USU Board: Belinda Thomas elected Honorary Secretary, Verge Gallery funding boost
Fabian Robertson reports.
Belinda Thomas was elected unopposed to the position of Honorary Secretary at yesterday’s USU Board meeting, replacing Vikki Qin who stepped down due to currently being out of country. Qin was elected to the position ahead of Thomas at the Executive Elections in June. Thomas’ election to Honorary Secretary comes with a stipend increase of $9998 for the year.
Verge Gallery prioritised in budget
USU management has adopted a conservative spending budget for 2022 in anticipation of unpredictable revenue. $253,736 has been budgeted for Verge Gallery, a 40% increase from 2019 spending. This includes $24,000 for a new role of Art Collection Coordinator, $5000 for student-led Verge exhibitions and an undisclosed amount towards anticipated increases to artist fees. $663,790 has been budgeted for Clubs and Societies and $99,950 for Welcome Fest.
The USU has budgeted for $19.952 million in total revenue against operating costs of $19.702 million in 2022. The budget will be adjusted every quarter to reflect trading conditions.
Free menstruation products added to Holme and Wentworth
Free menstruation products have been added to the bathrooms in the Holme and Wentworth buildings on 12-month trial basis. Their installation coincides with a USyd media release publishing the results of a survey into the impact of menstruation, conducted by PhD student Alana Munro. Of 240 respondents, 33% felt anxious managing their period outside the home, 70% felt their period impacted their school, university or work attendance, 28% told their teacher, lecturer or employer they absented because of their period and 82% wanted access to menstrual leave at school, university or work.
Senate disallows potentially harmful charities bill
The Senate disallowed the Coalition Government’s bill to expand the powers of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission to deregister bodies for minor offences. The proposed changes raised concerns that organisations like the USU and SRC could face repercussions for advocacy and protesting.
Coffeemobile acquired
Vittoria’s donated three-wheeled Piaggio coffee-dispensing vehicle has arrived at the USU. The vehicle will operate on campus with the potential to relocate to the Conservatorium when required. CEO Andrew Mills gleefully notified the Board that operating the vehicle requires a motorcycle licence - a qualification that Mills is one of few to boast of.
Disability Portfolio
Disability Portfolio holder, Telita Goile, reported on communications with SULS’ Andrew Shim. Goile acknowledged the “problem with accessibility across the university” and indicated the USU is exploring the possibility of a disability action plan. The plan could see the USU encourage more societies to appoint Disability Officers and engage in advocacy more broadly.
Staff
100% of USU staff have received return to full hours letters. The USU is also in the process of drafting a vaccine mandate for staff.
Mills noted 74 vacancies for operations staff in the midst of mass shortages in the hospitality sector as a result of the pandemic. Mills indicated the higher demand for staff such as baristas presented “emerging issues” regarding the potential for increased wages. These issues will be “mitigated” with salary benchmarking surveys.
SMH funding promises
A Sydney Morning Herald article published 9 November included quotes from Mark Scott promising funding for Welcome Fest will be tripled and grants for student societies “boosted”. The Board was unable to provide any details on this funding increase as they are waiting on the University.
SCASS Backspace Gallery
November 11 marked the inaugural exhibition of the Sydney College of the Arts Student Society Backspace Gallery, supported by Verge. Mills thanked Cole Scott-Curwood for his role in the gallery’s launch.