President
This month involved strategically refining some of the work and projects I have been doing from the start of the 2025 term in order to focus on the campaigns that mean the most to me. Aside from finishing off furnishing the new office, and continuing to lead the Special Considerations Working Group alongside 10-15 other staff and students, the work that I have been doing this semester is as follows:
Meeting with the Vice-Chancellor
During my meeting with the Vice-Chancellor on May 9th, I raised key concerns about UTS’s ongoing failure to implement student-focused reforms around sexual violence and misconduct. These include inconsistent processes across UTS and ActivateUTS, lack of communication with victim-surv\ivors, the non-release of the 2025 Angela Hill follow-up report, and overall inaction on past recommendations. I stressed that UTS is not currently on track to comply with the draft National Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence (likely to be effective Jan 2026). The VC said that there was a full review of the misconduct and complaints processes underway. The VC recognised the fundamental disconnect between immediate incidents and systemic governance failures, clearly indicating that SCLG should not bear responsibility for managing sexual harm cases. While unable to comment on specific cases, the VC deemed the current lack of process transparency unacceptable and committed to addressing these procedural deficiencies.
I also addressed concerns over UTS’s protest policies, including opposition to a proposed ban on indoor protests, and urged transparency around UTS’s legal engagement with Bartier Perry. The VC confirmed the university’s stance on not adopting the IHRA definition unless legally required.
On SSAF, I reiterated that UTS must develop a transparent student consultation process for internal allocation of funds.
Campaign against Sexual Violence at UTS
Aside from meeting with the VC, I also filed a GIPA request seeking access to various documents summarised as follows:
• The full Angela Hill report from the review conducted into UTS’ response to sexual violence in 2024-2025
• Documents relating to the SSAF-funded safety caseworkers
• Communications between UTS and ActivateUTS relating to responding to sexual violence
• Correspondence relating to the UTSSA SCLG 24/3 paper
• Information on student misconduct processes.
Additionally, I met with Steve Drissell, who is conducting the VC's internal review into UTS’s complaints and misconduct systems.
Responding to Crackdowns on Protests
I attended a meeting with James Mattson, external legal counsel engaged by UTS, to provide context around the National Day of Action protest organised by the UTSSA on March 26th. The meeting largely focused on the SA’s role within the protest and “safety”.
Key points discussed included:
• I explained the functions of the SA, the role of elected office bearers, and the processes through which events are endorsed and organised, including this event.
• I confirmed that the SA had endorsed the event, liaised with UTS security, and was responsible for promotional materials (e.g. tote bags and flyers). While there was no formal paperwork submitted in advance, security was consulted and sent the usual Form 1.
• I clarified that counter-protests are common and that the individuals involved in this instance were known to organisers. I rejected the suggestion that the counter-protest was incidental.
• In response to questions about particular speakers, I made clear that the event was co-organised by several groups including UTS Staff for Palestine and PalSoc. While a staff member invited Peter Slezak, I noted that it was not the UTSSA’s role to police speech when speakers are reflecting on lived experience.
• I strongly contested any suggestion the protest was unsafe or confrontational, stating that it was a peaceful, well-organised and typical event. I expressed concern about the university initiating an external investigation in the absence of any complaints at the time or breaches of conduct.
• I also raised broader concerns about the fairness of the university’s response, particularly in contrast to how other events – such as IDF-affiliated visits to campus – are treated.
• James did not comment on the content of the protest but stated that his focus was on ensuring safe environments and helping the university balance its commitment to free expression with its duty of care.
The tone of the meeting was civil, but I emphasised that the process felt politically motivated and inconsistent with the university’s usual approach to student-led events.
I also co-signed a letter with the President of the NTEU (UTS) branch opposing proposed changes to UTS Campus Policy that would ban indoor protests. We argued that this violates freedom of expression and replaces cooperative risk management with restrictive and ambiguous prohibitions. The university responded but is proceeding regardless with these changes.
