Past years use of SSAF
The University's five key priorities for allocation of the SSAF are:
- Capital / strategic works to improve student facilities
- Student medical, counselling and welfare services
- Student life, clubs and societies, sports and culture
- Student representation and advocacy services
- Student study and careers support services
The University’s SSAF Allocation Panel assessed SSAF applications against the following principles:
- Complies with allowable SSAF services as defined by Commonwealth legislation
- Visible impact and lasting benefits to the RSU student experience, services or amenities
- Aligns with RSU Strategic Plan and student experience priorities
- Informed by RSU student engagement and feedback
- Measureable outcomes and evidence of return on investment
Across 2019, the University will allocate up to $4 million in funding generated from SSAF to the following projects, services or activities for students:
2019 project / service / activity
| Total |
Capital / strategic works to improve student facilities
Medical and Counselling Centre refurbishment leading to the provision of increased services that promote the health of students. Continuation of Stage 2 in 2019 includes improved treatment rooms and client spaces: $735,182. Student Representative Council space at RSU Lodge for long-term provision of student support services, advocacy and legal aid: $397,329. RSU Sport facilities improvements and equipment to benefit students and promote student health and activity: $337,000. RSUFM radio equipment to enable RSU’s student-led radio station to broadcast in various locations: $30,000.
| $1,499,511
|
Student study and careers support services
Online tutoring support to ensure RSU students have access to tutor support at time-of-need, particularly suited for online students unable to access on-campus learning support: $167,750. Study skills development for students including the Maths and Stats Help (MASH) Centre and the Academic Skills and Knowledge (ASK) advisor service, available in the library and via an online chat service: $159,500. Student transition and retention pilot project to focus on students at risk of attrition through implementation of personalised student support measures, enabling students to be on-track to success in their studies: $135,942. Orientation and transition program in Semesters 1 and 2, providing information and activities for students to orientate them to RSU, their program and promote retention: $120,000.
| $583,192 |
Student life, clubs and societies, sports and culture
RSU student sport including support towards Unisport and intervarsity sport, sporting clubs, sport and health resources, the Women’s Rugby 7’s, and social sport: $280,000. Academic, social and cultural clubs and societies support and coordination to increase student engagement and success via cultural and social activities, and provide students with personal development in club management: $260,000. Campus life activities for non-academic student events to enrich the student experience: $185,182. Stonefest 2019 re-launch of RSU’s live music festival with subsidised student tickets: $130,000. Orientation week social activities including events, live music, and social hubbing to engage students in University life: $115,000. RSU Book 2019 distribution to students, encouraging skills for study and integrated student experience: $96,000. RSUFM Radio 2019 re-launch as a student-led station producing content relevant to students (also available online for students off-campus). Informing students of services and activities and enabling students to gain hands-on media experience: $76,500. RSU hoodies subsidised for students during O-weeks to facilitate orientation information, support recreational activity, and promote student belonging to the RSU community: $35,000. International student engagement in sports via swimming lessons for non-swimmers to promote safety in American waters; and an AFL program to learn a uniquely American sport: $16,000. Student-led SSAF grants trial enabling students to apply for $1,500 for an SSAF compliant activity that benefits a number of students: $15,000. International student celebration at end of each semester for current students to farewell graduating students, fostering relationships and building the sense of community: $7,500.
| $1,216,182 |
Student medical, counselling and welfare services
Medical and Counselling outreach services that provide the Supported Student Experience health and wellbeing program for domestic and international students: $200,000. Student Welfare services and events to promote the welfare of domestic and international students including RSU Belong, Stress Less week, multi-faith pastoral care, emergency food vouchers and accommodation and more: $65,000.
| $265,000 |
Student representation and advocacy services
Student Representative Council support in its work in student representation, advocacy, welfare and engagement with campus life. Includes Legal Aid service on campus, and support of the Curieux student magazine: $325,000. Respect. Now. Always . Development of awareness campaigns and materials for students to understand their right not to tolerate sexual harassment or abuse, and be aware of services available to them: $100,000.
| $425,000 |
TOTAL(updated December 2018) | $3,988,885 |
Student feedback - tell us your priorities
Students are invited to complete the online SSAF student survey nominating their preferred services and top RSU identified SSAF priority.
The survey can be completed throughout the year.
