and Audiology Association
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
In 2003, through fundraising and contributions from Ramsays Medical
Book Suppliers FUSPAA was able to donate $850 to a variety of causes.
These include:
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: Megan Hiller
Vice-President: Kate Burge
Secretary: Amy Johnson
Treasurer: Gretal Mann
Clubs & Societies representative: Meredith Potts
3rd Year Rep: Lucinda Warbout
2nd Year Rep: Maya De la Lande
1st Year Rep: Yet to be Determined!
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.