Chief Executive Officer
The role of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at UMSU
The CEO has oversight of operational activities across the whole of UMSU, acting in accordance with our values, Constitutional purposes, and mission to ensure student control of student affairs. Student needs and ambitions remain at the forefront of everything we do and guide the decisions we make.
In line with our Constitution, UMSU will:
- advance the welfare and interests of Students;
- represent students of the University within the University and to the community;
- provide amenities and services, principally for Students and other members of the University community, and incidentally to the public.
- provide an independent framework for student social and political activity;
- develop, maintain and support student clubs, societies and associational life generally;
- promote and defend the rights of students to education on the basis of equality, without regard to race, colour, sex, sexuality, gender identity, age, physical disability, mental illness, economic circumstances, political religious or ideological conviction, or national or social origin;
- oppose violence and/or hatred through militarism, nationalism, or discrimination on the basis of race, colour, sex, sexuality, gender identity, age, physical disability, mental illness, economic circumstances, religion, or national or social origin;
- provide a democratic and transparent forum in which students’ affairs and interests can be governed in an effective and accountable manner; and
- promote free and accessible government-funded education.
The CEO leads UMSU’s planning, finances, resources, student member engagement, services, facilities, advocacy, external relations, communications, marketing, and occupational health and safety. Only the CEO can direct UMSU’s staff to achieve the organisation’s vision, strategy, goals and objectives which centre on inspiring students and advocating for positive change.
In addition, the CEO provides guidance, mentoring, and support to the President and Students' Council about the good governance of UMSU, in particular the operation of UMSU in respect of its obligations as an incorporated membership-based association and a registered charity, as well as the delivery and management of UMSU’s broad range of activities, which include:
- student advocacy and legal services;
- arts and culture facilities, events and programs, such as the Union House Theatre program, George Paton Gallery, and Rowden White Library;
- business initiatives such as the Ida Bar;
- supporting affiliated clubs and societies;
- food relief initiatives, student engagement activities and volunteering programs; and
- student representation, campaigns and advocacy activities.
The CEO provides high-level strategic and compliance advice to the whole organisation; for example, the legislative guidelines applicable to allowable use of the Student Service and Amenities Fee (SSAF). Additionally, the CEO is responsible for driving UMSU’s advocacy strategy and its implementation in conjunction with UMSU staff, Students’ Council and student office bearers.
The CEO is also directly involved in a range of UMSU's activities and works in collaboration with the elected President on matters relating to student control of student affairs, such as representation, student engagement and service provision. The CEO liaises with UMSU’s Constitutionally appointed tribunals, and is also UMSU’s key Child Safety Officer and Privacy Officer.
The CEO may be contacted in relation to complaints or queries about UMSU that are not otherwise covered under a specific process: ceo@union.unimelb.edu.au.