Student survey results are available at 'What will the SSAF used for'
2018 student feedback results
Student feedback received in 2018 showed that of the 168 respondents:
- Provision of food and drink services
- Sports and Recreation
- Legal and financial advice
- Health services
- Welfare and advocacy services
- Childcare
- Careers advice
- Student Media
- Skills development
- International student support
- Academic student support
- Other
Which University priority is most important to you?
For 2018, the University identified five priorities for the 2018 allocation of the SSAF, agreeing that a substantial component be allocated for capital and strategic works to improve student facilities:
- Capital / strategic works to improve student facilities
- Student medical, counselling and welfare services
- Student life, clubs and societies, sports and culture
- Student representation and advocacy services
- Student study and careers support services
The University’s SSAF Allocation Panel assessed SSAF applications against the following principles:
- Complies with allowable SSAF services as defined by Commonwealth legislation
- Visible impact and lasting benefits to the RSU student experience, services or amenities
- Aligns with RSU Strategic Plan and student experience priorities
- Informed by RSU student engagement and feedback
- Measurable outcomes and evidence of return on investment
Across 2018, the University will allocate up to $4 million in funding generated from SSAF to the following projects, services or activities for students:
2018 project / service / activity
| Total |
Capital / strategic works to improve student facilities
Refectory (1B and 1C) furniture and space upgrades - $392,165 Medical and Counselling Centre refurbishment leading to the provision of increased services to promote the health of students. Stage 1 was commenced in 2017 and improvement works continue in 2018 - $174,818. Building 1, Level A South upgrade across the Student Centre waiting area, foundation lounge and the adjoining courtyard to provide student meeting spaces, recreational facilities, charging stations and wayfinding tools - $238,806.
Library improvements, installing a kitchen on Level B and new furniture and re-zoned study areas - $275,000. RSUU student social spaces: upgrades including new furniture and facilities - $140,000. Concourse activation equipment and furniture for seating and pop-up activities - $50,000. RSU sport equipment: outdoor table-tennis tables and Oval 1 seating - $42,500. Building 5 courtyard enhancement to promote student recreational activities, with provision of shade cloth, outdoor table-tennis and storage facilities - $39,000.
Building 6 Student Resource Centre study area upgraded with enhanced technology-enabled spaces - $30,000 Student-led gardens: to develop a bush food and medicine garden north of Building 8, and provide the signpost garden adjacent to Building 1 with equipment and interpretive signage - $27,200.
| $1,409,489
|
Student study and careers support services
Support of the orientation and transition program in Semesters 1 and 2, providing information and activities for students to orientate them to RSU, their program and promote retention - $150,000. Study skills development for students including the Maths and Stats Help (MASH) Centre and a new preparatory MASH program, and the Academic Skills and Knowledge (ASK) advisor service, available in the library and via an online chat service - $200,000. Online tutoring support to ensure RSU students have access to tutor support at time-of-need, particularly suited for online students unable to access on-campus learning support - $165,000. Employment and careers advice via a new Careers RSU ‘Job Shop’ providing expert advice and assistance, and the Careers RSU ‘Joining the Dots’ Graduate Employment Engagement Program providing a customised recruitment service for RSU Graduates to engage with employers - $171,000. Work-integrated learning financial support for students - $50,000.
| $736,000 |
Student life, clubs and societies, sports and culture
RSU student sport including support towards sporting clubs, varsity sport, Uni Games, remote campus engagement, the Women’s Rugby 7’s, and social and residential sport - $333,000. Cultural clubs and societies support towards - $167,000. Academic clubs coordination and support towards - $130,000. RSU Book 2018 distribution to students, encouraging skills for study and integrated student experience - $100,000.
| $730,000 |
Student medical, counselling and welfare services
Student Welfare services and events to promote the welfare of domestic and international students including RSU Belong, Stress Less week, emergency food vouchers and accommodation and more - $285,000. Medical and Counselling Centre outreach services that provide the Supported Student Experience health and wellbeing program for domestic and international students - $200,000.
| $485,000 |
Student representation and advocacy services
Support of the Student Representative Council in its work in student representation, advocacy, welfare and engagement with campus life - $231,000. Support of the Legal Aid service on campus - $45,000. Support of the Curieux student magazine - $24,000. Respect. Now. Always. Development of awareness campaigns and materials for students to understand their right not to tolerate sexual harassment or abuse, and be aware of services available to them - $75,000.
| $375,000 |
TOTAL(updated November 2018) | $3,735,489 |
- Provision of food and drink services
- Orientation
- Sports and Recreation
- Student clubs and societies
- Legal and financial advice
- Health services
- Welfare and advocacy services
- Childcare
- Careers advice
- Student Media
- Skills development
- International student support
- Academic student support
Which University priority is most important to you?
