UON SSAF 2017 Student Survey Report

The University of Newcastle Student Services and Amenities fee

SSAF 2017

Student Survey Report

1

CONTENTS

Executive Summary

4

SSAF 2017 STUDENT SURVEY REPORT Introduction Relationship of this SSAF Survey to the SFUN 2016 Survey

6 8

Summary of recommendations Methodology

9

10 11 12 13

Survey Design Response Rates Data Analysis and Reporting How this Survey and Report will be used in the 2017 SSAF decision-making

SURVEY PART A: Ranking of SSAF allowable categories

14

SURVEY PART B: Funding Proposals and Priorities for 2017

16

Overall ranking by students – all services, events, programs and capital works

17

Theme 1: Student Support Services

Summary: Student Support Services Recommendations

20

Theme 2: Student Recreation and Sport

Summary: Student Recreation and Sport Recommendations

25

Theme 3: Student Social and Cultural Activities

Summary: Student Social and Cultural Activities Recommendations

28

Theme 4: Campus Amenity Projects for Students

Summary: Campus Amenity Projects for Students Recommendations

33

Open Comments

36

General recommendations (not covered elsewhere in this report)

39

APPENDIX A: PART B OF THE SSAF SURVEY

39

Document History

44

3

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Since the introduction of the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) in 2012, the University of Newcastle (UON) has undertaken extensive, annual consultation with students to inform key priority areas for expenditure in the delivery of services to students.

This is the first year this survey has been undertaken, and in determining priorities for SSAF funding in 2017 the results will complement existing consultation processes with students.

A total of 2994 students responded to the survey and the responses inform identification of the top priorities where students support use of SSAF revenue in 2017.

The SSAF legislation contains 19 ‘allowable’ categories of expenditure. The top 5 categories that students identified by order of priority are:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Helping students obtain employment or advice on careers; Promoting the health or welfare of students; Providing food or drink to students on a campus of the higher education provider; Helping students develop skills for study, by means other than undertaking courses of study in which they are enrolled; and Helping students with their financial affairs

A total of 38 services were identified in the survey, grouped around 3 themes, and students were asked to identify which ones should receive funding in 2017. Each of the 38 services aligns with one or more of the 19 SSAF ‘allowable’ categories.

The top 10 services where students indicated a preference for allocation of SSAF funding in 2017, in order of priority are:

1.

Student Counselling 2.

Health Promotion and Wellbeing 3.

Careers Counselling and Advice 4.

Employment Support Services 5.

Financial services 6.

Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) 7.

Healthy Vending options 8.

Office of Student Advocacy 9.

‘Hungry Students’ or free breakfast 10. Volunteering

A total of 12 Campus Amenity Projects were identified in the survey. The top 3 amenity projects which students indicated a preference for allocation of SSAF funding in 2017 are:

1.

Auchmuty Library, Level 3 - Outdoor

Learning Lounge (Callaghan campus)

2.

Maths Building Courtyard (Callaghan Campus)

3.

Shortland Union Stage 2 and 3 - external

improvements (Callaghan Campus) It should be noted that there were some variations in preferences expressed by student cohorts or by campus, across these services or projects. Where relevant, these variations are discussed in the appropriate section of this report.

In open comments, students made many suggestions for new services, or the need for improvement in access or scope of existing services. Again, where relevant, these comments and suggestions are reflected in the report detail.

In open comments, many students who study online and do not attend any campus, expressed frustration at being required to pay the fee but without having access to the services or benefits it funds.

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SSAF 2017 STUDENT SURVEY REPORT

INTRODUCTION In October 2011, the Australian Parliament passed legislation allowing Universities to charge a compulsory fee for student services and amenities of a non-academic nature. Universities may allocate revenue from the fee to projects and services across 19 allowable categories (as defined in the legislation), including health and welfare, careers and counselling services, advocacy, sport, student clubs and recreation.

The University of Newcastle has a genuine commitment to broad consultation with students and responding to student feedback and comment. The governing legislation1 requires the University to establish consultation mechanisms with students including elected student representatives, to consider how fee revenue is to be used.

With the introduction of the SSAF the University established a comprehensive process for consultation and engagement with elected student representatives and representatives of student entities and associations to enable discussion, input and comment on priorities for services and amenity to be delivered through use of SSAF revenue.

These processes include the establishment in 2012 of the SSAF Student Consultative Group (SSAFSCG) with elected student members across all major student cohorts and student groups within the University, consistent with the representation requirements under the legislation. The SSAFSCG meets at least 3 times per year.

The University also established a SSAF Entities Consultative Group (SSAFECG) with elected student or other representatives from each of the four student-based and associated entities across the campuses, which meets a minimum 2 times per year. This group has membership from:

• Central Coast Campus Union Ltd (‘Yourimbah’)

• Newcastle University Postgraduate Students

Association (‘NUPSA’)

• Newcastle University Sport (‘NUsport’)

• Newcastle University Students Association

(‘NUSA’)

Higher Education Legislation Support Act 2003, including Student Services, Amenities, Representation and Advocacy Guidelines.

1

In addition to consultation with the above groups, the University consults broadly with internal service areas responsible for delivery of key services to students. This includes Student Central, the University Health Service, Counselling Services, Library, UON Global, Dean of Students and other areas.

The above consultations and discussions provide direct input into the identification of priorities for use of SSAF funds. From time to time the University also utilises online and social media processes to elicit direct comment from students on particular project initiatives or ideas.

Importantly, the University also relies upon major surveys and student feedback through such forums as the continuing student surveys, Student Feedback on the University of Newcastle 2016 (SFUN) survey, workshops and focus group sessions. The SFUN, conducted every two years, is the most comprehensive of these for consideration of students’ experience with services.

The above processes provide valuable information on the non-academic services and amenity that students consider to be the most important to them, and thus inform identification of priorities for the use of SSAF revenue.

This is the first year that a dedicated SSAF survey has formed part of the consultation process with students. It has enabled the University to obtain direct comment and feedback from across all student cohorts, campuses and study modes, at a comprehensive level, to inform decision-making.

The Survey was drafted by the SSAF office and administered to all UON students, through the UON Strategy, Planning & Performance (SPP) team. In future years the SSAF Survey will become a key element in the annual student consultation processes at UON. The priorities identified by students in the Survey will help inform decisions on service delivery and provision of non-academic amenity for students in 2017, and beyond.

Data and feedback obtained through this SSAF Survey complements other feedback obtained through the SFUN 2016 survey undertaken earlier this year. Together, the two surveys provide a rich source of student comment and feedback across a broad range of services and experiences.

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Relationship of this SSAF Survey to the SFUN 2016 Survey Conducted in first semester, 2016, the SFUN survey contained 254 unique questions focused primarily on non-academic aspects of the university experience for students. The SFUN is administered every two years (through SPP), and the total number of respondents to the SFUN survey in 2016 was 5814, or 18.3% of total enrolled students.

Given its focus on non-academic aspects of UON student life, many of the findings and issues reported in the SFUN are of direct relevance to the identification and setting of priorities for SSAF. Consequently, the SSAF 2017 Survey was designed so as not to duplicate the focus of the SFUN. Many of the results of the SFUN Survey complement the SSAF Survey and together, will directly inform priorities for SSAF funding in 2017. Where such complementarity exists and may potentially inform priority-setting, it has been identified within this report.

At the general level, the SFUN 2016 survey identified that just over 60% of students understood the purpose of the SSAF, compared to 40% in 2012. Around 40% understood what SSAF is delivering for students, and about one quarter knew how to provide comment into SSAF projects. Across each of the direct SSAF questions asked in the SFUN since 2012, there has been an improvement in student understanding through each subsequent iteration of the SFUN. In open comments to the SFUN, many students who studied via distance or online expressed their frustration and lack of understanding as to why they were charged the SSAF. Similar views were expressed in the open comments to this SSAF 2017 Student Survey. There is further discussion of this issue elsewhere in this Report.

The table below includes the most recent SFUN data (2016). Note that a new question was introduced in 2014 and another in 2016.

Percentage of students who ‘agree’ in response to SSAF-related questions in SFUN

METHODOLOGY

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SURVEY DESIGN The SSAF Survey was developed by the UON SSAF office and draws upon similar surveys conducted at other universities. The purpose of the survey was discussed with both the SSAF Student Consultative Group (SSAFSCG) and SSAF Entities Consultative Group (SSAFECG).

Student associations and entities were emailed in late June and invited to provide comment. At the scheduled meeting of the SSAFECG on 14 July, 2016 student associations and entities were provided further opportunity to comment on the survey and several amendments or additions occurred to the options based on that input.

Wherever possible and contextual, ‘what’ is being delivered or proposed (i.e. the service) was emphasised, and not ‘who’ delivers it (i.e. an association, entity or internal service area).

In some instances, particularly where the delivery of a service is unique or clearly linked with an internal organisational area or with a particular entity, direct reference to the service delivery area or the service output itself, was made in the survey (e.g. ‘Office of Student Advocacy’, ‘Opus’ and ‘Yak’, ‘The Forum’ or ‘Ourimbah Gym’).

In Part A of the Survey, students were asked several general questions to elicit demographic data. Other nonidentifying demographic and general information was drawn automatically from the UON’s Student System.

A second section in Part A asked students to select one category only from the 19 allowable categories for SSAF expenditure2 that they considered the most important to receive SSAF funding in 2017.

In Part B of the Survey, students were asked to indicate whether they thought particular services or projects should receive SSAF funding in 2017. The services or projects were grouped into 4 themes (sections) in the survey:

1.

2.

3.

4.

Student Support Services (20 services/projects) Student Recreation and Sport (6 services/projects) Student Social and Cultural Activities (12 services/projects) Campus Amenity Projects for Students (12 projects)

Students were also provided with an Open Comments (i.e. ‘Other’) field for each theme in Part B, where they could offer comment or further information or ideas for services and projects.

For each of the services or projects listed in Part B, students were asked to indicate YES (i.e. they support it being funded in 2017), NO (i.e. they do not support funding it) or NOT SURE. A copy of the Part B themes, services and project options is included at Appendix A.

2

As defined in the legislation

RESPONSE RATES The SSAF Survey was launched 18 July, 2016 and closed 7 August, 2016.

It was sent to 30,182 students enrolled at UON as at 13 July, 2016. The total number of respondents to the Survey was 2994, or 10%.

A reminder email was sent on 26 July, 2016 and 1 August, 2016. The effect of the reminder emails produced the following pattern of responses: Responses to the SSAF Survey

Of the 2994 students who responded, 2168 were undergraduate (72.4%) and 811 post-graduate3 (27.1%).

2026 were enrolled at Callaghan campus, 344 at Ourimbah campus, 321 were enrolled online, 40 at Sydney campus and 48 at Port Macquarie campus.

Response by cohort: GENDER

FACULTY

ACADEMIC LEVEL 1%

1% 11%

15% 18%

40%

16%

26%

26%

72%

60% 14%

MALE

3

FEMALE

FBUSL

Higher degree by research and post-graduate by coursework

FEDUA

FENBE

FHEAL

FSCIT

OTHER

UGRD

PGCW

RSCH

OTHER

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Data Analysis and Reporting In Part A, a range of demographic data was obtained, which assists in identifying any differences or preferences for particular services across student cohorts or campuses.

In Part A, students were also asked to select ONE ONLY from the 19 SSAF categories listed, being the most important to them to receive SSAF funding in 2017. All 2994 responses are included in Table 1.

In Part B, services or projects were grouped under 4 themes: 1.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES 2.

STUDENT RECREATION AND SPORT

3.

STUDENT SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES 4.

SSAF CAPITAL WORKS

In Part B, 50 direct service or amenity related projects were listed under the 4 themes, (see Appendix A), and an open text response was available at ‘OTHER’ for each of the 4 themes, where students could enter comment or ideas for services under that theme (total of 54 items).

Students were asked to indicate YES, NO or NOT SURE, in response to the question, ‘please indicate whether you think it should receive funding from the 2017 SSAF’, for each of the separate services or projects.

Analysis of Part B included those respondents who expressed preferences across all 54 options (services) listed, and excluded those where no preferences were expressed.

Removal of those responses that did not express any preference did not have any material impact on the relativities or ranking (preferences) detailed in Table 3, which ranks student preferences across all 54 options.

Further analysis was undertaken at the theme level. Across each of the 4 themes where a respondent expressed no preferences across all options (i.e. services or projects) in that theme, it was removed from the analysis against that theme. Similarly, this did not have any material impact on the relativities or ranking (preferences) of the services within the theme.

Analysis at the theme level is detailed across Table 4 through Table 8.

How the Survey Report will be used in the 2017 SSAF decision-making Student preferences, issues, ideas and comments identified in the Survey will inform decision-making and prioritisation of services for 2017 and the funding required for delivery of those services.

In responses to the Survey, many students indicated a preference for ALL services and amenities identified in Part B, whilst others indicated preference for NONE at all.

Similarly, significant numbers of students gave preference for ALL services (or again, for NONE) within one single theme, or more than one theme in Part B. The University acknowledges the preferences or student views that these selections indicate.

The University also acknowledges the clear preferences that have been expressed by the majority of respondents to the survey, and these inform the rankings identified in the Part B responses.

The response data in Table 3 through Table 8, show strong student support for continued delivery of most services. Even where direct preferences may indicate lower support, other factors such as size of cohort, campus location and so on, may also inform decisions. For this reason, the ‘% of student support’ data is useful, but not the key determinant in decisions.

The tables (3-8) provide a clear representation of student preferences for particular services or amenity, as indicated by the rankings within each of the 4 services or amenity ‘themes’ in Part B. Where a particular service or project in Part B has been highly ranked by students relative to other services in that theme, and it aligns with one of the 19 SSAF categories identified as a high priority in Part A, and that category has also been highly ranked by students, the University will consider prioritising funding for that service accordingly.

Student associations and entities, and internal services’ units involved in the delivery of services funded through SSAF revenue, have been provided with the data in this report and a copy of the report itself, to assist in developing service delivery proposals which address the preferences of students identified herein.

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SURVEY PART A:

Ranking of SSAF allowable categories

Within the SSAF legislation, the Australian Government has defined 19 allowable categories for expenditure of SSAF revenue. Students were asked to select the single category that they considered the most important to receive funding in 2017. The wording of the categories in the survey and in Table 1 below is as it is in the legislation.