SSAF Campaign
This month, I also co-authored a joint paper with ActivateUTS titled "SSAF: Governance, Compliance and Strategic Reform", which will be tabled at the June Student/Council Liaison Group meeting. The paper identifies significant compliance, governance, and transparency issues in UTS’s current SSAF allocation model and outlines proposals to bring the university into alignment with national legislation and its own strategic goals.
Key risks identified include:
• Compliance risk due to a lack of genuine student consultation as required under the Higher Education Support Act and SSARA Guidelines;
• Governance and transparency gaps stemming from opaque UTS internal allocations with limited student oversight;
• Strategic misalignment between UTS’s student-centred branding and actual SSAF decision-making practices;
• Funding equity concerns due to the absence of a contestable process and growing imbalance between UTS and student-led organisation allocations; • Use of SSAF to backfill operational budgets, undermining the intent of the fee.
The paper recommends a full governance review and the establishment of a student majority SSAF Governance and Oversight Committee with authority to review all funding proposals, including those from UTS units. It also proposes the creation of a contestable funding pool and annual Council review of the SSAF consultation process. These reforms are proposed for implementation by the 2026 SSAF cycle.
General Secretary
Throughout May, my work has focused on completing administrative responsibilities as the semester concludes to leave me in a good place to begin working on initiatives for semester 2.
A major focus this month has been preparing for the end-of-semester Office Bearers Reviews. I have worked to prepare a meeting time for the review and that early reviews of reports to ensure Office Bearers have the reports completed on time. I have been working alongside Aryan to continue to ensure internal documents are being brought up to date. While also completing general work like assisting the Postgrad officer in running their Convenor elections.
I have also continued working with Vertigo towards ensuring their third edition provides a lot of value to students and will be meeting with them at the Working Group Meeting on the 28th of May where I hope we can work together collaboratively to ensure this.
Looking ahead now that for the large part the back log of internal administrative work is completed, I can put much more of my time into larger initiatives, including a refresh of the UTSSA Handbook. This will involve working with other office bearers to ensure all important information of the Union is presented but also ways at which the handbook can be done differently. Although currently the Handbook as a Diary is more useful to students than the older standalone handbooks, I want to look at methods where students are encouraged to actually learn about the UTSSA. If anyone has Ideas they wanted to share, feel free to let me know.
In addition, I’m looking at possible improvements to our start-of-semester engagement, which may be implementable for Semester two or at least leave concrete plans for next year. With a particular interest in improvements to our free food services like NightOwl Noodles. This is mainly looking at how we can better collect data for pushes to expand services, improvements to how we can promote campaigns through it and how we can integrate utensils to limit the current confusion/friction of students who only bring bowls.
Overall, May has been a productive month of getting much more used to the general functions of the role in order to be in place where I can complete those administrative tasks and begin to contribute much more effectively to the initiatives of the Union.
Assistant Geneal Secretary
This month has been a really productive introduction to my role as Assistant General Secretary. While I only joined recently, I’ve already had the chance to get involved in some key responsibilities and begin understanding the inner workings of the UTSSA.
One of the first major tasks I took on was helping to update and maintain internal documentation. This included replacing outdated records with updated versions, uploading a new preamble section to relevant documents, and updating financial reporting documents with figures that had been pending since the beginning of the year. It was a great way to see how structured and detailed the backend of the Association is, and how much goes into keeping things running smoothly.
I also worked on creating a social media post in response to UTS’ proposed ban on indoor demonstrations. Using Canva, I designed a post based on the letter sent to the Chief Operating Officer and collaborated with Mia to finalise and publish it on the UTSSA Instagram. It’s been exciting to contribute to campaigns that directly affect student rights and voices on campus.
Beyond tasks, I’ve spent time getting up to speed — attending regular meetings with Januka, gaining access to and learning the website backend with Biljana, and going through core governing documents to better understand my responsibilities.
