AUSA Advocacy Service
AUSA Advocacy Service provides a support network and service to students to help improve the quality of student life at The University of Auckland through advocacy, welfare, education and representation.
Our core services are to coordinate student representation and provide a range of advocacy support to make your time at the University the best it can be.
These services include:
- Face-to-face student advocacy.
- Welfare, financial grants and a dedicated common room for student parents and their children.
- Student representation at class, programme and university committee level.
- Action on wider education issues.
These services are free to access, so make sure you let nothing stand in the way of your success.
AUSA offers all students access to a free and confidential advocacy service, which is completely independent from the University. The Advocacy team provide professional advice if you are struggling with any issue, either academic, financial or of a more personal nature. We have the skills and dedication to ensure that you are treated fairly and with respect while you study at the University.
The Senior Advocate offers prompt and quality support to any student. Besides lending a sympathetic ear, we can offer advice about your rights, university procedures and other services you might find helpful. We help with any problems that relate to being a student.
The AUSA Welfare Officer administers the Hardship Financial Assistance Grants and food parcels for students in need of the basic necessities of life. They also chair the AUSA/UBS Text Book Grants and provide budgeting information.
Hardship Grants
If you are experiencing short-term or unforeseen financial difficulties and hardship, then we can help. The AUSA Hardship grants are to assist students to purchase food, accommodation, travel or medical costs. You are only able to receive ONE grant once per academic year. The application forms are available at AUSA House at 4 Alfred Street or online at www.ausa.org.nz.
Please remember to attach your current bank statement and other required documents so your application can be processed within 48 hours.
Food parcels
The AUSA provides emergency food parcels for students in need. You can collect a parcel at the AUSA reception at 4 Alfred Street during opening hours 8.30am-4pm. You are able to collect up to 3 of these per semester.
AUSA/UBS Text Books Grants
These grants are intended to reward and assist students who have shown significant ongoing commitment to academic study despite facing adverse personal circumstances beyond their control. You can apply for these grants the week before the start of Semester One and Two. All applications are available at the AUSA reception at 4 Alfred Street or online at www.ausa.org.nz/welfare.
Email: welfare@ausa.or.nz
Parents Space
There is a study area for student parents to use, with or without their children, at Old Choral Hall, 7 Symonds Street (entrance on Alfred Street). The resources that are available include a high chair, change table, TV/stereo, children’s toys and books, breastfeeding space, study space and lounge chairs.
Email: advocacymanager@ausa.org.nz
Student representation exists at all levels throughout the University and is coordinated by the AUSA Advocates. We ensure that students are represented at every level possible at the University. We administer, train, organise and provide ongoing support and advice to the class reps. Student Representatives are elected by their class peers to represent and provide feedback to the University about coursework related issues or problems.
University of Auckland Committee Student Representation
University of Auckland Committee student representatives ensure that the interests of all students are considered when decisions are made the University. They are there to advocate on behalf of all students. Through their membership of these committees they are involved in the decision-making policies and plans at the University. They can communicate with the student body about changes to these plans and policies.
Email: advocate@ausa.org.nz
The AUSA Education Vice President (EVP)’s role is to bring student concerns about education matters to the wider community. For example, when the government reduces its funding for the tertiary education sector, or University fees are raised, it is the EVP who writes submissions to Central Government, who meets with University personnel and makes representations to the student association’s national body NZUSA (New Zealand University Students' Association). If you are concerned about any education-related matters you can contact the EVP.
Email: evp@ausa.org.nz