Of the 5 highest ranked categories, 4 showed some variation across particular student cohorts or campuses (see Table 2: Key variations by campus or cohort). Across the remaining rankings (other than ranking 8) either the variation itself or the number of responses by cohort or campus, was not significant.

Table 1: Ranking of 19 allowable SSAF spending areas (where 1 is most important) N = 2994

Overall ranking

% of student support

Ranking of SSAF allowable categories

1

Helping students obtain employment or advice on careers

18.8% a

2

Promoting the health or welfare of students

16.9% b

3

Providing food or drink to students on a campus of the higher education provider

13.2% c

4

Helping students develop skills for study, by means other than undertaking courses of study in which they are enrolled

10.9% d

5

Helping students with their financial affairs

7.8%

6

Providing libraries and reading rooms (other than those provided for academic purposes) for students

6.6%

7

Caring for children of students

4.8%

8

Helping meet the specific needs of overseas students relating to their welfare, accommodation and employment

9

Supporting a sporting or other recreational activity by students

4.0%

10

Advocating students’ interests in matters arising under the higher education provider’s rules (however described)

3.5%

11

Supporting the administration of a club most of whose members are students

2.6%

12

Helping students secure accommodation

1.9%

13

Supporting an artistic activity by students

1.6%

14

Providing legal services to students

1.3%

15

Giving students information to help them in their orientation

1.1%

16

Supporting the production and dissemination to students of media whose content is provided by students

0.4%

17

Advising on matters arising under the higher education provider’s rules (however described)

0.3%

18

Helping students obtain insurance against personal accidents

0.2%

19

Supporting debating by students

0.2%

4.0% e

Table 2: Key variations by campus or cohort

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

Callaghan

Ourimbah

Online

Sydney

Rank by cohort

Rank by cohort

Rank by campus

Rank by campus

Rank by cohort

Rank by campus

a

20.3%

1

14.4%

2

19.2%

1

16.3%

3

17.4%

2

22.5%

1

b

17.5%

2

15.3%

1

16.9%

2

17.2%

2

19.9%

1

7.5%

4

c

13.9%

3

11.3%

4

13.8%

3

20.3%

1

3.7%

8

12.5%

3

d

10.4%

4

12.0%

3

9.7%

4

12.2%

4

17.1%

3

7.5%

4

e

2.5%

11

8.0%

5

3.9%

9

1.7%

9

0.9%

15

20.0%

2

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SURVEY PART B:

Funding Proposals and Priorities for 2017

Overall ranking by students – all services, events, programs and capital works

The following table lists all 50 services or amenity projects identified in the 4 themes to Part B of the survey, by order of preference as identified by respondents to the survey.

Whilst not directly a separate or identifiable ‘service’ or ‘project’, for completeness the table also includes responses where students could provide comment in the ‘Other’ category under each of the 4 separate themes (sections) of Part B, bringing total ‘services’ or ‘projects’ in Table 3, to 54 items.

Of the total respondents to the survey, 638 students did not express any preferences across all 54 services or projects in Part B, and these responses were removed from the analysis in the table below. Removal of these responses did not materially impact relativities or ranking across all 54 services and amenity options.

Using the resulting data, a total of 2356 responses reflecting students’ choices across all 54 options, was used to generate Table 3, below.

The rankings are self-evident and detail discussion of particular services or projects is included in discussion under each theme, later in this report.

NB: There are a higher number of respondents included in the analysis in this overall ranking of the 54 services’ options, than in each of the following 4 sections of this report, which deal with services under each of the separate themes only. As a result, there are slight variations in the ‘Overall % of student support’ as reported in this table – which reflects overall preferences across all 54 services – relative to that reported in each of the thematic tables that follow later in this report, which reflect preferences for services listed within that theme only.

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Table 3: Overall ranking by students – all services, events, programs and capital works, N=2356

Overall ranking

Service/event/program/capital works

Overall % of student support

1

Student Counselling

88.7%

2

Health Promotion and Wellbeing

84.4%

3

Careers Counselling and Advice

84.4%

4

Employment Support Services

79.9%

5

Financial Services

75.4%

6

Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)

74.1%

7

‘Healthy Vending’ options

72.5%

8

Office of Student Advocacy

71.8%

9

‘Hungry Students’ or free breakfast

71.0%

10

Volunteering

67.5%

11

Legal Services

66.6%

12

The Forum - discounted student membership

66.4%

13

Childcare

65.8%

14

Extended hours for on-campus food and beverage services

65.4%

15

Cultural Awakenings, Autonomy and other on-campus events

64.1%

16

End of year formal celebrations and awards

63.7%

17

Recreational and social sport

63.4%

18

Subsidy for work-related short courses

61.0%

19

Free Weekly on-campus BBQ or other ‘food event’

60.9%

20

Accommodation

60.6%

21

Social and Recreational activities at regional locations

60.0%

22

Library Study Rovers

59.5%

23

Student Clubs and club events

59.5%

24

Student Orientation including Student Ambassadors and Student Mentors

56.9%

25

Auchmuty Library, Level 3 - Outdoor Learning Lounge

55.3%

26

UON student sporting teams

55.1%

27

Shortland Union Stage 2 and 3 - external improvements (Callaghan Campus)

54.6%

Overall ranking

Service/event/program/capital works

Overall % of student support

28

Maths Building Courtyard (Callaghan Campus)

54.5%

29

Inter-university sports events

53.9%

30

Ourimbah Gym

53.3%

31

Student Media and Publications

52.1%

32

Study Abroad Student Mentors

51.6%

33

Postgraduate student networking and workshops

49.3%

34

Artistic Activities and Events (e.g. Create 2308, Create 2258, ‘the Grotto’)

49.1%

35

Watt Space Gallery

47.9%

36

i-LEAD Plus program

44.3%

37

Student ‘New’ Media

43.3%

38

Engineering Precinct external and internal student spaces (Callaghan)

43.0%

39

Maths Bus stop entry and pedestrian link to the Shortland Union (Callaghan)

42.1%

40

NeW Space Technology and Green Wall (City Precinct)

39.2%

41

Pop-up Clinics

38.2%

42

Social Science Building pedestrian underpass (Callaghan Campus)

38.0%

43

Membership fees for national student bodies

37.4%

44

Upgrade the Western Entry to the Hunter Building (Callaghan Campus)

36.8%

45

Elite Athlete Program

36.3%

46

Ourimbah Retail Courtyard - Covered Area (Ourimbah Campus)

32.6%

47

Installation of synthetic grass Oval 3 (Callaghan Campus)

28.3%

48

Conservatorium, Level 1 Entry (City Precinct)

26.1%

49

Third Indoor Court at The Forum Sports and Aquatic Centre

24.5%

50

Honoraria for student presidents

19.2%

51

Other (Campus Amenity)

11.2%

52

Other (Student Support Services)

10.1%

53

Other (Sport and Recreation Services)

6.2%

54

Other (Social and Cultural Services)

5.6%

19

Theme 1:

Student Support Services There were a total of 20 services identified under this theme of Student Support Services, plus the option for students to make comment or provide other suggestions. Student preferences in order of priority/ranking can be seen in the table below.

Respondents, who did not express any preferences across all services under this theme, were removed from the analysis. A total of 2004 students expressed preferences for services and were included in the analysis.

