University of New England Students' Association

University of New England Students' Association
Institution University of New England (Australia)
Location UNESA, University of New England (Australia), Armidale NSW 2351
Established 1940
President Judd Newton
Vice president Dale Finch
Members c. 22,000 constituents
Website http://www.unesa.org.au

The University of New England Students' Association (UNESA) is the representative body for students at the University of New England, Australia. Its vision statement describes a desire to: “Represent without fear or favour the students of the University of New England. To encourage participation in a fair and just tertiary experience through shared higher thinking.”[1]

Modern Operations

UNESA is involved with the following operations:[2]

Historical Operations

Under UNESA, TUNE! FM was initially established in April 1970. Then known as Radio UNE, it was the first student radio station in Australia. Further established under UNESA was the student newspaper, Neucleus (established April 1947). It also entirely funded a Dentist paid for by the 'dental levy' - the first dental service at a University in Australia. Also funded were a second hand bookshop and many affiliated clubs and societies. These services (except dentistry) still exist at the university, whether under UNESA or other bodies.

Divisions and Reformations

Prior to 1990, the association was known as the UNE Students' Representative Council and, for a time, as the Armidale Students' Association. Following the introduction of voluntary student unionism, UNESA was dissolved at a special general meeting of the members in late March 2006. The functions and services previously provided by UNESA were taken over by Services UNE Ltd and split into two different organisations (for undergraduates and post-graduates respectively): Undergrads@UNE and Postgrads@UNE. Undergrads@UNE was replaced in 2009 by 'UNEG Ltd' (UNE Guild). Postgrads@UNE remained separate under the same name until 2013, when both groups reunited with the re-establishment of the University of New England Students Association.[3]

UNE Liberal Club

In February 2005, University of New England Liberal Club (UNELC) (Liberal Party of Australia) members won control of the Students' Association. UNELC members also controlled the student union and the University Council undergraduate position.

UNESA split from the National Union of Students in a disaffiliation referendum. UNESA was among the few student organisations in Australia to support voluntary student unionism.[4]

In September 2005 UNESA made world news following the appointment of a Heterosexual Officer. This position and the position of Men's Officer were created at the same time as the position of Homosexual Officer was disbanded along with the campus "queer space".[5]

In proceeding years, the UNE Liberal Club remained highly involved with student groups on campus.

Past Presidents of UNESA

References

  1. ↑ "UNESA vision statement".
  2. ↑ "UNESA list of services".
  3. ↑ "The New and Improved UNESA: Student Representation at UNE". Nuecleus.
  4. ↑ "UNE student group backs Govt change". The Northern Daily Leader. The Northern Daily Leader.
  5. ↑ "Visions of the City: Utopianism, Power and Politics in Twentieth-Century Urbanism".
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