Misconceptions of the Union

The TUU collects and receives all of my SSAF.

Your SSAF money goes first to the university, and then a portion of it gets passed on to the TUU. This year, we’ll receive about 15%, or $900,000, of the total SSAF pool that the university receives each year.

$900,000 is at least a year’s rent. What do you do with the money?

A decent chunk (about half a million) goes towards keeping your clubs and societies running on all campuses. The remaining $400,000 funds all the other projects of the TUU — this includes Togatus, free financial counselling and migration services, contact and referral services, promotions, the TUU website, and so on. It also finances the TUU/SRC events and activities you see on-campus and online.

Sounds to me like I’m paying for a whole lot of salaries.

Depends on who it is. Student Representatives are paid from Baseline Funding, which is separate from SSAF. Some TUU staff salaries are paid from SSAF, and some from Baseline Funding, Board and other income.

So what’s the difference between the TUU and UTASLife?

Both the TUU and UTASLife put on great events for students, but the TUU is independent from the University, and supports many student-led organisations, like Sports Clubs and Societies. At the heart of the TUU is the student representatives that advocate for student interests. Both serve snags.

Are TUU Advocates independent?

Advocates are employed by the TUU, as a student union, and not the University. Student Advocates provide free, independent and confidential advice and support to students who have problems that affect their ability to study.

They can represent or advocate for you in meetings with University staff and committees. They can guide you through University processes like appeals, complaints or misconduct findings. They can assist students experiencing financial difficulties and link you to relevant community help organisations. Most of all, they’re a passionate, dedicated group of people that are there for you in trying academic times.

Well, TUU representatives push their own political agendas.

In 2019 the team of TUU student representatives are passionate about working with and for students and will remain apolitical. It’s true that in previous years we’ve seen the Union used by representatives as a mere vehicle for political career, but we’ve come a long way in recent years. Our team believes that the representation of students should be impeccable, and that comes through an impartial union focused solely on representation and accountability.

So how does it represent me?

At the heart of it, the TUU is here to protect student rights. Students don’t usually have much money, but they’ve got a lot of worries. So when it comes to things like voice and representation, a student union is the best way to protect your interests as a student, no matter where you’re from or what you’re studying. Through student representatives, who are elected each year, the TUU participates in every level of University governance and helps form Uni policy that impacts you. And unlike the Uni, you can vote for the people you want to lead the TUU.

So how do I become a member, and how much does it cost?

You don’t have to join the TUU; as a student of the University of Tasmania you are automatically entitled to access all our services at no cost. If you’d like to get more involved, keep an eye out for your student reps at one of our regular on-campus events, and say hello. Alternatively send us a message through the TUU website at tuu.com.au or our Facebook pages:

• Tasmania University Union – TUU

• TUU North

• TUU Cradle Coast