Extramural Presidents Blog » Uncategorized

2011 Massey Fees

ralph — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 23:24:07 +0000

At the September Massey University Council meeting the 2011 student fees were set.

Tuition fees (fees for papers) will rise by 4% – the Government maximum. This covers all papers both undergraduate and post graduate, taught and research.

The University’s Student Services Levy will now be calculated as a base cost plus a per-paper charge.

For distance students the base fee is $60 plus $15 per paper (one paper = $75, 2 papers = $90 and so on).
For internal students the base is $125 plus $25 per paper (one paper = $150…).

The change to a prorated system is an attempt to make the system fairer for students who are studying part-time and also reflects a closer alignment to the actual cost of providing student services. The difference between internal fees and distance fees represents the difference in the types of services that can be accessed by internal students such as health services.

A new ‘scholarship’ levy has been introduced at a rate of $2.50 per 15 credit paper.

The enrolment fee is now $75 and will be non-refundable.

The Extramural Students’ Society levy remains at $40.

What happened in the meeting?

The most contentious area was the Student Services Levy. Although student representatives approved of the move to a prorated system, multiple attempts were made at the meeting to cap the total revenue grab. Councillors argued that in order to respond to the Governments targets of success and completion more needed to be done to support students academically. If Massey does not hit these targets future funding could be cut. Student representatives then pushed for involvement in the spend of the extra funds and were successful in this.

Fee rises has become an inevitable consequence of the tertiary funding system. In 2011 Massey students will be hit with a 2.5% GST increase, a 4% tuition fee increase, a new scholarship levy and a variable increase (ranging from a reduction for internals doing only one or two papers to an increase of up to 100% for distance students doing eight papers) in the student services levy.

Internal students

The total impact on students is a 6.2% increase in tuition fees and for a full time (8 papers) internal student an increase of 72% (which includes the scholarship levy) in student services levies. To look at this another way this is an increase of $450-500 per year for a full time student.

Distance students

Again there is the 6.2% increase in tuition fees and for a part time (2 papers) distance student an increase of 58% (which includes the scholarship levy) in student services levies. This translates to an increase of $140-150 per year for a distance student doing two papers.

Student Council Members

We worked hard to get our points across but were confounded by the pressure the Government is placing on the University. The outlook is bleak: performance measures are stacked against part-time provision so funding will be at risk through no fault of the University, tripartite funding for staff pay increases has been ceased by the Government and student numbers are now required to be reduced. This is the tune Massey has to march to – much of what the Government is insisting is in direct opposition to Massey 2020 strategy of growth.

The best we can do is to have a strong voice in how the service levy and the scholarship funds are spent; we formally received that concession in the Council meeting. The question is now what the priority is for this money. If you have an idea of where these priorities lie get in contact with your student association, they are keen to work on your behalf.

Te Mana Akonga Membership

ralph — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 01:09:19 +0000

It was a privilege to be invited to attend the National Hui for Te Mana Akonga. I had the opportunity to request membership at the Annual General Meeting and was rewarded with friendly support and a vote of confidence for EXMSS. EXMSS is a little unusual in its membership request as it does not have a roopu that acts on behalf of Maori members, instead EXMSS has an Executive member (Tiri Porter) who attends to the needs and wishes of Maori extramural students as a part of that executive role.

Tapu Te Ranga Marae

As members of Te Mana Akonga we will be able to further develop our services and representation of Maori students with the support of a national peak body. If there are pressing concerns or particular services that our students would like us to focus on then we urge them to get in contact.

AGM, Strategic Planning and Elections

ralph — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 04:00:34 +0000

It is the time of year that student associations hold their Annual General Meetings, elections and plan for the future. The AGM offers members a chance to see what has been going on and to have a voice in planning for the upcoming year. Because EXMSS is a distance organisation I invite you (EXMSS Members) to send queries to Ralph@EXMSS.org,.nz . The Agenda and the EXMSS Annual Report will be placed on our website a week before our AGM (which is on the 1st September). The EXMSS strategic plan is also open for comment as we work towards revising it for 2011. We welcome your input into our provision of services and overall direction.

When you get the email, read the candidate profiles and vote.

Nominations for elected positions are open. If you have an interest in the governance of EXMSS then check out the election pages in www.exmss.org . I will be putting my name forward for the Presidency and will support changes in EXMSS’s governance/management structure that will make the President’s role part time and place operational responsibilities with the professional staff. If elected, 2011-2012 would be my last term as President.

Summer School Enrolment Close

ralph — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 01:18:18 +0000

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.

Freedom of Association Presentation to Select Committee

ralph — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 02:38:09 +0000

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 and EXMSS working together

ralph — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 23:57:37 +0000

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.

Massey Moves to Monitor Academic Achievement

ralph — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 23:57:51 +0000

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.

Over 25s become ‘Special Admissions’

ralph — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 02:46:03 +0000

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.

Freedom of Association (voluntary membership)

ralph — Thu, 27 May 2010 00:53:56 +0000

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.

Limited Extramural Places

ralph — Wed, 26 May 2010 02:37:48 +0000

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.