Table 4: Ranking of Student Support Services (where 1 is most preferred) N = 2004

Ranking

% of student support

Student Support Services

1

Student Counselling

87.7%

2

Careers Counselling and Advice

82.7%

3

Health Promotion and Wellbeing

82.6%

4

Employment Support Services

77.9%

5

Financial Services

72.7%

6

Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)

72.1%

7

Office of Student Advocacy

69.8%

8

‘Hungry Students’ or free breakfast

68.5%

9

Volunteering

64.8%

10

Legal Services

63.1%

11

Childcare

62.2%

12

Subsidy for work-related short courses (e.g. Barista and waiting staff, RSA, RCG and similar)

57.5%

13

Accommodation

56.7%

14

Library Study Rovers

56.1%

15

Student Orientation including engagement of Student Ambassadors and Student Mentors to assist commencing students

52.9%

16

Postgraduate student networking and workshops

45.6%

17

i-Lead Plus program

40.2%

18

Membership fees for national student bodies

35.0%

19

Pop-Up Clinics

34.2%

20

Honoraria for student presidents

15.9%

21

Other

8.4%

Several of the services were identified as potentially having greater significance or relevance to particular student cohorts, and the responses were filtered as follows: Table 5: Student Support Services – additional analysis

Ranking (as above)

Additional Analysis

Filtered on

% Yes

6

Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)

Undergraduates

79.8%

16

Postgraduate student networking and workshops

Postgrads & HDR

61.1%

18

Membership Fees for National Student Bodies

Undergraduates

36.2%

18

Membership Fees for National Student Bodies

Postgrads & HDR

31.8%

20

Honoraria for student presidents

Undergraduates

14.5%

20

Honoraria for student presidents

Postgrads & HDR

19.8%

21

Summary:

Student Support Services Within the top 5 student support service preferences identified in this theme, students expressed the importance to them of health and welfare support, careers advice and employment services. This correlates with the top two funding categories identified by students in Part A of the survey.

‘More information readily available for health and wellbeing options on and off campus’

In the SFUN 2016 survey, students identified issues associated with stress, physical and emotional well-being, and careers and employment advice and services, as areas of major importance.

These also align with the priorities identified in this SSAF survey.

The SFUN also identified some issues of low satisfaction but high importance attached to some of the student welfare and support services, with access (i.e. getting appointments) also a key issue.

Helping students obtain employment and advice on careers was a high priority identified by all student cohorts in Part A. Two specific services related to this category (2 and 4 above)4 have also been ranked highly in this section. This could indicate that students prioritise career services that are more closely aligned to their area of study and their long-term career goals. Students have placed a lower level of priority on volunteering and provision of a subsidy to undertake short courses (which may assist in gaining employment), which also relate to this category.

In Part A and in this section, students rank highly the need for financial services and financial counselling. Historically, the University has used other (i.e. non-SSAF) sources to provide financial advice and counselling support for students, including access to Centrelink workshops, HEPPP5 grants and counsellors, and has not prioritised this from SSAF funding.

Whilst some services are positioned in the lower ranked quartiles in Table 4 above, consideration of their importance to students needs to be referenced against the category rankings identified in Part A. Helping students develop skills for study was the 4th most important funding category identified by students in Part A. In this ‘Student Support Services’ section of the survey, the continuation of funding for Library Study Rovers, who provide a key role in direct support of students with information literacy, frontline IT and other skills to support independent learning, is supported by 56.1% of students, and ranked 14th.

4

Services ranked 9 and 12 also relate to this SSAF category 8

5

Higher education participation and partnerships program

‘Financial literacy courses, basic legal skills courses’

‘Health (mental, emotional and physical) support’

Importantly, the SFUN 2016 report, in response to student feedback, identifies a need for the University to consider widening the scope of issues that the IT Help Desk and IT Service Portal can assist students with – an area for potential alignment of services to address this need. The annual Library User Surveys also highlight the importance that students attach to availability of and support from the Rovers.

In the same category of Helping students develop skills for study, access to PASS was a key service supported by 72.1% of students overall, and 79.8% of undergraduate students (ranked 6th). In the SFUN 2016, PASS sessions continued to receive very high satisfaction levels, and open comments in this SSAF Survey and also in the SFUN 2016 agree it is an invaluable and supportive service. Many students, in open comments, also requested expansion of this service.

Likewise, specific services for postgraduate students to network or access skills-building workshops, whilst ranked 16th in priority above with 45.6% support from all students (but 61.1% among postgraduate students), need also to be considered against the high priority for Helping students develop skills for study identified in Part A, where this was ranked the 3rd highest SSAF category for postgraduate students.

The i-Lead Plus program6 was not ranked highly by students in this section, albeit being chosen by 40.2% of students who felt it should receive SSAF funding in 2017. In the SFUN 2016, 86.9% of students overall had not heard of or not used i-Lead, and of those who had, 63.7% were satisfied.

Students have identified the provision of adequate, accessible and affordable child care as a concern for many, particularly the availability of occasional child care on-campus. This echoes the SFUN 2016 survey results. This was supported by 62.2% of students as a specific service, and was ranked the 7th MOST IMPORTANT category for funding in Part A. Child care was identified as MOST IMPORTANT by slightly more postgraduate students and students at Ourimbah campus, than the overall student population. Several open comments (i.e. ‘Other’) emphasised the importance of occasional childcare places both at Callaghan and Ourimbah campuses.

“I met a few people in my course and already formed great relationships. My favourite parts of orientation at UON included making/meeting new friends as well as the course sessions. Both of these helped me to prepare myself socially and academically for Uni life.

These events also made me feel more at home at Uni and the free barbecues never hurt either.”

Both in this section and in the overall SSAF categories (Part A), students have expressed a lesser preference for SSAF expenditure on orientation-related activities, including the PopUp Clinics7. However, this reflected the responses of all students, rather than commencing undergraduate or commencing postgraduate students. The Orientation Survey conducted by SPP in first semester 2016, revealed high levels of support and satisfaction amongst commencing students, of the value of orientation activities, with the most common themes expressed in open comments being; ‘feeling welcomed’, ‘making friends’, ‘fun stuff and free stuff’.

The Office of Student Advocacy received a satisfaction rating of around 60% in the SFUN survey, and almost 70% of students supported funding through SSAF 2017, ranking this service 7th in this Student Support theme and 8th in ranking of all 54 services.

Payment of membership fees for national student bodies and honoraria for student presidents were supported by around a third or less of all students. Support was slightly higher amongst postgraduate students than undergraduate students, but overall support and low ranking applies to both of these services.

6

This program aligns with several SSAF categories, but is considered primarily under SSAF category 8

7

This service is also relevant under SSAF category 15

23

Recommendations The University will continue to prioritise funding support for health and welfare, careers and employment services, reflecting the preferences of students as identified in the survey.

Open comments identified in the survey and the SFUN 2016 indicate a need to improve promotion and awareness amongst students of how to access student support services.

The University should consider the importance of training and short courses and how these may assist students to gain employment whilst studying, with a view to enhancing employability options for students.

In response to the clear preferences being expressed by students for help with their financial affairs, the University should review the resources and support currently provided, and if necessary adjust or prioritise funding accordingly.

