Recently the USU participated in Market Day at the University of Canberra. Market Day is run by UC during orientation week that occurs before each semester.
The day is an opportunity for associated student organisations to talk to new students and to let them know the events and activities they conduct. Other organisations relevant to students also have a presence during the day providing information on a range of topics from banking to health and wellbeing services.
The USU’s presence at orientation weeks is part of our efforts to introduce unionism to university students before they graduate. By informing students of their potential future union, we can assist in preventing the decline of union membership, which is especially apparent in younger generations. Going to places where young people are, will assist in normalising the unions presence in these spaces and aligns with the USU’s growth strategy.
It was great to talk to UC students over the day. We provided information about the USU’s student memberships, as well as the services that the Union can provide. Many conversations were simply informing students what a union was and what we do as a movement.
Overall, the day was a success and we would like to the thank UC for having us.
