College of Fine Arts Students' Association
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The College of Fine Arts Students' Association (COFASA) is the principal student union at the University of New South Wales' College of Fine Arts (COFA). The association provides political representation, extra-curricular activities and retail services to some 2000 members.
Membership of the COFASA is currently compulsory for COFA students, but will cease to be so as of 1 July 2006 (see Voluntary Student Unionism). Students who study at COFA but spend most of their time within other faculties at the University of New South Wales become members of the Kensington campus student unions (the Student Guild, the Source and the Sports Association) instead.
The COFASA merged with the Source and the University of New South Wales Student Guild in late 2006 to form UNSW Arc.
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[edit] Aims and Objectives
The aims and objectives of the COFASA are set out in section 1.3 of the association's constitution and are as follows:
- To identify, advance and promote the interests of the students of the College of Fine Arts at the University of New South Wales
- To afford a recognised means of communication between the students and the academic and administrative departments of the University
- To represent the interests and welfare of the students with regard to academic matters, access to education, cultural activities, health, leisure and the environment within the College and the wider community
- Where appropriate provide materials, equipment and facilities to students at COFA
- To work on behalf of COFA students, on an equal basis for an education that is accessible, equitable and free from discrimination of any form
- To promote and encourage the artistic and creative community life of the University
[edit] Services
The COFASA is a 'single structure' student union in that it combines political representation with service delivery. COFASA maintains retail spaces, a student common room and student media outlets. It also advocates on behalf of COFA students and sends delegates to the National Union of Students.
[edit] Organisation
The highest decisionmaking body of the COFASA is the Committee. The Committee consists of:
- President
- Vice-President (Education)
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Women's Officer
- Environmental Officer
- Sexuality Officer
- Zine Editor/Convenor
- Postgraduate Officer
- Cultural Diversity Officer
The Sexuality Officer position is typically shared by one male and one female student. Sexuality Officers must identify as gay or lesbian to be eligible for office. Only students who are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, or who are not Australian citizens, may serve as Cultural Diversity Officer.
Committee members are elected in October to one-year terms that run from January to December of the following year. The Executive, a group consisting of the President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, is responsible for ensuring that the Committee's decisions are carried out.
Additional office-bearer positions can be created by the Committee.
[edit] History
The COFASA began life in the mid 1970s as the Art Club at what was then called the Alexander Mackie College. The club was formed to cater to the specific needs of tertiary students of fine arts. At the end of the decade, a Student Representative Council was formed.
In 1990, the council changed its name to the College of Fine Arts Students' Association to reflect its broader focus.
| Past Presidents | |
|---|---|
| Year | President |
| 2002 | Monika Wheeler |
| 2003 | Alacoque Dash |
| 2004 | Renata Field |
| 2005 | Julian Bradley |
| 2006 | Julian Bradley |
