year of collective action in 2013.

PA G E

Autonomy Collectives like the queer and women’s collective are autonomous—this means that you have to identify as queer or as a woman, respectively, to join. It’s about being empowered to make decisions that will directly affect you, and giving power to groups that have been previously marginalized. Autonomy also creates safe spaces, where you can discuss personal issues in an accepting environment. Of course, anyone can be be a feminist or a queer rights activist, but the discussions and decisions surrounding the direction of such movements is left entirely and respectively up to those who are directly affected by social injustice. So how do I join? Joining a collective is easy! All you need to do is turn up to a collective meeting and introduce yourself. If you want any information, or if you’re curious as to when meetings are, you can get in touch with one of the SRC office bearers and they’ll be happy to help.

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

University is all about personal growth. This involves obtaining an education, maturing as a person, and developing skills that will serve you well in life. For some of us, this also involves discovering who we are, and that could involve learning about our sexual orientation and gender. Whether you identify as queer, or are just beginning to explore or question your identity, the Queer Department exists to provide a friendly and accepting space so that you can feel comfortable and safe in your own skin. The Queer Department represents the queer community at Sydney, and this involves supporting queer and questioning students, facilitating the Queer Action Collective, and coordinating with other queer groups and societies on campus to provide a vibrant, welcoming, and enjoyable campus experience. Queer Action Collective The Queer Action Collective (QuAC) is an autonomous group of queer-identifying students on campus that feel passionately about queer issues, and want to help make a difference. And why wouldn’t you? Homophobic violence is still quite common, we’re in the wake of the Queensland Government pulling funding for the only HIV/AIDS support group in the state, and we still have Jim Wallace and Fred Nile saturating Australia with their bigoted and outdated filth. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. QuAC is here to take a stand. In previous years, we’ve organized contingents to marriage equality rallies, fought for genderneutral toilets on campus, and much more. In 2013, we’ll be continuing the fight for equality and we invite you to join us and help plan our next campaigns. Aside from activism, QuAC also holds periodic social events, such as drinks and games nights, and it’s a great place to meet new people and have a bit of fun, so even if activism isn’t your thing, we encourage you to join!

Queerspace The Queerspace is an autonomous room provided by the University of Sydney Union (USU) that is open for use to all queer-identifying and questioning students. It’s located in Level 1 of the Holme Building: follow the path around the courtyard past the lounge and the café, and when you enter the corridor, turn right and go down the stairs and you should be there! There’s a library, microwave, a fridge, and couches, so you can chill out and relax. Come on down whenever you’d like! Queer Life at Sydney The Queer Department also works closely with the USU’s Queer Events Program, and queer societies such as SHADES and Queer Revue. It’d definitely worth joining: you have a fantastic time, and you will also get to meet several new people and make great friends. Look out for the SHADES, QuAC, and Queer Revue stalls at O-Week! If you’re a college student, you may want to join the Intercol Dragons. It’s a student-run group that aims to provide support to LGBTI college students through organising social activities. Membership is anonymous, and you can find out more at both the QuAC and SHADES stalls.

Your Queer Officers for 2013 are Fahad Ali, Eleanor Barz, and Joshua Sprake. Feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions at queer.officers@ src.usyd.edu.au. We hope you have an amazing time at Sydney and we hope to meet you soon!

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

PA G E

What is the Disabilities Collective?

Studying with a disability?

The Disabilities Collective is an amazing group of people who have been elected by the SRC to represent students with a disability on campus. Your Officers have a couple of jobs:

Sydney University is a great place to study, but can be more difficult if you have a disability. You have the right to ‘access and participate in education on the same basis as students without a disability’ (according to the Disability Standards for Education (2005) legislation).

• Make your voices heard – we represent you and the issues you face • Lobby to the University for your rights – we will pursue system is problems on your behalf • Relay a student’s perspective on University decisions, such as the Disability Action Plan • Create a safe and fun environment to hold regular events for our fabulous members, you! Who can join? The Disabilities Collective is open to students with any type of disability (no matter how ‘small’, carers and those who are simply interested in disability-related issues. Open to all students, the Disabilities Collective places no pressure on its’ members or expectations to disclose information regarding their disability. What is a disability? Don’t be afraid of the word ‘disability’- it covers all sorts of conditions from the seemingly insignificant to the debilitating. It can be temporary, or permanent and may affect you for part of your degree, or for the entire time. Think about it this way, if you were free from your disability, would you still perform at the same rate as you would with your medical condition? If not, talk to your doctor for supporting documentation to assist your claim to Disability Services. Why join? The Disabilities Collective is full of fun and supportive students who care about studying with a disability. It is made up of students who have, or have been affected by disabilities and anyone who is interested in disability rights in general. We hold weekly meetings to discuss common issues and connect with food and drinks. We may also hold larger events such as protests, workshops or seminars.

