SSAF. What’s the Deal?

Ok guys, you would’ve noticed that you have to cough $260 out of nowhere. Money you could have spent on the things you probably don’t need but it makes you feel good or bad whatever the case may be. It now goes to the Student Services Amenities Fee, and if you haven’t been reading up about it on the unilifemagazine.com website or going to the UniLife Forums, then I guess you’re a little bit lost about the hole in your pocket.

So to make it all clear, UniLife Student President Melissa Davies will clear it up for you.

What is SSAF?
SSAF stands for Student Services and Amenities fee which is legislation that was passed by parliament (not the university) in October last year.

In 2012, all UniSA SSAF-applicable courses are charged at $7.31 per unit, up to the maximum of $263.

What has SSAF got to do with students?
It means the university will have to charge us (the students) a compulsory fee to support things that are of a non-academic nature starting from SP5 2012.

What is SSAF’S purpose?
The purpose of the SSAF is to increase campus culture and increase the student experience at university.

Is this good or bad news for students?
UniLife and I believe it is fantastic news for students! Many studies show there is a direct correlation between time spent on campus and grades.

The more time you spend at uni, the higher your grades! Also, involvement in non-academic activities builds social skills that make you more employable! We are also hoping the fee will stop students from dropping out of uni.

Is UniLife getting any of the money?
UniLife will be receiving a portion of the money that will go towards increasing campus culture. Everything we receive will go straight back to the students in various forms. The UniLife student reps that you voted onto the UniLife board will be talking to heaps of you and asking YOU what YOU want the money to be spent on.

Where can I find more information?
If you want UniLife to provide more services with your SSAF money make sure you let the university know and if you want any more information, type in ‘SSAF’ at the UniSA website.