ltsu annual report 2012

L a Trobe UniversiT y sTUdenT Union

2012 © La Trobe University Student Union

Project management Peter HughesInformation management Leanne Innes

Published by La Trobe University Student Union Upper Agora West (Level 2) La Trobe University Bundoora VIC 3086 latrobesu.org.au

Printed by Trojan Print 34 Temple Drive Thomastown VIC 3074 trojanprint.com.au

Information provided is correct at time of publication, 2 May 2013.

3

CONTENTSCONTENTS OBJECTIVES .................................................................................................4

MEMBERSHIP ......................................................................................... 4, 5

PRESIDENT ...................................................................................................6

STUDENT REPRESENTATION .................................................................7

GENERAL MANAGER .......................................................................... 8, 9

OFFICE & SECOND-HAND BOOKSHOP ......................................... 10

OPERATIONS- Marketing & Communication ............................................... 11

- Activities & Events .............................................................. 12, 13

- Clubs & Societies ........................................................................ 14

STUDENT THEATRE & FILM .......................................................... 15, 16

SUPPORT- Advocacy ....................................................................................... 17

- Postgraduate ............................................................................... 18

- Legal ................................................................................................ 18

- Tax Help ......................................................................................... 18

ASSOCIATES - International Students' Association (ISA) ......................... 19

- Mildura Students' Association (MSA) ................................. 19

- Shepparton Students' Association (SSA) ......................... 20

- Part-time, Evening & Mature Aged Students' Organisation (PEMSO) ......................................... 20

STATISTICS ..................................................................................21, 22, 23

FINANCIAL REPORT- contents page ............................................................................. 24

- report pages .........................................................................25–41

STAFF & OFFICE BEARERS 2012................................................. 42, 43

La T

robe

Uni

vers

ity st

uden

t Uni

on a

nnUa

L reP

orT

2012

MEMBERSHIPMEMBERSHIP

OBJECT IVESOBJECTIVES

The purpose of the Student Union is to advance the education of the students of La Trobe University by:

(a) Enhancing the learning experience of students while at the University;

(b) Promoting the interests and welfare of students;

(c) Representing students within and outside the University;

(d) Co-ordinating and supporting the activities of students; and

(e) Providing amenities and services for students, other members of the University community and the public.

The Student Union has the following categories of membership:

(a) Student members

(b) Governing members

(c) Ordinary members

(d) Associate members

(e) Life members.

Student MembersThe student members of the Student Union are those members who are students (including postgraduate students).

All student members (including postgraduate student members) must be either:

(a) Governing members,

(b) Ordinary members, or

(c) Life members who are students.

Governing MembersThe governing members of the Student Union are the office-bearers, members of the Student Council and members of the Committees.

4

MEMBERSHIPLife MembersThe life members of the Student Union are those individuals who:

(a) Have made an outstanding contribution to the Student Union; and

(b) Are admitted in accordance with the regulations.

Membership ProgramAt an annual fee of $40, the LTSU membership program continued to attract strong support from the La Trobe community in 2012. The program provides members with a package of discounts on:

• LTSU products, services and event tickets,

• University services, including car parking, the Sports Centre and Child Care Centre

• Private businesses operating both on and off campus

A number of businesses located in the Agora became Membership program partners for the first time in 2012.

Ordinary MembersThe ordinary members of the Student Union are those students who:

(a) Apply for membership;

(b) Pay the subscription; and

(c) Are admitted in accordance with the regulations.

Associate MembersThe associate members of the Student Union are those individuals who:

(a) Are not students

(b) Apply for membership

(c) Pay the subscription; and

(d) Are admitted in accordance with the regulations.

Member Type 2010 2011 2012 % increase

Student Members 4059 4133 3796 -8%Non-Student Members 206 217 255 18%TOTAL 4265 4350 4051 -7%

5

PRESIDENT2012 was not without its set-backs; the harsh and devastating cuts to the Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty; the complete lack of foresight in the removal of democratically elected students and staff from University Council in State Government Legislation and then carried out by senior management (the University of Melbourne and Monash University still maintain student places on University Council) has left many students and alumni feeling a disconnect with the once proud university in Melbourne’s north east.

La Trobe University has a significant history in radicalism and 2012 saw the devastating affects of what happens when it is forgotten. LTSU was the light at the end of the VSU tunnel but as we learnt last year it was just the beginning of a whole new chapter of the neo-liberal attack on education and students in this country.

I encourage you all to get involved in LTSU whether that be through clubs, one of the vibrant collectives or as a volunteer in the activities department. It is an important organization and it is only as good as you make it.

Special thank you to the LTSU staff, the 2012 office bearers and the students at La Trobe for your feedback, support and camaraderie. I wish the organization and the 2013 team all the best in what the future may bring. Remember to tread carefully and carry a big stick.

Clare Keyes-Liley, 2012 President. Werrrd

“Openly questioning the way the world works and challenging the power of the powerful is not an activity customarily rewarded.” – Dale Spender

In the La Trobe Student Union second year of operation there was significant growth in the organization from the much-welcomed introduction of the Student Services and Amenities Fee. La Trobe students on the Bundoora campus had a properly funded student organization for the first time since Voluntary Student Unionism was introduced in 2005. This important fee goes towards funding for clubs, representation and vital services on campus. The membership base of LTSU far exceeded the forecast numbers for the 2011 budget submission and I for one was very happy to welcome the new members to the LTSU family.

