COVID-19 Update:
RUSU is working hard to advocate for students and run campaigns that result in meaningful changes for all students at RMIT.
RUSU Comments on Major Change Proposal
To: Dene Cicci - Executive Director, Students; David Howard - Director, Library Services; Martin Bean CBE, Vice Chancellor and President
From: Daniel Hoogstra, RUSU President
READ THE MEMO
Sign up to the RUSU Campaigns Community
If you’re passionate about creating a better future at RMIT and want to be able to influence future student union campaigns - sign up to be part of the RMIT University Student Union campaigns community…
Sign Up
RUSU says no to library cuts
RUSU has written an open letter to the NTEU in solidarity with library staff who are facing potential cuts as a result of RMIT's proposed restructure. We are encouraging students to vote in our Facebook poll or email RMIT to express your views on the proposed changes. Head to our Facebook for more information.
READ THE LETTER
Have Your Say Day 2020 – All Your Ideas & What Next?
A HUGE thanks to everyone who has participated in Have Your Say Day 2020. In August 2020, a collection of current and emerging student leaders came together to talk about student life at RMIT. The discussions were led by students and focused on key student needs at RMIT. Students brainstormed ideas for improvements and changes that they would like to see in RMIT for 2020 and beyond.
READ YOUR IDEAS
Town Hall - RMIT Students say NO to Uni Cuts!
A HUGE thanks to everyone who has participated in the RUSU Town Hall - RMIT Students Say NO to Uni Cuts! In response to ongoing concerns raised by students, the RUSU President wrote an open letter to the Vice-Chancellor calling for fairer fees. The letter was covered by the Herald Sun. You can find a copy of the President's letter and the Vice-Chancellor's response below. RUSU will continue to campaign for fairer fees as part of our broader work on university funding.
READ THE OPEN LETTER READ THE RESPONSE
No fails on transcripts
After extensive advocacy from RUSU, RMIT agreed that fail grades shouldn’t be recorded on transcripts this year. Failing grades will appear on your transcript as a Withdrawal (WDR) and will not count towards WAM/GPA calculations.
Financial support for students
RUSU advocated for support in the form of hardship grants from RMIT. RUSU also issued over 8,000 free meals and food vouchers for students impacted by COVID-19.
COVID-19 Survey Snapshot
RUSU COVID-19 survey results are in! A HUGE thanks to everyone who has participated in the RUSU COVID-19 survey. We have presented these findings to the Vice Chancellor and will to continue to advocate for fair outcomes for students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
VIEW SURVEY RESULTS
Fee Reduction
RUSU is joining the National Union of Students in calling for a 20% fee reduction for all students. Please join the campaign. To find out more, visit the Save Our Students campaigns page at: www.saveourstudentsnus.com
RUSU calls on RMIT to:
- Provide a 20% fee reduction as called for by the National Union of Students.
- Implement fairer fee structures for students impacted by the transition to online learning.
- Provide additional options for students who need to withdraw or who are struggling to pay their fees due to the pandemic.
Save Our Students
Fair Assessment
Together with the National Union of Students, RUSU is calling for fair assessment adjustments in light of COVID-19. This includes assessing students fairly, taking into account the impacts of the pandemic, so students can demonstrate their true capacities.
RUSU calls on RMIT to:
- Protect students’ GPA/WAM so that it reflects their true abilities and is not negatively impacted by COVID-19.
- Ensure students impacted by COVID-19 are not unfairly discriminated against when applying for further study.
- Review current special consideration processes to ensure students get a fair go if they are impacted by COVID-19.
Census date
RUSU successfully advocated to RMIT to defer the semester 1 census date to give students more time to understand the impacts of COVID-19 on their studies.
Free trams
RUSU wrote a submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry on extending the free tram zone. We stood up for those of you experiencing cost of living pressures, calling for free transport for students and broader concessions for part-time and HDR students.
Freedom from Discrimination
RUSU made a submission to the Australian Government regarding the proposed Religious Freedom Bills. We stood up for your rights, advocating for a balanced approach that ensures the safety of people from all different religions as well as LGBTQIA+ people, women and people with disability.
2020 Priorities
RUSU has presented our 2020 priorities to RMIT executives and will continue to advocate for student rights and student experience initiatives throughout 2020.
In 2019 we achieved...
- Collaborative artwork promoting respect for women and non-binary people.
- Have Your Say Summit, providing an opportunity for students to help shape RMIT and RUSU’s student programs and hear from RMIT leadership.
- A new medical hub at RMIT city campus, providing bulk billing for local students and direct billing for international students.
- Clearer policies surrounding inherent requirements, promoting student equity and participation.
- Extended library hours during peak periods.
- Better access to SAI Global standards to support students who require these to complete their assessments.
- RUSU Little Libraries and Food Bank cupboards to support the student community.