PA G E

The University must provide ‘reasonable adjustments’ for you. Once approved, Disability Services can coordinate everything, so you get the adjustments that suit your individual condition. Some adjustments include: assignment extensions, access to notetakers, larger font exams and a request for classes to be closer together. If you aren’t getting the help you need, contact your Officer at Disability Services or a caseworker in the SRC who can give you independent advice and advocate on your behalf. Disclosure? There is no obligation to disclose your disability to anyone; however, it can make your academic life easier. When you register for Disability Services, you will be asked to sign the ‘Acknowledgement of Use and Disclosure of Personal Information’. This allows the University to provide your information to third parties in certain circumstances. You can read more about this policy on the website (found below), raise any concerns with us, or your Disability Services Officer. How to join? • It’s free, so just come along to one of our meetings! • Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/172810452839782/ or search: Sydney University Disabilities Collective Group • Email us at disabilities.officers@src.usyd.edu.au • Talk to Disability Services and they can put you into contact with us: http://sydney.edu.au/stuserv/disability/assis.shtml. or 8627 8422 Welcome to Sydney University, we hope to see you soon! Your Disability Collective Officers

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

textbooks

CHEAP!

Don’t pay full price for textbooks... buy them at SRC books.

• We buy & sell textbooks according to demand • You can sell your books on consignment. Please phone us before bringing in your books. • We are open to USYD students & the public Search for text books online www.src.usyd.edu.au/default.php Call 02 9660 4756 to check availability and reserve a book.

NEW Location! Level 4, Wentworth Bldg (Next to the International Lounge) Hours: Mondays to Fridays 9am - 4.30pm Phone: (02) 9660 4756 Email: books@SRC.usyd.edu.au

The Sydney Uni Anti-Racism Collective (ARC) is committed to fighting against racism on all fronts; standing up for the rights of persecuted ethnic minorities both on and off campus. The University Of Sydney’s Anti-Racism Collective is one of the most active collectives on campus. We are committed to stand up against racism on all fronts, recently focusing on campaigns against the cruel and inhumane treatment of refugees and asylum seekers under Australian law. Students have always played a significant role in the movement against racism in politics and the broader community. As one of the most important voices for progress, students can and should take action both on and off campus against racial prejudice and shape an equitable future. 2012 saw a crisis for ethnic minorities as bipartisan support for human rights abuses has actively fostered racism within the community. The ‘stronger futures’ legislation that would extend the Intervention in the NT, and the damage caused by this paternalistic policy, for another 10 years was passed by Parliament. Islamophobia reached hysterical heights as reaction to riots in September took on an undeniably racist view. Ultimately it was the Government's return to offshore processing with the Pacific Solution 2.0 that saw ARC build a substantial campaign against this expression of racism. Under the new laws, boat arrivals are detained in cramped, hot, under resourced camps on Manus Island and Nauru where they will be deliberately left for ‘four or five years’, according to Gillard, as a ‘no advantage’ deterrent. The Pacific Solution 2.0 was surrounded by the rhetoric of ‘humane’ deterrence – to stop deaths at sea. Such selfdelusion on the part of the government and opposition continues to be exposed as boat arrivals persist, driven by push factors and a fictitious ‘queue’. Genuine concern for saving the lives of these people would see the government decriminalize people smuggling, commit to the safe escort of boats from Indonesia to Australia, abolish mandatory detention in favor of reintroducing community processing and guarantee Australian resettlement. Instead we have seen the Government turn to the cruel policies of the Howard years.

