Media Releases / News updates

08 September 2010

University Performance Information Damaging and Misleading

Massey University extramural students are infuriated by the Government’s continuing attack on part time studies.

Performance information published by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) is misleading and favours institutions that focus on full time internal students. Massey, with its large part time extramural cohort, is being penalised for providing education to those balancing study with work, parenting and financial pressures.

“The government has lost the plot when it comes to the value of part time study,” says Ralph Springett, President of the Massey University Extramural Students’ Society. “It is ridiculous that students who avoid taking a student loan and work productively are the ones singled out as non performers.”

With performance information linked to funding, the pressure will now be on for Massey to reduce its risk around part time learners. This can be achieved by providing more support for students or reducing the number of part time students – as happened when Massey’s summer school abruptly closed enrolments in August.

“These figures are not useful for students as Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce has suggested. They mislead and confuse.

“While the TEC has stated that low completion does not mean the provider was poor, that context will not be obvious to students. The information only serves funding purposes,” says Mr Springett.

Linking performance with funding is a driver for student service levy increases. Student services are a key tool in improving completions and institutions now have a clear incentive to increase these costs. In the last two years Massey University has increased its student services levy by 300% in order to provide better support for students in the absence of adequate government funding.

“It appears as if the government has not thought this through at all,” says Mr Springett. “We now have a tertiary system that cannot contain its rising fees, fails to offer students any meaningful information about the sector, cannot provide the courses it advertises at the start of the year and does not value the lowest-public-cost form of education. Shame on you, Minister Joyce.”

Massey students stung with fee increases in 2011

Students at Massey University will be hit hard with the maximum possible tuition fee increase in 2011, as well as increased student services levies, a new scholarship levy, and increased enrolment fees.

The Massey University Council recently approved a 4 percent increase in tuition fees for graduate and undergraduate students. The Council also approved a 47.5 percent average increase in the student services levy; this follows the 100 percent increase in 2010. The announced increases, including the October GST increase, mean that on average full-time students will pay 10 percent extra to study at Massey next year.

Student services levies for full time internal students will range from $150.00 to a maximum of $325.00 as the per-paper levy will be $25.00 on top of a $150 base rate. Extramural students will face up to a 300 percent increase in the levy, as the base fee will be the current $60.00 levy plus $15.00 per paper taken. This adjustment is to pay for more projects around supporting students, as funding is now linked to success and completion.

“Reduced Government funding, performance measures and capped student numbers are the drivers for these fee rises.” says EXMSS President Ralph Springett. “However, in approving the 2011 fees Massey University committed to working constructively with student representatives to get the right mix of services to support students academically, financially and pastorally.”

The scholarship levy, at $2.50 per 15 credit paper, will also have students involved in the way the funds are distributed. This levy will amount to about $350,000 annually.

Enrolment fees will nearly double – from $40.00 to $75.00 and will be non-refundable. “Universities now cannot afford to have students place-holding by enrolling in multiple courses or institutions, only to withdraw when enrolled in their preferred institution.” says Mr Springett.

Mr Springett is concerned that the increases will hit students hard, saying that Government policies allow universities to use student levies as a way of increasing fees beyond the fees course costs maxima. “Many students will face an increase of more than $500 when they re-enroll for 2011, purely because of the Government’s underfunding of the sector and its insistence on performance linked funding.”

Taranaki Extramural Meet and greet

Taranaki students studying via distance education at Massey University recently had the opportunity to attend the Extramural Student Society’s (EXMSS) meet and greet lunch. Held at Salt in New Plymouth, it was a lively event with many common stories of both difficulty and success. Events like these allow students to network with their peers and find out what services and support systems are available to them while studying extramurally. This semester, nearly 450 students from the Taranaki region are enrolled at Massey University using the distance delivery mode.

The life-changing experience of studying while juggling the everyday challenges like raising a family and working full time, invariably draws applause from all sectors of the community; in particular, from the local EXMSS Area Representative Nisha Rajkomar and the EXMSS Maori representative, Tiri Porter, who are students themselves.  Both women agree, the real value of these roles is in assisting with the success of fellow Taranaki students each semester, each year, and ultimately to graduation.

EXMSS is an independent body providing services, advocacy and representation for over 14,000 extramural students nationwide and overseas, studying at a distance through Massey. It is governed by an elected committee of which Ms Porter is currently serving her second term as Maori representative.

Shock Closure of Summer School Enrolments

Massey University today announced to staff that there will be no more enrolments in the 2010 Summer School. “This is not wholly unexpected news, but the lack of notice for students is very concerning,” says Ralph Springett, President of the Massey University Extramural Students’ Society (EXMSS).

