Wikipedia

National Association of Australian University Colleges

The National Association of Australian University Colleges Inc (NAAUC) is the peak representative body for students living on Australian tertiary campuses. As a non-profit association, NAAUC aims to coordinate communication between a network of residences on a national scale, foster goodwill amongst association members, and liaise with college heads and administration in order to provide the best possible advice and referral to Australian colleges, residential halls of residences and student villages.

National Association of Australian University Colleges (NAAUC)
     
LocationVarious
Full nameThe National Association of Australian University Colleges
Established1967
PresidentLilli Anderson
Website[1]

History edit

NAAUC was founded during a small gathering of College Club Presidents and Senior Students at an Intercollegiate Conference held in Canberra in 1967. The goal was to provide a forum for tertiary leaders living on campus, and the cause didn't stop there.

Aims edit

The aims of the Association were established in 1968:

  • To co-ordinate, on a national scale, a network of communications between members of the Association
  • To implement a system of liaison with heads of college in order to further the interests of member colleges and halls
  • To foster goodwill and understanding between members of the Association
  • To promote the efficient administration of college, hall and residential associations throughout the country
  • To provide colleges with information regarding pertinent issues
  • To develop and enable professionalism within college student bodies
  • To lead the development of colleges

The Executive edit

An executive of nine members are chosen by member residences each year to co-ordinate the activities and provide direction to the association for the following year.

The positions are President, Vice-President (Development), Vice-President (Engagement), Treasurer, Secretary, Academic Director, Creative Director, Conference Directors and Immediate Past Executive. A team of State Representatives and Working Party also supports the Executive Committee.

The Current (2024) Executive is:

  • President: Lilli Anderson (The Women's College, University of Queensland)
  • Vice-President (Development): Carys Butler (St Thomas More, University of Western Australia)
  • Vice-President (Engagement): Tom Farson (UniHall, University of Western Australia)
  • Secretary: Chelsea Moor (The Women's College, University of Queensland)
  • Treasurer: Natasha Grundy (The Women's College, University of Queensland)
  • Academic Director: Ruby Gilroy (St Thomas More, University of Western Australia)
  • Creative Director: Abbey Miller (St Hilda's College, University of Melbourne)
  • Conference Director: Gabby Boshier (Sancta Sophia College, University of Sydney)
  • Immediate Past President: Evelyn Unwin Tew (Christ College, University of Tasmania)

Annual Conference edit

The association holds an annual conference for its members and involves a program of various activities all with relevance to on-campus residential living. At each year's Conference, several colleges present bids in competition to host the conference in their city the following year. Two conference directors from the host city are appointed and are responsible for the planning and running of the program under the supervision of the executive. The program typically includes;

Workshops edit

  • Conflict Resolution
  • Event Planning
  • Effective Changeover and Strategic Planning
  • Addiction, Drugs and Alcohol
  • Mental Wellness on Res
  • Cultivating Communities
  • Residential Relationships
  • Responsibilities of an Office Bearer

Role Development Seminars edit

The NAAUC Conference has a vast alumnus of veteran college leaders to encourage and aid future leaders. The Role Development Seminars are a key tool in passing information to prospective office seekers and in sharing lessons learned - the hard way - from other colleges. These sessions outline what prospective student leaders should do in preparation for appointment, what sort of commitment various positions involve and issues they should consider upon successful appointment. Seminars are presented in the areas of student club President and Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Social Officer and Residential Advisor.

Community service edit

One of the more recent additions to the conference program has been a community service outing. These outings have included day-long trips to areas outside host cities to survey and work on damaged land and vegetation. In 2005 the conference delegation planted more than 2000 tube stock native plants at a 93-hectare site in the Galada Tamboore Reserve in outer Melbourne.

Parliamentary Debating edit

The model debate gives delegates the opportunity to match their wits in an educational and slightly comical look at contentious college issues. Always one of the highlights of the week, the conference parliamentary debate is usually held at the host city's Parliament House.

Social Events edit

A full social program is the tradition of the annual conference. From our staple events such as Merch-Swap, Charity Auction, Opening Dinner and Welcome to Country, to new and innovative events including NAAUC Runway and Charity Fair. NAAUC introduces new event ideas to colleges that focuses on inclusiveness and engagement. Night outings to renowned landmarks and activities unique to the host city are also popular, and in the past have included trips to the Fremantle Prison, AFL games at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as well as others. In-house functions and a black-tie ball held at the end of the conference week are a highlight for many.

State associations edit

South Australia edit

The South Australian Association of University College Clubs (SAAUCC) is an association of the five undergraduate residential colleges located in Adelaide, South Australia. The college clubs involved are Aquinas College, Flinders University Hall, Lincoln College, St. Ann's College and St. Mark's College. Its primary function is to organise and stage sporting contests between the five colleges, especially for the Douglas Irving Cup, as well as inter-college social events. It is also responsible for intercollege-relations and discipline.

The independent Lutheran Seminary is not currently a member of SAAUCC.

The representative body for SAAUCC is the SAAUCC committee. Each individual college committee's President and two Sports Secretaries are automatically elected to the SAAUCC committee. In addition, each college may elect a further member from their community (not necessarily from their College Club Committee). [citation needed]

Past Presidents edit

Past Conferences edit

COVID-19 edit

During the COVID-19 crisis, the NAAUC team has strived to provide resources and support for communities that have taken heavy hits to their social and financial activities. In April 2020, the organisation published a handbook to assist student leaders in the continuation of community activities whilst under government restrictions and physical distancing measures.

External links edit

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