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To: Flinders University

4 Ways International Students are calling on Flinders University for more support

FUSA’s International Student Collective is actively working towards the needs and rights of Flinders University International Students during this unprecedented and challenging time of COVID-19. International students, so far, are socially and financially vulnerable in this situation despite the University and State Government have demonstrated their modest measure to support.

Given that South Australia has the tremendous achievement of restrain the spread of COVID-19 as well as to recover from its impacts, countries where are home of many International Students continue suffering from this virus. While, indeed, controlling COVID-19 will result in economic cost globally, it is believed that the developing world will suffer the most. Family financial hardship in our home countries, as well as the current challenges to get employed for International students in South Australia, are obstacles for International Students to continue studying at our best performance. By listening to many International Students during this time, the International Student Collective, a vital body of FUSA, calls on Flinders University to continue taking further actions to ensure the ongoing study condition for International Students in the following four ways

1. Expand the financial support in the form of bursary at least 35% of the tuition fee in the coming semester for all International Students.
2. Expand and adjust the policy regarding payment extensions and instalment to ensure they are more accessible and feasible for International students.
3. Extend payment due date for international students and the general census dates back at least one month.
4. Identify and provide any students who unable to pay the fee on time with essential supports.

Why is this important?

International Students alongside domestic students at Flinders University matter as we continue contributing to enriching the cultural environment, academic fields and economic development of Australia and the world. By supporting International students and standing in solidarity with us, Flinders University not only demonstrates to the State, the country and the world its pioneer and leading responsibility for International communities, but the university will also continue sustaining academically and socially its reputation as the most desirable destination for international students in the world.

As an International Students Collective, we need immediate actions to support our fellows and we can do it!

How it will be delivered

The signatures collected from this petition will be presented to the Flinders University Administration board including, academic committees, International students services including specific members following:
1. Professor Colin Stirling, President and Vice-Chancellor
2. Professor Clare Pollock, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students)
3. Sebastian Raneskold, Vice-President & Pro Vice-Chancellor (International)

Links

Campaign Facebook Page

Updates

2020-09-11 11:30:13 +1000

Dear comrades,
It has been a month since the last update from us. However, we have not stopped our resistance and our demand. Last 2 weeks, I have worked closely with a group of international students at Flinders University to demonstrate several of activities that we are gonna do.

We proudly established a new platform that we gather not only Flinders Uni students but SA students to stand in solidarity with international students during this crisis.
Here it is https://www.facebook.com/SAInternationalStudentActivistAlliance/

Yesterday, we had our first campus walk during the R U OK? at Flinders Uni Bedford Park campus. The walk was modest but we first caught the attention of students and staff at Flinders University, thus they cannot deny our presence and our need.

In a short time, we will adjust the petition to make it up-to-date and relevant to our demand.
We appreciate your signatures, your voices and your supports.

Please take care!

2020-08-12 11:03:24 +1000

Hello friends. We are still seeing the growth of signatures from students and allies.
In this update, we are glad to let you know that last week and this week, we have already achieved the second point in our petition which means the fee extension and payment instalment are now more accessible and do not require further evidence if students are already recorded to receive the Matthew Flinders Scholarship and FUSA Emergency Payment.
While the due date is over, if you haven't paid the fee. Here is the best option you can do right now: https://www.facebook.com/FUSA.ISC/photos/a.960385464009528/3083747251673328/?type=3&theater

We also delivered the petition to the University Executives including our Vice-President & Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) - Sebastian Raneskold. Further and a formal response is anticipated.

Take care!

2020-08-03 11:31:18 +1000

Hello fellows. It's so great to see that we have reached 508 signatures in 2 weeks. This note is served as an update for our International student collective and community.
Last week, we have attention from the Dean (education) from the College of Sciences and Engineering. The college has further informed the higher level of administration regarding our campaign.
Our Student President has sent an email to Prof Clare Pollock and will continue calling until we have a response.
The International Student Officer has sent an email to Sebastian Raneskold (PVC, International) as well to call for the university's response to our call!!!

As the due date for paying fee is coming close. Please notice that if you need an extension or option for payment instalment, please check out: https://www.facebook.com/FUSA.ISC/photos/a.960385464009528/3083747251673328/?type=3&theater

2020-08-02 22:29:59 +1000

500 signatures reached

2020-07-23 16:05:07 +1000

Hello comrades, It's great to see the rapid increase of signatures from our collectives and community in 2 days. We nearly halfway to achieve 300 by tomorrow. To amplify our voices, we are looking for students who can share their story. The stories will be presented alongside the signatures we collect in the campaign! This can be anonymous or public based on sharers' agreement. Please contact me at [email protected] or inbox our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FUSA.ISC/

2020-07-22 16:42:09 +1000

100 signatures reached

2020-07-21 23:29:03 +1000

50 signatures reached

2020-07-21 20:10:04 +1000

25 signatures reached

2020-07-21 17:23:40 +1000

10 signatures reached