Adelaide University Union Board Meeting Agenda

December 2018

03-12-2018

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Mission, Vision and Values Vision Our belief is that an educated, engaged and passionate community can change the world for the better. Mission The Union strives to enrich the student experience by ensuring:

I. that the student voice is heard and valued;

II. that the full range of student communities is fostered and engaged;

III. the health, safety and wellbeing of students which allow for development,

both individually and collectively.

Values Our values lie at the heart of what we do and our commitment to these principles will allow for our individual differences to be overcome.

• Accessible Education

The Union recognises that education is one of the most powerful determinants in a person’s life and that it must be accessible for all students regardless of social or economic status.

• Diversity

The Union recognises that within the student community there are many communities defined by gender, ethnicity, faith and economic status, etc. Each community possesses a unique student experience and we value, embrace and promote that diversity.

• Partnership & Community

The Union believes that the University experience will be richer for students if it includes interaction with a broader range of community partners, whether they be social, cultural, sporting, charitable or business.

• Professionalism

The Union recognises that the task of representation requires the highest standards of ethical behaviour, efficacy, and service, as well as management and professional skills all aimed at delivering benefits for students.

• Democracy

The Union is committed to a student organisation governed by the students of the University of Adelaide and seeks to foster and strengthen democratic decision making processes.

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Adelaide University Union Board Meeting Agenda

For the meeting on 3rd of December 2018

In the Board Room at 7:15pm

1.Acknowledgment of Traditional Owners and Apologies OO We would like to Acknowledge that the land we meet on today is the traditional lands for the Kaurna people and that we respect their spiritual relationship with their Country. We also acknowledge the Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of the Adelaide region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the living Kaurna people today.

2. Declaration of Conflict of Interest OO That all directors and officers in attendance declare that they have read and considered all papers within this agenda that require decision making and have no known conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest with respect to those matters.

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting OO Recommendation: That the Board accepts the minutes of the meeting of the 30th October 2018 as a true and accurate record.

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Recommendation: That the Board accepts the minutes of the meeting of the 20th November 2018 as a true and accurate record. 4.AUU President’s Report OO Recommendation: That the Board commends the efforts of the AUU staff throughout 2018 and wishes everyone a merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

5.SRC President’s Report AA 6. Clubs Administration Policy OO

Recommendation: Regarding the power granted in Clause 21 of the AUU Constitution, this Board resolves to: Create: Clause 11.2 Duties Clubs representatives have the same duties as directors as stipulated in clause 4 of Roles And Responsibilities Of Directors, The President And The Executive Officer. Amend: Clause 11 Clubs Representatives 11.1 Election Process The two Clubs Representative members of the Clubs Committee shall be elected in accordance with the following clauses: 11.1.1 The Returning Officer shall conduct the elections and shall have responsibility for interpreting and administering these provisions. 11.1.2 The Returning Officer will provide notice of the election to all clubs via their club’s email address (as recorded by the Clubs Administrator) no later than five business days prior to opening of nominations. 11.1.3 Nominations will remain open for at least five business days. 11.1.4 At the close of nominations, the Returning Officer will as soon as practicable determine the eligibility of nominees and notify all club Presidents of the candidates for

election, as well as declare any nominees who were determined to be ineligible. 11.1.5 If there are more candidates than there are positions, the Returning Officer shall give all club Presidents no less than one week’s notice of the date on which an election will occur. 11.1.6 Only the president (or equivalent) of provisionally- or fully-registered clubs may vote in the election. 11.1.7 Where there is any question as to the re-registration status of a club the club president shall be eligible to vote in an election as long as the registration of the club has not been ceased in accordance with Section 7. 11.1.8 Voting shall remain open to club presidents between the hours of 10:00am and 4:00pm on the day of the election.

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11.1.9 A club president may request a proxy form from the Returning Officer and may nominate a proxy who shall be eligible to vote in their place in the election. All proxies must be a student or staff member of the University of Adelaide. 11.1.10 As soon as practicable after the election is concluded, the Returning Officer will cause the votes to be counted. 11.1.11 Following counting of votes, the Returning Officer will provisionally declare the results of ballot in a report to be provided to the Clubs Committee (or, in the case of the first annual election under this Rule, to the Board of the AUU), which may, not less than 14 days after the declaration of provisional results, resolve to declare the results contained in that report to be the final results. 11.1.12 Any appeal regarding the conduct or outcome of the elections may only be made to the AUU Board and must be made in writing to the AUU President within 7 days of the declaration of provisional results. and authorizes the EO to alter the Master Copy accordingly. 7. Any Other Business 8. In-Camera Items OO

