Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
Following changes to Federal Government legislation, in 2012 RMIT University will introduce the student services and amenities fee (SSAF). The new fee will ensure RMIT can maintain its support for initiatives that deliver an outstanding experience for all students.
- Why is the fee being introduced?
- What can SSAF fees be spent on?
- How much is the fee?
- Who will be charged the fee?
- When will the fee be charged?
- Do I have to pay the whole fee upfront?
- Has there been any consultation with students about the fee?
- More information
Why is the fee being introduced?
The SSAF aims to enhance services and amenities for students, which make the experience of being a student better.
RMIT was one of a small number of universities that continued to financially support its student union and student life after student union fees were abolished by the Commonwealth Government in 2006, spending more than $16 million a year on directly supporting student services and amenities managed by RUSU, RMIT Link and the University.
What can SSAF fees be spent on?
Income from SSAF will be used to fund student services and amenities that are on the Australian Government’s list of allowable items. These services and amenities may be provided by the University or by third parties, contracted under a service level agreement, such as RUSU and RMIT Link.
The income collected from this fee will be used exclusively for services and amenities for students and cannot be used to collect or administer the fee. RMIT will report on how the income is spent and will meet national benchmarks and protocols.
How much is the fee?
In 2012, the maximum amount a full-time student will be invoiced is $263. Students enrolled in a reduced load (i.e. part-time) will be charged on a pro-rata basis.
Who will be charged the fee?
In 2012, domestic Higher education students will be charged the SSAF.
Due to the timing of government legislation it has not been possible to levy the fee to all RMIT students in 2012.
When will the fee be charged?
The first SSAF will be levied in September 2012.
Do I have to pay the whole fee upfront?
Eligible students can defer payment of the SSAF via the new SA-HELP loan scheme.
To be eligible for SA-HELP you must:
- be an Australian Citizen or permanent humanitarian visa holder resident in Australia
- be enrolled in a course that leads to a higher education award, enabling course or bridging course for overseas-trained professionals, and
- meet the Tax File Number requirements.
The application form that can be used to apply for SA-HELP will be available online from August 2012.
For more information about SA-HELP visit the Australian Government Study Assist website.
Has there been any consultation with students about the fee?
Yes, the Dean of Students has consulted with RUSU and RMIT Link on priorities for improving student services and amenities. Students’ feedback in the annual RMIT Student Experience Survey has been drawn on to identify priorities for 2012.
Student services and amenities fee survey
RMIT's student services and amenities fee survey canvassed students’ priorities for improved student services and amenities. The survey closed at 5pm on Friday 11 May 2012. Findings from the survey will be published shortly on this web page.
Student Experience Advisory Committee
The University has also established its Student Experience Advisory Committee – an elected forum where students can have their say about improving the student experience, including priorities for the use of SSAF revenue.
Election results for the committee were returned by the Academic Registrar, Dr Maddy McMaster on Friday 11 May 2012. In addition to the RUSU President and International Services Officer, the following elected students will serve as committee members:
- Undergraduate students (includes honours year students): Gabriel Brady, Louise Grant, Callum Tyler and Kathleen Feain.
- Postgraduate coursework students: Ryan James and Shyneth Paton.
- Higher Degree by Research students: Matthew Leonard and Ahlam Tariq.
- TAFE students (includes associate degree students): Darcy Treloar, James Michelmore, Andrew Tedja and Anthony Azar.
More information
If you have a query about the SSAF or SA-HELP visit the Hub on your campus or call the Student Administration Support Line (SASL) on tel. +61 9925 8980 during business hours.