Bureaucracies are difficult things to deal with and often rather intimidating. They're meant to be, as it helps them to get the outcome they want, regardless of whether or not it is what you want. It can be frightening to take them on by yourself in those times when you feel you have been unfairly treated.
However, if you are a member of the Swinburne Student Union, you won't be alone. You will have access to advocacy services. This means that people who know how the system works will be on your side, making sure that you get the outcome that you want and that you get it quickly.
Think of it as a bit like having a lawyer. You've got better things to do with your life than to learn how the law works, so you get a lawyer to help you. As a student, you're too busy studying to learn all about the university administration, so the SSU advocacy team will take care of that for you.
In order to be effective, an advocate must be able to fully represent the interests of the student and only the student. While Swinburne University is attempting to establish their own student advocates, these advocates are paid by, and ultimately answerable to Swinburne University, not the students they are representing.
Can you really trust people employed by the university that has treated you unfairly, to make sure you get the treatment you deserve?
Swinburne Student Union is answerable only to its members. It is in our interests for us to represent you as effectively as possible, because we want you to join with us as a member and tell your friends about the great job we did for you.
Yes, if you are a currently enrolled Swinburne student, regardless of whether you are a member of the union or not, you can still access the Swinburne Student Union's advocacy services.
The difference is that while advocacy services are provided below-cost as part of union membership, non-membera will need to pay higher fees for advocacy services. See here for advocacy fee structure for non-members.
If you are having problems with any of these things, please contact us so we can help you.
Swinburne Student Union is not a trade union, so we cannot help you with problems that you may be experiencing in your workplace. If you are having difficulties with your work situation and need advocacy support, contact either the Victorian Trades Hall Council or the ACTU. They will be able to help connect you with the best people to help you with your problems.