The enrolment cap introduced by the Government means Massey University must restrict enrolments or be financially penalised by the TEC. “The unfortunate thing is that it is the mature and part time students that will be hardest hit,” says Mr Springett, “This is the group that is being progressively marginalised by the Government’s Tertiary Education Strategy.”

EXMSS believes Massey could have done better in managing it’s communication of this need for closure. “The reality for students is this comes out of the blue; months ahead of normal enrolment closure. No students would have been expecting this in July.”

EXMSS is likely to field many calls from aggrieved students keen to get on with their education but unable to do so because of the Government limit on the Tertiary Education Budget. “I have no solution for these people. It will be a huge let-down for them and the Minister is simply not listening to the Universities or the people of New Zealand,” says Mr Springett.

Posted 11-03-10

Massey and Student Associations working together to deliver increased hardship support for students.

A sizable increase in the Student Assistance Programme (SAP), collaboratively negotiated by Massey’s Students Associations and the Campus Registrars, has the full support of Massey University. The SAP fund grants up to $500 to students who are suffering financial hardship that threatens their continued study. Grants must cover costs that were unexpected at time of enrolment such as additional textbooks, travel or even medical bills.

“The SAP fund has been aligned in Wellington to encompass the existing hardship fund with the addition of new funding giving a more consistent model across all campuses’.” says Alex Lloyd, President of MAWSA, the student association for Massey’s Wellington Campus. “The demand for this type of support has risen dramatically over the last year.”

Massey’s student associations have worked together to develop fair and reliable systems, equivalent across campuses with which to deliver SAP grants. ”We have confidence that the support will work best delivered through the student associations.” says Sandi Shillington, the Manawatu Campus Registrar.

“There has been a notable rise, in students facing hardship in 2009, particularly parents and those facing medical issues including depression and anxiety. We expect this to increase through 2010.” says Karl Pearce, President of Massey University Students’ Association. “This is a positive outcome for students following lengthy discussions with the University.”

The majority of SAP funds come from accumulated library and parking fines and was negotiated last year following the confirmation of 2010’s increase in the Student Services Levy. “Negotiating with the University for student-centred improvements benefits all students in the long run.” says Ralph Springett, President of EXMSS, the Extramural Students’ Society.

MUSAF is the federation of students’ associations of Massey University, consisting of the Albany Students’ Association, Massey University Students’ Association, Massey at Wellington Students’ Association and Massey Extramural Students’ Society, each with their associated Ropu. MUSAF represents 40,000 students studying at Massey University throughout New Zealand and the world.

2010 Presidents of MUSAF:

Ralph Springett. Email Ralph@exmss.org.nz

Alex Lloyd. Email president@mawsa.org.nz

Karl Pearce. Email president@musa.org.nz

Rawa Karetai. Email president@asa.ac.nz

Posted 19-1-10

Responding to the learner voice.

Dr Peter Coolbear, Ako Aotearoa director, and Ralph Springett, President of Massey University’s Extramural Students’ Society (EXMSS)

At the end of last year, Dr Peter Coolbear, Ako Aotearoa director, signed an agreement with Ralph Springett, President of Massey University’s Extramural Students’ Society (EXMSS), to fund a student-led project aimed directly at finding out what tertiary learners at Massey University think of the quality of their tertiary education experience.

Titled ‘Review It’, the tool builds on EXMSS’s current ‘Rate It’ tertiary paper rating system and will provide an online information forum for students to research future paper choices. The evaluation tool is carefully moderated and seeks to recognise teaching excellence as well as supporting continuous quality improvement. The initiative is part of what Dr Coolbear describes as Ako Aotearoa’s “next critical steps to develop the debate with tertiary learners directly about their key issues concerning the quality of their education.”

The EXMSS team expect that ‘Review It’ will deliver improved decision making capability for students around paper choice and improved satisfaction in the choices they make.

Ako Aotearoa is excited about the project’s potential to provide a model of an appropriately managed, learner-led evaluation tool which may in time be available to the whole tertiary sector.  We see the value of this in providing robust learner-perspective information that can be triangulated against provider-driven evidence supporting quality improvement.

We look forward to updating you as this ‘Review It’ project progresses.

Government Policy Marginalises Extramural Students

Steven Joyce’s recent announcements are a body blow to students who seek to complete their degrees while working. “Extramural students contribute to the economy while they are working, why should they be penalised for doing more than the full time student?” asks Ralph Springett, President of the Massey University Extramural Students’ Society.

