Above: The official SUPA logo

ABOUT

The Sydney University Pharmacy Association (SUPA) is the representative body for students studying a Bachelor or Masters of Pharmacy at the Sydney Pharmacy School in the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney, Australia.

SUPA was established with a vision to unite and inspire students to step outside the boundaries of academic life and to excel.

S.H. Stroud first founded SUPA under the name “Sydney University Pharmaceutical Association” in 1920. It was officially renamed to the current title “Sydney University Pharmacy Association” in 1963, with the late Les Cashen AM as President. We proudly provide students with academic, educational, and networking opportunitIes. Furthermore, we provide access to pharmacist-specific services, advice, representation and organise social events for our 800+ subscribed members and 1300+ pharmacy students.

SUPA is amongst the largest societies on campus and has been successful in winning University of Sydney Union awards, including the Club/Society of the Year Award, Publications Award, Most Improved Audit award and Best Audit award. SUPA prides itself on providing high quality representation and services to benefit the social and academic lives of students.

SUPA is the largest branch of and a founding member of the National Australian Pharmacy Students' Association (NAPSA).


OUR MISSION

To aspire for a better network of Pharmacists.

To aspire towards a more holistic education.

To aspire to lend a hand to the needy in the community.

To aspire for a healthier lifestyle.

To aspire to defend their profession and its values.

To build a community of friends and professionals, built around honesty, respect and caring for people.

 

Above: Pharmacy building in USYD


Above: Unofficial SUPA logo redesigned in 2018

Above: Unofficial SUPA logo redesigned in 2018

WHAT WE DO

  • We sell reference books, textbooks, and dispensing equipment required for the course at substantially reduced prices;

  • We design and sell merchandise including hoodies;

  • We coordinate the Pharmacy teams in the interfaculty sporting competitions;

  • We assist the Sydney Pharmacy School at student information days and open days at the University;

  • We provide student input at the Sydney Pharmacy School’s Teaching and Learning Committee;

  • Our year representatives present student issues and represent students at staff-student liaison meetings;

  • We are the contact point between pharmacy organisations, such as the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), and students – free membership of these organisations is offered at our office;

  • We can provide you with advice and refer you to the right people for any issues or enquiries you might have as a pharmacy student;

  • All SUPA members are automatically members of NAPSA and therefore receive all NAPSA benefits too.


BENEFITS OF A SUPA MEMBERSHIP

Events:

  • SUPAC – an annual educational careers conference for USYD pharmacy students

  • SUPA Careers Night

  • SHPA Hospital Pharmacy Night

  • Social events including BBQs, Pub Crawls, Trivia Nights, Cruises and an Annual Gala Ball

  • Ability to attend the annual NAPSA Congress as a member of SUPA

  • Networking opportunities with various professional bodies including the PSA, SHPA, Caruso's, MediAdvice and Pharmacy Club

  • Participation in sporting events such as interfaculty sport and charity matches

Exclusive Access:

  • Merchandise including hoodies and t-shirts

  • Access to educational courses - complementary medicines, wound care and first aid courses

  • Discounted prices for textbooks and educational material

  • Second-hand book sales

  • Access to a variety of professional publications including Australian Prescriber, Australian Pharmacist and NPS MedicineWise factsheets

  • Automatic membership to NAPSA and IPSF