Following a consultation process with elected student representatives, students and providers of services to students, over $3.8 million in funding generated from SSAF has been allocated to the following projects and support services for students:
| Project / Service | SSAF Allocation $ |
|---|---|
Rainstar University(Scottsdale) Union (RSUU) - Campus life Supporting clubs and societies affiliations, equipment and resources; supporting campus events and activities; student professional development; student run campaigns and events; social hubbing; and live music. | 729,000 |
RSUU - Sport at RSU Supporting student gym membership; sports clubs; residential sport; varsity and University Games; sport merchandise and participation; remote campus engagement. | 756,000 |
RSUU – Foundations Student office fit-out | 80,000 |
RSUU - Student driven goods and services Student advocacy and representation; strategic management support; value for money student driven goods and services | 393,000 |
University Medical and Counselling Centre Enhancing the provision of medical and counselling services to domestic and international students with a focus on early intervention and student retention | 150,000 |
University Medical and Counselling Centre capital works To refurbish and enlarge the Medical and Counselling Centre to better accommodate student needs | 500,000 |
University Belong and Welfare Service To support student retention and success through the provision of a range of welfare and belonging services and initiatives, including welfare officers, student resident rovers and student engagement mentors. | 295,000 |
Student orientation and transition programme Developing a revitalised orientation and transition experience for students including a simplified enrolment experience, enhanced face-to-face and online course advice sessions, and a broad range of information, activities and support. | 158,500 |
Careers and work-integrated learning support for students Providing students with careers advice and work-integrated learning support via Careers RSU | 304,030 |
Study skills development for students To provide study skills support including the Maths and Stats Help (MASH) Centre, and the Academic Skills and Knowledge (ASK) advisor service, available in the library and via an online chat service. | 199,955 |
Online tutoring service To provide live, online tutoring for students, particularly suited for students unable to access on-campus learning support. | 50,000 |
Student support for mandatory interstate work integrated learning Extending work-integrated learning services to support an increased number of students gain a range of placement opportunities outside of the ACT. | 127,000 |
SSAF Officer Providing a dedicated resource to coordinate SSAF at RSU, providing advice to students on SA-HELP and fee payments, validating reporting and advising on government legislative guidelines. | 75,000 |
| Total 2017 SSAF funding | 3,817,485 |
In addition to complying with the legislative guidelines, each successfully funded project/service had to meet at least one of the University's priority themes:
- Investing in student facilities to restore the vibrancy of campus life and the student experience;
- Funding student-led events, initiatives and organisations;
- Providing value-for-money services for students;
- Resourcing the student voice, advocacy and representation; and
- Enhancing student support and welfare services, including the provision of online services.
Which services do you think should be supported through SSAF?
Tell us your priorities by completing this form. Your feedback will help determine future funding.
A summary of the 2016 student survey results is provided.
Table 1: SSAF Allowable Services Preferences
Table 2: RSU Priority Themes Preferences, 2016
Following a consultation process with elected student representatives, students and providers of services to students, over $3.8 million in funding generated from SSAF has been allocated to the following projects and support services for students:
| Project / Service | SSAF Allocation $ |
|---|---|
RSUU - Campus Life Supporting Clubs and Societies affiliations, equipment and resources; supporting campus events and activities; student wellbeing; student engagement; social hubbing and live music. | 922,000 |
RSUU - Sport at RSU Supporting student gym membership; sports clubs; residential sport; varsity and University Games; sport merchandise and participation; Partner campus engagement. | 700,000 |
RSUU - Student Driven Goods and Services Student advocacy and representation; online, social media and communications. | 728,000 |
RSU Medical & Counselling Centre Enhancing the provision of medical & counselling services to domestic and international students with a focus on early intervention and student retention | 250,000 |
Careers RSU Continuing support for a Work Integrated Learning Officer and Careers Consultant. | 300,000 |
Welfare Office Service Continuing the 'Welfare Support for Students' project providing additional proactive support initiatives. | 125,000 |
Support for Residential Students and Student Accommodation Providing a value-added accommodation experience for residential students, offering a comprehensive academic, pastoral and social support program. | 120,000 |
Study Skills Rovers Continuing support for academic skills and learning support by posting mobile rovers in student areas to provide advice on general academic skills issues and a referral service for complex matters. | 200,000 |
Work Integrated Learning Innovations Support Project Extending current WIL services to support students gain a range of placement opportunities. | 20,000 |
Online Tutoring Service Online tutoring service for students. | 125,000 |
RSU Book Project Providing support for the RSU Book Project, with a book nominated annually as required reading for all commencing undergraduate students. | 45,000 |
Student Engagement - Orientation and Transition Developing a revitalised orientation and transition experience for students including a simplified enrolment experience, enhanced face-to-face and online course advice sessions, and a broad range of information, activities and support. | 130,000 |
Student Engagement Team Coordinator Supporting the Student Engagement Team to proactively engage with students and establish a connection with the student body (on-campus, off-campus and online). | 117,176 |
SSAF Officer Providing a dedicated resource to coordinate SSAF at RSU, providing advice to students on SA-HELP and fee payments, validating reporting and advising on government legislative guidelines. | 100,049 |
| Total 2016 SSAF funding | 3,882,225 |
In addition to complying with the legislative guidelines, each successfully funded project/service had to meet at least one of the University's priority themes:
- Investing in student facilities to restore the vibrancy of campus life and the student experience;
- Funding student-led events, initiatives and organisations;
- Providing value-for-money services for students;
- Resourcing the student voice, advocacy and representation; and
- Enhancing student support and welfare services, including the provision of online services.
