If we haven't answered your question here, or elsewhere on the site, contact us and we'll try and find the answer for you.
Contents
3. What is VSU?
5. Why should I pay to become a member?
6. What is the best way to meet people?
7. What if I have a question about student life that isn't related to my course?
8. How do I purchase and sell second-hand books?
What does WSA stand for?
Wodonga Student Association
What is the Hangar?
The Hangar is a student lounge provided by WSA for association members. Here you will find our offices, the Hangar Cafe, and the Hangar Bar. It is also the venue for many student functions, activities and events. The Hangar is a licensed venue (except for the offices and foyer) so the normal 18+ liquor licensing regulations apply. There is also a student lounge in Building W (TAFE) for Wodonga TAFE students. It is an all-age venue.
What is VSU?
VSU, or Voluntary Student Unionism, has come into effect after a law was passed by the Federal Government in 2005. It means that as of 1st July, 2006 the GSF (General Service Fee) is no longer compulsory. In the past paying your GSF entitled you to membership of WSA which in turn gave you access to a wide range of entitlements, services, activities and facilities.
From 2007 financial membership of the Wodonga Student Association requires the payment of a voluntary fee ($110 for students enrolled for both semesters). This entitles you to everything you received prior to VSU as well as extra discounts and activities provided exclusively to financial members. See our membership page for more information on becoming a financial member.
VSU currently applies only to university students. Wodonga Institute of TAFE students pay a variable compulsory fee.
For more information on membership, visit our information page.
What is VGSF?
VGSF stands for Voluntary General Service Fee. In the past La Trobe University (Albury-Wodonga Campus) charged a compulsory fee of $190. This no longer exists, and has been replaced by the VGSF ($100), a voluntary fee that gives you access to all of the benefits of financial membership of WSA.
Most Wodonga Institute of TAFE students pay a compulsory fee which varies according to individual circumstances. To see if you're a financial member entitled to the benefits listed, check your student card; if it says SA, then you're a member. Make sure you check this site and visit the Hangar to take advantage of everything on offer.
Why should I pay to become a member?
Becoming a financial member will entitle you to many benefits. Some are obvious and include:
student functions and events
Graduation Ball
BBQs and other lunch-time activities
discount movie tickets
discounts at the Hangar Cafe and the Hangar Bar
discount membership to the Hangar Gym
Other things can be less obvious and include:
student publications including "Overdue"
diaries and wall-planners
off-campus discount scheme including local and national retailers
fax machine access
reciprocal membership rights at other La Trobe University campuses
voting and committee rights within the Student Association
For a more complete list, see our membership benefits page.
What is the best way to meet people?
The best way to meet people and make new friends is to get involved right from the start. Make sure you check out the activities being held for Orientation as well as other events throughout the year. Orientation provides a range of informal activities to help students get to know one another and become involved in student life.
What if I have a question about student life that is not related to my course?
Staff and students at the WSA are happy to answer any question you may have about student life, no matter how bizarre you think it may be.
How do I purchase and sell second-hand books?
The bookshop, located in front of the TAFE, has a system that allows students to sell their second-hand texts (provided that they are still current). The bookshop purchases them from the student and then re-sells them at a discounted price to other students.