PRESIDENT

6

STUDENT REPRESENTATION

STUDENT

REPRESENTATION

In 2012 the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at La Trobe University faced savage cuts of, what was seen by students as, an unnecessary and unexpected magnitude. In opposition to these proposed changes the LTSU responded by organising mass protests and demonstrations, while lobbying the University to change its position. The Union worked with students and staff and managed to revitalise student activism on campus; successfully saving many subjects, majors and jobs.

The Office Bearers of the LTSU in 2012 (see p40) were particularly active thanks to the dedicated team and the welcome influx of revenue from SSAF. 2012 was the first year for the LTSU under the new SSAF funding model and the positive changes to student representation and activism were self-evident.

It was a successful year for student activism on campus with the Queer Department revitalising the queer collective by holding more events, collective meetings and on campus campaigns. Likewise, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Department successfully launched the new La Trobe Y.A.R.N. (Youth Awareness Resource Network) group for indigenous and non-indigenous students. The Environment Department also established L.E.A.N. (La Trobe Environment Action Network) to build activism around environment issues at La Trobe and in the wider community. The Environment office ran a strong campaign to improve public transport to La Trobe University. The Women’s Network remained active and strong with a successful Blue Stockings Week and International Women’s Day events. The Welfare Department expanded student services by starting

up the breakfast club, food bank and continuing the members BBQs. The Union also ran the cross departmental ease the squeeze campaign aiming to reduce the cost of living pressures.

2012 saw the introduction of the Counter Course Handbook, which provided an insight into University life and an honest review of the subject and course offerings of La Trobe, written by students and for students. Rabelais also received a new look and moved closer to a magazine style format.

The Student Representative Network also saw a revamp towards the end of the year and will become a new Education Council, comprising of the SRN and course and faculty based societies; a new initiative from the Student Union. This aims to provide a more accurate representation from the University community and to assist students in their University life.

The Postgraduate Department also ran several seminars and networking events.

The Activities Department also had a successful year, running the First Year Ball, the Boat Cruise and the inaugural LTSU Ball among other fantastic events.

2012 was also the first year of operation for the LTSU with the International Students’ Association, the Mildura Students’ Association, the Shepparton Students’ Association and PEMSO under its umbrella. These associations also had successful years with support from the LTSU and especially due to the increase in funding from SSAF.

7

GENERAL MANAGERGENERAL MANAGERThe combined impact of these changes meant that our approved budget grew from $934,200 in 2011 to $2,338,590 for 2012. Our approved staffing establishment grew from 5.0eft in 2011 to 14.6.

With minor modifications, LTSU's space in Upper Agora West has been able to provide an effective work base for our annually elected student representatives, and for our expanded staff team. Student Theatre, the Student Legal Service, the Womens' Lounge and the PEMSO Lounge continue to operate from the Union Building. With the support of the University, the Student Lounge on Upper Agora West was extensively refurbished late in 2012, and will provide more comfortable and functional facilities for students using this space from 2013 onwards.

A major focus in 2012 was the continued development of our website, www.latrobesu.org.au. The website now boasts a much more contemporary 'look and feel', and has grown to incorporate all the new service areas described above. Our online Store has expanded and now provides an avenue for both Bundoora and regional students to purchase second-hand books, tickets and merchandise from us. Growth from 9115 hits and 5675 unique visitors in 2011 to 62,370 hits and

2012 was the second year of operation for La Trobe University Student Union Inc. (LTSU). In a year of major growth for the organisation, we:

• Continued to develop our ongoing role in Student Representation, Advocacy, Clubs and Societies and Second-hand Bookshop.

• assumed responsibility for the following additional services, in line with recommendations from the University's Student Services and Student Administration Review Report (2011):

– Student Theatre and Film

– Student Legal Services

– Activities and Entertainment

– Reception, sales and member support previously undertaken by the Contact Desk

– International Students' Association (ISA), the Mildura Students' Association (MSA), Shepparton Students' Association (SSA) and the Part -time, Evening and Mature Age Students' Association (PEMSO)

• Gained University approval for additional staffing resources to support our operations in Student Theatre, Advocacy, Finance, Office and Bookshop and Projects.

8

qb2

queer beer

the odeon :: august 31ltsu members $20non members $25

four drinks included.five drinks for queers -

ask the queer officer for deets!

the odeon is located in the union building.

SU BALL_poster_revised.indd 1 3/10/12 10:09 AM

2012DIARY

GENERAL MANAGER41,451 unique visitors reflects the increasing profile gained by our website in 2012. 22% of Second-hand Bookshop sales in 2012 were made by online mode.

The following sections of this Annual Report detail an enormous amount of work done by LTSU in student representation and service provision in 2012. This work could not be undertaken without the expertise, energy and commitment of our staff, elected student representatives and volunteers. Thank you to all those people for their great work throughout 2012. LTSU also benefits from the support and encouragement we receive from many different areas of La Trobe University, and I wish to record our appreciation for that support.

