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)
