University of Tasmania, Australia

The allocation of SSAF funding for Semester 2 2012 was informed by the results of two student consultation surveys, and endorsed by the University’s Senior Management Team in June 2012.

The approved SSAF funding allocations are to be used to support and improve a range of services and resources available to students – with accessible benefits for all students regardless of their mode of study or campus location. 

The approved initiative’s to which SSAF funding was allocated includes:

• enhanced online student learning and student support services;
• the development of postgraduate and distance offerings of the PASS program;
• development of a career advancement mentoring program for students;
• discounts for venue hire charges for student Clubs;
• a 30% subsidy on Unigym UTAS Student Membership;
• a subsidy for the Rock Climbing Wall;
• upgrades to clubrooms and grounds;
• the establishment of a new Student Sports Liaison Officer position;
• Cradle Coast Campus security and service infrastructure alterations;
• the establishment of a new Financial and Legal officer position within the TUU Student Welfare Department;
• expanded Student Advocacy services with the introduction of dedicated Postgraduate Advocacy Officers;
• grants to support student Club travel to conferences and representation at Unigames, and affiliation to Australia University Sport (AUS);
• the provision of emergency loans and food parcels; and
• the provision of funding to support the activities of the Postgraduate Council.

Food and Drink on UTAS Campuses

The subgroup of the SSAF Consultation Working Group recognised that providing food or drink to students on UTAS campuses registered highly in terms of importance in both student survey reports. This outcome was relatively consistent across various student cohorts and campuses. While this student feedback was clearly heard, the subgroup also acknowledged that improvements to this area are currently being addressed through the substantial amount of funding already committed by the University outside of SSAF.

The existing catering venues were transitioned from the TUU to UTAS in December 2011. Subsequently, UTAS entered into a master service agreement with the Compass Group to supply these services.

The customer survey undertaken at the time of the transfer identified a number of opportunities to improve venues and services. A Steering Committee was formed to oversee the project which will see the enhancement and redevelopment of facilities at selected sites. The Compass Group is funding the project to a total value of $2.7M.

The redevelopment of selected catering sites provides a unique opportunity to enhance the service and improve the student experience at UTAS.

In January 2012, a SSAF Consultation Working Group was established to provide a formal means of ensuring input from the Tasmania University Union (TUU) as required by Student Services, Amenities, Representation and Advocacy Guidelines. This group consisted of University representatives and student representatives nominated by the TUU, and provided input into matters related to the implementation process, including identifying some proposed priority areas for the SSAF funds to be allocated towards.

In addition to the SSAF Consultation Working Group, the University provided opportunity for broader student input into the distribution of SSAF by administering a student survey. Independent of the University survey, the TUU also undertook a comprehensive survey of students. The results of the surveys were reviewed and SSAF fund allocation bids were considered by a subgroup of the Consultation Working Group. In mid-June, the recommendations of the SSAF Consultation subgroup regarding the distribution of SSAF for Semester 2 2012 were presented to the University’s Senior Management Team, and were subsequently endorsed.

In order to ensure an opportunity for broader student input into the distribution of SSAF, UTAS conducted a student survey which was circulated during April 2012. This survey attracted over 1,700 responses from students. A full version of the UTAS SSAF Student Consultation Report can be accessed here (PDF 2.9MB).

Independent of the University survey, the TUU also undertook a comprehensive survey of students which was extended during the month of May. This survey attracted over 2,000 responses from students. A full version of the TUU Report – Student Services and Amenities Fees can be accessed here (PDF 927KB).

The table below provides the fee schedule for the University of Tasmania for Semester 2, 2012.  The total fee payable will depend on student cohort (type) and whether students have a full-time (defined as 51% load or more) or part-time (defined as 50% load or less) enrolment.   There will be no SSAF fee charged to international students for Semester 2, 2012.

Please note there are a small number of exemptions identified and these include students undertaking enabling programs or senior secondary students enrolling through the UTAS College program.