PA G E

There are a number of things wrong with this policy that subverts Australia’s obligations to welcome asylum seekers under the 1951 UN Refugee Convention. Beyond the inhumane punishment of those legally fleeing persecution, offshore processing simply will not work. During the six years of the Pacific Solution under Howard, the fall in boat numbers was often seen as proof that the policy worked. Instead it reflects a decrease in asylum seekers globally. Between 2001 and 2006 Canada and the United States had a 47% decrease in asylum seeker applications, Europe had a 54% decrease. Afghani asylum seekers fell by 85% during this time. The increase in boat numbers after 2006 has not been because of a softening of asylum seeker policy in Australia, but because of the violence and persecution in Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. Despite the evident dangers for Tamils fleeing Sri Lanka and Hazaras fleeing Afghanistan, the Government has initiated deportations of a number of Asylum seekers. This return to regimes known for human rights abuses and the persecution of ethnic minorities is made worse by the number of ‘screened out’ deportees for whom the right to even apply for protection was denied. As ASIO negative assessments of UNHCR approved refugees persist and the disturbing reports of horrendous conditions, hunger strikes, self-harm and suicide continue to come to light, it is more important than ever to act to condemn the Government’s policy and the more extreme position of the Abbott Opposition. ARC has stood up against this racism both on and off campus. Through joining with the Education Action Group, we campaigned to save the refugee language program from threatened cuts. We also joined with Koori Centre students to rally against a planned closure of the centre. We held a number of film screenings and forums with former detainees as well as “The People Smuggler” author Robin de Crespigny and investigative journalist Professor Wendy Bacon. Off campus we have responded to the Government’s undeniable abuse of human rights by organizing student contingents to rallies and visiting Villawood detention centre. With both sides of politics committed to vilifying Aboriginal people and refugees, students must build of the momentum of 2012 into antiracist campaigns for 2013. Join us, get involved, fight back!

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

Hi mature aged students! When I came to university, I was confronted with a horrifying fact: there were people in my class and on campus who were born in the nineties. And I'm not just talking about a couple, a whole horde of students are running around on campus who came straight out of high school and some of them aren't even weirded out by Pluto not being a planet. What with neoliberalism, its easy to think about education as just an industry and you are just a number past your use by date but this is simply not true; education is a right, not a privilege, and regardless of why you came here or when, you are deserving of the exploration of ideas which everyone else receives. Unfortunately, it can feel like that just ain't happening - only 11% of undergraduates at the University of Sydney are over 25 and there are a lot of times when our needs are not the needs of fresh faced kids from the nineties who spend half their time complaining about the fact that we put our hands up in the classes we pay for. While some are committed life long learners, whom I congratulate, many mature aged students come to university later in life because of pressures which got in the way - a great many of you have children, some were low SES and needed to work to support themselves, some are (dis) abled or are a carer of someone who is, others have been retrenched and need to skill up and there are even others who are refugees trying to start a new life. It can be tough. Thankfully, that's why the SRC is here for us and has a mature aged department to support you. One of the things the mature aged department is looking to focus on this year, amongst many things, is the issue of child care - to be frank, child care services are shit on campus. The waiting list can stretch for years which is time that some of us really cannot

afford to wait if we want to pursue the education which is our right and even worse, the local child care centres in suburbs like Glebe and Marrickville are just as extensive. This is not a cut and dry problem of course. Currently 'United Voice', a trade union which supports early childhood educators, is running a campaign called 'Big Steps' which advocates increased pay for early childhood educators who, at the moment, receive a pittance and this results is an industry which attracts fewer and fewer workers to care for children in centres. It is important that we challenge that so that these workers get a fair go but also so that we can get access to the childcare services needed for us all to have an education. If this is a challenge you are interested in then I recommend that you get in contact with the SRC so that we can work to make sure that not only on campus childcare services are more accessible but also to make steps to addressing the structural obstacles in finding childcare for studying and/or working mothers. In this push, the SRC mature aged officers have also been working with MASNA (Mature Aged Student Network Australia) who are a really nifty crew that some of you may want to check out. We've been consulting with their President, Tara Swain, on how we can be as effective as possible in working for you. There will also be a conference, discussing mature aged student issues, coming up later in the year which we'll make sure to announce so keep your eyes peeled! Yours in love and rage, Evan, SRC Mature Aged Officer 2013

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

PA G E

Who are SEAC?

What do we do?

The Student Environment Action Collective (SEAC, pronounced 'seek') are the environmental group on campus who are made up of (but certainly not limited to) people who:

As a collective we are dedicated to learning about and taking action on a number of environmental and social justice issues. In the past we have been involved in campaigns and actions both on and off campus. These have included: 'Green Campus Now' (promoting 100% renewable energy on campus), ‘T4’ (against the construction of the 4th coal terminal in Newcastle), ‘stop the Muckatee waste Dump’ (fighting uranium dumping on indigenous communities) and the blockade to prevent coal mining in the Leard State forest, which is ongoing.