It’s been genuinely fulfilling to experience this kind of involvement during uni. Being part of the Students’ Association has made me feel more connected to the university and I’m proud to support the decision-making and representation that helps shape student life. I’m looking forward to continuing to grow in the role and contribute wherever I can.
Welfare Officer
This past month has been somewhat slower than anticipated for the welfare portfolio due to a personal foot injury, which unfortunately led to several meetings being postponed. I had originally scheduled meetings with Mariah, the UTSSA Executive Officer as well as with the staff members of our Bluebird Brekkie and Night Owl Noodles initiatives but was unable to attend due to limited mobility. I intend to reschedule and conduct these meetings in the coming month.
Despite these setbacks, I was fortunate to participate in an external review of the UTS Health Service. Many students who have accessed the service will be familiar with ongoing issues such as limited appointment availability, late cancellations, and at times, less-than-ideal advice from medical staff. I’m pleased that the welfare department was able to contribute meaningfully to this review, and I’m hopeful that our involvement will lead to improvements in the service offered to students.
This month, I also took part in the National Union of Students (NUS) nationwide welfare survey, which I have shared through my social media channels. I'm hopeful that the results will reflect the lived experiences of UTS students and contribute to broader national advocacy on student welfare.
Additionally, my article on UTS housing and the UTSSA’s work in that space was recently published in Vertigo. It was also fantastic to see a separate piece written by Vertigo news editor Eryn Yates, which highlighted the permanent food spaces initiative – another important welfare project currently underway. It’s encouraging to see increased coverage and recognition of these efforts.
Looking ahead, the second meeting of the Student Council Liaison Group is less than a month away. At this meeting, we will receive formal responses from UTS to the two papers I submitted in March. In response to the housing paper specifically, UTS launched the UTS Housing 2025 Resident Survey. Notably, no such survey was conducted in 2023 or 2024. It appears the university is seeking to collect its own data to frame a response to the UTSSA's advocacy. While we will be receiving formal replies to both papers regardless, I will also be requesting access to the survey results directly from Sarah Lok, Director of the UTS Student Services Unit, and Matthew Bowerman, Manager of the UTS Housing Service.
In addition, I will be following up with UTS Legal regarding proposed amendments to the current licence agreement for student housing. While this matter is not yet time-critical, the September deadline is approaching, and it is important that we keep this moving forward.
I’m also currently preparing a workshop for the upcoming Education Conference (EdCon) and look forward to sharing that space with many of you next month.
Women’s Officer
In May I worked on the Period Products Campaign, having held multiple organising meetings and creating a survey with the help of Mia and recommendations from WoCo, I spent early May postering and making social media promotion for the survey.
The survey ended on the 26th of May. It was extremely successful, receiving 312 responses which will be used to push harder for more funding toward the period product service at UTS. This is the main goal for next month.
I also held a banner painting session and attended the National Day of Action against Gendered Violence run by What Were You Wearing. This was an extremely important event to attend. We heard some powerful stories from victim survivors about their experiences interacting with the system and the shameful failures of institutions that are supposed to protect us.
Finally, I contacted the DVC Kylie Readman and RNA on making a statement around the recent femicide of UTS student Audrey Griffith and the continuing rise in femicide since January 2024. I also contacted RNA about working on in-person consent training for clubs and societies. This was a motion I had passed at NatCon last year and so I am hoping to work toward this at UTS.
International Students’ Officer
1. Invitation to Discuss Refugee Student Settlement Pathway (RSSP)
In early May, with the endorsement of Ashlyn (National NUS President), I extended an invitation to key university stakeholders to participate in a meeting to discuss the new Refugee Student Settlement Pathway (RSSP). This initiative aims to support displaced students from regions such as Malaysia, India, and Thailand. The RSSP includes a peer to-peer model with support activities such as airport pickups, welcome arrangements, study acclimatisation, campus orientation, and fundraising (approx. $1000 per student). A poll was distributed to coordinate availability for a mid-May meeting:
https://doodle.com/group-poll/participate/bkXD1gvd.
