The truth is, the VSM Bill has arrived at a very difficult time. Student associations can’t ask at enrolment if a student would like to join – enrolment is already open for 2012 and Massey’s enrolment software does not have that functionality. Also, there is no time to discuss what services the students need and want before the summer break. Furthermore, the nature of the services that can be funded has not been clarified by the Government.

Fortunately, Massey has made it clear that it values its student associations. And the Government has made it clear that services should be agreed between students and the institution. So we have the opportunity to present a strategy about how we might offer services and representation in a voluntary environment. The result for EXMSS is a document that describes one way forward: The EXMSS Draft Strategy and Position Document. Now we must consider all of the factors described in this document and negotiate, in partnership with the other associations and Massey, the way forward.

Not a big crowd at the AGM

Further changes may need to be made when the membership structure is finalised. The next year will contain an extensive period of engagement with members to determine the preferred way in which EXMSS can continue to speak on behalf of distance students and be involved in the delivery of services.

It was good to see a positive finacial perfomance from EXMSS in 2010, pleasing to be able to announce the set-up of the Extramural Student Support Trust and very good to see the first changes in a decade to the constitution.

Thank you to those who attended; we do struggle to get members to attend. The event was well publicised on campus but students are focussed on their studies when on campus and this appears to be a barrier to attending a lunch-time meeting. EXMSS will undertake to hold its AGM via a web-cast next year to encourage more member involvement.

What will fees and services look like under VSM?

The Massey University Federation of Student Associations have been discussing how change can be managed. And the associations have plans to describe the environment and possible structures and services to students in order for the change to be student led. However, before we have that conversation we must have clarity about the resources that may be available, and what scope there may be for service provision.

The FoA Bill is expected to pass into law at the end of September. Following that, information on fees; what is allowed and what is possible, will be made available to students. As a distance student, you can expect a summary of the fee changes on this blog (as has been done in past years), but also to be approached for your views so that student opinion can drive the future direction of EXMSS.

Vice Chancellor Steve Maharey

Indeed, the tertiary sector is being driven towards a model of efficiency. The Government is aiming for graduate numbers 20% higher in 2013 than in the 2000’s. However, this does not mean more money for Universities, in real terms funding is declining. You can read more about sector issues in the excellent MUSA/EXMSS article, Turning the Tide: How Best to Buoy a Drowning Tertiary Sector.

Maharey went on to explain that within this highly threatening environment the University itself has a very clear plan, including digitization, providing professional development courses, and reforming Massey’s academic portfolio; meaning what is to be taught. This is in balance with initiatives in generating research income and a comparatively reserved marketing budget, Maharey stating that Massey prefers to spend money on real activities and real things like staff development and buildings.

The Student’s Questions

Will hard copy study notes cost students in the future? Massey is looking to work towards a digital environment. No date has been set for full digitization. Currently the University offers hard copy for free. It was suggested that the Assistant Vice Chancellor (Academic) may provide further information.

What is the future of contact courses? Technology is providing opportunities for change. Students will drive change through their engagement and feedback. Lecturers are free to respond to student and teaching needs, so where there is a need there is likely to be contact courses continuing.

Does the University intend to provide video lectures? If the lecturer sees a need for video material that supports their teaching and learning then they are free to explore that avenue. Currently there is no dedicated resource or strategy for video lectures.

Will the University support an independent advocacy service if, under VSM, the student associations are unable to provide this service universally? The difficulty is in Massey providing support for advocacy that is potentially against itself. The University would like to see an independent advocacy service continue under VSM but the money must come from students, and willingly. How this can be done is something that needs to be worked out between student associations and the University. At this stage there is no guarantee of an independent advocacy service continuing under VSM.

What is the eight year rule? This proposed rule defines a maximum of eight years to complete a Massey qualification where completion times are not already described. This is being introduced to improve completion figures and to impress on students the importance of progression. The move is being made in response to the Government focus on completions.

What changes are being made to enrolment processes? Enrolments dates will be brought forward and some courses will be capped. The criteria for enrolment is changing to attend to the Governments priorities. New software seeks to be more useful for students as well as providing the information for the TEC.

Will the summer school enrolments be capped? Last years reactions to the Government’s capped environment are behind us. For Massey the task of restricting enrolment has been difficult. Distance student numbers will continue to reduce. However, the process in 2011 is clearer and there will not be a cap on summer school although courses in the summer semester may change to fit with strategic needs.

How will Massey deal with peak load issues of library space and parking? This is a shared issue, other Universities offer space to Massey students and students from, say, Auckland or AUT, use Massey facilities. There is no easy solution but Massey is aware of the problem, especially at Albany.

