Delegates break for a bite to eat and networking time
Representatives from Student Associations around the country met at the end of January to discuss issues that will affect all students. The conference is an opportunity to connect students from both polytechnics and universities in order to develop networks and build strategies to promote student support across the country. Four representatives from EXMSS attended the conference.
Much of this year’s discussion related to the government led restrictions being placed on the tertiary sector. High on the agenda were political issues such as the removal of the student positions on Polytechnic Councils, the bill to make Student Association membership opt-in and the reduction of access to tertiary education in the university sector.
Of major concern for the EXMSS team was the omission of life-long learning and the focus on youth and full-time students clearly evident in National’s Tertiary Education Strategy.
Students associations are effective at keeping these issues on the government’s agenda. Because students are described by the TEC as the most significant stakeholder in the tertiary sector it makes sense that students are in the position (funded and organized) to engage with both their institutions and with government. National student conferences are essential to ensure effective engagement at institution and national level.
Actions stemming from the conference include national strategy‘s relating to: the Freedom of Association Bill, lobbying Polytechnics to form Student Advisory Committees for their Councils, monitoring of the success of the Youth Guarantee scheme and maintaining pressure on the Government to provide continued access to education for Maori and minority groups.
As an opt-in Student Association, you will only be able to give your services to the students that opted-in. If your honest, you know that not many people will opt-in as that is less cash in the pocket at that point in time.
So, the students that did not opt themselves in, need to be offered the same services, which means, by logic, the university should be offering them.
In saying that, I have a question.
Do you think if the VSM goes through that fees would rise considerably as the University will need to offer the same services that you do?
And, if you may, give me your opinion on how high(or low) that fee rise would be?
Thanks
Best guess is that Massey would pick up free phone and help desk and possibly some sort of printed communication to extramurals; but not the hardship fund, free shuttles, website, grad dinner, extramural art events, campus events like plays and writing comps, scholarships, advocacy, regional support network…. (we haven’t even discussed representation)
The university’s Student Services Levy will increase to help those in need so that completion figures improve. It’s anyones guess how much. 100% this year, could be the same again if EXMSS support services are lost. However many of the services will be targeted to specific groups (those at risk of failure)and focused on academic achievement.
One thing is for certain, no more free shuttles to campus, no more free and independent advocacy and no one pushing for electronic assignment submission for all papers.
I thought I should add that Massey is not keen to change the system. They feel that student associations at Massey “do a wonderful job on behalf of the student body, providing vital support services and advocacy as well as social events that enhance the student experience.”
Massey is concerned about pushing fees up, they would prefer not to have to.
Thanks Ralph.
That is probably the best answer I have heard to that question.
What has NZUSA got up their sleeves to lobby against this?
A protest maybe