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 [...]]]>  

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.

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 [...]]]>  

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.