The University should explore a closer alignment between Library Study Rovers and IT Help Desk roles as a potential priority area.

As a consequence of feedback received from students on the i-Lead program in this SSAF Survey and the SFUN 2016 survey, more attention should be applied to the i-Lead program to raise student awareness of and the benefits that derive from, participation, before committing SSAF funding to additional activities or expansion of the program.

The University should consult with the on-campus child care provider to identify opportunities for more accessible, affordable child care.

The University should work with relevant service providers to identify opportunities to enhance Skills for Study workshops and networking for postgraduate students.

The University should review SSAF funding support for national student bodies and honoraria payments.

Theme 2:

Student Recreation and Sport There were a total of 6 services identified in this theme, plus the option for students to make comment. Student preferences in order of priority/ranking can be seen in the table below.

Respondents who did not express any preferences across all services under this theme, were removed from the analysis. A total of 1489 students expressed preferences for services and were included in the analysis.

Table 6: Student Recreation and Sport (where 1 is most preferred) N = 1489

Ranking

Student Recreation and Sport

% of student support

1

The Forum - discounted student membership

43.6%

2

Recreational and social sport

41.5%

3

UON student sporting teams

35.0%

4

Ourimbah Gym

33.7%

5

Inter-university sports events

33.1%

6

Elite Athlete Program

20.1%

7

Other

2.3%

25

Summary:

Student Recreation and Sport In Part A of the survey, 4% of all students identified sport or other recreation as the MOST IMPORTANT category for SSAF funding support in 2017, ranking 9th overall.

In analysis of responses to this section, the only significant difference in support for sport-related activity was in responses from Callaghan-Newcastle City students, and Ourimbah campus students. Support for on-campus or discounted gym facilities was the highest priority for students at both these campuses, but with each campus ranking the relevant on-campus gym (i.e.

‘The Forum’ at Callaghan or ‘Ourimbah Gym’ at Ourimbah campus), as its top priority, and ‘the other campus gym’, as its 5th priority. Ranking by all UON students is shown in the table above, which put the Ourimbah campus Gym at 4th and the Forum at 1st.

In the SFUN 2016 survey, around half of students at Callaghan had not heard of or not used sports facilities on campus. Of those that had, 75.7% were satisfied. In open comments to the SFUN 2016, students identify cost of student membership at the Forum as a barrier, whilst others felt that their contribution to SSAF should entitle free access. Similar comments were made in open comments to this SSAF survey.

The SFUN 2016 identified that almost 70% of students at Ourimbah campus had not heard of or not used sports facilities on the campus, and of those that had, 58.3% were satisfied. Open comments in the SFUN and this SSAF survey – relevant to the Ourimbah gym – noted the relatively small size and extended opening hours as issues.

‘Add non-sport recreation for the non-sporty types to this list’

Recreational and Social Sport activity was the second highest preference for all students, with considerable Open Comments (i.e. ‘Other’) stressing the importance of non-competitive or non-structured recreational sport, with a focus on general health and exercise, as a preference over more formal or ‘structured’ sporting activity.

Inter-university sports events and UON student sporting teams received relatively equal support, with Ourimbah-based students showing a slightly higher preference for inter-university sports events than did Callaghan and Newcastle City-based students.

As noted above, whilst the Ourimbah campus Gym was ranked 4th overall, it was the highest priority for Ourimbah-campus students, who ranked the Forum discounted memberships as their 5th highest priority.

The Elite Athlete Program received the least support and was ranked lowest by all students across all campuses or cohorts.

Open comments by students provided under ‘Other’, suggest that the focus for use of SSAF funding should be on general sports or recreation activities which support general fitness and health, rather than elite programs which benefit only a select few students.

“A Port Macquarie Fitness Passport/ Membership deal with gym”

In open comments, Port Macquarie and Sydney based students noted the lack of access to on-campus or discounted gym memberships, or other sporting facilities more generally at those campuses, relative to Callaghan and Ourimbah.

Off-campus and online students expressed frustration at not having access to the facilities and services represented by the on-campus gyms, whilst still being required to contribute by way of the SSAF fee.

Many students emphasised the value of the gyms or sporting facility access not in terms of formal or organised sporting activities, but for general health and wellbeing.

As noted above, respondents who did not express any preferences across all services under this theme were removed from the analysis. Whilst such selections did not materially impact the relative preferences in Table 6, many of the open comments capture the thoughts or views of these students, and where common themes emerged, these are identified in this report.

Recommendations The University and its associated sports partners – NUsport and Yourimbah – should look to opportunities which align student health and wellbeing, with social or recreational sporting or other physical activity.

Wherever possible, the University should look to improve access to sport and recreational facilities or activities at regional campuses or locations for UON students, including opportunities to partner with local gyms or participate in local recreational sport.

The University should review SSAF funding support for the Elite Athlete Program.

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Theme 3:

Student Social and Cultural Activities There were a total of 12 services identified in this theme, plus the option for students to make comment. Student preferences in order of priority/ranking can be seen in the table below.

Respondents, who did not express any preferences across all services under this theme, were removed from the analysis. A total of 1863 students expressed preferences for services and were included in the analysis.

Table 7: Social and Cultural Activity (where 1 is most preferred) N = 1863

Ranking

Social and Cultural Activity

% of student support

1

‘Healthy Vending’ options

70.8%

2

Extended hours for on-campus food and beverage services

63.4%

3

Cultural Awakenings, Autonomy and other on-campus events

62.6%

4

End of year formal celebrations and awards

62.1%

5

Free Weekly on-campus BBQ or other ‘food event’

58.3%

6

Social and Recreational activities at regional locations

58.0%

7

Student Clubs and club events

56.6%

8

Study Abroad Student Mentors

49.3%

9

Student Media and Publications

48.7%

10

Artistic Activities and Events such as Create 2308 (Callaghan) and Create 2258 (Ourimbah), ‘the Grotto’ and similar art competitions

45.0%

11

Watt Space Gallery

44.5%

12

Student ‘New’ Media

39.4%

13

Other

3.9%

29

Summary:

Student Social and Cultural Activities Overall, in Part A of this survey, students ranked the provision of food and drink on campus as their 3rd highest priority. For students at the Ourimbah campus, the provision of food and drink was the number one priority identified in Part A of the survey. In this section where specific services were reflected, the highest preferences were expressed for healthy vending options and extended hours for on-campus food and beverage services.

This was supported in open comments, both in this SSAF survey and the SFUN 2016 survey, where a significant number of students suggested that on-campus food is pricey and unhealthy, and they would like to see more variety of food options, particularly for those with dietary requirements and more generally, for more affordable and healthy food. Lack of access to services of an evening or weekend, or after 3pm on some campuses, (i.e.

Ourimbah) was also a common theme in open comments.

“More healthy food options on campus that are reasonably priced and promote healthy eating”

Students placed considerable emphasis and priority on variety and range of food options and availability of food and drink, more so than ‘free food events’, although such events still received considerable support, being ranked 5th in this section. In open comments to the SFUN 2016 and this SSAF survey, particularly with respect to social, cultural or other on-campus events, students noted their appreciation of free food accompanying those events, but emphasised the value of the event in meeting other students, having fun, music and the friendly vibe as also important and a key aspect of why they participate, and would participate in future events.

