USU wins Australian Marketing Program of the Year - 23 October 2008
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The Australian Marketing Institute awarded the University of Sydney Union the prestigious National Marketing Program of the Year Award, at a ceremony last night at the Melbourne Hilton Hotel.
The USU also won the Best Relationship Marketing Campaign and was a national finalist in the Best Loyalty Marketing Program for its Student Access Benefits Program, which successfully met the challenges of voluntary student unionism.
“The USU ranked ahead of a record number of more than 250 entries, which included a diverse range of major corporations, universities and not-for-profit organisations,” said AMI General Manager Lin Windram.
In 2006, universities across Australia faced an unprecedented marketing challenge: the new Voluntary Student Unionism (VSU) legislation.
The USU successfully addressed this potentially disastrous issue by creating the Access Benefits Card and Program, linking existing member programs and 200 clubs and societies to a new identification card.
"In an environment where government funding had been cut to universities, the USU not only accepted the challenge but exceeded all targets and expectations," commented the judging panel.
"The card provided 'real' value for all members and this was evaluated from member and supplier angles," said the judges.
The awards were accepted by USU Operations Manager George Livery and Marketing Director Claudia Crosariol.
“I congratulate the staff involved for this achievement. They have worked hard to combat the effects of voluntary student unionism. The USU has helped the University of Sydney climb the Times Higher Education world rankings,” said Paul McJannett, CEO of the USU.
“The University of Sydney has worked with the USU to create great opportunities to ensure the best student experience in Australia stays right here at the University of Sydney,” said USU President Ruchir Punjabi.
“We are hopeful that the Federal Government can introduce legislation soon to provide financial support for a long term sustainable position for University Unions across Australia,” said Mr Punjabi.