Posted 08-12-09
Students on Massey Council well positioned to influence Massey University’s future direction
The student members of Massey Council have been applauded for their well considered contribution to Massey’s governance in 2009. “The student contribution is highly valued by Council”, Massey University Chancellor Russell Ballard said at the final meeting of 2009. “The student representatives must answer to their members while ensuring the interests of the University are the focus of discussion in Council – a difficult task they do very well.”
Ralph Springett (extramural student representative) and Karl Pearce (internal student representative) remain on Council for 2010 while Alex Sorensen, who was warmly farewelled at the December meeting will be replaced by Tiri Porter. Tiri is a Massey postgraduate student from Taranaki, and is currently studying Governance.
“Continuity and offering a balanced opinion will continue to be central to the student role on Council” says Ralph Springett, President of the Massey University Extramural Students’ Society. “Having a respected student perspective on Council and now also on the Council’s Audit and Risk committee, will enhance Massey’s reputation and add focus to delivering New Zealand’s defining student experience.”
Posted 03-12-09
A celebration of exemplary support.
EXMSS would like to extend its utmost appreciation to those services, groups and individuals who have worked to the benefit of extramural students throughout 2009. In particular we recognize the following:
Extramural Support Team of the Year – Student Learning Development Services
Support Individual of the Year – Lois Fagan
Rate It! Academic of the Year – Sam Richardson
EXMSS Staff award for exceptional contribution – Distance Library Service
Certificates of Appreciation commending the contribution of these fantastic people were awarded at the annual EXMSS Christmas function on December 1st.
- The Student Learning Development Services Team receive their award.
Media Release 23 September 2009
Tertiary Students’ Education Nightmare
The perfect storm is brewing for extramural students studying at Massey University. The compounding effect of Government cuts alongside the economic downturn are creating a high pressure, high stakes environment for tertiary students studying at a distance. “Next year there will not be enough places for new students. It’s possible that extramural students will be sidelined because of the Government emphasis on completion” says Ralph Springett, president of the Massey University Students’ Society.
$100 million worth of tertiary scholarships have been cut nationwide, the Training Incentive Allowance has gone at tertiary level, fees are increasing well beyond traditional limits through avenues such as service levies, jobs are drying up and the voice and support delivered through student associations is being attacked by Act and National through the Freedom of Association bill. “The pressure on students to perform is increasing while the support is being stripped away. It will be those who are studying while working and raising a family that will suffer most” says Mr Springett.
There has been no indication of how the overflow of students will be managed or how extramural success will be judged. Extramural students have been singled out in the past for delivering a ‘poor return on investment’ by the minister of Tertiary Education Ms Tolly. Statistically extramural students are less likely to complete qualifications within five years, a traditional measure of degree level completion.
“Now universities will be under pressure to choose students that will complete, and complete in a timely fashion. So if you do get into the system your kids, work or life better not get in the way” says Mr Springett.
ENDS
Media Release 30 July 2009
Training Incentive Allowance cuts aimed at midwives, nurses, teachers.
National’s cutting of the Training Incentive Allowance will only hit those who are motivated to improve their lives.
“It’s tall poppy syndrome of the worst kind. The Government won’t help those who stand out of the crowd and enrol in life changing education,” says Ralph Springett, President of Massey University Extramural Students’ Society.
Midwives, nurses and teachers are among the professions that solo mothers will struggle to afford training in. The TIA would pay up to $3,862.00 of actual course costs per year. Without this support many once-eligible students will not be able to make ends meet. As well as high course costs, degrees such as Midwifery require on-call placements throughout the year. Childcare becomes unaffordable if all spare cash is spent on course fees, so potential success stories become shattered dreams.
“This group of students has the potential to make a real difference. Not just to their own lives but to New Zealand society, as role models who have made it against the odds. It’s like National is telling these people to just stay at home on the benefit – that they are not really cut out for higher education,” says Mr Springett.
Based on past figures, hundreds of potential Massey students will be affected. Those on the invalids’ benefit and widows’ benefit as well as the DPB will now not be eligible for support at a defining time in their lives.
Ralph Springett
President
Massey University Extramural Students Society
Ph 027 245 8223
Media Release 10 June 2009
Students condemn National policies as educational fascism.
