Our mission at Arc is to create the best student experience.

Arc and UNSW: A Deep Collaboration

Arc and UNSW are the epitome of a true partnership driving shared value creation. Arc and UNSW are separate entities, but their goals to enhance student life are intrinsically aligned. Arc and UNSW are both committed to developing remarkable students and, in turn, empowering dynamic graduates. In order for both Arc and UNSW to deliver on their strategic missions they must first ensure a high-trust, multifaceted and layered relationship.

Shared-Value

We recognise that when a partnership is true, both parties can achieve more together than what’s possible individually. Arc is laser focused on creating the best student experience to support UNSW’s vision of progress for all. When UNSW provides an environment for Arc to service students, everyone wins.

Trust-Based

Beyond formalities, the relationship between Arc and UNSW is embodied by humans who work together in a spirit of respect and trust. This mutual assurance of effective communication, respect for each other’s roles and understanding of boundaries will enable our two organisations to work harmoniously. From leadership to boots on the ground, Arc and UNSW staff and stakeholders are committed to close collaboration.

Student Centred

At the heart of our collaboration are the students we serve. Together, we foster belonging, wellbeing and opportunity, ensuring every student has the chance to connect, grow and thrive within the UNSW community. Our shared commitment to student development underpins everything we do and drives our continual evolution.

Domain 1 

GET EVERYONE CONNECTED

We know that university is all about the people you meet and the lifelong friendships you make along the way. Arc’s role is to facilitate students coming together; enabling human connection and driving a lasting sense of belonging at UNSW.

Unity in Community

Acknowledging that our university is a rich and vibrant community of communities, Arc will enable a range of ways for students to connect. By supporting, facilitating and enhancing our diverse campus communities and their varied footprints, we can scale the social experience of campus for everyone.

Engaging Events

We recognise that student life is intrinsically co-curricular and therefore campus programming should reflect that philosophy. Arc will continuously and tactically create events on campus that drive human connections. Our portfolio of offerings will cater to a variety of personalities, preferences and purposes, and always be delivered with care and consideration.

Orientate You

Every student that starts at UNSW should have a seamless, empathetic and personalised orientation experience. That means that alongside O-Week, we are curating exceptional student experiences that set you up for success. Arc will come together to codesign a transformative commencement to your journey at UNSW.

Domain 2

SUPPORT EVERY STUDENT

University experience looks different to every student. But every student, from every background is entitled to bring their authentic self to campus to feel safe, respected and empowered. That’s why Arc will always offer a range of ways that enables you to care for yourself and care for others.

Build Well Beings

We will be champions of wellness for every student. Arc knows that wellness and resilience are skills that are developed over time, so we are committed to educating and empowering students to care for themselves and others. We will listen to student feedback so we can deliver custom, student-friendly resources and programs that make a real impact on student wellbeing.

Be There for You

Student life isn’t always smooth sailing, so Arc will be there for you with professional services when you need it most. Whether it’s advocacy, advice or just someone in your corner, we will have you covered. We will find new ways to expand our services as things change. Oh, and supporting students starts at prevention, so we will proactively educate our students with the right information in the right way at the right time.

Get Every/Body Moving

We know a healthy body supports a healthy mind, and we are keen for everyone to find a way to participate. Arc is committed to creating a range of opportunities for students to play their way alongside their studies. We recognise that physical activity is a mechanism to connect, recharge and grow so Arc will lower barriers to entry to maximise our active campus.

Domain 3

DEVELOP THE NEXT GENERATION

University isn’t just about what you learn in the classroom, it’s about who you become along the way. Arc will help students build the confidence, capability and character to thrive both during and beyond their degree. By creating practical opportunities, nurturing leadership and amplifying student impact, we will empower the next generation of thinkers, collaborators and changemakers.

Grow Your Skills

We know that you learn best in practical, social settings. We also know that the future of work needs enterprise, collaborative and innovation skills. That’s why we are committed to training and developing students year-round. From traditional training, to opportunities to practice we want to develop all your competencies ready for the real world.

Empower Our Leaders

We pride ourselves on creating meaningful opportunities for students to unlock their leadership potential. By championing student empowerment, codesign and recognising achievements we can nourish an ecosystem of competent student leaders. Arc will provide the central voice of students to communicate and advocate to UNSW.

Level Up Your Impact

Powered by students, Arc can reach outwards into the community to scale our impact. We are eager to find new ways to support the community in ways that generate shared value for both students and locals. Our impact will be grounded in Arc’s organisational strength of training and communicating to high calibre students, and exploit value-aligned opportunities to maximise our social impact.

Focus: Fulfil Everyone's Needs

The cost of living is changing what students need from their university experience, and Arc is determined to respond with compassion and practicality. Every student deserves the stability that comes from having access to food, financial support, safe spaces and services that remove everyday stress. We will design solutions that are accessible and grounded in dignity, making it easier for students to focus on their studies, connect with others and find their place on campus.

Mindful Money Matters

Financial literacy is a foundational mechanism that supports students in their ability to participate in their studies; and indeed a empowers citizens to participate in society. With this in mind, Arc is committed ensuring that every student accesses resources, education and support with their finances. This service will feature flexible delivery modes and consider the complementary nature of cost-reduction services.

Better Bottom Line

Arc will provide meals and basic supplies that are served alongside wraparound care, cost-effective services and appropriate referrals so that no student is left behind. Recognising that cost of living pressures are felt differently across university students, Arc is on a mission to develop a diverse suit of cost-saving services. By providing a range of services to help students at different points in their journeys, we can be the preferred point of call when the going gets tough. We can also be the lynchpin and connector for other support services that can be accessed by students throughout their studies.

Inclusive Practice

Arc has always championed inclusion, diversity, equity and access. We are relentlessly committed to consultation and continuous improvement on our programs to make sure everyone can join in. Whether it’s reducing barriers to entry, celebrating your identity or educating everyone on how to be a better human, Arc has you covered.

Strategic Enablers

Enabler 1: Embed the Best People, Systems & Processes

Arc’s people and vivacious culture are our greatest resources. We will continue to invest in ensuring our team is humming in every operation. We are committed to delivering efficient and effective processes on trust-based systems that work. By strengthening our operational capabilities, uplifting our digital and data systems, and embedding consistent safety and compliance practices, we can manage risk early and well. By utilising technology, we will unlock our potential to deepen and enhance our services to students.

Enabler 2: Financial Growth & Stability

Arc is determined to create long-term, sustainable value that enables us to give back to student life. We will consolidate our strengths and invest in new ways to generate value on campus and beyond Arc.

Enabler 3: Good Governance & Representation

Striving for excellence is only possible with strong governance. Arc will enshrine transparency, accountability and robust stewardship into all decision-making. This means strengthening our risk awareness, ensuring our policies meet evolving obligations, and maintaining safe, ethical and compliant operations across everything we do. Throughout our organisation we will proactively seek to co-design with students in our strategic processes. We know that it’s a big responsibility to be the student organisation at UNSW, and we will fulfil our duty with integrity, honesty and due diligence.

Enabler 4: Brilliant Branding & Partnerships

Our ability to connect is our ultimate strength. Arc will build meaningful relationships on campus and beyond and always seek to highlight our brand position as trusted, enthusiastic and the student-expert. We will tell students’ stories, celebrate success and reach our audience where they’re at to make the biggest impact.