This month, UTS’s first Student Partnership Agreement (PDF, 771 kB) (SPA) came into effect.
UTS is the first university in New South Wales and fifth in Australia to successfully negotiate a SPA with its student leaders.
With the common goal of enriching the student experience, the signing of the agreement strengthens engagement and makes a strong statement of the university’s commitment to the students who contribute to decision making at UTS.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the university by Dr Brett Smout, and by student leaders Kurt Cheng (Academic Board student member for Law), Jin Liu (ActivateUTS President) and Nour Al Hammouri (UTS Students’ Association (UTSSA) Councillor, on behalf of UTSSA President, Anna Thieben).
Credit: UTS Photography Society
Kurt Cheng welcomed the signing of the agreement.
“The agreement marks a new chapter for UTS in elevating the approach to students as partners for decision making.”
Jin Liu recognised the importance of the agreement for ActivateUTS’s clubs and societies.
“The SPA reorganises students as key partners, empowering the student community to work in partnership with the university to enhance the student experience, particularly for student clubs and societies.”
Nour Al Hammouri agreed it’s a tool to elevate the UTSSA’s student voice.
“The UTS SPA is a monumental move towards powerful advocacy for the UTSSA, strengthening the role of our student union in important decision-making processes.”
Credit: UTS Photography Society
The priorities of the SPA will be reviewed biennially by the Student Council Liaison Group (SCLG) to reflect future needs of the UTS community. The SCLG comprises student leaders across Academic Board, ActivateUTS and the UTS Students’ Association.