About USU
USU Students' Association is a forward-thinking and innovative not-for-profit organisation working in the best interests of students.
With a history in student engagement spanning back to 1977, USU maintains a strong focus on student service provision and representation, and advocates for positive outcomes for students on student issues at a national level.
We offer a range of student services spanning from events and social activities; student media and creative services; early childhood education; to educational and general advocacy, representation and support.
USU is contracted by Unitec Institute of Technology to provide many of our services to Unitec students.
Te Puna Reo O Wairaka is USU’s bilingual kaupapa Māori early childhood centre, located at the southern end of Unitec’s Mt Albert campus. Te Puna Reo O Wairaka is committed to quality care and education for children aged 6 months-5 years of age, through an integrated delivery approach to Māori pedagogical practices and Te Reo Māori.
Te Puna Reo is independent from Unitec but maintains a strong relationship Unitec’s Early Childhood Education department, facilitating opportunities for internships and real world experience for tertiary students in early childhood education industry.
Student Events: USU facilitates a wide range of social events at Unitec including BBQs, sporting activities, lunchtime games and competitions and parties. The USU-produced Sounds in the Sun music festival has been the biggest orientation event in the country since 2008 and has featured acts such as Katchfire, Elemeno P, Pieter T, Ddub, Tahuna Breaks, Sola Rosa and Shapeshifter.
Another key aspect of USU’s event delivery is the Experience NZ Programme – a programme of events targeted at international students. We take groups of students away on weekend trips to destinations around the North Island, as well as on day trips to uniquely kiwi locations and activities such as black water rafting in Waitomo Caves or hiking in the Waitakere Ranges.
Rate My Course: USU’s online course evaluation system, Rate My Course, allows students to give feedback on their courses in real time. A key benefit of this system is that issues can be picked up before a course finishes at the end of semester, creating the opportunity to turn an unsatisfied student’s experience into a good one.
Another thing that sets Rate My Course apart from traditional course evaluation systems is its public nature. While all feedback on Rate My Course is anonymous, it is also public, encouraging open and productive discourse. This aspect of Rate My Course makes it a useful tool for students when deciding which papers they want to enrol in.
Student BuySell: Student BuySell is USU’s fee-free online student noticeboard. Students can list their old text books and course materials for sale, or look for a second-hand bargain. BuySell also focuses on accommodation, making it easy for Unitec students to find a place to rent nearby or with other students.
Student Representation: USU facilitates the Student Rep system at Unitec, managing class rep elections and training. At a higher level, USU also facilitates the needs of the Unitec Student Council, which operates independently of both USU and Unitec.
Advocacy: Unitec contracts USU to provide an independent advocacy service for Unitec students. Our Student Issues Advocates are trained in law, and know Unitec’s systems and policies inside out. The Advocacy service offers students free and confidential advice on academic, personal or legal issues that students might experience during their studies.
Student Media and Creative Services: USU has a long history of providing award-winning student media at Unitec, including the student magazines In Unison and Script. We currently produce a Student Media website featuring content for students; by students at Unitec. USU also designs and publishes the Unitec Student Diary and Wall Planner.
Student Job Search: USU is a member of Student Job Search, and provides this service to Unitec students. www.sjs.co.nz
Contact USU:
Where | Building 180, Mt Albert campus |
Hours | Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 4.30pm |
Contact
| USU, Students' Association at Unitec |