- Are concerned and active on nuclear power, coal and uranium mining and coal seam gas - Like renewable energy, food co-ops... and sunflowers - Campaign in solidarity with local and indigenous communities for environmental justice - Have a non-hierarchical approach to decision making that is inclusive and consensus based so everybody has an equal ownership of the group and its actions - Are linked to other enviro collectives across the country through ASEN (Australian Student Environmental Network) and its NSW arm; SEAN (Student Environment Activist Network) - Run campaigns, host forums, screen films, do actions, attend camps, discuss societal change, eat awesome food and enjoy good company!

“Once all the rainforests are cut down, once all the rivers have dried up, and once all the resources are diminished, we will finally realise we can’t eat money.”

PA G E

A high point of 2012 was ASEN’s Mining the Truth Road Trip, which many of us organised and attended. The trip linked our passions for community solidarity in environmental justice with environmental education through speaking with local communities and assisting in making the upcoming documentary. Upcoming in 2013, an important ASEN wide campaign is ‘lock the campus’- ensuring Sydney Uni, and other universities around the country, remain Coal Seam Gas free. This involves NO CSG on university owned land and NO investment into CSG or extraction research. Highlighting each year is ASEN’s awe-inspiring annual conference-‘Students of Sustainability’ (SoS). In 2013 SoS will be held in Tasmania, with students from all over the country attending!! This summit is one of the best ways to share skills, learn, grow and push for change together. So what's next? We'll continue with our weekly meetings, discussion groups, and information evenings. We'll fight for real green energy alternatives. We'll continue to work with other like-minded groups, such as the food co-op, vege soc and other progressive collectives. We’ll continue hosting the annual bike day and promotion of active transport. And of course we'll continue to meet new friends, have fun times and influence the future of the planet!

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

Why you should join? A Collective is an inclusive space where the direction of our campaigns and actions are based entirely on the interests and ideas of all our members! So if you have a passion for anything enviro we'll endeavour to do something about it or if you aren't quite sure and just want to listen then this is the perfect group for you. A Collective is unaffiliated with any political party and we welcome diverse perspectives, ideals and methods. This variety helps to promote healthy debate and challenge the group to look at the environment from varying angles. SEAC members are brought together by a passion for environmentalism, however our interests extend way beyond this point. We have a strong dialogue and form really good friendships within our own group and our broader networks across the country.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A good planet is hard to findâ&#x20AC;? Interested? Come to our weekly meetings, find our stall at O-week, check out our website http://www.sydneyunienviro.org/ or contact Eloise (0439-028-124) or Elyse (0439-286123) for more information

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

PA G E

We have probably all heard it. We have probably all said it. But what if we really mean that we are having a mental health issue? As a student you should understand that you are certainly not alone. Thousands of students experience mental health issues. These include (but are certainly not limited to) depression, anxiety, eating disorders, bipolar mood disorder, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia and schizo-affective disorder. Sometimes mental health issues are caused by an event and are short term. For example, you may feel depressed because you are homesick, or someone you care about dies, or you feel anxious at exam time. Other times students experience longterm mental health issues.

Applying for Discontinue Not Fail (DNF) If you were unable to complete a subject because you became sick or experienced a misadventure and this prevented you from being able to reasonably attempt or complete the unit of study, you may be able to apply for a DNF. You will need to be able to prove why you were late applying, as the usual deadline is week 7 of that semester. This application relies heavily on your documentation, so keep copies of everything that you have. The benefit of a DNF is that it does not affect your WAM (weighted average mark) and if it is within 12 months, you can also make an application for your HECs or fees back. If you want more information or your DNF application is rejected, see a SRC HELP caseworker.

There are a few things you should consider if your mental health is affecting your study. Counselling and Psychological Service (CAPS). Registering with the University’s Disability Services. You may be eligible for support that ensures that you can access education on the same “level playing field” as everyone else. If you are eligible, Disability Services will discuss an academic plan with you and any reasonable adjustments that can be made. These may include things like extra time in exams and extensions for assignments. You register online via their website. http://sydney.edu.au/ stuserv/disability/index.shtml Applying for Special Consideration. This is for short term and unexpected illness or misadventure, which includes a short-term and unpredictable exacerbation of a pre-existing condition. For example, if you ordinarily have a depressive illness, then you have a death in the family, you can apply for special consideration to request an extension on an assignment or a supplementary exam. You must have documentation.