9. Close: Next Meeting: TBA Close of Submissions: TBA Persons Responsible for Agenda Items: Oscar Ong (OO) Ali Amin (AA)

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Adelaide University Union

Board Elect Meeting Minutes

6:30pm, Tuesday 30 October 2018

Level 4 Union House, Board Room

Present: Absent:

Tamsin Anspach

Patrick Stewart

Patrick Kennewell

Iacovos Digenis

Arabella Wauchope

Oscar Ong

Hugh Sutton

Jeffrey Yang

Stella Woo

Jing Soong Goh

Xinwei Wang

Observer:

Andrew Klima (Returning Officer)

Gary Sutherland (Executive Officer)

Minutes Secretary:

Sarah Tynan

Visitors:

Ali Amin

Ethan Penglase

Felix Eldridge

Tim Hilhorst

Meeting opened 6.06pm

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1. Acknowledgment of Country (ID)

We would like to Acknowledge that the land we meet on today is the traditional lands for

the Kaurna people and that we respect their spiritual relationship with their Country. We

also acknowledge the Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of the Adelaide region

and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the living Kaurna people

today.

2. Returning Officers Explanation (AK)

Motion: That the Board appoints Andrew Klima as returning officer.

Moved: Tamsin Anspach Seconded: Patrick Stewart CARRIED

Andrew Klima introduced the election procedure.

3. Elections

3a. President.

Patrick Stewart nominated Tamsin Anspach

Hugh Sutton nominated Oscar Ong

Tamsin Anspach spoke to her candidacy. She mentioned strong leadership, consultation

between the University and the Union, supporting reforms that are currently taking place.

She also stated that she wished to continue positive work on Student Media and Clubs

Committee reform.

Oscar Ong spoke to his candidacy. Oscar mentioned the importance of clubs, holding a-

political stances and transparency.

Presidential Candidates were asked several questions:

● SRC President elect Ali Amin asked the candidates their top 3 issues for Board ongoing.

○ Tamsin Anspach: Relationship with the University and the Union and perception,

transparency, and clubs/student media.

○ Oscar Ong: Transparency, Student voice and Clubs and depoliticizing the board.

● Oscar also receives a question regarding the RCC, specifically the survey.

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○ He wishes to ensure the circumstances that have happened with the RCC now do

not happen again.

● Ali Amin asks Ong clarification regarding depoliticization of the Board.

○ Ong clarifies that it means no “party politics” and Federal politics not relevant to

Board. Tamsin Anspach says that student life and the AUU are inherently political

as student lives are affected by Federal politics ie funding for and cost of Education.

● Sarah Tynan requests clarification regarding whether or not these candidates will ensure

constitutionalism, professionalism and the best interest of the Union considering some

previous actions by Board Directors.

○ Anspach replies that she has never breached AUU policy.

○ Ong replies that he does not believe he has breached media policy.

The Returning officer declared Oscar Ong elected President with a vote of 7-3.

3b. Vice President

Tamsin Anspach nominated Patrick Stewart.

Oscar Ong nominated Hugh Sutton.

The Returning officer declared Hugh Sutton elected Vice President with a vote of 5-4.

3c. Committee Chair

Patrick Stewart nominates Patrick Kennewell

Oscar Ong nominated Stella Woo

The Returning officer declared Stella Woo elected Clubs Committee Chair with a vote of 6-4.

3d. Student Media Chair

Patrick Stewart nominated Tamsin Anspach

Oscar Ong nominated Hugh Sutton

The Returning officer declared Hugh Sutton elected Student Media Chair with a vote of 5-4.

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3e. Executive

Oscar Ong nominated Arabella Wauchope

Hugh Sutton nominated Stella Woo

Iacovos Digenis nominated Tamsin Anspach

Tamsin Anspach nominated Patrick Stewart

The Returning officer declared Stella Woo, Tamsin Anspach and Arabella Wauchope elected to

Executive with a vote of 3, 4 and 3 respectively.

