Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) 2013

Almost $4.2 million has been allocated from SSAF funding for projects designed to improve facilities and services at Charles Sturt University

They are, overwhelmingly, projects called for and selected by students, for students.

Distance education students will be provided with increased online and social media support, more opportunities to connect socially and better access to on campus facilities during residential schools. Staff will be recruited to provide more face-to-face and after-hours learning and support services, and library hours will be extended to provide better access for students juggling full-time work and study. The ‘Welcome to CSU’ program will be expanded to provide orientation and academic preparation for students studying via distance education, and a range of online tools and mobile applications will be developed. This will be underpinned by an extensive consultation process to ensure distance education students get the support they need in the way that suits them best.

Our on campus facilities will also improve. A swipe-card system will be introduced to provide better security and access to a range of recreational facilities, and space across all campuses will be extended to meet increasing demand from CSU’s growing sporting clubs. Recreation and study areas will be refurbished, office and meeting space will be built in Albury-Wodonga for the SRC and student support services and a range of small-scale student social, health and learning facility upgrades will be undertaken across our campuses.

Other services available to all students include improved online spaces and information provision, the introduction of a video practice interview system which can simulate a variety of real-world interview situations, improvements to the services accessible through the CSU Card, the creation of an online shop, discounted food and beverages and extended counselling, mentoring, health promotion, financial, sporting, orientation, mentoring and childcare services.

Work will commence immediately but may continue into 2014 on some projects. Although some proposals put forward for funding were not able to be included in the current allocations, it is important to note the process is ongoing. You can provide suggestions for services and facilities that improve the student experience via the link at the bottom of this page.

As of Session 1 2013 the following students are liable for SSAF:

• Commonwealth Government Supported students
• Fee Paying Domestic students
• Associate Degree in Policing Practice students
• Eligible onshore commencing international students, including those studying at partner locations. The fee will not be levied on existing international students who commenced prior to 2013
• International offshore distance education students (not studying via a partner institution)
  
• All domestic students (continuing and commencing) studying at partner locations

Please note that CSU has taken the decision to exempt Higher Degree Research students from this fee.

Please also note that other students may become liable for the fee in future sessions as legislative and contractual issues are clarified.

CSU will send out invoices for SSAF each session. If you would like to make a payment please go to our Online Payments page.

For students not deferring, the fee SSAF must be paid upfront by Census date each session.

Eligible students are still able to defer SSAF via SA-HELP up until close of business on Census date.

Failure to pay may result in penalties such as the withholding of grades or inability to re-enrol in subsequent sessions. If you have not paid your SSAF you will have received notices from the University. Please pay as soon as possible.

If you are eligible to defer SSAF, you are able to apply for a loan (SA-HELP) via the following link: Apply for a deferral at SA-HELP

Please note that deferring your HECS or FEE-HELP liability does not automatically defer your SSAF liability. You will need to defer SSAF separately through SA-HELP. Once set up, this arrangement will remain in place whilst ever you are enrolled in the same degree. If you subsequently enrol in a different degree, you will need to reapply for SA-HELP.

Please also note that deferment of SSAF needs to take place prior to the relevant Census date.