It’s out with the old and in with the new as UON introduces UNSA, the new student association replacing NUPSA, NUSA and Yourimbah. Hollie Hughes explains everything you know about the change.

Currently there are three major student associations at UON which provide information, resources and support to students. Since 2016 these organisations – NUPSA, NUSA and Yourimbah – have been in discussions to come together and form a single autonomous entity in order to provide a more sustainable structure than the current separate associations.

This new organisation is called the University of Newcastle Students’ Association (UNSA) and will have the capacity to represent and support over 30,000 UON students at all onshore locations as well as the 4,000+ students studying online effective from July 1st, 2020. UON staff outline that none of the current services or support to students will be lost and the new structure of the association will allow for an expansion of current offerings and support students who are not currently represented or supported.

Alike the present student associations, UNSA will remain a student-run, not-for-profit organisation that represents and supports UON students. Students will be represented through the Student Representative Council (SRC) led by the President, and governance of the organisation is overseen by the UNSA Board. The SRC and Board plan to achieve their goals through the support of dedicated staff who deliver key services and the day-to-day operation of the organisation. These services include; support for clubs and societies, academic support, welfare and hardship assistance as well as a range of events and activities across the academic calendar.

In terms of membership, the process will be similar to NUSA’s current system of “opt-in”.

A representative from NUPSA says,

“The New Association will not have automatic membership like we do but will have students sign up to a member list to participate in its activities.”

Following the election in March and April this year students have been elected to the roles on the SRC, however, the positions for the Sydney Campus Convenor and Port Macquarie Campus Convenor are still vacant. If you are interested in nominating for either of these roles please email the Manager, Student Representation at StudentAssociationProject@newcastle.edu.au for further information including a Position Description and eligibility criteria.

Keep an eye out on UON’s social media and website for more information about UNSA as it becomes available.

Feature Image: Alice Kjoller, Yak Media Designer