University Structure, Administration and Support Services > Academic and Administrative Support Services > USQ Student Guild
The Student Guild is responsible for the provision of a wide range of cultural, social and welfare services to all USQ students. It is non-political and non-religious in its objectives and services. The Student Guild complements the academic program of the University, and acts to assist students with academic and personal matters as well as their social, cultural and sporting needs through its elected Board of Directors and its full-time and part-time professional staff.
The Student Guild Board comprises 14 student members (of which a minimum of two are external students) a nominee of the University Council and a nominee of the Vice-Chancellor. Members are elected for a period of two years with half of the elected Board positions becoming vacant each year. All student members of the USQ Student Guild are eligible to nominate for election to these positions. The Student Guild Board meets on a monthly basis and all students are entitled to attend as visitors. Students can raise matters for consideration by the Student Guild Board by participating in various committees or by approaching members of the Student Guild Board or staff.
The Guild's primary goal is to serve its members - the students. It represents the student body on various committees throughout the University ensuring policy formulation considers and reflects the interests of students. The Guild also provides assistance in the form of free legal advice, a free tax return service, free student insurance cover and advocacy support. Students outside Toowoomba can access these services by calling the toll free phone number 1800 076 301, toll free fax 1800 817 188 or by emailing .
The Student Guild has increased its focus on academic advocacy and representation. This service caters for the needs of both internal and external USQ students. Staff within this department act independently from the university and can assist students with a variety of areas including academic advice, mediation, advice on appeals and problems of a personal nature. Where necessary some students are referred to the University's counselling service for assistance.
The Guild also owns and operates the Clive Berghofer Recreation Centre which houses a state-of-the-art fitness centre (the USQ Works ), a concert venue and three international standard courts for a variety of indoor sports. Outdoor sports are also well catered for with the University ovals, Toara Park rugby league ground and three new Rebound Pro tennis courts. Professional staff are also available to provide advice and support on health, fitness and sporting organisations. There are over 30 social and sporting clubs affiliated with the Student Guild. These clubs cater for social and recreational needs and interests of students. Club membership increases annually and members can establish new clubs for affiliation and receive a small grant from the Student Guild provided they meet constitutional guidelines.
Other services provided by the Student Guild include photocopying, facsimile, binding, laminating, equipment hire, organised sporting and cultural activities sports scholarships and awards, a security bus, lockers, a second hand textbook exchange and student identification cards. The Guild also offers the student diary, wall planner, desktop calendar and a student magazine and newspaper.
The Student Guild's other commercial interests include on-campus food and beverage outlets (including the Pot Belly Cafe , USQ Coffee Club and the Fast 'n' Fresh Refectory ), a stationery shop (stationery, art supplies and USQ memorabilia), Australian Campus Vending and the USQ Club . For further information visit the Student Guild website located at http://www.studentguild.com.au . This site contains useful information on the Guild, facilities, publications, events and entertainment, competitions, discounts, online clubs and classifieds.