UNSW’s student leaders have travelled to Arizona to meet with their counterparts from Kings College London and Arizona State University to develop global student-led initiatives as part of the PLuS Alliance. 

The PLuS (Phoenix-London-Sydney) Alliance creates, enables and deploys innovative research and education linkages across three globally focused universities by collaborating in the areas of sustainability, global health, social justice, technology and innovation.

The UNSW delegation included UNSW SRC President Sophie Johnston, SRC General Secretary Ed Bartolo, Arc Board Chair Tina Zhou and undergraduate representative on the UNSW University Council Michael Murdocca.

Together the group developed a draft terms of reference and communique for the PLuS Alliance Students Council. They also developed a list of students to lead initiatives around the PLuS Alliance focus areas.

The Students Council aims to share resources and collaborate to provide world-class support to PLuS Alliance students, and to be a strong advocate for social change.

“The PLuS Alliance will create outstanding educational experiences for new students who can build undergraduate degrees and make new friends in the UK, the United States and Australia,” says Aaron Magner, UNSW Director of Safety and Sustainability, who also attended the meeting.

“As well as discussing collaborative research and education, the students started a ‘Hack for Humanity’ to bring STEM entrepreneurial zeal to the some of the issues globalisation presents for disadvantaged communities,” he said.

The PLuS Alliance Students Council aims to consult widely with students on initiatives that will improve the student experience and provide global connectivity. They will meet via Skype each quarter to discuss a range of agreed student goals.