Our membership program continued to draw over 4000 members from the University community, largely due to a great package of discounts on and off campus available through the program. Thank you also to our 2012 members as well as our membership benefit partners for their support of LTSU in 2012.

One of the year's highlights was the inaugural LTSU Awards Night. We hope this event can become a regular event on the University Calendar as a means of recognising the great work undertaken by many

students and staff in support of campus community at La Trobe. Congratulations to each of the individual and group awardees outlined in a later section of this report. I also congratulate the following individuals who were awarded LTSU life membership at our annual Life Members' dinner in November, in recognition of their service to the former La Trobe University Students' Representative Council (SRC):

• Peter Boyle

• Sarah Wickham

• Rohan Morris

• Lachlan Batchelor

The audited financial statements that appear in this report record an operating surplus of $130,726 for the year ending 31/12/2012, and net assets of $276,228 accumulated at that date. An additional provision of $80,000 was made in the 2012 accounts, as a contingency against the need for staff redundancies in the event of loss of funding in the future.

LTSU has made major progress since we commenced operations at La Trobe in January 2011, and we look forward to consolidating and developing our role in 2013 and beyond.

9

Peter Hughes

Student Advocacy

Student Advocacy

To communicate or arrange an appointment with a Student Advocate at the Bundoora campus, please contact:

Melbourne (Bundoora) campus

[email protected]

T: (03) 9479 2314

Located: Upper West Agora (level 2)

www.latrobesu.org.au/advocacy

FREE • CONFIDENTIALINDEPENDENT • PROFESSIONAL

Our other services include:

• Clubs & Societies

• Events & entertainment

• Membership program

• Secondhand Bookshop

• Reception & sales

• Post graduate support

• Student representation

• Student Theatre & Film

• Publications

• Lounges

• Tax help

• More…

for more information visit

latrobesu.org.au

Nov

201

2

Advocacy Brochure 2013.indd 1 26/11/12 9:25 AM

Second-HandBookSHop

operating Hoursover-the-Counter Sales

(Semester only):

11am – 2pm Monday-Thursday

Closed on FRIDAYS

Upper West Agora Level 2, (03) 9479 2314

[email protected]

online Trading:Always open except during

over-the-counter sales (semester only) and the Christmas vacation period

latrobesu.org.au/books

pLEASE CHooSE CAREFULLYAS WE CANNoT GIVE REFUNDS

We accept Cash, EFT, Mastercard and Visa

The LTSU Second-Hand Bookshop is a not-for--profit service that is run by the Student Union for the benefit of La Trobe University students.

We make every attempt to provide the best deal for students within the boundaries of our operating capacity.


• Advocacy

• Clubs & Societies


• Membership program

• Reception & sales

• Post graduate support

• Student representation

• Student Theatre & Film

• Publications

• Lounges

• Tax help

• More…


latrobesu.org.auNov

201

2

Bookshop Brochure v2 2013.indd 1 27/11/12 11:15 AM

Student theatre & Film

Rehearsal and performance spaces are available for students to stage their own productions.

How to get involved:You can sign up to Student Theatre and Film by filling out a sign up form at our office. Once you’re signed up you will receive emails about upcoming auditions and performances as well as other events and opportunities.

Contact us:Level 2, Union Building, La Trobe University, Bundoora, PH: 9479 1198

[email protected]

‘Like’ us on Facebook, www.latrobesu.org.au

Click on the link ‘Get Involved’

Photograph by Tatiana Angulo ©


•Advocacy

•Clubs & Societies


•Membership program

•Secondhand Bookshop

•Reception & sales

•Post graduate support

•Student representation

•Publications

• Lounges

• Tax help

• More…


latrobesu.org.au

Nov

201

2

StudentTheatre & Film 2013.indd 1 20/11/12 2:09 PM

OFFICE & SECOND HAND BOOKSHOP

LTSU's general Office and Second-Hand Bookshop are managed by our Office and

Bookshop Coordinator.

Office The Student Union Office supports all LTSU operations. The Office is supported by two full time staff and up to six casuals during peak times. The Office provides a Reception service, membership support, ticket sales, general enquiries, newspaper distribution, space & equipment bookings, book drop-offs and collections and over-sight of the Student Lounge. The Office also supports staff and Office Bearers.

Second-Hand BookshopThe LTSU Second-Hand Bookshop is a not-for-profit service run by the Student Union. The Bookshop enables students to buy cheap textbooks as well as earn extra money by selling old/unused books, catering for students from Bundoora and all La Trobe's regional campuses.

2011In 2011, the SRC Second-Hand Bookshop officially became the La Trobe Student Union (LTSU) Second-hand Bookshop. Renovations to the former SRC/Contact office space in Semester 2 reduced the sales period and forced the bookshop to temporarily relocate to the Union Building. Despite this, sales increased dramatically in 2011. Card sales were added as a payment option. The launch of the LTSU website in Semester 2, 2011 was a significant development for the bookshop as it provided an automated data-base for book processing. Books began to be processed onto this system in November 2011.

20122012 saw the bookshop operate in the new LTSU office. The bookshop utilised the new website database for buying, selling and returning books. Interest in the bookshop continued to grow and sale figures again increased markedly.

Reimbursements were issued via cheque, direct deposits or PayPal accounts.

