Research & Reports
As part of our commitment to you, we are actively striving to understand your needs and amplify your collective voice.
To achieve this, we are expanding our research program and have introduced three new roles: Student Engagement and Insight Officers. Their sole focus is to gain a deeper understanding of your experiences.
You can find recent reports on this page, and we anticipate adding more over time.
If you’re interested in joining our Student Research Group and receiving invitations to participate in surveys and focus groups, please inform us.
Parliamentary Submission on the Universities Accord (Student Support and Other Measures) Bill – September 2024
As part of our role in supporting and representing students at the University of Tasmania, we appreciate being given the opportunity to provide feedback on the Universities Accord (Student Support and Other Measures) Bill 2024 (Bill).
We welcome the Bill’s intent to enhance the support provided to students within the higher education system. However, we believe that certain amendments would further align the legislation with the best interests of students.
TUSA Parliamentary Submission on the Universities Accord (Student Support and Other Measures) Bill
Submission to the Select Committee on Cost of Living – YLA, SLS & TUSA Report – March 2024
Youth Law Australia (YLA), the Student Legal Service (SLS) and TUSA have come together to complete a submission on the cost of living crisis for young people.
The focus of the submission is the intersections between cost of living pressures and the types of legal challenges young people and students experience.
YLA, SLS & TUSA – Submission to the Select Committee on Cost of Living
Housing Stability at the University of Tasmania – TUSA Report – February 2024
Housing insecurity is one of the key issues students are facing at our university at this moment in time, and this is prevalent in the caseload that our Student Advocates see at TUSA.
As such, we compiled a report on what our Advocates have seen across the 12-months August 2022 to August 2023, you can find the report here:
Housing Stability at the University of Tasmania – TUSA Report
Submission to Australian Uiversities Accord Panel – TUSA Report – September 2023
TUSA’s central mission is to represent the students of the University of Tasmania and to ensure that our students receive comprehensive support, enabling them to excel in their studies regardless of their background.
In light of this, the TUSA’s report to the Accords panel highlighted two key issues for UTAS students: affordability and overcoming financial barriers, and student representation and institutional responsibility.
TUSA Submission to the Inquiry into the Provisions of the University of Tasmania Act 1992 – Semester 2, 2022
September 2022
As the only University in our State, it is incredibly important that UTAS is transparent and accountable to not only students but the broader community as it is a public research and educational institution.
Universities have changed greatly in the last 30 years. It is important to review the Act to ensure UTAS remains functional, relevant, and true to purpose.
The TUSA believes significant changes to University governance are needed for students to be given more formal roles in decision-making and influence.
A Parliamentary Inquiry by the Legislative Council is an opportunity for the University to have the concerns of the public addressed in a structured and impartial way.
As there are several matters of great public concern being discussed (the move into Hobart City, the law school, etc.), this provides a forum to address well-known issues and perhaps bring to light new ones.
As such, the TUSA formally made a submission to the committee and was asked to give verbal evidence.
TUSA xUC Student Voice Research Program – Semester 2, 2021
November 2021
The TUSA aims to foster a deeper understanding of UTAS students by actively involving them in sharing their collective experiences.
In 2021, we initiated the Student Voice Program, a collaborative effort between UTAS students, TUSA, and UTAS academics. This program involved students proposing and conducting research projects, culminating in presentations that highlighted their findings. Below, we present the key findings from the projects undertaken by the first cohort of students:
Freshie Bag: Bringing University of Tasmania Students Affordable Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Weekly
Building the Adventure Club Community: Recommendations for Growth and Governance
A Centralised Event Management System to Enhance Engagement Among Clubs and Societies
Broadening Inclusion of Students with Disability at UTAS
TUSA Student Engagement Online
UTAS Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Students’ Experience Survey 2021
COVID-19 – special online Vent Tent
May 2020
This report was presented to the university, was well received, and contributed to the significant changes announced by the University shortly afterwards.
Student Mental Health – special online Vent Tent
July 2020