Examples of these campus-based events are the Festival of Autonomy, Cultural Awakenings, Day on the Quad and similar social activities, which received strong support from students for funding under SSAF, ranking 3rd in this section. This was also reflected in the SFUN 2016 survey, which reported that just under 50% of Callaghan students attended or participated in a campus-based event in the previous 12 months. At Ourimbah, around 33% of students had done so. At Port Macquarie slightly more than 50% had and at Sydney campus almost 70% had attended or participated in such an event.

Of those who had attended or participated, around 85% indicated they were satisfied, other than at Port Macquarie, where only 62.5% were satisfied.

In open comments, online students expressed a view that these events and activities were either not relevant to or not accessible to them, and they should not have to contribute by way of the SSAF fee.

Students at smaller, regional campuses and locations, but also postgraduate students located at the HMRI at John Hunter Hospital, also expressed a view that the majority of events were focused at Callaghan – and to a lesser extent, Ourimbah – campuses, and they would like to see similar opportunities relevant and accessible to their location.

Students also expressed strong support for end of year awards and similar events, which celebrate achievements and contributions to clubs, campus life, community engagement or volunteering, ranking this their 4th highest preference.

More than half the student population support SSAF funding of student clubs, ranking it 7th in this section. Overall, students ranked support for clubs 11th out of the 19 SSAF categories in Part A. In the SFUN 2016, just over a quarter of UON students indicated they were a member of a club or society in 2016. In open comments some Ourimbah students commented they would like to see more clubs on that campus. Students located at other regional campuses or locations commented on the lack of similar club-based activity at those locations.

Many open comments suggest that existing student clubs or interest groups are not aware of how to access funding for events and activities or how to obtain administrative or governance support to establish a new club or interest group.

SSAF funding for student media and publications received support from just under 50% of students within this theme.

Students showed a slightly higher preference to provide SSAF funding support for existing student media publications such as OPUS, YAK and the NUPSA magazine/newsletters, over ‘new media’. Overall, student media was ranked 16th MOST IMPORTANT out of the 19 categories in Part A. The SFUN 2016 survey revealed that 57.4% of students at Callaghan campus, and 74.9% at Ourimbah campus, had not heard of or not used (i.e. read or accessed), OPUS and YAK student magazines. Of those who had heard of and had used OPUS or YAK, 51.5% (Callaghan) and 40.9% (Ourimbah) were ‘satisfied’.

Student artistic activities and events and the Watt Space Gallery received support from around 45% of students.

Overall, student artistic activity was ranked 13th out of the 19 categories in Part A. Study Abroad Mentors was supported by around half of students in their choices to this section. Elements of this activity may align in part with other categories, including helping students obtain employment or advice on careers, or skills for study.

The (clubs) expo in the Brennan room was top notch and I loved the physics demonstration as well as the Quidditch demonstration and the medieval one was awesome as well.”

In Open Comments (i.e. ‘Other’) to this section, aside from the comments identified above, students also asked for more student survival stations at the Callaghan campus. As noted elsewhere in this report, a common theme from students who do not attend campus and study online, is that there are minimal relevant services that they can access, despite being required to contribute by way of the SSAF fee.

31

Recommendations Student preferences for healthy eating options and extended hours for on-campus food and beverage services will be discussed with Infrastructure and Facilities Services (IFS) – the internal UON area which manages commercial leasing – with a view to engage with on-campus providers through lease renewal or other formal approaches, to deliver enhancements to food and beverage services on campus.

The University will continue to prioritise support for major on-campus events which provide students with opportunity for social and cultural engagement, including end of year celebrations and events.

Options to improve the range and relevance of services and events available to students at regional or other locations will be explored, in consultation with students at those locations or campuses.

The University will look to improve communications and information available to students who wish to establish common interest groups (i.e. student clubs) on how to do so, and for these new and existing clubs, on how to access available funding support for events and activities.

The focus and future funding of student media and student artistic activities will be considered in the context of feedback to this survey.

Further development and consultation will be undertaken to inform decisions regarding the Study Abroad Student Mentors service option, prior to any decisions for SSAF funding support.

“Create Sports and ‘other interest’ clubs at the Ourimbah Campus and help students find accommodation”

Theme 4:

Campus Amenity Projects for Students There were a total of 12 projects identified in this theme, plus the option for students to make comment or provide other suggestions. Student preferences in order of priority/ranking can be seen in the table below.

Respondents, who did not express any preferences across all projects under this theme, were removed from the analysis.

A total of 1895 students expressed preferences for projects and were included in the analysis.

Table 8: Campus Amenity Projects for Students (where 1 is most preferred) N = 1895

Ranking

Campus Amenity Project

% of student support

1

Auchmuty Library, Level 3 - Outdoor Learning Lounge

59.3%

2

Maths Building Courtyard (Callaghan Campus)

58.5%

3

Shortland Union Stage 2 and 3 - external improvements (Callaghan Campus)The Shortland Union Building Stage 1

58.2%

4

Engineering Precinct external and internal student spaces (Callaghan Campus)

44.4%

5

Maths Bus stop entry and pedestrian link to the Shortland Union (Callaghan Campus)

44.0%

6

NeW Space Technology and Green Wall (City Precinct)

40.3%

7

Social Science Building pedestrian underpass (Callaghan Campus)

38.4%

8

Upgrade the Western Entry to the Hunter Building (Callaghan Campus)

37.6%

9

Ourimbah Retail Courtyard - Covered Area (Ourimbah Campus)

33.1%

10

Installation of synthetic grass Oval 3 (Callaghan Campus)

27.9%

11

Conservatorium, Level 1 Entry (City Precinct)

25.0%

12

Third Indoor Court at The Forum Sports and Aquatic Centre

23.4%

13

Other

10.6%

33

Summary:

Campus Amenity Projects for Students

Campus amenity projects may align with one or more of the SSAF ‘allowable’ categories under the legislation.

Generally, sporting and recreational facilities, or those which complement the provision of food and drink services, and health and welfare facilities, would comprise the majority of projects that would be eligible for funding.

“Upgrade hunter side courtyard, more retail options to purchase food”

The priorities that students have identified in this section will be considered by the University in the context of planned works in 2017 and beyond. Consideration will also be had to the overall rankings given by students to the 19 ‘allowable’ categories of SSAF expenditure, and alignment of those with any of the above priorities.

It should be noted that whilst students may not prioritise a particular project for funding support through SSAF, it may still be progressed by the University using other sources of capital funding, if deemed important under the overall campus master plan.

In open comments to this SSAF Survey and to the SFUN 2016, many students who do not attend campus (i.e. those who study online or by distance) continued to express frustration at paying the SSAF for facilities (and other, on-campus services) they do not and would not get to use.

It was noted by many students in open comments, that the majority of the projects (10 out of the 12) were focused on the Callaghan campus, and that there was ‘nothing for students at Port Macquarie’, or like-comments from students at other UON regional or smaller locations.

Many Callaghan campus-based students expressed a desire to see improved facilities on the Hunter side of the campus, to match those available on the Shortland side.

Without neglecting the feedback and comment from students at other campuses and locations, there was some variation in priority identified by students at the Callaghan-Newcastle City-Ourimbah campus level.

The Ourimbah Retail Courtyard - Covered Area project was the top priority for students at the Ourimbah campus.