Internet sales became available in January 2012 allowing students to purchase books on-line and collect from the LTSU reception. This was expanded to include delivery to regional campuses through the internal mail system in February. Regional students were also able to submit books for sale locally and have them transported to Bundoora for processing.

In 2012, the first major return of unsold text books took place. Students with books that were unsold for more than a year were given the option to collect the books or donate them. An initiative was developed between LTSU and the Division of Residential Services that resulted in donated books being delivered to universities in Cambodia, Nepal, Thailand and Vanuatu. Books were also donated to Corrections Victoria to help restock the libraries in correctional facilities across the state.

OFFICE & SECOND-HAND BOOKSHOP2009 2010 2011 2012 % change

Book Drop Offs 500 1850 2500 5436 117%

Books sold 9 714 1679 4740 182%

Sales $ $245 $35,485 $87,086 $176,500 103%

Student Reimbursement $165 $24,110 $61,876 $132,089 113%

Online Sales 2012Books Sold 680Sales $ $38,269% of total sales 22%

10

oPERA TIoNSOFFICE & SECOND

HAND BOOKSHOPHaving experienced significant growth in 2011/2012, a new Operations Department was formulated. A new position of Operations Supervisor was created to oversee the Department. The Operations team covers Marketing & Communications, Clubs & Societies and Events, Activities & Volunteers.

Marketing & Communications Marketing & Communications is responsible

for all the printed marketing for the Student

Union including the suite of corporate services brochures, Student Union diary, event posters, membership newsletters, Annual Report, Clubs & Societies booklet, Ratsheet and any other

publications required. Marketing also oversees the electronic marketing including the website www.latrobesu.org.au, LATROBE LIVE Smartphone application, online newsletters & social media and oversees the upgrade & maintenance of internal &

external signage.

Website

LTSU undertook major development of our website in 2012. Outcomes from this project included:

• A livelier, contemporary look and feel in line with LTSU branding

• More dynamic news, events and features sections on front page

• incorporation of sections for our Associates (ISA, MSA, SSA, Pemso) , and for all of the new areas under LTSU's umbrella in 2012 - Student Theatre, Student Legal Service, Activities, Events & Volunteers

• Highlighting of elected representatives on the front page, with a linkage to their individual portfolio areas

• Provision of an online store for sales of merchandise, tickets and Second-hand Books

OPERATIONS2011 2012 % increase

No of hits (Visits) 9115 62,370 586%Unique Visitors 5675 41,451 567%

11

Latrobe LiveIn 2012 the LTSU underwent a project to determine the best platform to adopt to launch an LTSU Smartphone Diary Application. Recognising the growth potential in student engagement that Smartphone technology could provide we decided we wanted to be on the forefront of technological advances. We researched different business models including commissioning a developer to create the application vs purchasing an off the shelf product or signing a Distribution & Licensing

Agreement with an existing product. The most cost effective solution was a Distribution & Licensing Agreement that included customisation & tailor branding. We signed an agreement with Milk Media for their PokitCampus product. A lengthy customisation, content set up and testing phase was completed followed by licensing the product with Apple and Android. LATROBE LIVE will be ready to launch for Semester 1 in 2013.

Activities, Events & VolunteersIn 2012 the responsibility for the Activities and Events program was transferred to LTSU, in line with recommendations from the University's Student Services and Student Administration Review, 2011.

Under LTSU, an elected student Activities Officer and Committee play a key role in events policy and planning, with the support of a full time Activities and Events staff member.

Orientation Week

Under the umbrella of the University's Orientation Committee, LTSU was again responsible for planning and implementation of the Orientation social program. Key events were:

Events ParticipantsVice Chancellor's Dinner 550Children Collide Concert 515Thursday Bar Night 1869 students plus 80 guestsBrookings Lectures Comedy events (2 sessions) 345 Student Union Festival 3000+

Free Events NotesBack to Uni Festival 30+ student clubs, entertainmentWeekly Wednesday Acoustics Weekly event showcasing student musiciansLTSU Thursday Markets Weekly throughout semester, 30+ stallsLTSU Pride Week Runs in March - 3 days of activitiesWeekly Members BBQ Each week during semesterWeekly FREE Breakfast Club Free breakfast for students during semesterRegular Agora Entertainment Singers, acoustics, performers in the Agora, bookings

for LTSU Clubs stalls, and external groups

Ticketed Events ParticipantsEX Party I 1450EX Party II 1280First Years Ball 250Bluejuice Gig 800River Cruise 280LTSU Awards 110Queer Beer x 2 100

Student Union Festival

The cornerstone event of Orientation Week was the Student Union Festival held on Simpson Lawn on Thursday 16th February. The event featured an entertainment stage throughout the day.

Over 40 LTSU Clubs and a range of external businesses and organisations manned stalls at the event. Attendance was estimated at over 3000 across the day.Key Events:

12

LTSU Awards

The inaugural LTSU Awards were presented at the LTSU Ball in October. The awards aimed at rewarding students, staff, and clubs who contribute positively to student life. The awards were very successful with over 500 votes.

