28 August 2013

Wrap-Up of Members Forum

On the 14th of August, the USU Board hosted the first Member’s Forum of Semester 2. This forum allowed for the Board to update members on a range of activities that are occurring within the USU as well as progress on matters raised towards the end of Semester 1.

Following concerns that were raised on social media, the Day of the Dead Party dominated much of this forum. President Hannah Morris was able to inform members that the USU has seriously noted all members concerns regarding the matter and as such will move forward in a two-pronged approach to ensure that USU activities are sensitive to all cultures. The first aspect will involve a Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness Forum which was held on August 27, with a summary of the outcome of this event to be posted here shortly. In addition the Board will be conducting a review into the programs offered by the USU, which, in conjunction with the Commercial Operations Working Party, will analyse party and event themes so that no conflicts or issues arise in the future.

The forum also delivered great news for the gluten intolerant among us. Following member feedback it was confirmed that 5 Seeds Apple Cider is able to be included on the bar tab by C&S Executives and Event organisers, meaning that there is no need to miss out on the many bar tabs held in Manning and Hermanns throughout the year.

Following suggestions by members the Board will be looking into the implementation of Microwaves in Bosch, removing the minimum for EFTPOS transactions as well as a season pass to all revues. An update on these will be provided at the next Member’s Forum in September.

The monthly Member’s Forums present a unique opportunity for the board to directly connect with its members. If you have any concerns, issues or thoughts, no matter how small, come along to our next forum and help us continue to provide an unparalleled student experience.

24 August 2013

USU Cultural Sensitivity Forum


In response to the theme of our start of semester party the USU is holding a public forum aimed at understanding why the theme was inappropriate and how to move forward. From 1-2pm we will have a panel of experts answering questions about cultural appropriation, racism, and the specific theme itself. These experts include Dr Vik Lewis an academic staff member of the University with expertise in Latin Americancultural studies, Dr Helen Young also an academic staff member whose studies focus on cultural relations, and Tabitha Prado-Richardson and Oscar Monaghan two students who coordinate the Critical Race Discussion Group on campus.

The second hour from 2-3pm will be an open discussion and planning time with a focus on creating policy to direct the theming of our programs and events in the future. We greatly encourage students who would like to engage in this second activity to attend the first, so that we can all make respectful and appropriate decisions.

This event will be conducted in a safe space that fosters learning, anyone who does not contribute to such an environment will be asked to leave.

18 August 2013

Industrial Action: 20 August 2013



 As you are probably aware by now, some academic university staff are taking industrial action this Tuesday, 20 August, as part of their continuing campaign for a fair enterprise bargaining agreement. This will be the sixth day of strike action this year, and the first serious industrial action at the University in over ten years. USU supports the campaign led by the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) and the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU), which is focused on negotiating a fair enterprise agreement for the future including leave entitlements, intellectual freedom with regards to research, and the right to unionise. We will be providing food to picketing NTEU, CPSU and USU members on the day.

RALLY: the National Union of Students is holding a rally at UTS at 1pm outside the Broadway campus. The rally will protest the government’s $2.3 billion dollars of cuts to universities.

USU is committed to cultivating an inclusive and cultural experience on campus, and although our programs and services do not directly influence the educational standard offered at the University, we are committed to providing our student community with a safe campus and the highest quality student experience.

10 August 2013

USU Members Forum

Hi all,

The USU will be holding a Monthly Members Forum this Wednesday 14th August from 12-1pm in Manning Bar. If you would like a topic to be placed on the agenda for discussion please send it to president@usu.usyd.edu.au. 

As it stands, the agenda will be following up on the issues raised at the last Members Forum, including-

  • Concerns about the Queer Space and student consultation 
  • EFTPOS Policy- response to member concerns about getting cash out and AMEX available at our outlets 
We will also provide an update on the USU's response to the controversy surrounding the Start of Semester Fiesta held last week. 

Hope to see you there!

USU Board of Directors 

07 August 2013

Queerphobia at the University of Sydney


The SRC Queer Officers in conjunction with the Queer Portfolio of the USU are conducting a survey to combat discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation at the University of Sydney.

The survey has been up for a few weeks and we have received some enlightening feedback, but we are seeking more responses to greater gauge how welcoming and safe queer identifying and questioning students find the University of Sydney and how useful the services offered by the university, the SRC, SUPRA and the USU are to them.

For the USU, this survey will be used as part of a review into the engagement and representation of queer identifying and questioning students in the USU and the leadership opportunities we offer. The aim of this review is to determine what more can be done for members of the LGBTQI community within our Clubs & Societies, Queer Coordinator programs, events outside of our Queer program, and student leadership roles more generally.

If you are queer identifying or questioning, please take a few minutes out of your day to complete this survey, your responses will help to combat Queerphobia on your campus and shape the way the USU engages with you!

Please be respectful in your responses.


If you have any questions regarding the survey or the review being conducted, you can contact me via email: r.magyar@usu.usyd.edu.au

Robby Magyar
Board Director - Queer Portfolio Holder
UA-5126621-7