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Coronavirus – Media Release 4th Feb 2020

by News

Full Media Release: Coronavirus Release

 

As a student representative organization, Swinburne Student Union holds considerable concern for the health and wellbeing of any and all students, staff and community members that may be impacted either directly or indirectly from the emergence of the Novel Coronavirus.

Currently, Swinburne Student Union is continuing to consult with Swinburne University management surrounding the university’s existing and emerging response to this situation.

We have received recent advice from Swinburne stating there no plans to delay the start of the teaching semester at this time. Equally, all campus based O-Week and Welcome-Back Week activities are authorised to continue as planned.

We are further advised students can expect direct correspondence from the University regarding any additional potential plans soon.

As new details and actions come to light, SSU intends to continue providing University management with considered feedback and assistance to ensure any negative impacts to the student experience are appropriately understood, considered and mitigated.

Advice from the Health Authorities

On 1 February, the Australian Government announced that no one travelling from mainland China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) would be allowed to enter Australia unless they are Australian citizens, permanent residents or immediate family members (spouses, legal guardians or dependents).

Based on advice from the Australian Government:

  • If a person has travelled to mainland China within the past 14 days, they must isolate themselves for 14 days after leaving mainland China.
  • If a person has been in close contact with a confirmed case of novel coronavirus, they must isolate themselves for 14 days after last contact with the confirmed case.

If you become unwell during this time, call the Swinburne Clinic at (03) 9214 8483, 1300 854 144 (out of hours) or the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services’ hotline on 1800 675 398

To protect yourself and others:

  • Avoid contact with anyone who has a fever or cough
  • Cover your mouth or nose with a tissue or flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing.
  • Frequently cleaning hands is also advised and Swinburne is providing hand sanitiser for reception and common areas across our campuses.

Symptoms include (but are not limited to) fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue and shortness of breath.

 

International Students

Any international Swinburne students currently in China and needing advice can speak to an international student advisor at isa@swin.edu.au.

 

Classes Commencement

The Swinburne Student Union is has reached out for confirmation from Swinburne University regarding any changes in commencement schedule for classes. As of now there has been no communication regarding change of schedule, we will update you as soon as information is received.

 

Respectful Behaviour

The Swinburne Student Union strongly supports inclusivity and being respectful to everyone in the community. Everyone has the right to feel safe and supported on campus, free from discrimination, harassment and assault.

The SSU wants to explicitly condemn any xenophobic behaviour that arises in the wake of this virus and remind any students who require support to reach out to Swinburne’s Safer Communities program at swinburne.edu.au/current-students/student-services-support/personal-safety/ .

 

More information can be found at:

health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov

dhhs.vic.gov.au/novelcoronavirus

who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

 

Param Mahal

SSU President

president@ssu.org.au

 Ailish Murphy-McKay

SSU Communications Officer

comms@ssu.org.au

 

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5 FUN WAYS TO SAVE MONEY AS A UNI STUDENT

by Tips & Tricks

5 FUN WAYS TO SAVE MONEY AS A UNI STUDENT

 

Saving money as a university student doesn’t have to be all about making your own lunch or buying cheaper textbooks. There are actually heaps of fun ways to save money that can also help you become more involved in your university culture!

 

Take advantage of student discounts:

There are loads of discounts available for students, from discount card companies to independent student discounts, you just need to spend a bit of time searching to take advantage. Check out UniDays, Student Edge and Student Beans to access a directory of student discounts for fashion, travel, technology and health brands. For more local discounts, have a look at your university clubs or check out our discounts and deals page!

 

Keep Track of Free Food Days:

If you check out the upcoming events of your university, student clubs and student union, you’ll find there are free food days almost every week of semester. The SSU runs welfare services like free breakfasts and BBQs which you can rock up for every week. It’s also worth making a note of any on campus events during the semester even if they seemingly have nothing to do with food (eg. O-Week, RU OK? Day, Wellness Week) as more often than not you will find a free lunch provided. Don’t forget to participate in student club nights either! It’s not unusual to find free pizza or discounted drinks provided at parties of club events.

 

Volunteer in Your Spare Time:

If you’ve got time between classes that you aren’t using to study, consider volunteering with one of Swinburne’s volunteering group. Food and other benefits are often provided on the day of volunteering, you can even rack up points which they can use on rewards like free merchandise and free training programs (like barista and RSA training), not to mention it’s a great way to meet new people and make friends!

 

Birthday Freebies:

There are countless businesses that offer freebies and discount on your birthday if you sign up to their members club. There are too many to list here, but some of our favourites are: Free Muffin from Muffin Break, Free Spud or Salad from Spud Bar, Free ice-cream from Baskin Robbins and two free games of bowling at AMF!

Tip: Make a separate email account to sign up for these membership clubs so your student email doesn’t get clogged up with advertising.

 

Take Part in University Activities:

Alcohol in Australia is seriously expensive, but if parties are on your university bucket list don’t fret. Most bars and clubs are well aware university students tend to be pretty cash poor, so they offer discounted drinks and entries to parties, events and pub crawls organised by university clubs or associations. Keep an eye out around campus for event posters and check your student email for invites.

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3 Apps to Help You Through Exams

by Tips & Tricks

Exams are just around the corner, if you’re looking for tools than can help you remain focused, motivate yourself to achieve your study goals and wake up early on the day of your exams, check out our list below!

 

FOREST

Stay focused, be present

If you find yourself constantly checking your phone when you should be studying then we’ve got the app for you. Forest is a simple app available on IOS and Android which uses visual stimulation to encourage you to stay focused.

Whenever you want to focus, plant a virtual tree in the game and set the time it will take for the tree to grow (between 10 minutes and 2 hours). If you leave the app within the time set, your cute little virtual tree will die. If you succeed you’ll be able to build a forest that visually represents your focused time.

Overtime your virtual forest can even help you plant a real tree! Once you gain 2,500 coins in the app Forest donates real money to Trees for the Future, a charity focused on planting fast growing tress in Africa to replace the trees lost by food systems.

 

HABITICA

Motivate yourself to achieve your goals by gamifying your life

If you’re a fan of RPGs or just a bit bored of the regular to-do lists, check out Habitica. With both app and web functionality Habitica encourages you to build good habits and increase your productivity. The initial set up can take a bit of time, but it’s also a good way to ‘brain dump’ all the tasks you need to get done before your exams.

After you’ve completed one of your habits, daily goals or to-do list items, check them off to level up your avatar and unlock in-game features such as magic skills, quests and pets!

 

WALK ME UP!

A pedometer based alarm clock

If your biggest fear is missing your exam from hitting ‘snooze’ too many times, check out Walk Me Up App. Walk Me Up is an alarm clock that won’t stop ringing until you have completed a certain number of steps. Don’t even think about trying to trick it by shaking your phone, it’ll know and punish you for cheating!

 

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Yoga & Breakfast stretchy

by Uncategorized

When, while the lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary, I throw myself down among the tall grass by the trickling stream; and, as I lie close to the earth, a thousand unknown plants are noticed by me: when I hear the buzz of the little world among the stalks, and grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and flies, then I feel the presence of the Almighty, who formed us in his own image, and the breath of that universal love which bears and sustains us, as it floats around us in an eternity of bliss; and then, my friend, when darkness overspreads my eyes, and heaven and earth seem to dwell in my soul and absorb its power, like the form of a beloved mistress, then I often think with longing, Oh, would I could describe these conceptions, could impress upon paper all that is living so full and warm within me, that it might be the mirror of my soul, as my soul is the mirror of the infinite God!

O my friend — but it is too much for my strength — I sink under the weight of the splendour of these visions! A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine.

I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite sense of mere tranquil existence, that I neglect my talents. I should be incapable of drawing a single stroke at the present moment; and yet I feel that I never was a greater artist than now.

When, while the lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary, I throw myself down among the tall grass by the trickling stream; and, as I lie close to the earth, a thousand unknown plants are noticed by me: when I hear the buzz of the little world among the stalks, and grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and flies, then I feel the presence of the Almighty, who formed us in his own image, and the breath of that universal love which bears and sustains us, as it floats around us in an eternity of bliss; and then, my friend, when darkness overspreads my eyes, and heaven and earth seem to dwell in my soul and absorb its power, like the form of a beloved mistress, then I often think with longing, Oh, would I could describe these conceptions, could impress upon paper all that is living so full and warm within me.

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2018 Pride Celebration

by EventNews
[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]On Wednesday 17th Oct, SSU’s Queer Representative, Jane Owen, was thrilled to take centre stage in Swinburne’s 2018 Pride Celebration and campus march.

 

“It was an absolute honour to represent the queer students of Swinburne in this event. To meet Morgan (Morgan Carpenter, the Event’s Keynote speaker) who is a wonderful champion for the rights of intersex and diverse communities, and to speak with Linda (Linda Kristjanson, Swinburne’s Vice-Chancellor) and Jane (Jane Ward Swinburne’s Vice-President Engagement) about the experience of Swinburne’s queer students was quite an opportunity and a thrill.”

 

As well as discussing the experience of Swinburne’s LGBTIQ student community with Swinburne leaders, Jane also had the honour of helping lead the Pride procession throughout campus.

 

“It’s really important to show up and participate in these events. They say up to 80% of all LGBTIQ bullying happens in education settings. So to be here, leading a march through campus, to celebrate Pride is so important.”