The awards were:

LTSU Sarah Cole Leadership Award - Rohan Morris, Mildura Campus

LTSU & Generations Social & Environmental Sustainability Award - Rachel Kelson

LTSU Clubs & Societies Award - Equality, Sustainability, Peace (ESP)

LTSU Faculty Club Award - La Trobe International Relations Association (LIRA)

LTSU Teaching Award - Dr. Michael Emmerling, lecturer in Botany, Bundoora campus.

The EX Party (end-of-exams party)

In early 2011, the hosting rights for the end-of-exams party were transferred from external promoters to the LTSU. LTSU decreased ticket prices by $15 and directed sales profits to La Trobe clubs. Affiliated student clubs

and sports clubs were able to purchase tickets at $3 each and sell them at $10. This new model allowed profit to stay with clubs and be used for further student engagement.

Development of Oh! Fest - rejuvenating O-Week

The O-Week social events program began its redevelopment in 2012 for 2013 O-Week. The significant change for 2013 was the introduction of the Oh! Fest, Music & Arts Festival. Oh! Fest is a mini music & arts festival that aims to showcase a range of acclaimed bands, arts & crafts, and activities to new students. A change in approach allowed strong collaboration

between the LTSU and Division of Residential Services (DRS) to provide an exciting and new event for all students. The event planning and collaboration with the DRS, Security, the O-Week Working Group, Division of Residential Services, and Landscaping, along with external providers was completed in 2012.

Volunteers

LTSU was responsible for providing and training volunteers for Open Day. 129 Volunteers Registered, 67 completed training.

LTSU also supplied 55 volunteers to support the University's Connect Mentor program activities during Orientation.

Australasian Association of Campus Activities

In 2012 LTSU joined the Australasian Association of Campus Activities (AACA) and will incorporate some

of their national events eg: National Campus DJ Competition, National Campus Band Competition & National Campus Art Prize & National Campus Film Fest into the LTSU Events Program.

13

CLUBS & SOCIETIES2011 2012 % change

Affiliated Clubs 43 52 21%Grants 160 164 3%Club Events 130 384 195%

LTSU's Clubs Council, chaired by the General Secretary, oversees the operation of our affiliated Clubs and Societies. The Council meets fortnightly during semester. It considers applications for affiliations from new Clubs, applications for grants, and shares information relevant to all Clubs. LTSU's Clubs and Societies staff member provides broad ranging support across all areas of the Clubs program to the Clubs Council, General Secretary and individual Club Executives.

Following on from the considerable increase in club resources and promotional assistance provided in 2011, 2012 saw the Clubs Program attract a significant increase in club affiliations. In particular 2012 saw an increase in Faculty and International Clubs.

Financial Assistance

164 Grants were given to clubs totalling $29,765 .

Club Events

384. *This number is taken off our website whereby clubs can load up their events. It understates the actual level of Club activities as not all Clubs list all their events on the website

New Faculty Societies

During 2012, planning was undertaken for introduction of Faculty Societies across the teaching faculties at Bundoora Campus. Faculty societies will operate from the start of 2013 onwards. They are designed to provide an avenue for students to engage with other students within their course or faculty, and to create student groups that can engage with their faculty on academic and administrative issues. Faculty Clubs will be part of a new LTSU Education Council, and will have access to funding through the Clubs Council to support events and activities, including workshops related to their studies.

14

2012Productions 18Performances 91

Production Audience NumbersMoat Festival 1020Cabaret 238International Student Drama Festival, UK 550 estimateShort Works 245Northcote Town Hall 680Festival of Australian Student Theatre (Brisb.) 125 estimate Short Flicks 157Wednesday Acoustics (weekly event) Ave 30 Youtube hits for Lipdub 2010 12,000 approx.

STUDENT THEATRE & FILMSTUDENT THEATRE AND FILM

Student Theatre and Film runs an annual program of events which gives students the opportunity to perform, direct, write, crew and compose for stage and screen. Student Theatre & Film is managed by an Artistic Director and supported by an Office Coordinator and a range of casual staff and student volunteers.

Moat Festival

Moat Festival has been running for over twenty eight years and is the biggest on-campus theatre and arts festival and features a selection of student produced plays, films over a twO-Week period.

Cabaret

A large cast production which showcases a different musical theme each year and is a collaboration between musicians, singers and performers. This year we celebrated singers and musicians who had died too young – such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and others. A successful event comprised of the talents of twenty singers, musicians and stage crew.

Wake in Fright

In June, as part of the London 2012 Festival, the finale

of the Cultural Olympiad, La Trobe University Student Theatre's production of Wake in Fright was selected from over 140 student productions to perform at the

prestigious International Student Drama Festival (ISDF), in Sheffield, England.

Ten La Trobe students, along with Artistic Director Bob Pavlich, travelled to the festival which was a showcase of some of the best student theatre from around the world.

Our production of Wake in Fright proved to be a big hit. La Trobe students also participated in a range of workshops conducted by the Royal Shakespeare Company, the BBC and leading theatre companies from the U.K. This was an incredible opportunity for our students to mix with theatre practitioners and over a thousand students from all over the world.

15

Photograph by Tatiana Angulo

Short Works & Northcote Town Hall

Short Works is a curated production of short plays, written, directed and performed by students. Northcote Town Hall sees Student Theatre travel off campus with an exciting season of shows each year in August.

