The USU Board elections are upon us again!
Students should expect campaigners in colourful shirts displaying uplifting slogans to request them on social media and approach them on Eastern Avenue. Try your best to overcome your traditional, and understandable, aversion to student politics.
Below you will find links to our interviews with the candidates.
The election began with eleven candidates. As of writing, ten remain with the withdrawal of Orlando Throsby. All ten agreed to an interview with Honi Soit, however, Harshita Bhandari was not able to conduct an interview or complete the quiz in time for the print edition or this story.
There were a wide range of quiz results this year reflecting the different levels of experience candidates entered the race with. Candidates were asked questions about the USU, SRC, and the tertiary sector in Australia as a whole. During interviews, candidates were asked about their experiences, vision for the USU, and grilled about their policies.
What is the USU Board?
The Board is made up of 14 student directors. 12 are elected from members who serve two year terms and the 2 other directors are appointed by the University Senate. This election will elect 5 student directors. Voting is open to all USU members.
Working with the CEO, the Board meets monthly to oversee the strategic direction of the union. The Board approves the annual USU budget, has the final say on hiring decisions, and directors serve on committees, working groups and portfolios. The USU also oversees the clubs and societies on campus with the Board in charge of regulations surrounding club events and funding.
The USU receives a significant amount of Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF). Compared to the SRC’s $2.9 million this year the USU was allocated over $8 million.
Interviews: