The University of Melbourne Student Union Student Forum

The University of Melbourne Student Union Student Forum: A Student Bar

Structure of this session 1. How did we get here? 1. What’s happening next 1. How you can be involved

Clarification of a few issues • UMSU does not own Union House or the bar space • MUSUL • UMSU has not bought back the bar, or as of yet invested any money in this project

How did we get here?

How did we get here? -Many years ago, a 15 year long lease was sold for the Bar Space on Level 1 -After years on-selling from (average) tenant to (average) tenant, the lease was surrendered back to MUSUL in July 2015

A student-run bar? Following HJC’s departure, UMSU met with MUSUL to discuss the future of the space, and expressed its desire to take control of the space.

A student-run bar? On 30 th July, Students’ Council, the governing body of UMSU, passed the following motion:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. That Students’ Council reaffirms its commitment to student control of student affairs/services. That Students’ Council recognises UMSU’s reliance on its allocation of SSAF from the University, and the vulnerability this creates for a post-SSAF environment; Students Council recognises that we ought to be working towards alternative revenue streams/commercial outlets, as many other unions have. That Students’ Council recognises that the most effective way to run a popular bar for students is to allow students to make key decisions around its operation. That the Students’ Council approves, in principle, an UMSU-run café and bar in level 1 space overlooking North Court. That the Students’ Council directs the President, General Secretary and General Manager to develop a model/models (including staff structure) under which UMSU would manage such an outlet, which will be presented to the Council for approval. In developing such a model, consideration shall be given to: (a) (b) (c) (d) 6. maximising employment opportunities for students; developing a space that will support the other activities of the organisation; providing a secure revenue stream independent of the SSAF; and maximising student control of the activities of the café/bar. That the Students’ Council directs the President, General Secretary and General Manager to negotiate with MUSUL to secure control of the level 1 bar space. Mover: Rachel Withers Seconder: Hana Dalton CARRIED Steven Connolly Abstained See Students Council minutes 30/07/15

A student-run bar. UMSU will run a bar in the space from Feb 2016 onwards.

What’s happening next?

Interim usage Sept 1 st until O Week 2016 The space will operate for the rest of this semester as -A Student Lounge from 9 am-4: 30 pm -A bookable event space from 4: 30 pm-9 pm* Events with alcohol will be complicated in interim phase…

Um this doesn’t look like a lounge right now…. -We’re working on getting some secondhand furniture from the University for the interim -If you have any couches to donate from home let us know!

What else is happening over next 5 months? Decent planning to make this as good as can possibly be, bearing in mind that the building most likely has a limited lifespan (until the end of 2018)

Decision making How it’s going to work: Wider consultation → informs Steering Group → informs Students’ Council

Steering group Membership: UMSU President UMSU General Secretary UMSU International President UMSU General Manager 4 x reps elected by Students Council (tomorrow) Steering Committee is required to always refer to results of broader consultation

How you can be involved (Who, me? )

Outlets to be involved 1. Email Rachel thoughts and suggestions 2. Answer surveys (pls) 3. Focus groups 4. Steering Committee 5. Sign up to be a bar volunteer MAILING LIST

Email your thoughts Many of you have mentioned some fabulous ideas to me in passing- put them in an email and send them in!

Answer surveys We’ll be putting together a survey or two over this period. Answer them, promote them, share them- we want as much feedback as possible

Focus groups We’ll be holding focus groups around everything from the food to the beers to the décor- come to the ones that interest you

Steering Committee At tomorrow’s Student Council (12 pm Private Dining Room) we will be electing 4 student nominees for to the Steering Committee

Sign up to be a bar volunteer From time to time we’ll need some student volunteers to get us where we need to go! Please help us out!

MAILING LIST Sign up to the bar mailing list to get notice of ALL these opportunities to contribute!

How else can I stay up to date? We will be sharing information as it comes to hand: umsu. unimelb. edu. au/Your. Bar

Question time “I’ll take that as a comment. ”

Summary -UMSU is going to control the space -Bar will be in operation from O Week 2016 -Open as a lounge from September 1 st -We really want you to be involved Questions?

union. unimelb. edu. au