4. Returning Officers Report (AK)

Motion: That the Board accepts the returning officers report

Moved: Iacovos Digenis Seconded: Patrick Stewart CARRIED

Meeting closed 6.46pm

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Adelaide University Union

Ordinary Board Meeting Minutes

6:30pm, Tuesday 20 November 2018

Level 4 Union House, Board Room

Present: Apologies:

Iacovos Digenis (President) Olivia Savvas (Student Media Committee Chair, Executive)

Patrick Stewart Absent:

Tamsin Anspach (Executive) Brodie Scott (Vice President)

Hugh Sutton Jack Crawford

Aidan Johnson

Oscar Ong (Clubs Committee Chair, Executive)

Visitors:

Siqi Yang (Jeffrey) Arabella Wauchope

Gary Sutherland (Observer) Michael Reschke

Nick Birchall

Minutes Secretary: Ethan Penglese

Sarah Tynan Chelsea Fernandez

Ali Amin

Meeting opened 6.33pm

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1. Acknowledgment of Country (ID)

We would like to Acknowledge that the land we meet on today is the traditional

lands for the Kaurna people and that we respect their spiritual relationship with their

Country. We also acknowledge the Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of

the Adelaide region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important

to the living Kaurna people today.

2. Declaration of Conflict of Interest

That all directors and officers in attendance declare that they have read and

considered all papers within this agenda that require decision making and have no

known conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest with respect to those

matters.

3. Action Items*

4. AUU President’s Report* - ID

Iacovos speaks to his last President’s report. He thanks the AUU for all of their

work.

5. Previous Minutes

Motion: That the Board accepts the minutes of the 14th of October as a true and

accurate record.

Moved: Tamsin Anspach Seconded: Patrick Stewart

CARRIED

6. O’week Update*

Gary speaks on O’Week updates. No activities will take space on Barr Smith Lawns

from the Union, almost all activities from the Union will take place on the Maths

Lawns. There are concerns re advertisement and funding.

Questions arise:

What benefits do students and staff gain from the RCC?

Unknown, potentially minor discounts to events.

There was a long discussion regarding how this will impact students re classes,

welfare etc.

These was noted.

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7. Rule changes*

Motion: That the rule changes be accepted

Moved: Patrick Stewart Seconded: Aiden Johnson

8. Unibar Update*

A brief update was given by Gary Sutherland and Iacovos.

9. Any Other Business

10. In-camera Session

Meeting moved in-camera 6.58pm

Meeting moved ex-camera 7.43pm

Meeting closed 7.43pm

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To: AUU Board

Subject: AUU President’s Report Date: 01/12/2018 1. Rules and Policies Iacovos Digenis has pass on the rules and policies of the board to me. There are still several tweaks needed to be done to ensure everything is up-to-date. The most recent version will be uploaded to the website as soon as they are available. 2. Board Induction Pack The board induction pack will be available as soon as the rules and policies are in the most updated form. I will inform everyone when they are available. 3. Minutes and Agendas in the AUU Website Only the minutes of meetings is upload in the website this year, however, I will ensure all future agendas and minutes will be uploaded to the website in a timely manner. 4. 2019 Meeting Dates The 2019 meeting dates will be determined through a Doodle Poll which I will be sending out after enrolment opens. 5. Meetings with the University Iacovos and I had met up with Bruce Lines on 20th of November and we had raised our concerns around the lack of consultation from the university. We were given confirmation that he will ensure the process of consultation with the AUU will not be neglected next time. Iacovos and I then met up with Sonja on 27th of November from Infrastructure and expressed our concerns around placing O’Week Clubs Stall in the hub. At the same day, we met up with Michael Physick and Dave Lamb to talk about the RCC issue and ways to improve engagement between different departments with student representatives. Iacovos and I met up with Pascale on 30th of November to introduce myself as the incoming president. It was raised that a new strategic planning is on the way. 6. SRC

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The SRC held their first meeting of the 2019 student representatives on the 1st December. Quorum was achieved and Ali Amin (SRC President) lead the council through a series of new administrative initiatives, spoke about several issues that affect students, including RCC. I will continue to maintain steady and consistent communication with Ali Amin to ensure students are appropriately represented and the AUU’s interests are heard by the council. 7. Royal Croquet Club & O’Week Volunteering As O’Week approaches, the presence of RCC in our campus this year is inevitable. It is time for us to think of how to utilize the limited space that is given to us. One of the way board directors can help out is by volunteering in O’Week. Board directors will be invited to help the events team in O’Week. I will inform everyone as soon as more details are available. 8. Looking Ahead The previous board has left us with huge responsibilities, including facing a smaller O’Week and buying back the UniBar. We spent one week of our lives campaigning wanting better representation for students and now is the time to put our words to work. I would like to take this chance to call on the unification of the board. It is time for us to put down our differences and focus on representing students. We need to put more work in helping to improve our services to students rather than wasting time on debating non-students’ issues. 9. AUU Staff The AUU Staff has worked tirelessly for the AUU every single year. This year, we have faced several big challenges including the merger, RCC issue and UniBar. Not only external issue, our staff has faced numerous internal issues as well. I would like to take this chance to thank them. So, I am recommending we formally commend the efforts of AUU staff. Recommendation: That the Board commends the efforts of the AUU staff throughout 2018 and wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Yours Sincerely, Oscar Zi Shao Ong AUU President

