Swinburne Student Union

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Swinburne Student Union (SSU), is peak student representative body of Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia. All Swinburne students are members of the organisation however students may opt out of membership should they desire.

Its main objective is to represent the interests of Swinburne students and make sure they are treated fairly, both within the contexts of their academic studies within Swinburne and the wider society. To achieve this, the SSU focus their energy on independent advocacy, academic appeals and political activism. It provides a variety of student services, including computer facilities, photocopying and entertainment. It also publishes a student newspaper called Tabula Rasa.

Until recently it operated catering facilities, although in December 2005 the university declined to renew the Student Union's lease on catering outlets and has outsourced catering operations to private operators such as CoffeeHQ.

The Swinburne Student Union was established over thirty years ago and holds annual elections each year for office bearer positions. It has several standing committees including the Education Board, Secretariat, SISA and SUPA. The latter two being special representative bodies to serve the needs of international students and postgraduates respectively.

In March 2006 the union was the subject of controversy after the vice-chancellor, Prof. Ian Young, announced that the university would not renew the Union's funding for 2006 - an expected payment of A$1.5 million. Media reports speculated of the "collapse" of the organisation as a result[1].^[1] The organisation has been under considerable financial pressure, and has had to reduce staff numbers considerably in order to remain financially viable. It recently terminated the executive officer, Balrama Krishnan for alleged gross and wilful misconduct. He was the Union's most senior employee, having worked there for over 26 years.

The Swinburne Student Union has implemented a range of strategies to ensure survival despite VSU. They began rolling out voluntary membership packages from the 1st of July 2006. The President Vicky Kasidis and the Education Vice President Michael Kendelaars have both worked hard towards creating a viable, vibrant and student focused organisation.

The Swinburne Student Union describes its vision as:

This union of students asserts that from our diversity emerges a collective truth. Through democratic processes and unity of spirit, each Swinburne student shall be heard. Together, we provide mutual support and service for all members of our educational community to achieve social justice.

Its mission statement mandates that its purpose is:

To enhance the educational experience of students at Swinburne by facilitating responsible and effective representation, providing a responsive range of education and support services and building community through social and cultural activity.