 

After the march, all guests and friends were invited back to the SSU’s on-campus bar, the Hammer & Swine, for a Pride after party which also included the public creation of a rainbow banner of handprints symbolising Pride at Swinburne. The banner itself will now be displayed within the Queer Space.

 

Swinburne Student Union’s Queer officer, the Swinburne Queer Collective and the Swinburne Queer Space are available to help any LGBTIQ students and allies of LGBTIQ students seeking support, advice or simply to connect and get involved in campus life.

queer@ssu.org.au

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Anti-Poverty Week Information

by News

Have a look at some of the alarming data on the state of student finances, which is followed by practical advice and tips on knowing your rights and how to maintain them.

View Information Slides Here: Anti Poverty Week

 

Key content:

The State of University Student Finances (Slide 5 – 46)

  • Research Context
  • Family-dependent vs. financially-independent
  • Employment affect
  • Experience by cohort

 

Legal Issues for Students (Slides 47-73)

  • Centrelink
  • Infringements & Fines
  • Tenancy Issues

 

Financial Advice and Support for University Students (Slides 74-80)

  • National Debt Helpline
  • Centrelink Debts
  • HECS-HELP Debts

 

Make Renting Fair (Slides 81-89)

  • Tenants Victoria Services
  • Residential Tenancies Act Legislative change (Vic)

 

Working? know your rights – Information for Students (Slides 90-99)

  • Wage theft in Australia
  • Minimum Conditions
  • Getting what you are owed

Corruption

2019 Student Services and Amenities Fee Funding Application

by News

Placing student success at the heart of Swinburne

Over the past six months Swinburne Student Union has been actively researching, planning, and consulting members to develop the attached 2019 SSAF Funding Application.

This funding application aims to secure SSU’s portion of the 2019 Student Services and Amenities Fee, to help maintain our ongoing provision of student services and activities in 2019.

As SSU’s President, Mr Sam Roberts, explains “2018 has and will continue to be a massive year for the Union. As an example, this year alone we’ve provided over 6500 free breakfasts, over 3000 Welfare on Wheels support packs and academic supplies for over 5000 students via our Exam Help Stall.”

“In 2019 we want to increase the value of our services through expanding welfare on wheels to a weekly event, by providing more social events and clubs based support packages through the Hammer & Swine, and through improving our advocacy of student interests within official Swinburne committees and forums.”

As identified within the Funding Application, SSU is seeking to increase its share of the total SSAF fund to $585,230 in 2019, or approximately 10% of the total annual SSAF collected.

“In the scheme of things SSU does an amazing amount with the trickle of SSAF funding we actually receive. Other Victorian Student Unions get between 25-50% of the total SSAF revenue, whereas this year we’ve only received about 9%. Yet many of these other Unions still look with envy at the amount of services SSU manages to deliver. Imagine what we could do if we were properly funded.”

It should also be noted that the portion of SSAF funding SSU receives equates to less than 50% of its total annual revenue; meaning SSU also generates its own income to help ‘grow the pie’ of student support services at Swinburne.

Please take the time to review the attached application and please feel free to share your feedback, or to let Swinburne know you support SSU receiving 10% in 2019.

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Do degrees cause financial distress?

by Event

Did you know in 2017 the median annual income for full-time university students was approximately $4,000 below the identified ‘poverty line’ for single Australian adults?

                                                   -University student finances 2017. Report for Universities Australia

 

As part of Anti-Poverty Week 2018, Swinburne Student Union is hosting a public facing forum to address topical and often-times critical issues impacting the social and economic experience of tertiary students, such as the growing occurrence of tertiary student homelessness.

The aim of the forum seeks to both shine some much needed light upon issues that may not otherwise get the public airing and recognition they deserve, while also providing some tangible tips, tricks and advice to those attending the forum; life-hacks and insights from service area specialists and experts.

While this forum aims to engage current students of Swinburne, it’s also an opportunity for Swinburne staff, stakeholders and anyone interested to engage with the assembled expert presenters and panellists.

Participating speakers and panellists at the forum will include:

  • Ms Samantha Marangell, Centre for the Study of Higher Education, University of Melbourne who will deliver a presentation on key findings from Universities Australia research on the ‘State of Student Finances 2017’
  • Ms Rachel Spencer, Associate Professor & Director Monash Law Clinics
  • Mr Adrian Campion, Tenants Victoria
  • Ms Elizabeth Minter, Financial Counselling Australia
  • Ms Linda Cargill, National Tertiary Education Union

Some key facts from the Universities Australia research:

In 2017:

  • the median annual income for full-time university students was ~$4,000 below the identified ‘poverty line’ for single Australian adults
  • 14% of student survey respondents regularly went without food and other necessities (up to 25% of Indigenous students and 20% of students from low SES backgrounds)
  • 60% identified finances as a source of worry
  • 33% had living expenses exceeding their income
  • 10% deferred studies and 20% reduced study load due to financial reasons
  • 80% balanced study and work, with 1/3 of full-time students working 20+ hours a week
  • 30% regularly missed lectures & classes due to paid work commitments.

