Hi, my name is Sree Vaishnavi Gangarapu. I’m an international student from India, pursuing a Bachelor of Economics and Finance as a second-year student at CBE.

During my first-year as a Lodge resident, I experienced firsthand how vital ANUSA is in shaping the student experience, particularly for those of us creating a home away from home. I’ve been involved in various clubs and initiatives that have deepened my understanding of the challenges and opportunities our student body faces. I’m a member of the ANU+ program, actively contributing to the student community. Currently, I represent my peers as the CBE Undergraduate Representative and the Treasurer for the International Students’ Department (ISD). 

I have great respect for the services that ANUSA provides. However, my time here has taught me that we can do more and better. Student representation, international student assistance, support for Department Officers and optimising the BKSS space are just a few of the areas where we can make meaningful changes. 

That’s why I’m running for Vice President with Change your ANUSA. I believe that with the right vision and determination, we can make ANUSA even more responsive, inclusive, and impactful for all students. This campaign isn’t just about improving services. It’s about transforming our campus into a place where every student feels heard, supported, and empowered. Together, we can build an ANUSA that truly works for everyone.

EXPANDED BKSS PROVISIONS

The BKSS is the nexus of ANUSA and for years, it has played a crucial role in serving the student community at ANU. As your VP, I’d like to implement the following changes: 

• Introducing Lunch Express in 2024 was a great start to offering consistent support to students at the time of a cost of living crisis. I want to expand on this initiative by partnering with local restaurants and other residential halls to offer lunch everyday. On days when food is unavailable, affordable options like ramen or instant noodles would be provided.

• I will work with Hayden O’Brien, Change’s treasurer candidate, to introduce ANUSA vending machines on campus. Managing vending machines across ANU would be a cost-effective way to generate consistent revenue. By centralising control, we could offer affordable, student-friendly options while turning a profit that could be reinvested into student services. 

• Additionally, I want to establish an ANUSA library where students can donate their old textbooks, creating a shared resource for the entire community. By collaborating with other campus libraries and residential halls, which already have similar mini-libraries, we can gather unused books and centralise them in one accessible location. This initiative would offer students an easy and cost-effective way to access textbooks and other materials, fostering a culture of sharing and reducing financial strain. It’s a simple yet impactful way to promote academic success while building a more supportive university environment.

• My last policy proposal to optimise the BKSS space would be the installation of a printer that allows students a limited amount of free printing each day. 

• I will ensure a fair and transparent recruitment process at the BKSS, providing equal opportunities for all students and promoting representation, creating an environment where every student feels welcomed and empowered to contribute and utilise BKSS’s services.

• I plan to implement a quick and easy digital feedback system that will enable the student association to collect suggestions and complaints in real time. This will help us adapt swiftly to students' needs and ensure your voices are effectively heard.

ACADEMIC MATTERS

• Making the teaching break a learning break. The two-week teaching break after Week 6 is intended to be a time for resting and resetting, yet students often face assessment deadlines during this period, which defeats its purpose. While I recognize the importance of catching up on work, I believe the break should remain a true break. I propose implementing a no-deadline policy during the teaching break, allowing students to submit assessments no earlier than the Monday of Week 7. This adjustment would give students more flexibility to plan their workload, especially those who are travelling or simply taking time off to recharge. By protecting this time, I believe that we can improve both student well-being and academic performance.

• Poorly rated courses often indicate persistent issues, such as outdated content, ineffective teaching methods, or an overwhelming workload. To address this, I will work with our presidential candidate, Will Burfoot, to ensure that courses with consistently low ratings are reformed. A formal review process should be triggered involving student feedback, evaluation of teaching methods, and collaboration with course convenors to implement necessary changes. This ensures students receive quality education and promotes continuous improvement across the university.