For students in the Newcastle City precinct, the NeWSpace Technology and Green Wall was the top priority. However, it should be noted that the Newcastle City preference was based on a relatively small number of respondents to the survey from the Newcastle City cohort.

Callaghan students, and students overall, selected the Auchmuty Library, Level 3 - Outdoor Learning Lounge, as their most preferred amenity project.

In open comments, whilst not a major capital project, provision of covered waiting areas at the shuttle bus stops was a suggestion by several students, as were requests for additional Survive U stations.

Recommendations The University will consider the Auchmuty Library, Level 3 Outdoor Learning Lounge as the top priority for SSAF amenity funding in 2017.

The preference expressed by Ourimbah students will be considered as part of the medium term campus planning for redevelopment on that campus.

Student preferences expressed in the survey will inform priorities for IFS and the University in determining future capital works, irrespective of funding source.

‘Double the number of Survive U stations!’

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open comments Throughout this report, open comments identified by students in the ‘Other’ section under each of the four themes, identified a range of positive ideas, emphasised the importance of existing services, or raised concerns or frustrations with being forced to pay the fee. The later was particularly so for students who do not attend a campus and/or are studying online. Overwhelmingly those studying solely online are postgraduate students.

Many comments related to matters that are outside the ‘allowable’ categories for SSAF expenditure, and in most cases reflect similar feedback or comment obtained through the SFUN 2016. There were many comments related to the on-campus shuttle at Callaghan (request for expanded operating hours or frequency), campus security and safety, and general issues of facility maintenance or cleanliness. Whilst not SSAF-related matters, these are nonetheless important issues for students and will be addressed to the relevant internal service areas.

Similar to the SFUN 2016, many students at the Callaghan campus in particular, expressed concerns related to car parking and travel, albeit neither of these are specifically matters for SSAF expenditure.

It is acknowledged that the mosquito issue is also significant to many students, as evidenced in open comments.

“Something, anything, for distance students. We pay yet get nothing”

A number of students requested that rather than spending SSAF funds on any of the 12 project options identified, the funds would better be spent on upgrade of many of the teaching spaces, lecture theatres or similar, particularly at the Callaghan campus. Whilst noting the genuine concern of these students in such feedback, it indicates more work must be done (by the University) to better inform students of the allowable purposes for use of SSAF revenue, which do not include use on core academic facilities such as lecture theatres, tutorial rooms or similar.

Whilst a number of students expressed a desire to see SSAF funding support for special-interest groups, clubs and societies or student associations, a similar number expressed a view that SSAF funding should not be used to support student unions or external groups or organisations promoting ‘non student-related activities’.

There were a number of direct comments from postgraduate students based at the HMRI8, and several from health and medicine students on clinical placement, particularly but not exclusively at the John Hunter Hospital. For the HMRI students the issues were about access to events and activities that could be delivered at that location, whilst for the JHH-based students, the key issue identified was access to secure storage lockers. Lockers for students on clinical placements across NSW regional hospitals, and short term lockers for students in general, was a common request across several themes.

A strong theme throughout the open comments came from mature age students, who expressed the view that most of the recreational and social events or club activities did not address their needs, and limited options were available to them to participate in social or similar activities.

A frequent issue in open comments related to lack of information or awareness of how to access some student support services; how to find out about forthcoming social and cultural events, and how to identify opportunities for student clubs.

A number of specific requests were provided in open comments, from students seeking improved services or facilities to support those with a disability.

8

Hunter Medical Research Institute, a joint institute of the University and Hunter New England Local

Health District (NSW Health) located on the campus of John Hunter Hospital (JHH), Newcastle

37

General recommendations The University needs to better inform students of the allowable purposes of the SSAF. This includes the 19 allowable categories for SSAF expenditure, but also should focus on the use of SSAF revenue to deliver non-academic services and amenity and examples of what this includes, but also what it excludes.

Key, non-SSAF concerns with particular services, identified by students in open comments to this survey need to be communicated to the relevant UON service division managers, for follow-up and attention.

The University needs to review and consider the level of SSAF fee charged to online-only (and distance-only) students, with a view to determining what would be an appropriate and equitable level of SSAF fee that should be charged, commensurate with the services or support available to or accessible by those cohorts.

The University needs to enhance its focus on delivering quality and relevant services to students at regional campuses or other locations, to deliver maximum equity of access and participation in non-academic services and activities funded through the SSAF. The University needs to consider ways to improve communication to all students on upcoming events and activities, and also look at raising awareness of how to access existing services such as counselling, health and welfare support, and other student support services.

The University should conduct the SSAF Survey on an annual basis to ensure widespread consultation and understanding of funding priorities for students.

‘Teach swimming to international students as a social and public health thing’

appendix a:

PART B OF THE SSAF SURVEY

The following provides detail of the services questions (i.e. options) in PART B of the survey.

For each of the services or activities listed in this PART of the Survey, students were asked to indicate if they think it should receive funding from the 2017 SSAF. Students were able to answer YES, NO, or NOT SURE to indicate their support (or otherwise) for each services.

For each of the 4 themes, students could also provide comment or suggestions in an open text field, under ‘Other’.

39

1. STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES Office of Student Advocacy – continue the provision of advocacy services, advice and support for all students in matters that arise under the UON’s academic rules and policies Student Counselling – continue the provision of confidential counselling services for all students, including the online counselling service Health Promotion and Wellbeing – continue the provision of student health promotion and services such as sexual health awareness, mental health support, alcohol and drug counselling and awareness, stress management and similar activities coordinated through the Health & Wellbeing Taskforce (the Taskforce includes student representatives) Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) – continue the provision of PASS Sessions where senior students conduct study groups across a range of disciplines and study areas (includes Online PASS) Library Study Rovers – continue the provision of Study Rovers to support students with a range of information access, IT and other matters within the UON libraries, particularly evenings and weekends Student Orientation – continue the provision of an orientation program including engagement of Student Ambassadors and Student Mentors to assist commencing students Pop Up Clinics – continue to deliver “Ask Me” Pop-Up Booths that operate across campuses, outside lecture theatres and exam sessions and provide advice, support and resources to students Careers Counselling and Advice – continue the provision of access to careers counsellors to assist students with planning their career after graduation (includes specialist careers counselling and support for international students) Employment Support Services – continue the provision of employment advisory services to students to help them gain employment whilst studying (including advice for international students) Subsidy for work-related short courses (e.g. RSA, RCG, First Aid, Barista, waiting (and similar) – continue the provision of a subsidy for students to undertake training to assist them gaining employment whilst studying (e.g. Barista and waiting staff, RSA, RCG and similar) Volunteering – continue support for students to gain experience and opportunities through volunteering Legal Services – continue the provision of legal counselling and support for students, including the UON Legal Centre ‘pop-up’ clinics on campus Financial Services – provide financial counselling and support for students on campus ‘Hungry Students’ or free breakfast – continue the provision of short-term free food service to support students-in-need Accommodation – continue the provision of assisting students with accessing accommodation, particularly off-campus accommodation Postgraduate student networking and workshops – continue the support of lunches, workshops and other sessions targeted to the needs of PG/HDR students Child Care – provision of support for care of children of student-parents (e.g. Support for occasional care during exam times or similar)

i-Lead Plus program – provision of support for the International Leadership Experience and Development (i-Lead) Plus Program, delivering additional activities and the opportunity to build skills in the areas of leadership, international awareness, social responsibility and employability Honoraria for student presidents – continue the provision of funding support for honoraria payment(s) for elected student presidents or approved office-holders of student associations Membership fees for national student bodies – continue the provision of funding support for student associations’ membership of national student representative bodies Other – please specify below

