UNSW Medical Society

Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

For a SIG to be considered they MUST fulfil all of the following criteria:

Involve medical students solely
Not conflict with any groups or activities organised by UNSW Medsoc and be substantially different to what is offered by UNSW Medsoc, the Medical Faculty, other SIGs, RAHMS, MSAP and Arc
Demonstrate the beneficial nature of their activities
Show themselves to be competent in performing their planned activities
Must be accessible for all medical students
Be transparent and answerable to UNSW Medsoc, by providing financial documentation to the Treasurer
Must prove they have at least thirty UNSW Medsoc members by way of a document containing names, year level, student numbers and signatures
SIGS will be overseen by the Vice President, unless it is decided by the executive that another executive member would be better suited for this role for a particular SIG
SIGS will need to renew their applications annually at the start of the year, outlining sustainability of the future of the group.
Be run at a cost neutral:
- No member can profit from the existence of SIGs
- No executive position will be rewarded in monetary or other means.
- Have established succession plan and infrastructure to ensure longevity
- [For Academic SIGs only] Be willing to participate in the Medsoc Grand Rounds Lecture Series providing one Grand Round per semester.

Acceptance of SIGs is up to the discretion of Vice-President and Medsoc Executive Council.

New SIGs
New SIGs must apply via email to vp(at)medsoc.org.au with the following:

Name of the SIG
Aim of the SIG (max 250 words)
Name, Student number, year, contact email, phone number and position of every exec member
Succession plan (max 250 words)
Physical signatures of 40 students with student numbers and year (scanned)

Renewing SIGs
Must reapply by February every year to vp(at)medsoc.org.au with the following:

Name of SIG
Aim of the SIG (max 250 words)
Name, Student number, year, contact email, phone number and position of every exec member
Existing succession plan (max 250 words)
List of events held over last year.

For continuing affiliation with Medsoc and UNSW Faculty of Medicine, each SIG must adhere to the following:

Maintain appropriate level of respect for the UNSW name and logo and to NOT use either in any form without the explicit permission of UNSW Administration.
Approach academics with proper manner and respect and ensure that they not misinformed. (ie that their participation is not required as part of their contract with UNSW Faculty of Medicine)
Approach Sponsors with manner and respect and to ensure they are not intentionally or unintentionally misinformed.
Advertise all events to all students studying Medicine at UNSW.
Not to discriminate between students, UNLESS it is based on stage/year of study (subjected to Vice-President’s or Medsoc Executive’s approval)
Provide receipts, attendance sheet and other documentation to the current Vice-President in a timely manner.
Verbal acknowledgement of Medsoc affiliation at every event where appropriate as well as use of Medsoc’s logo on par with and next to the SIG logo in every publication and presentation.
SIGs can seek independent funding to Medsoc, but must comply with Medsoc’s Constitution and in particular Section 8.
SIGs can choose to manage their own finances or use Medsoc’s bank account for their operation.
- If they choose to manage their own finances:
  - They cannot use personal bank accounts for storing finances and day-to-day operations
  - SIGs bank accounts cannot be used for personal finances of its members.
  - Designated SIG member (ie Treasurer) must report to Medsoc council twice at the end of Semester 1 and 2.

Failure to comply with these guidelines will mean immediate removal of assistance and affiliation with Medsoc.

Medsoc will provide assistance in the following forms:

Monetary funding:
- Funding may be provided to SIGs to fund event’s cost, excluding charitable donations.
- Assistance with equipment and venue booking
- Approaching sponsors
- Advertising

Level of assistance is subjected to the discretion of Vice-President of Medsoc and Medsoc Executive Council.