Chapter 2 – Student and general information

UTS Union

This information is current as at January 2008. The latest information is available from the UTS Union.

The UTS Union enhances the quality of campus life and broadens the learning experiences of the UTS community. It provides a range of non-academic services and facilities, including food and beverage services, lounges and recreational areas, comprehensive social and cultural programs, sports facilities and programs and retail outlets.

Management

The Union is controlled by a Board consisting of seven students, two staff representatives, three Council appointees and the CEO. Annual elections are usually held in September and the new Board term of office commences on 7 October. The Union employs a staff of about 200, headed by the CEO.

Fees

The Parliament of Australia passed Voluntary Student Unionism (VSU) legislation (Higher Education Support Amendment (Abolition of Compulsory Up-front Student Union Fees) Act 2005) in December 2005. The legislation prohibits a higher education provider requiring a student to become a member of a student union or to pay a compulsory student union and amenities fee. As a result, the UTS Union has introduced the Advantage Program, a voluntary member benefits and discount program that is offered to all UTS students, staff and alumni. The membership fees collected via this program go towards helping the Union continue to provide community services and facilities on campus.

Catering

The Union operates eat-in and takeaway food and beverage services on all campuses. Franchised food outlets also offer a variety of international cuisines. The Loft and Glasshouse bars, as well as the Union Centres, are popular venues on campus for entertainment including live music, special promotions and happy hours. Advantage Program members receive 15 per cent off at Union catering outlets and access to exclusive happy hours.

Functions catering service

The Gallery Functions Centre caters for breakfasts, conferences, seminars, presentations, dinners, cocktail receptions and exhibitions at a range of venues across campuses.

Retail shops

Union shops operate on all campuses, stocking competitively priced stationery, art materials, gifts, UTS memorabilia and course notes, and providing newsagency services. Bill Express is also available at UTS Union shops at City (Broadway) and Kuring-gai campuses, accepting payment for utility bills and graduation gown hire. Advantage Program members receive 15 per cent off selected art and stationery supplies at Union shops.

Activities

The Union arranges the social and cultural programs at UTS, including semester parties, weekly live music, barbecues, skills development courses, a discount ticket program for arts, music and cultural events across Sydney and trivia nights. Advantage Program members receive a minimum $5 off tickets purchased via the Discount Ticket Program and for Union events on campus.

telephone +61 2 9514 5012

Clubs and societies

The Union assists more than 90 social and sporting clubs and societies which offer UTS students opportunities to build networks, develop professional skills and pursue new interests.

Sport

Fitness Centre

The Union Fitness Centre at Broadway features state-of-the-art exercise equipment, a cardio theatre, weight training, martial arts programs, exercise classes and fully-qualified staff. An outdoor basketball court is also available. The Fitness Centre is located on the lower ground floor of Building 4, in the Harris Street wing. Advantage Program members receive 20 per cent off three- and six-month memberships.

telephone +61 2 9514 2444

Sport and recreation

The UTS Union Sports Office, located next to the Union Fitness Centre at Broadway, runs more than 30 sports and recreation clubs, as well as organising trips and adventures including day trips to popular tourist attractions across Sydney, hang-gliding and kayaking. Advantage Program members receive 20 per cent off a wide range of trips and adventures.

telephone +61 2 9514 1891

UTS Sydney Boys High Stadium

This facility contains netball, basketball, volleyball and badminton courts, providing a training venue for sports clubs, as well as a venue for weekend sporting carnivals.

telephone +61 2 9514 2444

Intervarsities and interfaculty sports

The Union Sports Office sponsors UTS teams competing in state and national intervarsity meetings and organises numerous interfaculty competitions within the University throughout the year.

UTS Haberfield Club Ltd

The Haberfield Club is fully licensed and features a modern bar and Sky television. The Rowers' Retreat restaurant serves a range of fine food with views of the Iron Cove waterway.

telephone +61 2 9797 9523

Financial assistance and grants

The Union provides financial assistance to the UTS child care centres, alumni, and University and faculty events, including Orientation, Info Day and Advisory Day. The Union also offers sports scholarships and a wide range of grants for sporting, social and cultural purposes.

Publications

The Union produces many publications including a fortnightly magazine and a comprehensive annual diary that is free to all students and staff. Students are invited to contribute their writing, artwork and photography to Union publications. The Union's website and e-newsletter also offer all the latest news about what's on campus.

Inquiries

City campus

Broadway

telephone +61 2 9514 1444

Haymarket

telephone +61 2 9514 3374

Kuring-gai campus

telephone +61 2 9514 5009
email unionoffice@uts.edu.au

http://www.utsunion.uts.edu.au

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