Student Services Fee: Great results in 2012. Have your say for 2013.
All Australian universities charge students an annual fee to raise money for student services and facilities. Deakin will charge the fee in 2013, and eligible students will be able to defer the payment through a HELP loan scheme similar to FEE-HELP and HECS-HELP.
This fee can only be used for student services which are included in the Government’s list. No student will be forced to join any student organisation and the legislation expressly prohibits fee revenue being used to support a political party. Details of the Government’s legislation, can be found at the Australian Government's website. The site includes a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions and answers, detailing the purpose, benefits and restrictions applying to the way universities may use revenue generated from the fee.
What did we use the fee for in 2012?
Students who started with Deakin in 2012 may not have noticed the increase in student activities and services this year but compared to 2011 and earlier years there is no doubt the vibrancy of our campuses, range of services and activities available to students and the number of students accessing services and participating in events and activities has grown exponentially.
Specific programs, services and infrastructure we are spending the fee revenue on in 2012 are:
- Student advocacy services
- Student legal advisory service
- Sport and recreation including support for sporting clubs
- Social programs including support for non-sporting student clubs and societies and activities
- Student media
- General student welfare and financial support programs
- Mental health support
- International student employment support
- Disability support
- New active recreation facility at Burwood Campus (Elgar Rd)
- Facilities for bicycle riders at Waurn Ponds
- Improved facilities for student clubs and societies at Waurn Ponds and Burwood
How much will the fee be in 2013?
A summary of the Student services and amenities fee is detailed in the table below:
| Student type | Enrolment | 2013 rates per trimester/semester# |
| Domestic on campus undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students* | Full time (3 units or more) | $91 |
| Domestic on campus undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students* | Part time (1-2 units) | $57 |
| Domestic off-campus undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students* | Full time and part time | $44 |
* International students are not charged the SSAF as their fees include a component for the provision of services required under the Education Services for Overseas Students Act, presently $22 per credit point.
* Higher Degree by Research students are not charged the SSAF.
# Due date of the SSAF is the census date for the relevant study period. Census dates can be found under Important Dates for trimester/semester
For more detailed information on the fee and how to defer payment, please refer the Student Services and Amenities Fee.
2013 proposals
We would like to hear your opinion on the priorities the University is proposing for use of the fee revenue in 2013. Most of these proposals represent continuation and enhancement of the services funded in 2012 to provide opportunity for the momentum developed this year to continue and grow in 2013.
University proposed priorities for use of 2013 Student Services and Amenities Fee revenue
| Item | Service |
| 1. | Academic Advocacy – A service to provide students with support and advice on University processes, rules, policies and regulations and specifically to advocate independently on behalf of students during any formal progress, appeal or discipline matter. |
| 2. | Student sporting programs and services including support for sport and recreation clubs and societies. |
| 3. | Student Clubs and Societies General. Support includes assistance to form a club, administrative support, financial and activities. |
| 4. | Student media. Including student generated and controlled newsletters, hardcopy and on-line publications, radio etc. |
| 5. | Student health and welfare programs including Mental Health services; Health promotion initiatives and materials; provision of basic health items free to students; subsidised parking permits; provision of food & basic toiletries; discounted student food and services/products; specific programs to focus on welfare of international students. |
| 6. | Student Legal Advisory and Referral service |
| 7. | Careers and employment support for all students and a dedicated program to assist international students to gain employment after graduation. |
| 8. | Enhancements to Orientation programs including: Student mentor and host programs and social engagement. |
| 9. | Study skills services including provision one to one consultations, group workshops and provision of self-help materials. |
| 10. | Disability support services |
| 11. | Infrastructure and amenity works directly related to the allowable uses. |
Thank you for taking the time to assist us in this important decision. Please send your response to dsl-dir@deakin.edu.au before Friday 19 October 2012.
Alternatively, you may wish to engage your independent student association (DUSA) in discussion.
