Background

In October 2011, the Australian parliament passed legislation to allow Universities and other higher education providers to charge a compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). During 2012 Australian universities, including the University of Newcastle, introduced a SSAF to improve services to students. The government has clearly set out what the funds can be spent on: http://www.innovation.gov.au/HigherEducation/StudentSupport/Pages/StudentServicesAndAmenities.aspx

Current Terms of Reference for SSAF Management Committee, which includes membership details

The University is spending every dollar on student services - either completely new services or improvements to existing ones.

2012

Students were charged SSAF from Semester 2 2012 and extensive consultations were undertaken with students, representative and student associations, to determine what services students needed. This consultation will continue throughout 2013.

The following activities and projects were achieved with SSAF funding:

• 'Think Big' initiative - a program for new, student generated ideas to enhance campus life at Callaghan, Ourimbah, City, Port Macquarie, Sydney and Taree campuses. Over 120 ideas have been recieved;
• Survival Stations at Callaghan Campus;
• Refurbishment of NUSA building and the prayer and reflection rooms in Auchmuty Library;
• Operational support for Ourimbah Gym during business hours;
• 'Healthy University' initiative focusing on sexual health and addressing issues resulting from excessive alcohol use. Online alcohol assessment tool and web and publication resources created.
• Providing students with an online communications channel, UTV, was successfully launched with five episodes already aired.
• Expansion of the existing PASS program and the introduction of virtual PASS programs accessible at all locations.
• Online career resources developed and deployed for all students, irrespective of location or mode of study.  This provides clear links between possible employment outcomes linked to the areas of study offered by the University.  

2013

Applying the Principles for Assessment of SSAF fund allocations, and after consultation with students and consideration of proposals from student associations, entities and other organisational units involved in delivery of services to students,a range of priority areas proposed for funding under the SSAF for 2013 have been approved.

Your feedback on this will be important and if you would like to comment, raise suggestions or meet with senior University staff to discuss any of the projects when announced, you can email fees@newcastle.edu.au, or go to the website Experience Newcastle, or tell us confidentially through feedback on AskUoN 

For 2013, the maximum amount a student can pay is $273 per year and may be less depending on your mode and study load. The SSAF will be charged per term to a maximum payment of $136.50 per 6 month period.

Billing

The 2013 SSAF will be invoiced upfront, seperately from your course fees in each term you are enrolled. Once the SSAF bill is generated you will be notified via email that your SSAF bill is available in myHub.

SSAF Billing and Payment Schedule 2013

Payment Options

If you are an Australian citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder (resident in Australia), who is enrolled in a program of study with UoN, you may choose to:

• pay the full SSAF amount upfront;
• pay some of the SSAF upfront and get a SA-HELP loan for the remainder; or
• apply for a SA-HELP loan for the full SSAF amount

All other students must pay the SSAF upfront by the payment due date on their SSAF bill. SSAF bills will be issued each term of study and can be accessed via myHub.

Please note: Students who are enrolled in non-award and cross-institutional study are not eligible for SA-HELP loan assistance and must pay the SSAF in full to the University.

SSAF bills will be issued each term of study and can be accessed via myHub.

Enabling (Open Foundation, Newstep, Yapug and International Foundation), and incoming International Study Abroad students will not be charged SSAF in 2013.

SA-HELP 

Eligible students can request assistance from the Commonwealth government to defer the fee payment through the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) known as SA-HELP.

To be eligible for SA-HELP, you must meet all of the following conditions:

• be an Australian citizen or permanent humanitarian visa-holder, resident in Australia
• be enrolled in a course of study (including bridging study for overseas-trained professional or enabling courses) with a higher education provider
• meet the Tax File Number (TFN) requirements, and
• complete and submit a Request for SA-HELP Assistance form (eCAF) by the census date.

To access SA-HELP you must apply for it, even if you have deferred your tuition fees using HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP.

Students who want to take up the SA-HELP loan option for 2013 will need to complete a Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF) as a part of the 2013 enrolment process. Find our more about SA-HELP.

Please note: Students who have already completed an eCAF for either HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP will still need to complete a new eCAF for SA-HELP.

Students who wish to take advantage of this option for study in 2013 need to:

1. Log in to myHub during the re-enrolment period
2. Click on 'View My SA-HELP eCAF' on the left hand side of myHub under the 'my Finances' tab.
3. Complete the 'Request for Commonwealth Assistance - SA-HELP' form (you will need to enter your Tax File Number if you have not previously supplied this to the University)

Students who don't complete a SA-HELP eCAF by census date will be required to pay the fee up front

View a video on how to complete the eCAF form for SA-HELP.

SSAF Refund

Please refer to the Student Fees Refund Procedure.

For more information why not AskUoN or contact fees@newcastle.edu.au