What’s the Plan Now We Have VSM?

Now that voluntary membership of student associations is in for 2012, what happens? There have been many meetings between the  Massey students associations and the University. As early as March students associations looked to define a good systems for representation within the University. The idea,  having a method of keeping students in touch with each other [...]

2012 University Fee Decisions

The fee decisions for 2012 have been held up due to the late passage of the Freedom of Association (Voluntary Membership) legislation. EXMSS, along with the other Massey associations, would like to discuss with students what might be suitable student association structures and services. But this is difficult when we do not know what sort of funding [...]

Out of Time for Orderly Change

It is difficult to imagine student associations getting off to a good start if voluntary membership is introduced in 2012.

In order to operate successful voluntary associations, a simple mechanism for joining the relevant association that is supported by good information about membership costs and benefits, as well as agreed fee collection systems, will be [...]

The VC’s Student Forum

Described as the place to get answers, the 2011 VC’s Student Forum has been very useful for getting a sense of where the University is going, and what the changes Massey is making mean for students. The Forum was captured on video. To that end the Vice Chancellor, Steve Maharey, was invited to give his take [...]

Young Students Need to Grow

Where do we grow up?

The purpose of a University education is not only to gain a qualification, but to grow and mature as a person. For our young students this is especially true. The Freedom of Association Bill will change that permanently. Under Voluntary Student Membership (VSM) the student experience becomes the university [...]

Freedom of Association (voluntary membership)

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 [...]

Save our Services

No matter which side of the fence you sit it is irrefutable that EXMSS (and other students associations) delivers services that save students. Save them from hardship, from anguish and from an education system that at times seems less than friendly. Each year EXMSS saves hundreds of students from dropping out of their studies. Even [...]

National Student Conference

 

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 [...]

Brash’s Darkforce 2025 Report

Brash’s Taskforce 2025 Report, which students are calling the Darkforce, calls for higher tertiary education fees, market interest on student loans… [...]

Would you be a member?

If the Freedom of Association Bill is passed next year then in 2011 EXMSS will be faced with having to convince its prospective members that joining is money well spent. “But that is how it is for all other organizations” I hear you shout. True, but EXMSS is not just services, a big part of [...]