Ms Tolly’s suggestion that over 65s are not worth investing in has disgusted many older extramural students at Massey University. Based solely on what a student can deliver back to society in the form of economic benefits, National’s Education Policies could be interpreted as bordering on fascism.
“Ms Tolly doesn’t appear to value the personal rewards of learning. It is simply a matter of what she can get back on her investment. The enrichment, happiness and quality of life of this group of learners doesn’t seem to interest her” says Ralph Springett, President of Massey University Extramural Students’ Society.
National’s lack of humanity is demonstrated by the introduction of policies that impact on those that need educational support most. They include the removal of government scholarships for those who would not normally be able to access tertiary education, axing funding to courses that deliver basic literacy and numeracy in a non-formal environment and now the suggested removal of support for those over 65 because they can’t return on the investment.
“What happened to respect and care of our elders? These people paid taxes. National’s line seems to be picking away at the moral fibre of Aotearoa.” says Ralph.
With the caps on funding for Tertiary Institutions remaining, places for marginal grade students may also be lost. Education under a National government looks to be reserved for the chosen ones who can fulfil Ms Tolly’s vision of a return on investment.
ENDS
Media Release: 1 June 2009
Extramural students condemn ignorant scholarship cuts
Massey University Extramural Students’ Society condemns the recent budget announcement that $98 million dollars worth of tertiary scholarships will be axed.
“This is a ridiculous time to be cutting scholarships. More than ever tertiary students are depending on scholarships to give them access to education” says Ralph Springett, President of EXMSS.
“Decisions like this demonstrate the Government’s ignorance of the financial plight of many students.’ says Springett. “Worse still, the cuts specifically affect low income earners and areas where there is a skills shortage.”
The Step Up scholarships for low income earners and the bonded merit scheme, for subject areas where there is a national skill shortage, as well as Top Achiever scholarships, were cut in last week’s budget.
“I take great exception to the Government using the budget to smoke screen this decision. Thousands of Kiwi’s trying to get ahead will be affected every year. The Government need to support, not hobble, these people” says Springett.
Ends
Media Release: May 2009
Beyond the Walls – Exhibition Opening
Massey University Extramural Students’ Society is proud to announce the opening of the inaugural Beyond the Walls art exhibition.
You are invited to attend the opening function in the Massey Graduation Marquee at 6.30pm on Thursday the 14th May.
“This exhibition is an opportunity for artists all around the country to be recognised,” says Ralph Springett, President of EXMSS. “Massey Extramural students are both varied and talented, so who knows what we may discover.”
The Beyond the Walls exhibition is a part of the graduation celebrations occurring in Palmerston North between May the 11th and 15th which culminates for extramural students with the Graduation Dinner on May14th.
Artwork will be displayed at the Square Edge Gallery from 11th May until the 17th May. A gallery of exhibits will also be kept on the EXMSS website so artists get further exposure.
Ends
Media Release: 27 February
Increased Support for Distance Learners
Massey University Extramural Students’ Society has dramatically increased both the number and the value of its scholarships in 2009 as well as introducing new travel benefits for its members.
$13,000 worth of scholarships have been distributed over the last fortnight, up from $5,000 in 2008.
“The barriers to studying at a distance are increasing exponentially as the economy nosedives,” says Ralph Springett, President of EXMSS. “Increasing our services for our members is one way we can reduce these barriers.”
The new scholarships include awards for students with impairments as well as retention scholarships that pay fees in the following year. $3,000 of the new scholarship fund is aimed at supporting tradespeople in their transition to tertiary study.
“The Trade to Tertiary scholarship helps tradespeople make the jump into tertiary” says Ralph, a former chef and now a student of literature.
As well as increasing scholarships EXMSS is sending a $20 travel voucher to all extramural students attending contact courses which are held on each of the three Massey campuses.
“The Contact Course Travel Voucher is about reducing costs for students. The little stuff counts at the end of the day,” says Ralph.
EXMSS congratulates the scholarship winners and hopes that its commitment to providing assistance for students will encourage Tertiary Institutions to prioritise similar support for students in 2009.
Ends
EXMSS is the extramural students’ association of Massey University, representing 17,000 students studying at Massey University throughout New Zealand.
For more information contact:
Ralph Springett
President
Massey University Extramural Students Society
Ralph Springett
President
Massey University Extramural Students Society
Ph 027 245 8223