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SRC President’s Report Ali Amin

Transparency, accountability, inclusivity

The 2018 SRC identified outreach to the student population of critical importance for success. The SRC

often does a lot of work unrecognised and this needs to change. Student outreach and awareness of the

SRC is a very useful way to help us identify key issues and act on them quickly. Furthermore, wider

consultation with the student body will help steer the SRC’s strategic direction.

Some of my priorities to ensure the SRC is transparent and accountable include:

• Ensuring that students have access to University decisions and policy regarding student affairs in

plain English.

• Ensuring that students are aware of the various committees the SRC sits on and the ability for all

students to contribute to the management and day to day activities of the University.

• Collaborating with international student communities to ensure adequate representation of issues

affecting them.

• Launching a campaign to inform students about the services the SRC and AUU provides.

• Improving reporting requirements for the SRC and producing an Annual Report reviewing efficacy,

expenditure and initiatives.

• Setting consultation hours for the President so students can have their voices heard in a one on

one setting.

SRC Promotion and Outreach

Social media is one of our key platforms for communication and accountability to students. Additionally,

the currently in-development AUU website will give us an opportunity to connect with students as well as

advertise our campaigns and events. The SRC Social Media Policy put in place this year is a positive first

step. I will spend the summer break reviewing our social media presence and implementations

recommendations made last year.

Some recommendations to be implemented by O’Week.

• Diversifying communication channels – work closely with various international student clubs and

societies to disseminate information to international channels we would other not reach as

effectively – eg WeChat

o WeChat is the primary, exclusive means of disseminating information among many

international student circles, especially Chinese-speaking circles. Because much of the

AUU/SRC online presence and communication takes place through its Facebook account, a

large portion of the UoA population is kept in the dark. After extensive consultation with

the international student community, we believe that this is best done by helping core

WeChat groups on campus, extend and promote its WeChat presence. This would involve

working with to post articles about the SRC, and working closely with the various diverse

clubs to ensure its WeChat is student-friendly.

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• Make SRC related news and information clear and comprehensive by presenting it in digestible

formats.

• Set up an SRC website.

• More feedback mechanisms

o Communication is more than just a one way street. SRC needs to listen to students, and

likewise create a continuous feedback culture. Currently, seeking feedback mechanisms is

incredibly difficult, and finding the right reference or point of contact to refer on an issue is

challenging. We are determined to make submitting feedback to a simple, easy and pain-

free process. We will create a platform that allows students to continuously pass on their

feedback to the SRC, and for that person to have a guaranteed follow up.

• SRC Awareness. Launch a campaign to raise aware of the various services offered by the University,

SRC and AUU. We know that most students aren’t aware of all the services provided by Student

Care and other bodies, such as the Law Schools free legal service, or Student Life’s mental health

service. We want to make sure that students realise all of the options available.

SRC Meet the Reps and Presence on Campus

Another way to improve the SRC’s outreach which was discussed in 2018 is through the Reps themselves

and the roles you all serve as members.

I urge all members to actively raise awareness of the SRC and the advocacy services we provide and hope

you’re able to refer students should they request assistance to the various services provided the AUU and

University.

Given renovations to Union House and the Fix Lounge foot traffic will significantly increase around the

SRC’s office and this is a great way to increase our presence. Thus I will organise drop in hours for students

to speak to Office Bearers. These hours will be advertised on our social media channels and around the Fix

Lounge.

Furthermore, in previous years, the SRC has held a “Meet Your Reps” event in The Hub which has had

proven success. It is in our interest to run a similar event to further increase our profile within the

university community. I will also attempt to organise at least one Hub stall a ‘term’ to continue building our

presence.

SRC Newsletter

In 2018 the SRC launched an online newsletter that is sent to students. It was a low density newsletter sent

every month. The newsletter is a great opportunity to promote SRC services and political campaigns to

students. I will be working on a new layout in the upcoming weeks with the intention to send out before O-

Week. I will be contacting Office Bearers before then re submitting content.

