Distribution of SSAF funds

SSAF is charged and administered according to Commonwealth Government legislation and guidelines. A requirement of the legislation is that students are consulted in the determination of how SSAF revenues are distributed. 

Reinvesting your SSAF

Under Government guidelines, SSAF funds may be spent on activities of a non-academic nature, such as:

• supporting a sporting or other recreational activity by students
• supporting the administration of a club most of whose members are students
• caring for children of students
• providing legal services to students
• promoting the health or welfare of students
• helping students secure accommodation
• helping students obtain employment or advice on careers
• helping students with their financial affairs
• helping students obtain insurance against personal accidents
• providing food or drink to students on campus
• providing libraries and reading rooms (other than those provided for academic purposes) for students
• supporting an artistic activity by students
• supporting the production and dissemination to students of media whose content is provided by students
• helping students develop skills for study, by means other than undertaking courses of study in which they are enrolled
• advising on matters arising under ACU's rules
• advocating for students' interests in matters arising under ACU's rules
• giving students information to help them in their Orientation
• helping meet the specific needs of overseas students relating to their welfare, accommodation and employment.

SSAF at ACU

You can find out how much the SSAF is, who needs to pay it and when in the ACU Handbook 2022.

Each year, in accordance with the legislation, we consult with students about the priorities for SSAF expenditure. This includes the annual SSAF Survey of all students and formal, in depth discussions with elected student leaders from the ACU National Student Association and the ACU Postgraduate Association. Feedback from other student groups is also welcome.

Data from key student surveys are also analysed to identify areas of need. Other inputs include student feedback through university committees, service delivery usage and demand, event attendance, and enrolment data analysis.

To help fund the development of non-academic campus facilities and amenities, the university matches dollar-for-dollar all SSAF funds budgeted for capital projects.

Prioritising SSAF funds

Students’ top three priorities have been similar over the past few years. In the 2021 survey, you told us your top priorities for SSAF spending were in areas related to:

• health and welfare
• employment and career advice 
• food and drink.

In 2019-20, you advised the following were the most important to you:

• health and welfare
• employment and career advice 
• food and drink.

Annual budgets

We prepare a budget for the year ahead based on your feedback and consultation with student leaders regarding the SSAF.

SSAF is spent on new and improved student services, activities, and facilities in the following categories:

• Student Participation: 
• Student associations, including the ACU National Student Association (ACUNSA), Campus Student Associations, and the Postgraduate Association (ACUPGA).  ACUNSA and ACUPGA are formally consulted on the SSAF budget.
• clubs and societies on campus, Including social, cultural, sporting and faculty based activities and events
Student Services:

 Significant student programs and their staffing, including;

• Careers and Employability
• Student Advocacy
• Student legal service
• Student Safety
• The ACU App
• Medical services
• The ACUXtra rewards program
• Disability Services
• Counselling Services
Social and Cultural Activities: 

A range of student programs and events which enhance student life on campus such as oratory and drama, art, photography, language classes, recreational reading and movies , orientation activities across all campuses and online.

Sporting Programs: 

Social and community sporting activities, sport clubs, gyms, major university sporting events, and the Elite Athlete and Performer Program.