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It came as a shock even though the signs were there. I feel more could have been done to prevent this from happening and more could have been done to advise students in a more timely way. That said it is clearly the Government’s Tertiary Education Strategy (TES) that has closed Massey’s doors this summer. (There is a fantastic Off Campus article School of Hard Knocks discussing the end of open entry.) So what do we do about it? I am continuing to lobby the Government about the issue, basing my discussion around the submission to the TES I wrote last year and using the voice of the students to support my statements. I need you to reply to this blog so I can include your voice (anonymously).
 Why don't they get it? Massey is a big organisation and had begun the process of moving to a capped number. This was being done in a manner that was designed to reduce the impact on students. Good on you Massey. The Government then decided that that was not fast enough change and forced the capping of student numbers. The Tertiary Education Strategy is a Dog - especially for mature and part time learners. So let us now focus on the source of this misery and present a united voice in opposition. Tell us your story, your grief and we will get some public debate around this issue.
EXMSS feels it is unacceptable for New Zealand to have a Tertiary Education System that is unable to deliver the courses offered at the beginning of the year. What does that say about our Government’s vision and planning? Massey is not the only institution that has had to suddenly close its doors. For students this poorly organised, frantic dash to capped numbers, driven by a flawed strategy is completely unacceptable.
I have had the opportunity to present our Societies case to the Select Committee. The presentation went well. I was disappointed with the lack of questions following the presentation. Does that mean they have come to conclusions already? Perhaps the presentation was tight enough that no questions arose? You can be the judge of that. The presentation can be heard here.
On the same day the former Minister of Finance, David Caygill, spoke, opposing the Bill. He had some very relevant points and the National Party members discussed with him the potential for compromises.
It is interesting to see Joyce singling out the large increases in Student Services Levies that Universities have introduced last year and this year. The effect of voluntary membership will be further increases in the Student Services Levy and the removal of a united student voice into the University’s decision making processes. His recent speech
Manawatahi, the Palmerston North based Student Association that supports and advocates for Maori students, and EXMSS are working towards sharing their skills. EXMSS is keen for assistance with Maori protocol and getting in touch with Maori extramural students, Manawatahi is interested in support for their emerging operational and governance structures. By signing a Memorandum of Understanding today both organisations are committing to regular discussion and a sharing of knowledge that will help provide students with the support and services that they need.
 Manwatahi Executive members Leyland, Terewai and President Kemp Reweti, happy about the internet access for Manawatahi study space, agree to work together with EXMSS In recognition of the contribution Manawatahi makes to all Maori students (including extramural students) EXMSS has provided wireless internet access to their study space in the student association building on concourse.
 You are not alone. Support is there if you need it. In line with expectations of Government, Massey is introducing a program of monitoring students academic achievement. This scheme intends to encourage students in their studies and provide guidance and timely support to students who are struggling academically.
There are three key reasons for the introduction of the monitoring scheme. Firstly, it is about improving student study skills and performance, but is also about raising student awareness of access to relevant University support and services, and the establishment of a regular dialogue between the student and the University that specifically addresses study progression issues earlier than previously has been the case.
Students identified as experiencing progression issues will be asked to discuss these with student learning advisors/counsellors, with the aim of directing students to University resources targeted at assisting with getting studies back on track. Students may also be required to participate in an academic review action plan which may then require students to take immediate action in accessing study support and services available at the University.
 University study? Think again. Massey and other universities around New Zealand are being forced to introduce regulations that deliver on the Governments Tertiary Education Strategy. Forced because some institutions would prefer to maintain a student body that reflects New Zealand’s education needs, not some reactive strategy that fails to understand educations role in society and economic recovery.
The govenment, not satisfied with the impact of the TES are now looking to restrict access further for mature students. Imagine enquiring about a course and being told that your University Entrance qualification is not good enough. Sorry UE is not what is says. UE means you only have the right to enter university as a Special Admission.
That means you will have to meet a set of criteria that could be cuturally based, academically based or luck based. You will not know if you are successfull until the last minute and your place will gone if you fail or take a break for more than two years.
There is a window of opportunity to have your say. NZQA, who are reviewing entrance criteria, are calling for submissions. I will be submitting on your behalf. Please send me your views and I will make sure thay are included in the EXMSS submission.
I have been listening to submissions regarding the compulsory nature of student association membership. It is clear that a minority group of students are not keen to pay for services that they do not use. These students are independent learners with support systems in place and no financial hardship issues. Lucky them.
This group sees no reason to support students with financial issues or those who need advocacy support. They are not interested in attending events such as the EXMSS Graduation Dinner (18 cents from each student’s association fee is used for this event) or receiving any communication that brings all distance students together. They are offended by the requirement to contribute to and participate in these group activities.
 EXMSS executive member Dave Crampton presents to the Select Committee on his graduation day
They see no need for a student representative to push for improved academic quality on their behalf, or to lobby the Tertiary Education Commission to consider the impact of their policies on distance students.
But a survey of over 1200 Massey extramurals shows us that 82% support having an on-campus representative that can engage with the University. 70% support the existing full membership system.
So what do we do? Democratically we can vote, but that will not satisfy the minority. Going voluntary will trash the ability of students to present a united voice to the University. Perhaps there is a solution in allowing the student organisations to manage their own membership rules through their constitutions? Is there a halfway house where those who want out can pay a lesser fee for representation only?
And for those who say I do not represent their views – let me know what your views are and I will take them to those you want to hear them. Check the priorities on this blog and you may find EXMSS views match well with your views: ongoing improvements in academic delivery, reasonable conditions for study, praise where it is due and an engaging environment.
 Massey Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor discussing the future with those who will be making decisions With completion rates now being used to judge performance and extramural students predominantly part-time and potentially entering with no formal qualifications it is not unreasonable for Massey to think hard about the place of extramural study in their curriculum.
Massey is committed to ‘distance provision’ but with limited spaces it must be asked; what and where do we prioritise?’ A business model would avoid extramurals because of the uncontrollable nature of the raw material and statistics that show below average completion rates. So what will be the educational model?
In my work with Council, the Senior Leadership Team and the Vice Chancellors Office, I am encouraging and supporting the continued prioritisation of distance provision. Invest now and reap the rewards of being a leader when others realise that distance provision within a blended learning experience is essential for providing high quality delivery in the 2010’s and beyond.
But what should students do about the limited entry? Enrol early, pay your fees on time, pass your papers. It is really the first item that is key. You would be doing the other things as a matter of course. So I will say it again – ENROL EARLY.
 Christine Te Namu (Prersident of Te Waka) accepts koha for support of Maori extramural graduates from Tiri Porter (right) of EXMSS What a fantastic week. Beyond the Walls exhibition, the EXMSS Graduation Dinner, all those ceremonies and the fantastic graduates. That will be you one day; a graduate. Perhaps you have already done the walk and are going again.
Highlights – Maori Graduation Ceremony, extramural artwork and the students stories at the EXMSS graduation dinner.
A lot goes on when everyone gets together. We have had meetings with both Maori Ropu (Te Waka in Albany and Manawatahi in Palmerston). We are working together to support services that students want (like social events on campus, access to computers and a common line in our representational activity). We have also had a Council meeting where the building work (for a student centre and accommodation block) on Albany campus was approved. There is a lot going on within Massey’s senior leadership team, a shared services initiative and discussion around what words can be used to describe Massey graduates key attributes – more about this next week.
The graduate stories are a clear highlight for me. At our Dinner we heard from eight graduates and listened to the story of their journey. This is truly a fantastic event and one that we have recorded. So look out for the Grad Dinner short video and make sure you book your ticket for next years event well in advance.
 Study Pods in the Albany Library One final note; the Albany Library extension was officially opened at the beginning of May. It looks like a fantastic facility and we are privileged to have access as extramural students.
 DEANZ Conference workshop After attending the DEANZ conference in 2008 and commenting on the lack of a learner voice I was invited to speak at the 2010 conference. The topic I chose focussed on the relationship students have with their institution and matching student expectations with institution capability. My comments were well received with the keynote speaker, Liz Burge, approaching me after the presentation wishing to discuss these issues further. In essence I said that students need to trust that the institution has their needs central to their delivery and that the institution has communicated the style of delivery well and matched that with the institutions capabilities. It is about integrity and communication. I had one slide with a clear message “Clear communication of intentions and matching student expectations with institutional capacity will improve student satisfaction regarding their blended learning experience.” To hear the presentation in full click here.
The workshops of the conference often supported my views with relevant research, but few used the humanist term, trust. I take strength from the feedback and have made useful connections for advancing the EXMSS project Review It. My presentation may have some impact on a few institutions but my focus with Massey University is to continue to present these issues and ask for concrete commitments driven from the top.
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EXMSS commitment to Extramural Students EXMSS is committed to providing services and representation for students in a transparent and accountable manner as directed by the EXMSS student membership.
Representational Priorities (not ranked) Maintaining access (places) for extramural students.
Maintaining access for Maori students.
Digitization of course material.
Roll-out of electronic assignment submission.
University wide plagiarism policy and procedure.
Services improvements following student service levy increase.
Resources and services available following postgraduate fee rise.
Gaining an understanding of the membership's opinion on compulsory society membership.
Defining/formalizing the relationship between EXMSS and the University.
Operational Priorities Include Treaty of Waitangi in EXMSS constitution.
Partner with Massey to introduce EXMSS to all members through course related material.
Make services available to more members (e.g. shuttle service on all campuses)
Review our methods of communication with students
Reduce overhead costs (streamline printed material, effective use of staff hours...)
Run sponsored competitions that engage the membership
Review the criteria for hardship applications to potentially allow some known, study related costs to be covered.
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