Meeting and Reporting Requirements

Given we went into it in depth at training I hope everyone is aware of their meeting attendance and

reporting requirements. I will be contact all members individually to make sure they understand their

responsibilities.

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Counter Guide

Building on the work of the past two years we agreed to publish Counter Guide for first year students which

will be distributed during O’Week. The Counter Guide tends to be a more down to earth realistic overview

of University compared to University provided information. Please see the appendix re the Counter Guide

motion passed.

RCC

‘In August the University of Adelaide announced that it had forged a partnership with the Fringe event

Royal Croquet Club (RCC) to provide venues on the University campus during the 2019 Fringe Festival. The

partnership was announced following no consultation with the Adelaide University Union (AUU) nor

students about how this would impact them. (Read the AUU response here). RCC claims this has been a

collaborative process of great benefit to students yet the Union nor students were ever consulted while

details of the partnership were purposefully kept secret until the end of the semester.’1

In response to the sudden announcement of the RCC Fringe on campus the SRC moved the following

motions:

• The Adelaide University SRC stands with the AUU and will support the AUU Board in holding the

University to account over this announcement devoid of any transparency or consultation.

• The Adelaide University SRC calls on the University to explain how the Royal Croquet Club is

expected to operate on University grounds during O’Week and Semester One. Additionally, the

impact it will have upon the operations of the AUU and student clubs. Students deserve to know

the impact this will have upon student life.

I have a meeting with the University’s project manager for the RCC Fringe, Sonja Graetz, to discuss the RCC,

the impact it will have upon the operations of the AUU and student clubs, and concerns raised to the SRC

by students.

There has also been a Facebook group formed that now has over 30 student leaders from various clubs and

other organisations. The core demands are:

1. More space to run O-week; no RCC in the following spaces:

a. Maths Lawns

b. Bonython Hall

c. Unibar

2. Uni to cover the increased $20,000 costs to run O-week

3. No RCC after 2019

4. Work with AUU and SRC to develop framework of processes and requirements for uni dialogue

where student experiences are affected

1 https://www.change.org/p/peter-rathjen-get-the-rcc-off-our-campus-at-adelaide-uni?recruiter=467916450&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=share_petition&utm_content=fhtcon-13910960-en-au%3Av5&fbclid=IwAR3ryFryrd15X8u8WxCf_3acNA5ePQcFJx82jCoe_e8fTKyr74KlohdLUoI

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Furthermore, there has been a petition circulated titled “Get the RCC of our Campus” which now has over

200 signatures. The concerns raised are:

• Exclusive RCC access and booking of Barr Smith, Maths and Goodman Crescent Lawns, Bonython

Hall, Little Theatre, Mayo Cafe, the Cloisters, the former Union bookshop, Unibar, Rumours Cafe

plus remediation of lawns after Fringe;

• Student clubs and societies unable to run on-campus welcome events or regular planned events

during O-week or weeks 1 and 2 of the semester (at least);

• O-week 40% smaller than in previous years but costing AUU and Clubs an additional $20,000 to

meet strict RCC set-up and pack-down time requirements;

• Disrupted and limited access to student spaces and services such as Clubs Lounge, Fix Student

Lounge, Women’s Room, Rainbow Room, Islamic Prayer Room, Student Care, plus Clubs

administration, equipment and lockers throughout Union House;

• Severe noise and access disruptions for students studying after 5pm, including scheduled classes 5-

7pm;

• Highly limited on-site parking for students and staff, especially from rural areas;

• Presence of illicit substances on campus used by RCC patrons as in past years;

• Increased risk of sexual assault to students from increased presence of alcohol, illicit substances

where RCC attendees are not held accountable to University policies;

• High availability of alcohol on campus (including from 11am Fridays) and large crowds of general

public moving through campus spaces and facilities including the Hub, the Braggs and Union House;

• High likelihood of costly damage to campus green spaces and the heritage-listed Bonython Hall

used for student graduations in April.

I will raise these concerns to Sonja as well as reach out to key stakeholders to further discuss.

Curriculum design

The SRC has made a submission regarding plans to overhaul curriculum and curriculum philosophy at

UofA.2 Given that this will have a huge impact on student learning this will be one of the SRC core focuses

for the year. I’ll have a report to present next meeting and recent developments.