• For postgraduate students, who often juggle part-time or full-time jobs, the academic workload can become overwhelming. Many post grads find that simply capping the assessment weightage is insufficient, as they prefer to focus their time and resources on a limited number of assessments. In collaboration with the PG coursework officer candidate, Hinanshi Rathod, I will advocate for capping the number of assessment items across postgraduate courses. This approach will help prevent burnout and allow students to engage in deeper, more focused learning rather than just rushing to meet multiple deadlines.

• Many students, including myself, had to figure out how to properly cite sources and conduct research during our first year of university. Those with prior knowledge often had an advantage. To level the playing field, I want to collaborate with the PG and UG Coursework Officers to offer research and citation workshops, as well as sessions on navigating our learning platforms (Canvas/ Wattle). These workshops will provide practical support, ensuring all students are equipped with essential skills from the start of the semester.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS INDUCTION AND ADVOCACY

• A significant section of our student population, around a third, consists of international students who pay double the fees that domestic students pay, and face discrimination from the community here. With the recent government-imposed cap on international students and the under-35 age limit on graduate visas, I, like many others, feel less welcomed in this country. Only those who have experienced these challenges firsthand can truly understand the hardships we face, and it is crucial for ANUSA to become a strong advocate for international students, ensuring that our voices are represented on the executive committee. As your VP, I will prioritise enhancing support for international students, ensuring that we feel both welcomed and equipped to thrive at ANU. I will work closely with the International Officer to amplify student voices through reports and surveys, ensuring that we are heard, supported, and represented in the university’s decision-making processes.

• Beyond basic campus tours, I propose implementing in-depth orientations specifically for international students, addressing crucial topics such as visa regulations, healthcare access, digital literacy, and tips for adjusting to life in Canberra. These tailored sessions will equip students with the essential knowledge needed for a smoother transition. 

• Amidst the cost of living crisis, financial assistance and housing support is another key priority. International students often struggle with navigating both on-campus and off-campus accommodation options. I plan to provide resources on tenant rights and regularly consult with international representatives from residential halls to address ongoing concerns. 

CW:SASH

• This is a critical conversation we've been having—and will continue to have—until SASH is eradicated from our campus. ANU is a second home for many, and it is our responsibility to foster a truly inclusive campus. I will collaborate with the Welfare Officer to strengthen this fight and create a safer, more harmonious community for all. 

To start, ANU is home to a diverse international student community with various cultural backgrounds. It is essential that these students are informed and empowered to navigate relationships in Australia and access the support they need. Educating them on local dating norms, respectful relationships, and consent is vital for creating a safe and supportive environment. I plan to conduct workshops that cover these topics and provide guidance on seeking help, ensuring students feel supported in their new surroundings.

• Enhancing awareness of Indigenous cultures is crucial for fostering inclusivity, especially for international students who might not have been exposed to this knowledge before. I am committed to promoting a supportive and culturally aware community by organising workshops that educate all students about the cultures of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples, whose land we study on. These workshops will focus on respectful interactions, combating racism, and building a deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives. 

To ensure the success of both the workshops, I will work closely with the International Officer, BIPOC Officer, and Indigenous Officer, and coordinate with residential halls to effectively implement and promote these important resources.

INTERNAL SUPPORT AND TRAINING

• Comprehensive training beyond handovers is crucial for people in positions of power and support, yet, this year, it was overlooked. As your VP, I will ensure that Lifeline and First Aid training are not only resumed but carried out effectively and on schedule. Accidental Counsellor Training should be provided before O-Week and Bush Week, not only to departmental officers but also to volunteers, ensuring they are well-prepared to handle sensitive situations and offer appropriate support. Additionally, training will be extended to individuals in support and welfare roles, such as Women’s Officers in residential halls and club executives, to enhance their capacity to assist our community.

I propose creating an extensive online resource booklet that outlines all available resources through ANUSA and role descriptions of ANUSA committee members. This booklet will act as a go-to guide for department officers, college representatives, general representatives and the executive, helping them access support or refer students to the right services whenever needed. This will streamline access to critical information, ensuring we are always prepared to help those in need, while also establishing a guide for students on services and relevant people they can reach out to.