2. Student Media Connection - 12 May 2025
On May 12, I assisted two international students in connecting with a local news agency. They were able to share their personal stories and settlement experiences, helping to amplify student voices and raise awareness about challenges faced by displaced learners.
3. RSSP Introductory Meeting - 16 May 2025
On May 16, I participated in a preliminary meeting to further introduce the RSSP to relevant university stakeholders. The meeting offered an opportunity to discuss the logistics of student support, share feedback, and align institutional efforts in welcoming the new cohort of refugee-background students.
4. Planning Meeting with NSW ISRC Chair - 19 May 2025
On May 19, I held a planning session with the NSW ISRC Chair regarding the upcoming student visit to the University of Newcastle. This visit, hosted by the university, will serve as an opportunity to foster inter-campus community building and showcase student leadership at the state level.
Conclusion
May 2025 was a month of meaningful engagement, focusing on inclusive support mechanisms for international and refugee-background students. Through collaborative meetings and media engagement, we have continued to build awareness, prepare for upcoming visits, and enhance the visibility of student-led support programs. These initiatives lay the groundwork for deeper cooperation and more resilient student communities across NSW.
Postgraduate Students’ Officer
Progress:
• Facilitated Convenor Election for the Postgraduate Collective:
Organised the internal election meeting held on Monday, 17th May via Zoom to appoint the new Convenor for the postgraduate collective. Coordinated the voting process, introduced candidates, and ensured election transparency. Manasvi was elected as the new Convenor, with participation from 17 postgraduate students.
• Collaborated with Monash University on the Health, Family and Finances Survey:
Actively promoted the inter-university survey among UTS postgraduate students, encouraging participation to identify key wellbeing concerns. Coordinated with the UTSSA for newsletter circulation.
• Continued online engagement and support through the Instagram channel: Maintained regular interaction with postgraduate students through posts about services, events, and mental health support. The page has now grown to over 400 followers, creating a steady platform for communication and outreach. Upcoming Plans:
• Analyse responses from the Monash Survey and share with the UTSSA to understand the needs and requirements of the students to help them better. • Initiate planning for Spring 2025 O’Day and collective meetup.
• Collaborate with newly elected Convenor and other collectives to host cross cultural, career and academic support events for postgraduate students.
Ethnocultural Officer
SCGL Paper on Racism & Representation
The SCLG paper addressing racism on campus and the severe lack of racial diversity in UTS leadership has now been drafted and submitted for initial feedback. The report outlines the structural and cultural barriers facing BIPOC students and staff, and puts forward a series of recommendations for improving meaningful inclusion in university governance. This has been a collaborative effort with Chloe Ferreira, and will be shared once refined post-exams.
Campaign to Cut Ties with Israeli Institutions
I have been working to liaise with key figures at UTS regarding the process of formally cutting institutional ties with Israeli universities and companies complicit in the occupation of Palestine. UTS is now on track to become one of the first universities in the Western world to make such a move, and we are currently pushing for full transparency around the timeline and announcement of this divestment. This work builds on student protest, submissions, and continued lobbying since October 2023.
Accountability Meetings with UTS Leadership
Over the past month, I have participated in a number of meetings with senior UTS staff, including those from CSJI and the VC's office, calling for urgent action in response to the genocide in Gaza. One key demand is for a university-wide email acknowledging the impact of the genocide on Palestinian students, staff, and their families, as well as the Islamophobic backlash that has followed. UTS must be consistent in addressing global issues that impact its community, and cannot remain silent on Palestine.
Vertigo Podcast on Ethnocultural Student Life
I have begun working with the Vertigo editorial team to produce a podcast focused on the experiences of ethnocultural students at UTS. This project will spotlight student voices and offer space for critical conversations about race, identity, and activism on campus. The podcast is currently in pre-production and will feature interviews, lived experiences, and cultural commentary.
Election of a Convenor
A convenor has now been elected for the Ethnocultural Collective to support events, meetings, and administrative duties.