2. STUDENT RECREATION AND SPORT

The Forum – continue the provision of discounted student membership for the Forum facilities (Callaghan campus) Ourimbah Gym – continue the provision of support for an on-campus student gym facility (Ourimbah campus) Inter-university sports events – continue the provision of support to UON students to participate in state and national, inter-university sports events (e.g. Australian University Games, National Indigenous Games, Eastern University Games and similar events) Elite Athlete Program – continue the provision of support for UON students selected in the Elite Athlete Program UON student sporting teams – continue the provision of support to UON student sports teams in on-campus or local sports competitions Recreational and social sport – continue the provision of weekly or other social and informal sporting, fitness and recreational activities on campus Other – please specify below

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3. STUDENT SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES Free Weekly on-campus BBQ or other ‘food event’ – continue the provision of a free, weekly Lunchtime BBQ or similar food-event delivered through student associations or Student Central Extended hours for on-campus food and beverage services – provision of support so that some existing food and beverage services stay open longer hours of an evening or at weekends ‘Healthy Vending’ options – provision of Healthy Vending machines around the campus as an alternative food option, and as a quality option for out-of-hours and weekends Student Clubs and club events – continue the support for student clubs, including access to funding for club social activities and club events Artistic Activities and Events – continue the support for student involvement in on-campus artistic activities and events, such as Create 2308 (Callaghan) and Create 2258 (Ourimbah), ‘the Grotto’ and similar art competitions Watt Space Gallery – continue to support the operation of the student exhibition space in Newcastle CBD Student Media and Publications – continue support for students to produce, print and publish OPUS, YAK and NUPSA student magazines/newsletters Student ‘New’ Media – support for students to produce and engage in new media platforms – YAK TV, online, social media or other mobile platforms Study Abroad Student Mentors – support recruitment of experienced students to act as mentors who champion outbound student mobility (i.e. student-mentors who can advise UON students seeking an overseas study experience, on what to expect) Cultural Awakenings, Autonomy and other on-campus events – continue support for Harmony Day, Autonomy Festival, Day on the Quad and other major on-campus social events Social and Recreational activities at regional locations – continue support for social, cultural and recreational activities and events at smaller campuses and regional locations End of year formal celebrations and awards – continue to support campus-wide or Universitywide end of year events through Student Central, student associations and NUsport (e.g. Campus Life, awards, dinners or similar end-of-year events) Other – please specify below

4. SSAF CAPITAL WORKS (CAMPUS AMENITY FOR STUDENTS) Several campus amenity projects have been identified for consideration for SSAF Capital Funding. These projects align with the UON Master Plan (draft). Amenity projects involve building, furniture or work on the non-teaching physical facilities of the campus.

Third Indoor Court at The Forum Sports and Aquatic Centre The addition of a 3rd indoor court would allow for expansion of existing inter collegiate & social sports competitions, club training and impromptu use by students.

NeW Space Technology and Green Wall (City Precinct) The creation of an external ‘Technology Wall’ entwined within a ‘Green Wall’ in the courtyard of NeW Space, adjacent to Christie Place and Civic Theatre. The technology wall will provide the ability to hold presentations, events and exhibitions in the courtyard. The green wall will add to the overall amenity of the courtyard, providing a welcome green space within the city precinct.

Shortland Union Stage 2 and 3 - external improvements (Callaghan Campus) The Shortland Union Building Stage 1 awning and outdoor seating area was recently completed. Plans have been developed to extend this further in subsequent Stages 2 and 3.

a.

b.

Stage 2 includes a covered seating area outside Mamadukes with a covered walkway linked to Stage 1, wrapping around the Shortland building and extending towards the Great Lawn Stage 3 includes improvements to the existing external seating and entry to the lower level of the Shortland Union, adjacent to the Bakehouse.

Maths Building Courtyard (Callaghan Campus) This project will enhance and develop the external courtyard, bounded by the Maths, Behavioural Science and Social Science buildings. Creating a tranquil escape for students to gather, collaborate and relax. The area will be equipped with external Wi-Fi, group and singular seating, within landscaped gardens.

Social Science Building pedestrian underpass (Callaghan Campus) Involves enlivening the Social Sciences underpass on the main pedestrian spine from the Maths bus stop, between the two wings of the main Social Sciences Building. Installing a quirky and playful public artwork, to provide an element of surprise and delight.

Engineering Precinct external and internal student spaces (Callaghan Campus) Provision of informal learning and support spaces, including a ‘Survive U’ station, within Engineering Science (ES) Level 2. With adjacent external landscaped social seating areas and collaborative spaces.

Installation of synthetic grass Oval 3 The replacement of existing grass with synthetic grass will allow for the expansion of the outdoor social sports program into lunchtimes and weekends as well as impromptu use by students. The current usage limitations aimed at regulating damage to grass surfaces, restrict student access and usage.

Upgrade the Western Entry to the Hunter Building (Callaghan Campus) Enhancing the arrival experience to the Hunter Building from the Richardson Road, Student Services Centre entry, incorporating place making activities, landscaping and a new community noticeboard.

Conservatorium, Level 1 Entry (City Precinct) Installation of informal seating to the Entry level of the Conservatorium, providing contemporary collaborative and breakout spaces.

Auchmuty Library, Level 3 - Outdoor Learning Lounge (Callaghan campus) Installation of external seating leading from the refurbished Library Reading Room and linking to the Great Lawn. Including paved and grassed areas, with a mixture of study and social spaces.

Ourimbah Retail Courtyard - Covered Area (Ourimbah Campus) Upgrading the Ourimbah Retail External Courtyard (existing Sails area), to support the retail offering, providing covered landscaped recreational seating areas.

Maths Bus stop entry and pedestrian link to the Shortland Union (Callaghan Campus) Reinvigorate the pedestrian entry from the Maths Bus stop through to the Shortland Union building, incorporating student seating nodes and public artwork.

Other – please specify below

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The University of Newcastle

SSAF 2017 Student Survey Report Published September 2016

Document History Survey Sponsor

Professor Liz Burd PVC Learning & Teaching and Chair, Student Experience Committee

Survey Report written and prepared by

Trevor Gerdsen Director Regional Campuses Stephanie Pease Project Officer, Strategy Planning and Performance

Survey Report reviewed by

Professor Liz Burd

Survey Report edited by

Susannah Lynch Manager Student Communications and Information

Survey Report designed by

Jessica Fookes UON Visual Communications Honours student

Sources of data/information

Strategy Planning and Performance: - Respondents to SSAF Survey, July-August, 2016 - SFUN 2016 Report - 2016 Student Feedback on Orientation Report, semester 1, March 2016 UON Library (Insync Surveys Pty Ltd, Melbourne): - Library Customer Satisfaction Survey 2014

Š 2016 The University of Newcastle University Drive CALLAGHAN Australia 2308 CRICOS Provider 00109J

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