Meeting FUSA's Academic Advocates
I met Ryan on a autumnal Friday morning at City Campus—Academic Advocates visit on Fridays, by the way, and you don’t have to be a city student to book in. I found meeting all the advocates that they all have that calm reassuring vibe that instantly makes you feel less stressed, even if you rock up mid-crisis.
“Most of my days are meeting students, reviewing appeals, and jumping into meetings with them,” he told me. “The best part? That moment a student realises they’re not alone in it anymore. You can feel the relief.”
Another point of reassurance if you’re booking an appt –
“Some students think they have to do what we suggest—but it’s totally their choice. We just give them the tools.”
I swung by Amy’s office at Bedford Park Campus. Her office is full of colour—bold artwork on the walls, bright sticky notes, a half-drunk coffee cup on her desk. She waved me in mid-email. Amy helped push changes to a new Uni procedure to include actual protections for disadvantaged students. “They didn’t take everything we said—but they listened. And we’re still in the room.”
Ally’s office is totally different—soft lighting, a chill vibe, and a wall full of little postcard-sized art from her travels. “I like that students feel safe here,” she said. “This job can feel heavy sometimes. You’re often dealing with systems that don’t bend easily, even when the student’s got a really strong case.”
“Students sometimes think we’ll immediately contact their lecturers—but we never do anything without their consent.”
One case still sticks with her: A student about to lose a job offer over a final grade. With her support, the appeal went through, the grade changed, and he graduated on time. “That’s why we do it,” she said.
Each of the advocates brings something different—but what they share is clear: they show up, they listen, and they genuinely care.
And yeah, it’s free. It’s confidential. And you don’t have to deal with everything alone.
Head to fusa.edu.au/academic-advocacy if you ever need a hand with things.