Over seventy students performed to a total audience of over 900.

Festival of Australian Student Theatre

In September twelve students travelled to Brisbane for the Festival of Australian Student Theatre with our production of Shakespeare's Love's Labour's Lost.

Short Flicks

Short Flicks is our annual filmmaking program which started in 1996 and has seen over 140 short films made. The films are screened on one night at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) at Federation Square. This year saw eight student-written and produced short films screened.

Wednesday Acoustics

In 2012 a new music night called Wednesday Acoustics was formed. Open to all singers and musicians at La Trobe, it was an open mic event each Wednesday during

semester at the Eagle Bar.

16

Photographs by Lachlan Bell

supportAdvocacyThe Student Union Advocacy Service provides support, and independent advice and advocacy to undergraduate and postgraduate students studying at Melbourne/Bundoora, Shepparton and Mildura. The service employs two full-time advocates that service the whole student population and a part-time advocate (.6) who provides advice and support to higher education research students. Common student advocacy issues include responding to a Faculty's request to Show Cause, Special Consideration, Academic Misconduct, complaints/grievances, appeals, review of assessment mark, problem with higher degrees research supervisor or research timelines and problems with on-campus residential arrangements.

Policy and Statute Amendments

Since LTSU's inception in 2011, the advocacy service has worked closely with the Office Bearers. In 2012, a number of proposals were developed and presented by the LTSU President and Education Vice-President to the La Trobe University Education Committee. One outcome was key changes to the Academic Misconduct Statute. The Academic Misconduct Statute 2013, when formally announced, will allow for a full committee to hear allegations against students and the right of students to appeal against all penalties imposed.

SUPPORT

17

Student Advocacy Service Activity 2012

2011 2012 % change

Personal Consultations 737 831 +13%Hearings 46 60 +30%Meetings 142 367 158%Telephone enquiries 2307 1044 -55%Letters, memoranda, emails 8636 7901 -9%

Student Welfare Program The advocacy service continues to distribute super-market vouchers to students in financial need. The expenditure on welfare payments was $1000 in 2012.

PostgraduateIn 2012, the LTSU began to expand its postgraduate support programs. The LTSU convened three post-graduate networking sessions, with an average attendance of 25 students. A series of educational support seminars were also held on the following topics: dealing with complaints and misconduct, thesis writing, interview skills and casual employment at La Trobe.

A specialist Postgraduate Student Advocate, Dr Heidi Ellemor, commenced work with the LTSU in August

2012. Key relationships and networks have since been established within La Trobe University, in order to develop and implement a more extensive series of postgraduate seminars and networking opportunities in 2013.

LTSU created a Postgraduate web page that would enable our Postgraduate Advocate, Office Bearer and the LTU Research team to all load up Postgrad specific

events onto one centralised page.

LegalThe Student Legal Service provides free legal services to La Trobe University students. The Service is run by a fully qualified and experienced lawyer. Services include:

• Legal advice

• Case work

• Assistance with minor court cases and applications to tribunals

• Referral to specialist legal services

• Certification of documents

• Witnessing statutory declarations, affidavits and other legal documents

All services provided by Student Legal Service are free, but clients pay external costs such as court fees and witness costs.

At the end of the year, discussions commenced with a number of community legal centres as potential partners for provision of the Student Legal Service from 2013 onwards.

2012Students seeking legal advice 147

Tax HelpTax Help is a free, confidential service, and involves over 1,200 trained community volunteers throughout Australia offering help and guidance to low income taxpayers when completing their tax returns. LTSU offers a Tax Help centre at La Trobe University Bundoora Campus from July to October, using the services of student volunteers who have been trained and

accredited to provide this service by the Australian Taxation Office. In 2012 five volunteers were trained by the Australian Tax Office.

2011 2012 % change

Tax help consultations with students

24 75 213%

18

International Students' Association2012 Memberships 978Events 9

Participation Numbers 2012Seminars x 2 90Excursions x 5 200Multicultural Week 1000Multicultural Dinner 200

The International Students' Association aims to represent international students enrolled at La Trobe University. Its purpose is to defend their rights, promote social, educational and cultural activities and work towards a better understanding amongst Australians and international students. ISA is comprised of an Executive Committee of 10 elected members and three sub committees - Finance & Administration, Education

& Welfare and Liaison & Activities - and is supported by a part-time employee. ISA Membership is free and open to any person who entered Australia with a student visa and who is currently enrolled in a course at La Trobe University. ISA has a permanent office and lounge space to support International student enquires and allow them a space to socialise.

ASSOCIATES

ASSOCIATES

Mildura Students' Association

2012 Events 17

Participation Numbers 2012Charity Fundraisers (x3). (Shave for a Cure, Jeans for Genes, Relay for Life.)

30

Movie nights x 4 160Orientation 15Graduation Ball 100Welcome Back Party 100End of Year Party 100

The Mildura Students' Association (MSA) is the student representative body of the Mildura Campus of La Trobe University. MSA is comprised of 10 elected Committee members who were supported by a part-time employee.

MSA aims to provide opportunities for social interaction for students, promote social, cultural, educational and recreational activities and to promote the welfare of students. Events are open to participation for all students studying at the Mildura Campus.