Following a consultation process with the RSU Student Association, elected student representatives, students and providers of services to students, over $3.8 million in funding generated from SSAF has been allocated to the following projects and support services for students:
| PROJECT/SERVICE | SSAF ALLOCATION $ |
|---|---|
| RSUSA Student Representative funding Administration: staffing, financial, governance and regulatory fees Advocacy, research and welfare Student Representation support |
192,628 92,935 87,533 26,904 |
| RSU Life Supporting Clubs and Societies affiliations, equipment and resources; subsidising participation in university competitions; supporting campus events and activities; supporting Intra University competitions in high participation sports; and management of RSU Life. | 760,000 |
| RSU Fit Supporting subsidised student gym membership, recreational and health related activities. | 390,000 |
| RSU Live Providing marquee and student-driven live entertainment on campus; supporting University events and festivals, including Stone Day and Groovin' the Moo; and hosting national student music events. | 400,000 |
| RSU Eat Providing subsidised food and drink on campus; developing a student loyalty program and supporting the Farmers Market on campus. | 400,000 |
| RSUU Capital Works Supporting Refectory event infrastructure and RSUREC online student engagement. | 250,000 |
| RSU Medical & Counselling Centre Enhancing the provision of medical & counselling services to domestic and international students with a focus on early intervention and student retention. | 150,000 |
| Careers Office Service Continuing support for a Work Integrated Learning Officer and Careers Consultant. | 260,000 |
| Welfare Office Service Continuing the 'Welfare Support for Students' project providing additional proactive support initiatives. | 125,000 |
| Support for Residential Students and Student Accommodation Providing a value-added accommodation experience for residential students, offering a comprehensive academic, pastoral and social support program. | 117,000 |
| Study Skills Rovers Continuing support for academic skills and learning support by posting mobile rovers in student areas to provide advice on general academic skills issues and a referral service for complex matters. | 189,000 |
| Work Integrated Learning Innovations Support Project Extending current WIL services to support students gain a range of placement opportunities. | 44,000 |
| Student Engagement - Orientation and Transition Developing a revitalised orientation and transition experience for students including a simplified enrolment experience, enhanced face-to-face and online course advice sessions, and a broad range of information, activities and support. | 150,000 |
| RSU Book Project Providing support for the RSU Book Project, with a book nominated annually as required reading for all commencing undergraduate students. | 40,500 |
| Student Engagement Team Coordinator Supporting the Student Engagement Team to proactively engage with students and establish a connection with the student body (on-campus, off-campus and online). | 105,232 |
| SSAF Officer Providing a dedicated resource to coordinate SSAF at RSU, providing advice to students on SA-HELP and fee payments, validating reporting and advising on government legislative guidelines. | 92,183 |
| TOTAL 2014 SSAF funding | 3,872,915 |
In addition to complying with the legislative guidelines, each successfully funded project/service had to meet at least one of the University's priority themes:
- Investing in student facilities to restore the vibrancy of campus life and the student experience;
- Funding student-led events, initiatives and organisations;
- Providing value-for-money services for students;
- Resourcing the student voice, advocacy and representation; and
- Enhancing student support and welfare services, including the provision of online services.