We’re now well into the second quarter of 2013, and certainly have some momentum going! We’ve had a huge first semester, most recently supporting the National Union of Students’ campaign against Federal funding cuts to higher education, with a day of action on May 14 to coincide with the federal budget
The announced cuts will result in millions of dollars less funding going in to student administration, teaching and learning at RMIT in 2014 and 2015
Read more about these cuts and the effect they’ll have on your studies at our website
On a brighter note, our Womyn’s Department continues to flourish across all campuses
Just gone, events were held across RMIT for ‘Blue Stockings Week’, a week that focuses on womens’ intellectualism, advancing feminism through education, and rebelling against social constructs that prescribe roles for women
The middle of this magazine for more info on the department
The Queer Department continues to thrive, and will be sending numerous students to the Queer Collaborations conference in the semester break
The conference, this year held in Sydney, focuses on bringing people together from across Australia to discuss issues that impact queer-identifying people and the queer community
If you’d like to learn more or get involved with the Queer Department, visit the website or drop in to the queer lounge on your campus – there’s always events happening!
This quarter will see us hold our Annual General Meeting
After elections, it’s the most formal and important part of being a representative organisation
We present audited financial reports on the student union’s operations for the past year (2012-13) as well as a report on general activities of the Student Union and any proposed changes to our constitution
Of course, such information is always available to students upon request, so students can be sure we’re operating honestly and effectively
Grants to affiliate student clubs offered by RUSU have recently been revised and simplified to better reflect RUSU’s principles of fairness and equity
It is hoped that the new system will deliver a fairer system that reduces workload for both club executives and RUSU staff
We will continue to closely monitor the implementation of this new system and review as necessary
More events targeting TAFE students are being held, with frequent free lunches and outreach stalls in Carlton and Brunswick spaces
In second semester, we plan to bring you industry-focussed events that will educate and support students in their understanding of their target industry
Keep your eyes on our noticeboards and follow us on Facebook or Twitter to make sure you don’t miss them!
Our much anticipated Higher Degree by Research Forum was a huge success, attracting over 40 postgraduate students to engage with our panel which included CAPA President, Meghan Hopper, as well as academics and staff from RMIT
A newly established association now exists under RUSU’s RMIT Postgraduate Association (RPA), specifically for HDR students
You can find out more about the Higher Degree by Research Association (HDRA)
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