 

Do degrees cause financial distress?

Swinburne Student Union Anti-Poverty Week Forum 2018

Tuesday 16th October, 4.30 – 6.00pm

 

ATC101 (Advanced Technologies Centre Lecture Theatre)

Swinburne University

Hawthorn

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5 Ways to Enjoy the Tesselaar Tulip Festival as a Student

by FunniesNews

We have 5 fantastic ways to enjoy an adventure in a wonderland of spring flowers at the 2018 Tesselaar Tulip Festival .Held in Melbourne’s magical Dandenong Ranges from September 15 – October 14, 2018, there’s still a few weeks to catch the blooms!

Date idea

If you’re trying to impress that special girl / guy in your life, you can’t really go wrong bringing them to a field of flowers. At $28 a ticket it’s cheaper than a bunch of flowers and it’s also the perfect place to get that facebook official photo.

Not convinced? Have a look at this cute couple featured on the Tesselaar Tulip Festival Facebook Page earlier this week:

‘Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Yael. Yael and her family loved the tulips at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival and they visited many times. Then one day, when Yael was much older, she met Simon. And Simon loved tulips too. So for their first date, way back in 2003, they came to the Tulip Festival. Yael and Simon were married. And soon enough, on June 29 this year, they had a beautiful baby girl. And guess what they called her? Yes, you guessed it! Tulip. ? ? ? A huge thank you to Yael and Simon for visiting yesterday and introducing us to Baby Tulip. We look forward to many more family photos of you all at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival.’

Take your mum

Remember your mum? You know, the woman who gave you life, thousands of meals, clothes for your back and a good education? Pay her back for all that by taking her to the tulip festival! It’s a fun bonding activity that doesn’t involve the pokies or fixing her computer.

Photographers dream location

Photography students, deep artists and wannabe Instagram models this is the place for you! With as many photo-ops as there are tulips, you’ll be there all day. The only thing that gets more likes than colourful flowers is a cute dog and colourful flowers, which brings us to our next point…

Dog spotting

Dog spotting isn’t just an insanely popular facebook group, it’s also a real life hobby / serious lifestyle. Kind of like bird watching but with puppers instead of pigeons, the Tulip Festival is a prime spot for dog watching. Better yet, bring your own four legged friend and do a photoshoot in the flowers.

Get your Irish on

I think we can all agree that one St Patrick’s day a year just isn’t enough. Get into the Irish Spirit this weekend  (Friday 5th – Sunday 7th) by enjoying some Guinness and watching some Irish dancing, then frolic through the flowers while Irish pipers play.

 

 

 

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Living below the poverty line? You’re not alone.

by News

According to a University’s Australia study, two out of three Australian students are living below the poverty line. It’s hardly surprising, with part-time jobs hard to find, utility bills rising rapidly, and hefty increases in rent. Research has also shown that 42% of people under the age of 24 have between $10,000 and $30,000 of personal debt, not including a mortgage.

Students are constantly juggling bills, from buying food to paying rent, the electricity and phone bills and public transport to and from uni, to name just a few. If you are feeling overwhelmed, help is at hand to get you back on track.

 

Nation Debt Helpline Website

This easy to navigate site discusses how to tackle common financial problems. It has comprehensive step-by-step guides on how to work out which debts are priorities; how to contact the hardship team of utility providers to ask for a variation of your payments; how to work out a payment plan that is affordable and sustainable; and how to lodge a dispute with the ombudsman if the provider won’t accept your offer of a payment plan. The website also discusses the risks of using credit and offers handy hints and tips. Using the site ensures you can maintain your privacy about your finances.

It is also important that you know your rights, which include, for example, that telcos, utility companies and credit providers are obliged to provide reasonable assistance to people who are in financial hardship.

 

National Debt Helpline

If you need further support, you can call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 to speak to a financial counsellor. Financial counsellors provide free, neutral and independent advice on your options for tackling debts. It is important to remember that financial counsellors are required to act in your best interests.

Numerous for-profit companies aggressively market their services online and through social media and claim they can help you better manage your budget. And the advertising is seductive. But there are consequences of signing up to such services, including often very high fees. Financial counsellors can explain in detail the pros and cons of all your options.

 

National Debt Helpline: ndh.org.au; 1800 007 007

Elizabeth Minter, Communications Manager, Financial Counselling Australia