Sydney University Women's Union (SUWU)

The Sydney University Women's Union was founded in 1914 as a society to manage the affairs of university women and to be in charge of the new building [Manning House] which should be erected as a centre for their intellectual and social life. Its constitution was adopted by Senate in 1915. The Union did not take up its work until March 1917 when a portion of the building dedicated to its use was completed.

The Women's Union was intended to provide a common meeting ground and a social centre for women members of the University; to encourage the intellectual development of its members by debates and other means; and to foster the growth and corporate spirit among University Women.

Membership was open to all women attending lectures, to all women graduates who wish to join, to women members of the teaching and administrative staff, and to wives of members of the Senate and teaching staff. 

The Union was a self-governing body. Senate placed control of Manning House in the hand of a president and a board of ten board directors two of whom were nominated by Senate and eight elected by members.

SUWU amalgamated with the Sydney University Union to form the University of Sydney Union from 1 January 1972.