O-Week Preparations

O-Week is an unparalleled opportunity to speak to incoming students and inform them about our

campaigns and services. We have organised with the AUU our stall arrangement. I have also been looking

into potential resources we may need and supplies refilled.

We will also likely host the annual “Lazy Breakfast” during O’Week where we cook breakfast wraps to over

300 students.

I have a meeting this Wednesday with Anna Wockner from the AUU to further develop our plans.

International Student Accommodation Issues

2 https://www.adelaide.edu.au/learning/strategy/curriculum-design/New_Curriculum_Futures_Green_Paper.pdf

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With Steven Marshall's plan to double the number of international students in SA3, the various issues

associated with this should be tackled head on. There is significant risk in such a rapid growth of the

international education sector, bringing a rise in demand for student accommodation in a State where

traditionally domestic demand had been low.

As you may know international students remain particularly vulnerable to exploitation in their

accommodation arrangements. Anecdotally, dissatisfaction is common but under-reported, with

international students frequently experiencing poor service and exploitation in overcrowded

accommodation through sub-tenancy arrangements. Often, international students lack an understanding of

complicated accommodation processes, namely leasing arrangements, and their rights as tenants.

I wrote to the Attorney General to enquire as to any plans or potential legislative change being developed

to improve the international student experience with accommodation to mirror eastern states and Federal

recommendations. Specifically around reviewing licensing around tenancy and sub-tenancy arrangements

and to provide for the regulation of boarding houses and other places of shared accommodation.

A New South Wales Parliamentary Report from 2011 outlines the problem of international students who

are situated outside the mainstream rental sector.4 The report identifies how international students are

often unaware of their legal rights and be are often forced to live in poor conditions.5 This is further

supported by a 2018 Report by the Federal Government,6 which outlines how international students may

be the subject of exploitation and over-crowding within sub-tenancy arrangements.7 The University of

Technology Sydney also released a report in 2016 that elaborated on the problems faced by international

students, such as how international students face the possibility of wrongful evictions, paying for repairs,

invasions of privacy, unreasonable rent increases, and having their bond withheld.8

It is therefore clear there is a significant problem facing international student’s accommodation in

Australia. Considering this, there is a need to provide these students with a direction as to where they can

ascertain clear and concise information about their legal rights and obligations, such that they may get

effective help when they perceive that there is a problem with their accommodation.

I met the Director for International Education and Migration at the Department of Trade, Investment and

Tourism Peter Klar and outlined my research findings to him and his colleagues. I advised them of the

unique challenges international students face which they noted and are doing further research on. I also

advised them of the need for a specialist legal clinic that deals with international student issues and

3 https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/premier-steven-marshall-says-south-australia-should-have-10-per-cent-of-australias-international-students/news-story/0c91a566aa05c9f7c5472d5612296f81?nk=14cbb47d8dfd82e552395819a01a152d-1543408883 4 Social Policy Committee, Parliament of New South Wales, Report Into International Student Accommodation in New

South Wales (2011). 5 Ibid, 47. 6 Expert Members of the Council for International Education, Parliament of Australia, Outcomes of Issues Considered by

the Student Service Delivery Working Group (2018). 7 Ibid, 9.

8 Institute for Public Policy and Governance, University Technology Sydney, The Wellbeing of International Students in

the City of Sydney (2016).

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examples intestate. They advised us that they will be looking into expanding The Office of Training

Advocates resources to take on this task

I also spoke to the Attorney General, Hon Vickie Chapman, about the need for legislative reform. She was

receptive and advised us the there will be a National Tenancy Forum next year which will review the current

legislation. They are willing to work with SRC on legislative reform.

Compulsory Classes during Friday Prayer Time

In 2018, the President of the Islamic Students Society of the University of Adelaide gave a speech at an SRC

meeting outlining various issues affecting the Muslim Community on campus and their ability to attend

Friday Prayer. This issue was raised Michael Physick (Manager – Student Affairs) and Professor Philippa

Levy (Pro Vice-Chancellor, Student Learning). My understating is Philippa Levy had some benchmarking

carried out to see what other Go8 institutions have in place.

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However, I don’t have an update as to progress on this issue. Given that this was raised directly to the SRC

and we committed to working on it in 2018 it is important we deliver on our promise. I will follow this up

and ensure the necessary action is taken. I have also spoken to TEQSA about this and they raised the

possibility of submitting a formal complaint.