CAPS is able to provide 15 minute emergency sessions or 1 hour appointments for individual counseling sessions. CAPS also offer workshops and online resources that you might find valuable. Find out more at http://sydney.edu.au/current_students/ counselling/. This service is free to students. University Health Service. Your General Practitioner is able to prescribe you medication that may help your condition. They can also refer you to a psychiatrist if that is what you need. The University Health Service will bulk bill students with a Medicare card. International Students are charged the same amount that you can claim back from your insurance company. That is, it will not actually cost you anything. You can find more details at http:// sydney.edu.au/health-service/services/index.php If you are referred to a psychiatrist, make sure you know that the cost and that it is one you can afford. Psychiatrist’s fees vary.

If you want more information or your special consideration application is rejected, see a SRC HELP caseworker.

PA G E

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

If you have Caring Responsibilities. Students who are the primary carer for someone with a chronic illness or disability may use special Consideration. The key word here is ‘primary’ meaning you are the main person doing that work. The documentation you will need must outline how your caring responsibilities affected you study. This will not usually be the same type of doctors certificate that a doctor will give the sick or disabled person. If you are not the primary carer, but rather just a friend, you should still be aware of the potential pressure on you. Often this role is exhausting and can cause you to have mental health challenges yourself. Be aware that support is available to you as well. Take time out for yourself, and allow others to spoil you. Most of all realise that you must prioritise yourself first. Otherwise you won’t be there to help others.

Emergencies. If you need to contact someone immediately you can try ringing Lifeline on 131 114 or if you are under 25yrs Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800. You can also take yourself to the nearest hospital casualty.

Three Tips From Headspace EXERCISE Physical exercise is good for our mental health and for our brains. When you’re feeling down the last thing you might feel like doing is exercising but studies have suggested that any activity, from walking around the block to yoga to cycling, could contribute to improving the symptoms of depression and anxiety. EAT Some studies suggest that what you eat affects your mood. A good balanced diet will make sure you have all the essential nutrients needed for your brain to function well, helping to keep you both physically and mentally healthy. You might have noticed that your mood can effect your appetite and food intake. Maintaining a healthy diet and regular food intake can be a way to look after yourself even at times you don’t feel like it. SLEEP A good night’s sleep helps both mental and emotional resilience, while chronic sleep disruptions could increase negative thinking and emotional vulnerability. Maintain a regular sleep-and-wake schedule, use the bedroom for its core purposes and avoid having distracting devices such as a television or a computer.

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

PA G E

What is the SSAF? In 2011 the Higher Education Legislation Amendment was passed by the Gillard government in order to replace the former voluntary student unionism laws of the Howard era. These had prohibited the century-old system of compulsory subscriptions for student unions and caused a total collapse in student services at the majority of campuses in Australia. The SSAF was brought in as a way of re-financing lost student amenities for the majority of students. How much is it? The Student Services and Amenities Fee is a $273 fee that the University is allowed to charge you in two instalments a year. You can defer the payment onto SA-HELP (in the same way as you can take out a HECS loan for tuition fees), which is interest free but requires you to pay it back when your income reaches a certain threshold. Where is my money going? The initial allocation of SSAF funds was as below: Students' Representative Council – $1,254,727 Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association (SUPRA) - $802,118 Cumberland Students Guild (CSG) – $326,186 Sydney Uni Sports & Fitness (SUSF) – $3,763,401 University of Sydney Union (USU) – $3,183,939 It should be noted that none of this was additional funding – the university actually just withdrew historical funding completely and replaced it with SSAF funds. This means, despite charging students an extra $273 a year students have no extra services whatsoever. In addition, the remaining $1,147,367 dollars which were initially reserved for an ambiguous “Sydney Life Fund” were distributed as follows:

