Frequently Asked Questions

THINKING ABOUT BECOMING A UTSOAC MEMBER?

What are the benefits?

Becoming a UTSOAC member offers numerous benefits, including access to a vibrant outdoor community, opportunities for skill development, participation in club events and trips, free use of Club gear, discounts for selected climbing gyms and outdoor shops, and more!

Do I need to be a UTSOAC student to join?

Membership in UTSOAC is inclusive and open to all, regardless of UTS affiliation. Our club prides itself on its diverse membership, encompassing individuals with a wide range of outdoor skill expertise, backgrounds, and ages.

How do I sign up?

Signing up is easy! Visit our website and click on the “Join Now” button to complete the membership registration process: Membership Registration

What is the cost?

Annual membership costs vary depending on the type of membership you choose. Please visit our website or contact us for current membership fees: Membership Fees

How often does the club run trips?

The frequency of club trips depends on the availability and interest of our volunteer Trip Leaders. However, we strive to organise club trips regularly throughout the year, providing a diverse range of outdoor activities suitable for varying interests and skill levels. Visit our Activities page for trips happening soon.

Can I borrow club equipment? Club equipment may be loaned out to active Trip Leaders only. This is because Trip Leaders receive training by the Quartermaster regarding the logistics and procedures surrounding gear usage and ensure that equipment is always available for official club trips. If you need equipment for a specific club trip, you may contact the Trip Leader organising the trip to help secure your equipment.

 

 

ALREADY A UTSOAC MEMBER?

How do I access membership discounts?

Login to My OAC and navigate to Member > Member Discount Codes

How do I unsubscribe from the UTS OAC mailing list?

You can unsubscribe from the mailing list by the link provided at the bottom of the email. You will still be able to access and sign-up for activities via the website.

How can I cancel/refund my membership?

If you wish to cancel your membership, simply log in to your account on the website. Under the Membership section, there will be a tab allowing you to cancel your membership. If you wish to refund your membership, our refund policies are found here. Once you have confirmed you are eligible, email our secretary via the Contact Us tab on the website. They will be in touch to process the refund for you. 

Can I receive Recognition of Prior Learning?

If you feel you are too advanced to attend prerequisite skills trips and wish to obtain Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), please email safety@utsoac.org.au to discuss and provide evidence. This may include courses you’ve completed and recent experience. It’s essential to verify skills due to the inherent risks in our activities, and we appreciate your understanding in this process.

Can I sign up for more than one trip that runs on the same day?

Yes, you can, but we discourage it. Signing up for multiple trips on the same day occupies spots meant for other participants. Please avoid this under normal circumstances. However, during events like Megafest, where multiple trips run simultaneously and sign-ups are uncertain, you may sign up for multiple trips. Once accepted into one trip, please promptly cancel any other trips for the same day to avoid disappointment for our volunteer Trip Leaders.

How can I cancel my participation in an activity?

To cancel your participation in an activity due to unforeseen circumstances, please unregister via My OAC > Member > My Trips and click ‘cancel’ on the trip you signed up for. There is usually a waiting list thus we appreciate you cancelling your spot this way.

What does [FULL] tag for an activity on the website mean?

It means the activity has reached the maximum participant limit restricted by Trip Leader guidelines. Please do not sign up more for these trips with [FULL] tag on, unless the Trip Leader advises that you can sign up.

How do I know if I qualify for a trip?

To check if you have the necessary skills and technical knowledge for a trip, thoroughly review the trip email for any specific skill or technical requirements, or directly reply to the trip posting email. This will allow you to communicate directly with the Trip Leader organising the trip and they will be able to guide and assess your suitability.

What and how long is the process from signing up to be accepted?

It varies and is dependent on the volunteer Trip Leader, but in principle, the time from signing up to be accepted is 3-7 days. It also depends on the type of trip, and the Trip Leader will provide you enough time to prepare. For example, if the trip is an overnight hiking trip, the Trip Leader may accept you 7-10 days before the trip.

Why was I rejected from a trip?

If a trip has reached capacity, you may be placed on a waiting list for that activity. Other common reasons for rejection include not meeting the technical requirements for that trip or not providing enough information during sign-up.

What or where are the selecting criteria for a trip?

Selecting criteria is briefly explained in trip descriptions. If you have any questions regarding criteria, feel free to send a direct email to the Trip Leaders. It is also important to note down any relevant information regarding your previous experience and skills.

What are the benefits of becoming a volunteer Trip Leader?

Becoming a volunteer Trip Leader offers numerous benefits, including opportunities to enhance leadership skills, gain outdoor experience, foster community connections, and contribute to the club’s mission of promoting safe and enjoyable outdoor activities. Additionally, Trip Leaders may qualify for incentives such as equipment access, training reimbursements, and leadership recognition within the club.

How do I become a Trip Leader?

The process of becoming a volunteer Trip Leader starts with signing up and being accepted to a Trip Leader Induction followed by a storage induction held over two nights. You will be introduced to our trip leader’s safety and logistics guidelines and storage protocols. Once you have completed these steps, you will become a probational Trip Leader. You will start off by seconding trips, eventually leading your own trips. Trips that require additional technical skills (i.e running roped trips) will require you to also attend the necessary skills trips to run these activities. This can be done prior to or after becoming a Trip Leader. 

I’m a Trip Leader, how do I get endorsed for leading my own trips?

To become eligible for leading your own trips, lead trips under the supervision of experienced Trip Leaders and have them endorse your profile on My OAC. For full endorsement to lead skills trips, contact the Safety Officer at safety@utsoac.org.au, as they are the only club authority to sign off Trip Leaders for skills trips.

Remind me, what are the Trip Leader Guidelines again?

Trips posted on the OAC website must adhere to Trip Leader guidelines shared during induction and found in the Trip Leader section on MyOAC here.