Palestinian Refugee Student Support
I am now a designated point of contact for Palestinian students arriving at UTS on humanitarian or refugee scholarships. This includes offering cultural and academic support, liaising with services, and ensuring that their transition into the university community is met with dignity, safety, and care.
Follow-Up on Anti-Palestinian Racism Submission
I am still awaiting a response from Amy Perrson (PVC, Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion) regarding the detailed report I submitted on incidents of anti-Palestinian racism at UTS. The report calls for a standalone statement recognising anti-Palestinian racism without relying on antisemitism as a point of comparison or validation. Recognition must be rooted in our own experiences, not measured against someone else's.
Legal Review & IDF Incident
Alongside Yasmine Johnson, I contributed to the recent legal review connected to the National Day of Action (NDA) rally. While the focus of the review was framed around student protest, we were told that the IDF event held on campus is not currently under investigation—despite the harm and retraumatisation it caused for Palestinian students. I raised this concern and stressed the need for equitable scrutiny and transparency.
Disabilities Officer
May has been a quieter month for the Disabilities Collective. This month largely has been spent preparing for the NUS Education Conference as well as completing the End Of Semester Disabilities OB Report. We have attempted to hold our fortnightly coffee catchups, however these have had a much lower attendance due to exam season, but is still a great way of catching up with the collective, and hearing their ideas and goals for the collective in an informal setting.
I have also been working on a variety of materials for the launch of the Sunflower Scheme at UTS as well as Disability Pride Month coming up in July. I have also been in communication with Hannah from Disability Pride Sydney about the UTS Disabilities
Collective’s involvement in Disability Pride Sydney, and she has passed on a design opportunity for banners to be displayed across Sydney CBD.
I have also continued to work on the UTS Disabilities Collective Guide to Accessibility Master document, and have been adding to this throughout the month, particularly with information regarding organising protests and actions and accessible social media practices.
Queer Students’ Officer
At this stage, progress has been steady but limited. We are currently in discussions with the LGBTIQA+ Project Officer of Centre of Inclusion to plan and coordinate events for Wear It Purple Day in August. These events aim to celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of inclusion and visibility. The Centre for Inclusion are thinking of doing a lecture or cultural performances to discussion trans visibility, life experiences and the colonial impacts within these spaces around November during Trans Week of Awareness. This will not only include members of UTS but also include collab with other university and community members. We discussed how we could collaborate with other faculties to help promote and educate people with the border issues around trans visibility, health and wellbeing.
In addition, I have reached out to Twenty10, an organisation that offers a wide range of free support services for LGBTQIA+ youth. Their services include health and mental health counselling, advice on general wellbeing and short-term housing for those in need. We are exploring the possibility of collaborating with them to provide information sessions or providing information to their services.
Looking ahead, June is Pride Month, and we are excited to be planning a number of events in celebration. These events will be designed to foster community, celebrate diversity, and strengthen the visibility of LGBTQIA+ students on campus. One key event currently in development is the Queer Ball—a collaborative effort between the Queer Collective and UTS Darlings. Hopefully this event will highlight UTS efforts to provide and build a safe and inclusion space that celebrates all differences and diverse backgrounds.
Environment and Technology Officer
The enviro collective has had a very busy ending to the semester.
Events:
We ran our final gardening session and movie night on the 7th of May. both events were quite successful and saw good turnout, with both seeing new members coming to an Enviro event for the first time. I hope to continue the relationship with Ultimo community garden into semester 2 with new projects to help out the garden such as helping them with cleaning up their shed.
Sustainability steering committee:
I have updated the sustainability steering committee about the work that the collective has been doing and that we now have an active membership
AI operations board:
I attended a meeting of the AI operations board this month, I raised concerns students had about using AI chatbots provided by the uni, particularly around the confidentiality of any information provided.
Sydney Morning Herald Interview:
I spoke to a reporter from the Sydney Morning Herald/Age about concerns students have had about AI invigilation in exams, especially when it comes to being falsely flagged for misconduct by proctoring software