Extramural Presidents Blog » vsm

What’s the Plan Now We Have VSM?

ralph — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 08:35:52 +0000

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 and a system where their views and feedback can be heard, got a positive response from University Council. However, how this will look, and what funding can be used, are still unknown.

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.

2012 University Fee Decisions

ralph — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 04:07:17 +0000

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 may be available.

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.

Out of Time for Orderly Change

ralph — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:36:32 +0000

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 essential.

It is not possible to determine what membership costs or services that may be provided without an understanding of what type of relationship will exist between the University and the associations. This cannot be decided before the University fees for 2012 are set, and there is clarity about the legislation.

When students begin enrolling on October 1^st they should have access to clear information about association services, benefits and costs. With the final form of the Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill still unknown, the University is unable to make changes to the enrolment and billing systems that would allow students to join a students association voluntarily.

The consequence for distance students will be the loss of a representative on campus who can advocate for students both as a group and individually. Scholarships, hardship grants, shuttle services, the OffCampus magazine, the extramural student’s graduation dinner, Review It, the contact course help desk, regional support, may also disappear.

The recommendation from the select committee was to give the associations about a year to prepare – let’s hope our law makers see sense and allow us reasonable time to prepare.

The VC’s Student Forum

ralph — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:01:44 +0000

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 on the tertiary environment and discuss related changes Massey is undergoing. Maharey explained the struggle for funding, mentioning the upcoming pay bargaining round for Massey staff as one of the factors needing attention as Massey seeks to balance its books. Maharey took time to explain that Massey is a lean organisation and that student fee increases are not for creating a comfort zone for management. In 2010 Massey’s profit of 2.1% did not meet the Government expectation of 3%.

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?

Young Students Need to Grow

ralph — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 03:20:24 +0000

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 experience; the same type of student engagement we see in our secondary schools.

For Massey the defining qualities of a graduate are connected, creative and capable*. It is through the ‘student experience’ that a student becomes these things. Students get involved, not only their study but in clubs and sports, local community, events, and, as they progress, the support networks and systems that deliver education to themselves and their peers. Having a voice in the system and being a part of the processes that create the student experience are important for students in order to develop and grow as a person.

Under VSM the services that students once controlled will become contracted services funded by the University and delivered by the Student Association. There are services like advocacy that cannot be for members only: they are too important to the achievement of funding related completion rates. The University will have to levy students for these universally available services.

The University will therefore hold the power to decide what the student experience will be and the resulting model becomes that of a secondary school. The students must obey the rules set out by the institution and accept that what is provided is what is provided. So when is it that we expect our young students to test their voice, their opinions, and practice their organisational skills? Is this our vision of a university education?

*Capable being included in the Vice Chancellors address to new students in 2011.

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.

Save our Services

ralph — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:48:55 +0000

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 more students are assisted through targeted services that help extramurals deal with smaller issues and every student benefits from good engagement with the university through their elected representatives.

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.

National Student Conference

ralph — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:27:45 +0000

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.

Brash’s 2025 Darkforce Report

ralph — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:52:46 +0000

Why don't they get it?

Massey extramural students are pissed off at the lack of understanding the 2025 Taskforce has displayed around the importance of tertiary education in building a sustainable future for New Zealand.

Brash’s 2025 Taskforce Report, which students are calling the Darkforce, calls for higher tertiary education fees, market interest on student loans and less stakeholder involvement in the governance of the institutions that deliver tertiary education.

National has already embarked on this road to the dark ages with the Polytechnic Amendment Bill. Next will be a loosening of the fee maxima alongside the removal of the united student voice through voluntary membership of student associations. And then interest on student loans…

A few years down this path and we have a business system delivering education and research. Has this worked elsewhere? Has this helped countries bounce back after a period of recession? No. Most countries have invested in tertiary education as demand has increased. What do the experts say? The recession is an opportunity to invest in productivity on a national scale.

It seems as if everyone but the government agree that education is the springboard to step change in National Productivity. Brash only sees the money-go-round, he appears to have no faith in the potential of a better educated Aotearoa society. Rude twit.

Would you be a member?

ralph — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 07:32:40 +0000

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 what we do is providing a united student voice on campus. If we do not have universal membership then we cannot speak on behalf with authority. If we spend a heap of money on advertising and promotion to get membership up then we can’t provide the level of service we currently can. I am not against some minor changes but asking students to make a decision at enrolment as to whether they should become members will take our membership into the gutter. Not because we are doing a bad job, but because we work behind the scenes. We help hundreds of students each year with advocacy and hardship issues, if you come to campus we have services like the shuttlebus and the help desk for you. The Massey services are good on campus partly because EXMSS surveys the students attending and delivers the results back to Massey so improvements can be made. We have presented a professional, well considered voice on Massey’s Council for years, encouraging student centred initiatives and progress on extramural issues like the ability to submit assignments online which is finally rolling out across the university. We hold the university accountable for the decisions it makes.

Based on the information they have, I cannot expect new students, or those who have not had any major issues to deal with, to choose to spend another $40 at the time of enrolment and become a member of EXMSS . If students understood what EXMSS has achieved for students over the years and recently then perhaps they would. The problem is the impossibility of explaining this to those enrolling. Based on what you know about EXMSS would you become a member?