In 2012 the MSA put together a social calendar that included Orientation activities, Regular BBQs and Taco Days, Quarterly Movie nights aimed at engaging mature aged students and their families, Welcome Back Party at the start of Semester 2 and End Of Year Party.

MSA also participated in Harmony Day, Scholarships/Awards Night & Open Day.

19

The Shepparton Students' Association (SSA) is the student representative body of the Shepparton Campus of La Trobe University. SSA is comprised of 10 elected Committee members who were supported by a part-time employee. SSA aims to provide opportunities for social interaction for students, promote social, cultural, educational and recreational activities and to promote the welfare of students. Shepparton Campus consists of approx 500 students. In 2012 membership to the SSA

was $20.

In 2012 the SSA put together a social calendar that included a red carpet themed ball, post graduation party, regular BBQs, Parma Club, Soup days and Brekkie club. In addition the SSA has participated in Good Friday Appeal, Red Cross blood drive and Harmony Day.

Shepparton Students' Association

2012Membership Numbers 86Events 35

Participation Numbers 2012Ball 120Post Graduation Cocktail Party 90Charity Events x3 100BBQs x12 720Morning Teas x9 100Brekkie on the BBQ x1 50Soup day x1 40Brekkie Club x6 150Post exam drinks x1 40+

PEMSO is La Trobe University's Part-time, Evening, and Mature Age Students' Organisation and is an associated body of LTSU. PEMSO annually elects a President, Activities Convenor and Lounge Convenor. PEMSO aims to provide information and advice, a comfortable inviting environment where PEMSO students can meet and promotes a range of social activities for PEMSO Students. PEMSO also aims to improve services provided to PEMSO students. PEMSO Membership is free.

PEMSO Lounge

The PEMSO Lounge is a large space provided for PEMSO Members. It includes a large lounge, private & group study areas, office space for lounge convenors, pool table, kitchen area with tea/coffee, microwave & fridge facilities. With the support of the University's Infrastructure and Operations group, the PEMSO Lounge was extensively refurbished early in 2012, following major damage incurred as a result of flooding at the campus in December 2011.

PEMSO (Part-time, Evening and Mature Aged Student Organisation)

20

STATISTICS

21

WebsiteNo of hits (Visits) 62,370No of unique Visitors 41,451

Top 5 Pages Visited

Second-Hand Bookshop 30,100Clubs 16,484Membership 6990Store (other than Second-Hand Bookshop)

6608

Books Content Page 6000

ISA

Number of members 978Number of activities 9Average Attendance - trips 40Average attendance - seminars 45Multicultural week dinner 200

Advocacy

Telephone enquiries 1044Personal consultations 831Letters, memoranda, emails, etc drafted on behalf of students

7901

Hearings attended 60Meetings 367

Postgraduate Program

Number of seminars held in the year 4Number attending each seminar Ave 10Number of social/networking events 3Number attending each event Ave 25

Second-Hand Bookshop - Total Sales

Number of books consigned for sale 5,436Number of Books sold 4,740Sales Amount $176,500Reimbursement amount $132,089Surplus before salaries and other expenses

$44,411

Second-Hand Bookshop - Online Sales Included In Total

Number of books sold 680Sales Amount $38,269Percentage of total sales 22%

Student Theatre & Film

No. of Productions 18No. of Performances 91Total audience attendance per Theatre season- Moat Festival 1020- Cabaret 238- International Student Drama Festival,

UK550

estimate

- Short Works 245- Northcote Town Hall 680- Festival of Australian Student Theatre

(Brisb.)125

estimate

- Short Flicks 157- Wednesday Acoustics (weekly event) Ave 30 - Youtube hits for Lipdub 2010 12,000

approx.

Membership Program

Total Number of members 4051Staff members included in total 255Membership Revenue $140,476

STATISTICS2012 LTSU Funding Agreement and Annual Report Statistics

22

Orientation

* Host Scheme - number of second and subsequent year students acting as hosts to first year students during the February/March Orientation program

55

Number of events held during Orientation

5

Vice Chancellor's dinner 550Children Collide Concert 515Thursday Bar Night 1869 students

plus 80 guests

Brookings Lectures (x2) 345Student Union Festival 3000+

estimate

* The former ''Host Scheme'' has now been absorbed into the Connect Mentor program run by Student Enrichment. Some LTSU Orientation volunteers worked collaboratively with Connect Mentors during 2012 Orientation.

Major Events*

Ticketed Event ParticipantsEX Party I 1450EX Party II 1280First Years Ball 250Bluejuice Event 800River Cruise 280LTSU Awards 110Life Members' Dinner 55

Student Legal Service

Total Number of students seeking legal advice

147

New Files Opened:- Motor Vehicle Accident 12- Traffic Offence 4- Crime 8- Tenancy 14- Debt 2- Consumer 13- Family 9- Other* 49TOTAL 111

* ''Other'' includes employment law; intellectual property, primarily for research students; general, enduring and medical powers of attorney; organ donation; victims of crime compensation; Centrelink disputes; negligence by legal and medical practitioners; probate law and deceased estate disputes; superannuation, notably applications for hardship payouts before retirement age; issues to do with occupational licensing, such as prospective crowd controllers, nurses, teachers and lawyers; complaints against police; freedom of information requests; access to medical records; neighbour disputes; personal injuries; and issues arising from accidental deaths and suicides of students.

