What is FUSPAA?
FUSPAA stands for the Flinders University Speech Pathology and Audiology Association. It is an association run entirely by students in the Speech Pathology and Audiology courses. Throughout the year FUSPAA organises activities and social events to raise funds for the benefit of both the Speech Pathology Clinic and the students themselves. These activities are also designed to encourage interaction between students within and between departments.Mission Statement
FUSPAA seeks to provide support for the Paediatric Speech and Language Clinic located on level 6 of the Flinders Medical Centre. This includes donations of monies raised for the purpose of purchasing resources.
FUSPAA also seeks to provide members with opportunities for social interaction within the department of Speech Pathology and across the departments in the School of Medicine.
Activities
There are several major fundraising events, which occur throughout the year, the biggest being the FUSPAA Ball. This event takes place in 2nd semester and usually has a theme. In previous years the themes have been ‘retro’ (twice) and a ‘stage and screen’ theme. In the past this has been a great night made even more enjoyable by the number of people joining in. There are also BBQ’s, pub crawls, cake days and other small fundraisers during the year. In addition FUSPAA also has its own range of clothing with the association logo on it which is available for order.
Money Raised
Monies raised fundraising and contributions are used for a variety of causes. In teh past, these have included;
An Orphanage in Vietnam
The Speech/Language Clinic on level 6 of the Flinders Medical Centre
‘Babies Like Books’ programmes run by the Noarlunga Health Service.
Also financial assistance is given annually to the 4th years to help with costs of their Graduation dinner.
Sponsors
While much of our efforts are directed towards raising money for others, FUSPAA is fortunate enough to have the ongoing support of Ramsays Medical Book Supplies. Over the years FUSPAA has developed a firm relationship with Ramsays, which we would like to see continued in the future. Each year Ramsays donates money to FUSSPA to assist us in our fundraising efforts. In addition to this support they also provide students with discounts on books and extra benefits for FUSPAA members.
Due to this generous support FUSPAA strongly encourages students to consider Ramsays when buying text books not only to benefit FUSPAA but themselves, as Ramsays will go out of their way to offer you the best price.
How to get involved
Becoming a member costs $5 annually and is able to be done at any time throughout the year. Once you have joined you are entitled to member discounts on FUSPAA clothing, Ramsays books, event tickets etc….
Also as a member you are encouraged to attend meetings held on level 5 in the FUSPAA room, although this is not compulsory. How involved you become is entirely up to you, however FUSPAA’s main purpose is to benefit you as a student. FUSPAA not only raises funds but also provides opportunities for you to have fun while interacting with fellow students across all year levels. While this may not seem important now, developing professional contacts may prove in the future to be invaluable.
The Committee
The FUSPAA committee changes annually and is elected at the Annual General Meeting in July by FUSPAA members and the general Speech Pathology/Audiology community. The current committee consists of:
President:
Vice-President:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Clubs & Societies representative:
3rd Year Rep:
2nd Year Rep:
1st Year Rep:A new Committee will form early in 2009
Aside from the formal committee, there is a general committee made up of 1st, 2nd and 3rd year students whose contributions are valued and important to the running of FUSPAA. Also each year level is represented by 1-2 students who keep their year level informed of any relevant FUSPAA information. First year students are especially encouraged to join as they are able to socially interact with people from other years and become more aware of up and coming activities and the organisation required for such events.
