AFUW-SA Inc Trust Fund Academic Dress Hire Service

The Trust Fund was set up by SA's Federation of University Women to run the Academic Dress Hiring Service. It is run by volunteer Trustees.

In 2006, over $117,000 was distributed among 33 recipients, mainly to assist with the costs of postgraduate research or coursework studies. Annually, at least 75% of all income is distributed to women & men. Income is mostly earned by hiring academic dress for Adelaide's Graduation Ceremonies, but also for other occasions during the year. For more information about the bursaries see the AFUW-SA Inc. Trust Fund web site.

We need volunteers to help with the hire service
It can be demanding at times but always rewarding & we have lots of friends as well as AFUW members who are rostered to come in to help during the busy periods. It gets to be quite a social occasion! The excitement of the new graduates tends to rub off on us all.

The Roster Organiser is constantly on the look-out for new recruits, male or female, from teens to grandparents. Sitting jobs are found for those people not so spry.

A donation towards out-of-pocket expenses is offered and some parking permits on campus if available.

What help is required?
Clerical help is needed for 3 weeks prior to August ceremonies and 4 weeks prior to the December ceremonies, Mon - Fri 10am to 4pm in 2 shifts then Graduations help from the day before the ceremonies, 8am to 8pm in 4 shifts.

You can volunteer for as few or as many shifts as you like.

Clerical help means dealing with mail orders & cash customers - writing receipts, advising, measuring heads for 'caps' (Mortar Boards or Bonnets), etc. Trustees are always on duty.

Graduation help involves fitting clients with gowns & 'caps', advising about wearing hoods etc prior to ceremonies, folding & hanging returned academic dress after ceremonies. Training provided for inexperienced helpers.

Sewing
Are you handy with a needle and thread, or sewing machine? Volunteers make most of the hoods and stoles that we hire out, and hand-sew labels onto our stock. Materials and instructions will be provided.

Further Information:
Phone GOWNS ROOM on 8303 5093 or write to Mail Box 22, UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE, SA 5005.

Located in the back of Bonython Hall