PA G E

SRC – $238,367

SUPRA - $187,000

CSG – $399,000

SUSF – $136,000

USU – $0

Student Support Services – $187,000

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

Thank you to our editors who spent far more hours in the SRC dungeon then they care to admit: Dylan Parker, Callum Drake, Oscar Coleman, Luke Dassalikas Penina Su, Vivian Huang, Max Schintler and Casey Thompson. Also great amounts of kudos to Mel, Charlotte, Breda, Tim, Maggie, Amanda, Laura, Leeanna, my dear mother/s, Albo, Michael Daley, all the NOB’s, Sam Dastyari, Bronson, NSW Fire Brigade, USU for aforementioned club logos, secularism, Google, Google Images, Google Drive, Gmail, the Late Stephen Jobs, Adobe, Spotify, Coke(liquid and powder forms), urbanspoon. com, Tannins, HBO (pleasedon’tsue), Mexican food, Macklemore & Ryan Le, Flags, the Southern Cross, GrowingStrongEditors#gototheirlaunchpartyifyou’reawoman01/03#theseladiessharewell, the sun, SSAF, activists, students, The Red Flag, Thairiffic, Scramble and Poached Eggs, Presidents Summit, NUS, Unionism, Le Mis, WorldPeace, 24HourSRCAccess, Phoebe Drake, Astha (yay we have stalls!), Collectivism, TheAccord, Ball Park Music #playing@ourlaunchparty, KONY2012, Cider, Coffee, SydneyFestival, HotDubTimeMachines, #noalition, RealSolutions, the Real 1996 Slogan, Welfare, #theageofindependance, the easibilty of NSW Births, Deaths & Marriages #youapplytheysendcertificate, Medicare, Our Sri Lankan Correspondent, NSW North Coast Correspondent, Facebook, yoghurt, factions and of course Gina The Hut and Clive Palmer for making every occasion about themselves. No thank you to Lannisters, Liberals and fiscal Libertarians.. Rafi Alam, Grassroots (except contributors) and that damned server! Thankyou to every single one of the contributors, and all the punctual contributors earned 5 points for Gryffindor!

S R C O r i e n t a t i o n h a n d b oo k

2 013

PA G E

One society you definitely don’t want to be part of – by nature, it is discriminatory and its stated aim (in the constitution) implies that a woman’s right to control her body vis-à-vis abortion is an act of murder. The existence of a group such as this at a tertiary institution is abominable.

“Edgar Allan Poe” (not the author): A campus rumour, a pseudonym as a front for fascism, libertarianism and monarchism. The biggest troll in the known world, who actually believes the awful things he says. Often seen arguing with both Tony Jones and his panel on Monday nights QandA.

The embryo of shame-gate, supplicants to Alan Jones, producers of challengers to Anthony Albanese and originators of the version of welcome to country that acknowledges King George as the traditional owner of the land. Opposed to issue-based activism and common decency, the political party for which the club is named will, if elected, seek to deregulate tertiary education (read: make it unaffordable for most people, unless you wish to cripple yourself with a huge loan and interest payments).

The Ibis… Ibi… Ibises, I mean…Ibes. Fuck it. A crusade against the demon-faced bin-dwelling skunks with wings! #BewareTheIbesOfMarch

Students’ Representative Council The University of Sydney

MMXIII

Orientation i SRC n U y e n d y S

Handbook

t uni a s t h g i r our Protecting

BER! ce, SRC Bookshop or 9660 5222 M E M A E SRC Offi ECOM

Students representative COuncil University of Sydney

ll,

sta -Week SRC

on at O Join in pers

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS Support & Advocacy

Free Legal Advice

• Referrals • Discrimination & Equal Opportunity • Employment law • Minor criminal matters/traffic offences/ fines • Victims of violence • Debts

The SRC’s operational costs, space and administrative support are financed by the University of Sydney.

SRC Books - Buy your textbooks cheap! • Buy & sell your textbooks • Search for books online SRC website Wentworth Level 4 (next to the International Lounge)

Emergency Loans

$50 emergency loans for students in need

Student Publications

• Honi Soit weekly newspaper www.src.usyd.edu.au/honisoit • International Students Handbook • Orientation Handbook • Counter Course Handbook • Growing Strong - Women’s Handbook

Student Rights & Representation

SRC Representatives are directly elected by students each year to stand up for students’ rights on campus and in the wider community. Find the SRC at...

Level 1 Wentworth Building (under City Rd footbridge) Ph: 02 9660 5222 www.src.usyd.edu.au If you are at another campus, email: help@src.usyd.edu.au

www.src.usyd.edu.au

dow

SRC

n sta

irs

Student Central Wentworth building

Students’ Representative Council The University of Sydney