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Impact Strategy

The world is changing rapidly and so are students’ priorities. We commit to a major review of the last strategic plan so we can continue to make our initiatives, facilities, services and campaigns relevant to students at the University of Melbourne.

UMSU’s Strategic Plan 2023-2025 should be reviewed and refreshed. In early 2022, Students’ Council accepted the following recommendation: 

As the governing body of UMSU, every 3-5 years Students’ Council should engage in a strategic planning process that involves UMSU senior management and university stakeholders to develop a clear, well-researched, strategic plan that sets out broad goals and establishes priorities for the organisation.

In 2025, as a new three-year funding agreement is finalised, UMSU needs to commence the process of developing a new three-year strategic plan.

Following the good governance recommendations of the OECD for sustainability, accountabiliy and responsible organisational conduct, UMSU will develop an ‘impact strategy’ for 2026 to 2028. This will be developed as a draft Impact Strategy 2026-2028 for consideration by Students’ Council. By focusing on UMSU’s impact and our priority outcomes for students in our strategic direction, UMSU is taking an evidence-based approach that puts students at the heart of how we work. 

Terms of Reference 

UMSU Impact Strategy Working Group Terms of Reference

Role of the Impact Strategy Working Group (UISWG) 

The Working Group aims to create a collaborative and consultative process to develop draft Impact Priorities to support UMSU to:

  • Elevate & represent students’ voices while respecting different views
  • Undertake purposeful advocacy about issues that impact students
  • Provide expert assistance to students when it matters the most
  • Co-create exceptional student programs, services & venues
  • Make safety meaningful through inclusive & accessible spaces & programs

Membership 

Membership of the UISWG is open to all members of UMSU’s Students’ Council (nonvoting and voting), and Office Bearers are strongly encouraged to participate. The President and/or General Secretary may request Office Bearers to attend specific meetings.

The following will be members ex officio:

  • Chief Executive Officer (Chair) and President;
  • General Secretary or delegated Office Bearer;
  • At least one other Office Bearer as nominated by the President;
  • At least two Divisional Managers and/or senior staff as nominated by the CEO

Current Draft

Impact Priorites Draft

Timeline

Date

Action

Wednesday 22 April, 4–5pm

ISWG Meeting 1(26)

Wednesday 6 May, 3–5pm

ISWG Meeting 2(26)

Week of 11 May

Complete draft

Weeks of 18 & 25 May

Consultation:

•Focus groups with College & Residential, Satellite Campus and Graduate Students Working Groups

•Invite feedback from Provost and PVC Education

Wednesday 3 June, 3–5pm

ISWG Meeting 3(26)

Week of 8 June

Incorporate feedback as appropriate and finalise draft

Week of 15 June

Circulate to Students’ Council

Week of 22 June

Seek endorsement at Students’ Council Meeting

Week of 29 June

Incorporate SC feedback if required. Circulate final version.

July 2026 – December 2028

Implement Impact Strategy