29 January, 2007
New student organisation for UNSW

Arc @ UNSW is the new student organisation for Kensington and COFA campuses.

Due to be launched in Orientation Week, the Arc is the product of extensive consultation and planning processes undertaken by the student organisations and University administration during 2006 to ensure the continuation of student services and representation on campus following the introduction of VSU.

Situated in the Blockhouse and Roundhouse at Kensington, and in D and E block at COFA, the Arc will provide a range of services and facilities for UNSW students similar to those previously provided by the Student Guild, Postgraduate Board, COFA Students’ Association and the Source. These student organisations are in the process of winding down in early 2007.

“The Arc will provide UNSW students with a range of opportunities to shape their overall experience of University life." Peter Graham, Chief Operating Officer

The Arc will provide student facilities such as the COFA Students’ Lounge, Postgraduate Lounge, Womyn’s Room and Kudos Gallery. At Kensington, students will have access to rehearsal space, a women’s room and postgraduate lounge on lower campus, and for 2007, Queer Space will remain in its current location in the Chemical Sciences building (F10).

The Arc also manages functions and room hire in the Roundhouse, while the Squarehouse is now operated by the University.

Some of the services to be provided by the Arc include:

• Student Club resources and support
• Advocacy and legal services
• Roundhouse bar and entertainment programs
• Commercial offerings including Zippy’s stores, the Campus Art Store and the Graduation and Gift store
• Student publications including Tharunka, Blitz, Zing Tycoon and the Student Diary
• Student activities and events such as Foundation Day, O-Week, and Oktoberfest
• Development opportunities and volunteering programs including the Yellow Shirt program, and creative development courses.

In addition to these services, the Arc’s Representative Council will provide a forum for representation of student interests, with three main departments looking after Postgraduate, Undergraduate and COFA students. Additional groups within the Representative Council will work on issues including those affecting women, international students, indigenous students and the environment. Chair of the Board of the new entity is Kate Bartlett. Kate was formerly President of the Source.

“The work undertaken by UNSW student representatives in 2006 to plan for the future under VSU has been truly impressive,” said Peter Graham, Chief Operating Officer. “The Arc will provide UNSW students with a range of opportunities to shape their overall experience of University life. The collaborative culture of the new student organisation, such as the formation of closer links between COFA and Kensington students, provides an excellent foundation for the Arc to enhance the student experience at UNSW in 2007 and into the future.”

UNSW students can take up membership of the Arc on a voluntary basis. Associate membership will be offered to staff at UNSW and affiliated organisations. Students will be informed of the new organisation’s scope via comprehensive guides and the launch of a new website during O-Week (February 19-23).

The Arc can be contacted on 9385 7700 or by visiting the Blockhouse on Kensington campus or D Block at the COFA campus.

For Roundhouse bookings, contact 9385 7630.

Staff appointments - Division of the Chief Operating Officer

Two senior appointments have been made within the Division of the Chief Operating Officer.

Andrew Farquhar has been appointed Director, Business Performance and Sue-Anne Chew has been appointed Director, Marketing Services. Both Andrew and Sue-Anne were previously in these roles as acting directors and will continue to report directly to Peter Graham, Chief Operating Officer as part of the Operations Executive Team.