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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 UC student experience, services or amenities
  • Aligns with UC Strategic Plan and student experience priorities
  • Informed by UC student engagement and feedback
  • Measureable outcomes and evidence of return on investment

Across 2020, the University will allocate up to $4 million in funding generated from SSAF to the following projects, services or activities for students:

2020 project / service / activity

Total

Capital / strategic works to improve student facilities

Fitness and sporting facilities management and upgrades including indoor and outdoor sporting & recreational facilities on campus: $515,000

Library Level C furniture upgrade to provide contemporary and flexible furniture on Lev C, & include parents / children study zone: $110,000

Building 5A Student lounge and study space enhancement to increase seating, improve study areas and kitchen facility: $64,020

Assistive technology room refurbishment upgrade furniture in the Library’s Assistive Technology Room, a specialist room for students with a disability or ongoing health conditions: $15,000

Video equipment Ufor student use to participate with live streaming platforms, provide real-life commentary, reporting and technical production of live events, allow for production of documentaries, short narrative fiction, student media and experimental productions: $15,000

$719,020

Student study and careers support services

Online study assistance for UC students to access tutor support 24/7, particularly suited for online students. Includes general study skills and subject-specific support in foundation level mathematics, business, economics, science and statistics: $250,000

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 (STAR) program which coordinates UC transition and retention initiatives, including the UC Student Mentor Program, and support the successful transition-in of commencing students to improve the retention and success of current UC students: $200,000

Orientation program in Semesters 1 and 2, 2020. Activities will assist with the introduction to academic, social and pastoral life of UC UG and PG students. providing information and activities for students to orientate them to UC, their program and promote retention: $120,000

Work-integrated learning student support scheme to provide eligible students with financial support while on placement: $100,000

Elite athlete program development to provide support to students pursuing a dual career in both academia and sports: $95,000

Maths and Stats Help (MASH) Centre supporting students across the university with mathematical and statistical concepts, from across UC: $54,000

Global employability program assist international students to improve their familiarity with Australian workplace norms, culture and language by involving them in interactive language and professional engagement activities. 1 year pilot: $27,000

Skill up for success program to provide students with skills for casual work in the hospitality industry for income support while studying, 1-year pilot for international students: $20,000

$866,000

Student life, clubs and societies, sports and culture

Academic, cultural and social clubs and societies support to over 55 social, academic, cultural clubs. Includes club event funds, venue & equipment hire, training and workshops, Campus Life Awards, and facilitation: $281,000

Campus events and student engagement to provide a calendar of weekly student focused events with the purpose of engaging students and creating vibrancy on campus to enhance the student experience: $270,000

UC student sport supporting student participation and sporting club development: $220,000

eSport space for all-student accessto play socially or compete in eSport tournaments: $142,000

Student-led participatory budgeting (pilot) A citizen-centred, deliberative, participatory budgeting process. Allows all students to be involved in developing and implementing projects with these funds to enhance their University experience: $130,000

Orientation week social activities in Semesters 1 and 2including events, live music, and facilitation to engage students in University life: $120,000

Stonefest 2020, UC’s live music festival with subsidised student tickets: $110,000

UC Book 2020 distribution to students, encouraging skills for study and integrated student experience: $50,000

UC Women’s Rugby 7’s team in Aon Women's 7s series; host a leg of series on campus with student engagement via WIL, and a bi-weekly 7s local summer competition: $45,000

Coffee cart service for students on campus offering beverages and food items - after-hours near Library across 3 evenings, near Hall during exams, around campus for major events: $30,000

International student engagement in sports - Learn to Swim; Learn to play AFL; come & try inclusion sports such as goalball: $16,500

UC hoodies subsidised for new and existing students to facilitate orientation information, support recreational activity, and promote student belonging to the UC community: $15,000

Fitness and sporting facilities on campus: $85,000

Student collaborative leadership group support, a forum for student leaders: $5,000

$1,519,500

Student medical, counselling and welfare services

Medical and Counselling outreach services that provide the Supported Student Experience health and well being program for domestic and international students: $300,000

Food pantry providing students with access to free food supplies multiple days a week, including fresh produce: $39,000

Student Welfare assistance for domestic and international students including emergency food vouchers and accommodation, pastoral care and events: $8,000

$265,000

Student representation and advocacy services

Student Representative Council support in its work in student representation, advocacy, welfare and engagement with campus life: $300,000

Respect. Now. Always Oversight of staff and student training on sexual assault & harassment policies, communication campaigns, funding for student services (crisis line), campus events, UC training programs and ALLY network financial support: $80,000

$380,000

TOTAL

(updated January 2020)

$3,831,520

Student feedback - tell us your priorities

Students are invited to complete the online SSAF student survey nominating their preferred services and top UC identified SSAF priority.

The survey can be completed throughout the year.

University of Canberra SSAF Survey responses (2 Sep 2019)

n = 214 and University of Canberra Bruce = 208

Breakdown
1 Improvements to student facilities 1st choice 42.5%; 2nd choice 20.6%; 3rd choice 20.6%; 4th choice 10.7%; 5th choice 5.6%
2 Student medical, counselling & welfare 1st choice 26.2%; 2nd choice 36.4%; 3rd choice 22%; 4th choice 11.7%; 5th choice 3.7%
3 Student study and careers support services 1st choice 20.1%; 2nd choice 24.8%; 3rd choice 21.5%; 4th choice 18.7%; 5th choice 15%
4 Student life, clubs and societies 1st choice 7%; 2nd choice 11.2%; 3rd choice 19.6%; 4th choice 29%; 5th choice 33.2%
5 Student representation and advocacy services 1st choice 4.2%; 2nd choice 7%; 3rd choice 16.4%; 4th choice 29.9%; 5th choice 42.5%

2019 student feedback results

Student feedback received in 2019 showed that of the 208 respondents:

Which services do you most think should be supported through SSAF?
Helping students obtain employment or advice on careers
136
Helping students obtain employment or advice on career
133
Providing student advice -legal, financial, accommodation
128
Providing student space for study
123
Helping students develop skills for study
121
Provision of food and drink services on campus
91
Giving students information to help in orientation
66
International student support – welfare, accommodation, employment
66
Advocating for students and advising on University rules
61
Support for student clubs
58
Caring for children of students
56
Supporting a sporting or recreational activity
37
Student media, artistic activities by students and/or student debating
37

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 UC student experience, services or amenities
  • Aligns with UC Strategic Plan and student experience priorities
  • Informed by UC 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 UC Lodge for long-term provision of student support services, advocacy and legal aid: $397,329.

UC Sport facilities improvements and equipment to benefit students and promote student health and activity: $337,000.

UCFM radio equipment to enable UC’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 UC 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 UC, their program and promote retention: $120,000.

$583,192

Student life, clubs and societies, sports and culture

UC 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 UC’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.

UC Book 2019 distribution to students, encouraging skills for study and integrated student experience: $96,000.

UCFM 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.

UC hoodies subsidised for students during O-weeks to facilitate orientation information, support recreational activity, and promote student belonging to the UC community: $35,000.

International student engagement in sports via swimming lessons for non-swimmers to promote safety in Australian waters; and an AFL program to learn a uniquely Australian 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 UC 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 UC 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:

Which service(s) do you think should be supported through SSAF?
Provision of food and drink services
41
Sports and Recreation
31
Legal and financial advice
29
Health services
46
Welfare and advocacy services
40
Childcare
8
Careers advice
45
Student Media
21
Skills development
41
International student support
23
Academic student support
50
Other
5

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 UC student experience, services or amenities
  • Aligns with UC Strategic Plan and student experience priorities
  • Informed by UC 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.

UCU student social spaces: upgrades including new furniture and facilities - $140,000.

Concourse activation equipment and furniture for seating and pop-up activities - $50,000.

UC 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 UC, 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 UC 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 UC ‘Job Shop’ providing expert advice and assistance, and the Careers UC ‘Joining the Dots’ Graduate Employment Engagement Program providing a customised recruitment service for UC 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

UC 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.

UC 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 UC 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

Which service(s) do you think should be supported through SSAF?
Provision of food and drink services
62
Orientation
27
Sports and Recreation
38
Student clubs and societies
62
Legal and financial advice
42
Health services
80
Welfare and advocacy services
59
Childcare
26
Careers advice
76
Student Media
31
Skills development
92
International student support
54
Academic student support
94

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 / ServiceSSAF Allocation $

University of Canberra Union (UCU) - 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

UCU - Sport at UC

Supporting student gym membership; sports clubs; residential sport; varsity and University Games; sport merchandise and participation; remote campus engagement.

756,000

UCU – Foundations

Student office fit-out

80,000

UCU - 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 UC

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 UC, providing advice to students on SA-HELP and fee payments, validating reporting and advising on government legislative guidelines.

75,000
Total 2017 SSAF funding3,817,485

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: UC 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 $

UCU - 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

UCU - Sport at UC

Supporting student gym membership; sports clubs; residential sport; varsity and University Games; sport merchandise and participation; Partner campus engagement.

700,000

UCU - Student Driven Goods and Services

Student advocacy and representation; online, social media and communications.

728,000

UC 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 UC

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

UC Book Project

Providing support for the UC 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 UC, 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 UC 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 $
UCSA
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
UC 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 UC Life.
760,000
UC Fit
Supporting subsidised student gym membership, recreational and health related activities.
390,000
UC 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
UC Eat
Providing subsidised food and drink on campus; developing a student loyalty program and supporting the Farmers Market on campus.
400,000
UCU Capital Works
Supporting Refectory event infrastructure and UCREC online student engagement.
250,000
UC 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
UC Book Project
Providing support for the UC 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 UC, 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.