The SRC, Fix Lounge and Autonomous Areas

There is a well-established principle that the SRC is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the Fix

Lounge in Union House. Unfortunately, the Fix Lounge is in a poor state with old kitchen tools and

equipment as well as decaying infrastructure. I have met with Andrew Klima and he notified me that there

will be some money released by the University to reinvigorate Fix Lounge including buying new kitchen

equipment. I imagine it will soon become a popular alternative to the Hub which will provide us a great

opportunity to further engage with students.

Furthermore, there are various autonomous areas that the SRC was historically involved in maintaining

including:

• The George Duncan Room

o Under the responsibility of the Queer Officer

• The Women’s Room

o Under the responsibility of the Women’s Officer

• The Mature Students Area

o Under the responsibility of the Mature Age students Officer

I hope we can have a discussion as to how we can better utilise these rooms.

Sexual Assault Taskforce

The SRC strongly advocated for independent and strong oversight of University’ responses to sexual assault

and harassment. The former SRC President Matthew Boughey and USASA President Jordan Mumford had a

meeting with the former Education Minister Simon Birmingham to raise their concerns as to what was

happening in the sector. The then Minister for Education put $24 million towards a Tertiary Education

Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) investigative body to monitor higher education providers'

adherence to the TEQSA code of standards. However this has now been axed by the new Minister.

From End Rape on Campus Press Release:

“Since February this year, with our campaign partners Fair Agenda, The Hunting Ground - Australia & NUS Women's Department, we have called for the federal government to establish an independent and expert led Taskforce to address sexual violence on campus.

Today we can reveal that Taskforce was about to be announced by former Education Minister Birmingham when the Liberal leadership spill triggered a Ministerial reshuffle in August.

Can you help build the pressure on new Minister Tehan to stop ignoring this urgent student safety issue and establish the taskforce that his predecessor was due to announce months ago? Share the story with your friends; and then sign the petition at: https://www.fairagenda.org/taskforce

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You can read the full coverage here: https://www.smh.com.au/…/we-were-so-close-education-ministe…

Sexual violence is the biggest student safety issue on campuses right now - and we know many universities and residences still aren’t doing what it takes to improve student safety and wellbeing. In fact, we’re still hearing of students with urgent safety concerns having to wait months for responses from their uni; and unable to access the counselling they need to return to study after their assault. A Taskforce is urgently needed to hold universities and residences that jeopardise student safety to account.

We’re really grateful for former Minister Birmingham’s thoughtful engagement with our organisations on this important issue; and his commitment to action. We are deeply disappointed that new Minister Tehan has failed to deliver this urgently needed accountability and safety measure; despite having months to do so.”

SRC Training Day

SRC Training was held on 19-20 November. It was an opportunity to connect the SRC with relevant figures

in the AUU and the university, as well as provide basic training about planning events and campaigns. I will

attempt to organise a mini training session for members who missed out.

TEQSA Conference

The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) is an Australian government agency that

regulates and assures the quality of Australia’s higher education sector.

I was proud to have been appointed the University of Adelaide Student Representative to the Third Annual

TEQSA Conference held over 28-30 November 2018 at the Grand Hyatt, Melbourne.

The theme for this year's conference – Innovation, Excellence, Diversity – explored key objects of the

TEQSA Act which call for us to protect and enhance these values in Australian higher education. There was

also an additional student theme around the involvement of students in University decision making.

I will provide a full report next meeting.

National Union of Students

Often the question I get is, what is the NUS? It is important to familiarise yourself with it and I look forward

to a year where all SRC Office Bearers are comfortable reaching out to the NUS to further their objectives.

Here is a quick spiel extracted from a Honi Soit article and further edited by myself:

Put simply, the NUS is the peak representative body for university students in Australia. It operates through

a National Executive and multiple State Branches.

This national body is made up of multiple Office Bearer positions

President, General Secretary, Education Officer, Welfare Officer, Womens Officer, two Queer Officers,

Ethno-Cultural Officer, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Officer, Disabilities Officer, Small and Regional

Officer and the International Students Officer.

These positions, plus the State Presidents and 12 General Members, make up the Executive, who is charged

with governing the NUS and its activities between conferences.

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What does it try to do?

The NUS exists to advance the rights and interests of undergraduate students by working with campus-

based student organisations, running actions and campaigns, and making sure the voices of students are

heard by parliamentarians.

This is why NUS and all of its departments are fighting the array of challenges that National face the higher

education sector. From seeing higher levels of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander participation and

retention in higher education to addressing the national trend of university cutting courses and staff, NUS

has always been at the forefront of fighting for an accessible and quality-assured higher education sector in

Australia.

