SPORTS & CULTURAL FUNDING

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THE MOVE AWAY FROM ALCOHOL SPONSORSHIPS

In 2018, the University of New England made a decision to move away from alcohol-related sponsorships for all UNE entities including staff departments, sporting clubs and JCR's of UNE's residential college systems. Whilst this decision aims to promote a healthy and inclusive campus life, as well as address the often untenable obligation to consume alcohol to fulfil sponsorship requirements, UNE acknowledges that from time to time student administered clubs and JCR’s have relied on the cash sponsorships to achieve student experience activity. To enable these clubs to continue to deliver outstanding experience and support to UNE’s college students, the University will accept sponsorship requests to provide a consistent level of funding so that no student activity is affected. 

See the Vice-Chancellors statement to students here.

SPORTS & CULTURAL SPONSORSHIP FUNDING COMMITTEE

The Terms of Reference for the SACS funding committee can be found here.
A PDF of these guidelines can be downloaded here.

For any queries or assistance required regarding SACS funding, please email unelife@une.edu.au or phone 02 6773 5186. 
 

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

UNE may elect to support sponsorship opportunities that clearly enhance the experience of students in the UNE residential system by delivering the following outcomes:

• Deliver strong engagement opportunities, enabling students to connect with peers, the University, and the community in a meaningful and relevant way, which would otherwise not be possible; and
• Positively enhance the brand and reputation of UNE colleges by demonstrating core values and ensuring exemplary behavior of members as exceptional ambassadors for UNE.

Activities which will not be considered for sponsorship by UNE include, but are not limited to, those that, in UNE’s opinion:

• may be construed as discriminatory;
• could be detrimental to student and /or public health or safety;
• promote or encourage smoking, alcohol or any substance abuse;
• promote gambling;
• may present a reputation risk to the UNE college ; or
• support an individual or group that is not aligned to the UNE wider business objective.

 

MINIMUM APPLICATION CRITERIA

In order to be considered, there are a number of minimum criteria that applicants must address when applying for sponsorship. Without limiting UNE’s absolute discretion as to whether it might provide funding, each application must (at a minimum):

• Clearly demonstrate what the sponsorship funds will support;
• Outline any benefits UNE will receive from the sponsorship e.g. branding on uniforms, building student capacity, etc.
• Provide a brief overview of the organisation’s background, values, purpose, operating methods and detail of the activity for which funds are requested;
• Include a commitment from the club, society, group or organization that clearly states a zero tolerance for Sexual assault, sexual harassment, discrimination and bullying; and
• Include a statement that confirms the club, organisation, group or JCR does not have any funding or sponsorships connected with smoking, alcohol or any substance abuse, gambling (or other activities as may be specified by UNE from time to time) that may present a reputation risk for UNE as a connected party

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

The following questions are indicative of those that the Committee will consider when evaluating sponsorship applications. It is not a requirement to adress all of these considerations, rather they should provide some insight into the committee decision process. 

• Is the applicant a UNE Residential Club or other acceptable affiliate of UNE?
• Does the organisation / event provide the capacity for the UNE Residential Club to better meet the needs of students, or its objects (including as set-out in its constitution, if applicable)?
• Does the organisation / event complement or have some other direct benefit for UNE?
• Is the activity a once-off or is it on-going?

Whilst implementing this funding process, the Sports & Cultural Sponsorship Committee appreciates that there may be individual circumstances that require discussion and is open to working with all student groups to establish best practice. 

Currently, applications may be received at any time by the committee.