Funding Priorities and Themes

Meeting date

• USQ has appointed a new University-wide Student Representation Coordinator
• The Student Representation Coordinator will manage student participation in the USQ committee structure, improve induction and training, and be responsible for increasing participation of students.

• To establish a new University-wide Welfare Officer Framework for on-campus and external students. Initial role will be to roll-out accommodation, financial literacy, student safety, legal advice and general well-being services to all USQ students.

• MobileU Phase 1: m.usq.edu.au was released 16 May 2012. The new mobile site has provided easier usability of content. Phase 2 is expected to commence when further student systems have mobile functionality
• The University has hired a ‘mobility expert’ to look at better integration of the USQ StudyDesk with mobile technology
• Online Chat services implementation has now commenced.

• This new service will provide on-line interactive resources and support to assist and inform students about psychological and physical health and wellbeing, and raise awareness to common issues presenting during tertiary study
• Provide direction to students regarding more individualised support where required
• 6 March 2013 meeting UPDATE: A further proposal was received to enhance this project by incorporating on-campus activities at all three campuses.

• A new coordinated approach to student enrichment and leadership activities for all USQ students
• Provide leadership in development and support of programs and initiatives
• Delivery point (shop front) for student engagement activities e.g. leadership programs, events, orientation and transition
• 6 March 2013 meeting UPDATE: A further proposal was received to provide additional funding to this project to sustain the services provided and facilitated by Phoenix Central across the three campuses.

• A part-time employment officer has been employed to develop:
  • Greater awareness of career and employment opportunities for students in Australia and abroad
  • Engagement of students in generic employability programs such as industry mentoring and industry experience and improved Graduate outcomes
  • Improved awareness and cooperation from local industry to support the development of international students

• USQ agreed to investigate associated costs to possibly provide free legal services and produce a proposal which benefits the collective student body. It is envisaged that external students would be able to make appointments for phone meetings. This will be further discussed at the October meeting
• 17 October 2012 meeting UPDATE:  The proposal was discussed, and outlined that the service would be informative and not representational.  The proposal sought largely in kind support rather than financial and it was endorsed to be forwarded to the Budget Management Committee for final expenditure approval.
• 6 March 2013 meeting UPDATE: It was announced that the new Welfare website is now fully operational, with a specific 'Legal' webpage containing information and referral points.

• The Student Forum have invited the Student Welfare Officer to address the October meeting with regard to this topic
• 17 October 2012 meeting UPDATE: The proposal was discussed, and due to many factors it was agreed that this topic requires further investigation, with an update to the next meeting
• 6 March 2013 meeting UPDATE: The many issues related to equity in this area were discussed, and as such, it was announced that the new Welfare website is now fully operational, with a specific 'Childcare' webpage containing Legal information and referral points.

• To benefit all students, it was agreed that USQ would provide some additional information at the next meeting on possible options regarding printing and/or postage subsidies
• 17 October 2012 meeting UPDATE: The proposal was discussed, and outlined that a credit would be given to all students to be used for the postage of printed material ordered from USQ PrintExpress.  The credit could be used for a combination of postage or printing.  It was agreed that further investigation is required, with an update to the next meeting.
• 6 March 2013 meeting UPDATE: A revised proposal outlining a $10 credit to all currently enrolled students students each semester (up to $30 per year) was discussed and endorsed.

• The Student Forum asked USQ to provide clarification on current government subsidies in relation to textbook purchases. Update to the next meeting
• 17 October 2012 meeting UPDATE: Issue is still being investigated, with an update to the next meeting.
• 6 March 2013 meeting UPDATE: Issue is still being investigated, with an update to the next meeting.

• As this proposal was agreed to be of benefit to the collective student body, the Student Forum members asked USQ to produce an Options paper for the next meeting
• 17 October 2012 meeting UPDATE: The proposal was discussed, and outlined that a maximum of two prepaid satchels per student per year would be provided (sent out with the requested Library book/s).  The proposal was endorsed to be forwarded to the Budget Management Committee for final expenditure approval.

• With HealthyU and USQ’s existing counselling service already providing a considerable benefit to students, it was agreed that the provision of additional medical and psychological services on each campus would not provide value to the collective student body. These additional services are considered a lower priority at this time.

• Online Orientation is currently in need of updating, and SA Fee funding will allow development to a standard that meets or exceeds student requirements. At the conclusion of the project, the University will continue to fund and maintain the site.
• The proposal was endorsed to be forwarded to the Budget Management Committee for final expenditure approval.

• The proposal outlined a general expansion to the current Meet-Up program, and it was noted that the funding would also benefit the Meet-Up Leaders.  There was agreement that the Meet-Up program should be extended.

• The proposal outlined the need for Accommodation support for students, and the availability of USQ to register with the StudyStays.com.au accommodation portal.  The proposal was supported and endorsed.

• The proposal outlined an general expansion to CareerHub, the on-line interface tool between University Careers and Employment services, employers, and students.  The proposal was supported.

• The proposal outlined the need for funding for the operation/continuation of the USQ Rambler (the Toowoomba campus student newspaper), following changes to the USQ Student Guild.  It was agreed that financial support would be given to the student newspaper at each of the three campus to cover yearly operating costs.  As such a proposal has been sought outlining these costs from each of the student newpapers. To be discussed at the next meeting of the USQ Student Forum.