FREE Events* NotesBack to Uni Festival, second semester - Agora 30+ student clubs, entertainmentWeekly Wednesday Acoustics - Eagle Bar Weekly event showcasing student musicians. Average

weekly attendance: 30LTSU Thursday Markets - ELT precinct Weekly throughout semester, 30+ stallsPride Week - Agora Runs in March - 3 days of activitiesWeekly Members BBQ - Agora Each week during semester. Average approx. 200 serves

per eventWeekly Breakfast Club - Agora/Student Lounge Free breakfast for students during semester. Average

approx. 55 serves per event.Regular Agora Entertainment Singers, Acoustics, Performers in the Agora

* LTSU events, exclusive of Orientation program; Club events; other activities by external groups booking Agora space through LTSU; Other Uni events where LTSU contributes to an event run by another major sponsor within the University - eg NAIDOC week, International Womens’ Day.

23

Rabelais

Number of editions 8Number of students writing articles per edition per year

Ave 12 per edition*

Letters to the editor per edition and per year

0**

Distribution per edition 1900

* Number of Contributors per edition: Issue 1: 11; Issue 2: 12; Issue 3: 12; Issue 4: 14; Issue 5: 14; Issue 6: 12; Issue 7: 6; Issue 8: 14

** In 2012 Rabelais policy was not to publish letters to the Editor. Anyone wanting to express a view was instead encouraged to write a feature article

Annual Elections

Number of nominations for office 114Number of votes cast 1898

Clubs and Societies

No of affiliated clubs 52No of individual grants to clubs 164Total grants $29,765No of club events 384*

* This figure reflects the number of club events promoted on the LTSU website. Not all club events are promoted on the website, so the figure doesn't reflect the actual level of club activity.

Volunteer Program

Open Day 67Orientation & Enrolment Days* 55

Tax Help Program

Volunteers trained by Australian Tax Office

5

Tax Help Consultations with students 75

42

OFFICE BEARERS 2012

President ........................................................... Clare Keyes-Liley

General Secretary .......................................... Elinor Summers

Vice President/Education Officer ............ Anthony Hayes

Queer Officer ................................................... Christopher Wheeler

Rabelais Editor ................................................ Darryl Ephraums

Environment Officer ..................................... Greg Wighton

Environment Officer ..................................... Daniel Broadstock

Welfare Officer ................................................ Andrew Smith

Activities Officer ............................................. Tessa Mead

Activities Officer ............................................. Hayden Grigg

Postgraduate Officer .................................... Jayasree Pillai

Women's Officer............................................. Jessica Day

Disability Officer............................................. Emma Dook

Aboriginal & Torres Straight Island Officer ................................................... Shane Fry

LTSU Council George Bath, Osman Volka Erciyes, Holly Burr, Mohamad Tabbaa, general members: Daniel O’Connor and Kath Larkin.

Activities Annina Nowak, Melek Demir, Chloe O’Brien, Ashleigh HawkinsCommittee: and Therese Montalto.

Postgraduate Kiranjeet Singh Purba, Farid Ahmaduddin, Mohamed Althaf Committee: Sheik Mumuvar, Bahar Amidpour and Areli Gutierrez Olvera

AssociatesInternational Students’ Association ............................ President: Lily Yuen Eshan Arya elected President at 2012 AGM

Mildura Students’ Association ....................................... President: Brendan Alderton, then Rohan Morris Rachael Gibson elected President at 2012 AGM

PEMSO..................................................................................... President: Shane Blessley

Shepparton Students’ Association .............................. Sarah Cartwright, then Andrew Hay Donnelle Paterson elected President at 2012 AGM

STUDENT UNION STAFF

Advocate Coordinator ...................................................... Howard Wilson

Advocate ................................................................................ Kylie Ligertwood

Advocate (Postgraduate) ................................................. Heidi Ellemor

Finance Officer ..................................................................... Elissa Khoury, then Juliette Pongas, (Maternity leave reliever)

Assistant Finance Officer ................................................. Belinda O'Lynn

General Manager ................................................................ Peter Hughes

Office & Bookshop Coordinator ................................... Louise Newton-Keogh

Bookshop & Reception Support Officer .................... Kylie Neilson

Reception ............................................................................... Lisa Huntington

Operations Supervisor ..................................................... Leanne Innes

Clubs & Societies Officer .................................................. Andrew Farina

Events, Entertainment & Volunteer Officer .............. Martin Cheale, then Tyler Cameron

Graphic Designer ................................................................ Anneli Bjorassen, then Nicole Johnson

Student Legal Officer ........................................................ Damien Walsh

Student Theatre & Film Artistic Director ................... Bob Pavlich

Student Theatre & Film Office Admin ........................ Sonia Di Iorio

ISA Coordinator ................................................................... Yan (Sean) Xu

MSA Support Officer ......................................................... Troy Fikaris

SSA Support Officer ........................................................... Melissa Beaton

LTSU would like to acknowledge the vital contributions made to its operations by casual staff and volunteers.

l a t r o b e s u . o r g . a u

ltsu annual report 2012

Documents