How engaged are students in the wider issues, such as student services and government priorities? Students worldwide have never been that focussed on issues outside of their daily life and study. It is only in an immediate crisis that students get fully involved. It is not apathy or disinterest, it is busy people focussed on other concerns.

Is Massey prepared for natural disasters? In short, yes. But there is always room for reviewing our systems. For distance students the regional support proved its effectiveness during the Christchurch earthquakes.

Are international student numbers going to increase at Massey? The government is pushing very hard in this area and have made their expectations of improved performance clear. There is room for more international students at Massey.

Can international fees be grand-parented? Without financial information a decision cannot be made. However, discussion of the grand-parenting option will continue and be settled.

Will mature students, through government policy direction, be prevented from studying at university? An alarming trend seems to be the reduction of support for adult students. Some policies may have little impact but the trend is concerning. Massey will continue to lobby for life-long learning.

With Albany non-tuition fees proportionally high, is the University planning on reducing them over time of prorating them for part time students? In short, no. The mechanism for discussion is the fee setting process, but it should be noted that the Albany Student Association engaged with students and supported the building levy initiative. The solution may be in increasing student numbers on the Albany campus which would spread the cost of the new Student Amenities building.

What is likely regarding fee rises for 2012? There will be an increase in tuition fees. For student service levies there is a connection with the VSM legislation currently before the house. The final fee will be decided through a process of engagement and alignment with the principles of fee setting. The fees decision will be made at the September 1^st meeting of the Massey Council.

Not all questions were able to be asked in the Forum. The following questions have been sent on to the Vice Chancellor and the responses will be posted here.

Is there an option of a student area at Massey Wellington that is not the common rooms? A place where we can chill out, with some games, magazines and maybe some music that’s for students? Over exam week there was something in the Pyramid – can that be done again? Tussock and the common rooms do not have a student feel – most students feel that it’s more corporate and for more mature staff and students.

 Should Massey sports teams across the country have some kind of national competition, maybe play against each other to help grow sports teams? Would Massey support this?

When will the Wellington campus library be upgraded?

What consideration has been given to older students who have challenges reading a screen as opposed to hard copy? I am concerned for a number of students with less than 20/20 eyesight their difficulty at reading screens and not receiving hard copy

Will student magazines be supported if associations disappear? Which student magazine do you think is the best across the campus’.
 
A lecturer has mentioned a Plagiarism database that record students who plagiarize. Is this a new system? What does it mean for students?

The EXMSS Grad Dinner at Wharerata

The EXMSS Graduation Dinner is a fine affair with the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor attending, as well as many of the key people who provide essential services at the University; library, teaching and learning support staff.  Also attending are numerous academics and importantly the families and friends of the graduates. As in past years this years EXMSS Graduation Dinner focused on the graduates. After we had been entertained by Jacqueline Rowarth (Massey Communicator and FedFarm Personality of the year) we got to hear from the graduates. Each graduate has a story to tell, each story was as riveting as the last and each seemed to find some common ground with the others. We will produce a video and make that available but there is no substitute for the real thing. For those studying – keep going the rewards are great. For the staff and academics that make the journey possible – thank you for doing what you do.

The EXMSS EARs will be at the orientation meetings that Massey’s Centre for Teaching and Learning offer at the start of each semester. These meetings are valuable. They discuss the skills you will need to be successful in your studies. Our EARs will offer all those who attend these meetings a FREE Academic Writing Guide and inform you of services like the FREE Supershuttle from airports to campuses and the support you can receive through your student society such as the hardship grant and scholarships.

The key message they will deliver is to get involved in your learning community: visit the EXMSS website regularly, contact your peers through class lists and approach Massey and EXMSS about the services they offer. Everyone is keen to help you succeed. If you hit a barrier there are many ways to tackle it. If you don’t know where to start then just phone 0508 4 EXMSS and ask for EXMSS.

All the best for your journey and we look forward to connecting as you progress.

Want to contribute? Contact Anne@exmss.org.nz and put your hand up to be an Area Representative.

The existing opt-out-of-student-associations system that makes all of this possible is now under threat from an ACT Bill, the Freedom of Association Amendment to the Education Act. From EXMSS’s initial survey we found that an overwhelming majority (70%) of extramural students want to keep the existing system. Students associations will not survive a voluntary membership system, maori ropu will dissolve and smaller associations close. Funding for the services considered important by the University will be provided through increases in the Student Services Levy.

EXMSS has written a draft submission that captures this view and now wishes to confirm that what we have said is a reasonable reflection of extramural opinion. Please read the draft submission and leave your comments. If you have a strong viewpoint you may wish to complete a submission yourself. This has been made easy at the Save Our Services website.