Why should I care?

The SRC, which receives a portion of the SSAF fee paid by all undergraduate students at the University,

chipped to the NUS last year. The NUS is funded by most other major universities too, so its budget is

substantial and it’s especially large in the context of student organisations. The NUS is in a uniquely

powerful position. Most of the issues that concern students on one campus also concern students on

campuses across the country—housing affordability, mental health, and discrimination, for example. As the

national union, the NUS is well-placed to advocate for students’ interests and it’s important that all

students get a say and get involved!

Conferences

Each year the National Union of Students (NUS) puts on three major national conferences: Presidents’

Summit (January), Education Conference (July) and the NUS National Conference, or NatCon (December).

These conferences attract students from all across the country, with most major universities represented.

NUS National Conference

The National Conference is the largest and most important gathering of the NUS. It’s attended by well over

a hundred people and determines NUS policy for the forthcoming year.

Aside from policy discussion, executive positions for the following year are also elected at the Conference.

The people who hold many of these offices will be paid a salary. Outgoing executive members will report

back on their last year in the job – theoretically, an accountability mechanism. This year, the conference is

in Ballarat from 10 to 14 December.

NUS Presidents’ Summit

Presidents' Summit is an annual conference held by NUS. The Summit provides training and networking

opportunities for the Presidents of affiliate campuses as well as hosting panels of speakers from the media

and the higher education sector. The NUS National Office also present their reports and plans for the year.

Various SRC Office Bearers and I will be in close contact with them in the lead up to O-Week so that we can

run NUS campaigns on campus and have their resources prepared for our stalls.

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To: AUU Board

Subject: Clubs Administration Policy Date: 02/12/2018 Memorandum

It is recommended by the Clubs Committee to have clearer responsibilities. Since board directors’ duties are specified in the Roles And Responsibilities Of Directors, The President And The Executive Officer, no further actions are required. However, for Clubs Representatives, no duties are specified in the policy, thus, after discussion with Clubs Committee members, I have written up a suggestion of changes to the policy. Recommendation: Regarding the power granted in Clause 21 of the AUU Constitution, this Board resolves to: Create: Clause 11.2 Duties Clubs representatives have the same duties as directors as stipulated in clause 4 of Roles And Responsibilities Of Directors, The President And The Executive Officer. Amend: Clause 11 Clubs Representatives 11.1 Election Process The two Clubs Representative members of the Clubs Committee shall be elected in accordance with the following clauses: 11.1.1 The Returning Officer shall conduct the elections and shall have responsibility for interpreting and administering these provisions. 11.1.2 The Returning Officer will provide notice of the election to all clubs via their club’s email address (as recorded by the Clubs Administrator) no later than five business days prior to opening of nominations. 11.1.3 Nominations will remain open for at least five business days. 11.1.4 At the close of nominations, the Returning Officer will as soon as practicable determine the eligibility of nominees and notify all club Presidents of the candidates for election, as well as declare any nominees who were determined to be ineligible. 11.1.5 If there are more candidates than there are positions, the Returning Officer shall give all club Presidents no less than one week’s notice of the date on which an election will occur. 11.1.6 Only the president (or equivalent) of provisionally- or fully-registered clubs may vote in the election.

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11.1.7 Where there is any question as to the re-registration status of a club the club president shall be eligible to vote in an election as long as the registration of the club has not been ceased in accordance with Section 7. 11.1.8 Voting shall remain open to club presidents between the hours of 10:00am and 4:00pm on the day of the election. 11.1.9 A club president may request a proxy form from the Returning Officer and may nominate a proxy who shall be eligible to vote in their place in the election. All proxies must be a student or staff member of the University of Adelaide. 11.1.10 As soon as practicable after the election is concluded, the Returning Officer will cause the votes to be counted. 11.1.11 Following counting of votes, the Returning Officer will provisionally declare the results of ballot in a report to be provided to the Clubs Committee (or, in the case of the first annual election under this Rule, to the Board of the AUU), which may, not less than 14 days after the declaration of provisional results, resolve to declare the results contained in that report to be the final results. 11.1.12 Any appeal regarding the conduct or outcome of the elections may only bemade to the AUU Board and must be made in writing to the AUU President within 7 days of the declaration of provisional results. and authorizes the EO to alter the Master Copy accordingly.

Yours Sincerely, Oscar Zi Shao Ong AUU President