Mr Joyce made it clear that funding, for both students and institutions, would be tagged to completions. However part-time distance learners have differing completion rates over 5 years than full-time internal students. They are also a very different demographic. Over 65% of Massey’s distance students are women, over 75% are adult and 12% māori. Many are working mothers who are unable to study full-time because of financial and family commitments. Many adult students also pay their own way, avoiding the student load trap. “It took me eight years to complete my degree while working and paying as I went.” says Mr Springett “It is not easy to do, but it took me to a better place.”

Colin, an 80 year old war veteran, with a few papers left to complete his BA, is concerned that one of his life ambitions will be quashed just as the finish line appears. “It has taken him 10 years to get this far, paying as he goes, National seems to be saying that this kind of effort is not something we should allow, let alone support.” says Mr Springett.

There may be a solution in defining completion, suggests Mr Springett. For distance students completion should be based on the individual’s goals. A student who just needs one accounting paper to perform a task at work more competently should be judged on completion of that paper. Leeway should be given to institutions to define completion according to the particular nature of the student group.

Posted 08-12-09

Students on Massey Council well positioned to influence Massey University’s future direction

The student members of Massey Council have been applauded for their well considered contribution to Massey’s governance in 2009. “The student contribution is highly valued by Council”, Massey University Chancellor Russell Ballard said at the final meeting of 2009. “The student representatives must answer to their members while ensuring the interests of the University are the focus of discussion in Council – a difficult task they do very well.”

Ralph Springett (extramural student representative) and Karl Pearce (internal student representative) remain on Council for 2010 while Alex Sorensen, who was warmly farewelled at the December meeting will be replaced by Tiri Porter. Tiri is a Massey postgraduate student from Taranaki, and is currently studying Governance.

“Continuity and offering a balanced opinion will continue to be central to the student role on Council” says Ralph Springett, President of the Massey University Extramural Students’ Society. “Having a respected student perspective on Council and now also on the Council’s Audit and Risk committee, will enhance Massey’s reputation and add focus to delivering New Zealand’s defining student experience.”

Posted 03-12-09

A celebration of exemplary support.

EXMSS would like to extend its utmost appreciation to those services, groups and individuals who have worked to the benefit of extramural students throughout 2009. In particular we recognize the following:

Extramural Support Team of the Year – Student Learning Development Services

Support Individual of the Year – Lois Fagan

Rate It! Academic of the Year – Sam Richardson

EXMSS Staff award for exceptional contribution – Distance Library Service

Certificates of Appreciation commending the contribution of these fantastic people were awarded at the annual EXMSS Christmas function on December 1st.

Media Release 23 September 2009

Tertiary Students’ Education Nightmare

The perfect storm is brewing for extramural students studying at Massey University. The compounding effect of Government cuts alongside the economic downturn are creating a high pressure, high stakes environment for tertiary students studying at a distance. “Next year there will not be enough places for new students. It’s possible that extramural students will be sidelined because of the Government emphasis on completion” says Ralph Springett, president of the Massey University Students’ Society.

$100 million worth of tertiary scholarships have been cut nationwide, the Training Incentive Allowance has gone at tertiary level, fees are increasing well beyond traditional limits through avenues such as service levies, jobs are drying up and the voice and support delivered through student associations is being attacked by Act and National through the Freedom of Association bill. “The pressure on students to perform is increasing while the support is being stripped away. It will be those who are studying while working and raising a family that will suffer most” says Mr Springett.

There has been no indication of how the overflow of students will be managed or how extramural success will be judged. Extramural students have been singled out in the past for delivering a ‘poor return on investment’ by the minister of Tertiary Education Ms Tolly. Statistically extramural students are less likely to complete qualifications within five years, a traditional measure of degree level completion.

“Now universities will be under pressure to choose students that will complete, and complete in a timely fashion. So if you do get into the system your kids, work or life better not get in the way” says Mr Springett.

Media Release 30 July 2009

Training Incentive Allowance cuts aimed at midwives, nurses, teachers.

National’s cutting of the Training Incentive Allowance will only hit those who are motivated to improve their lives.

“It’s tall poppy syndrome of the worst kind. The Government won’t help those who stand out of the crowd and enrol in life changing education,” says Ralph Springett, President of Massey University Extramural Students’ Society.

Midwives, nurses and teachers are among the professions that solo mothers will struggle to afford training in. The TIA would pay  up to $3,862.00 of actual course costs per year. Without this support many once-eligible students will not be able to make ends meet. As well as high course costs, degrees such as Midwifery require on-call placements throughout the year. Childcare becomes unaffordable if all spare cash is spent on course fees, so potential success stories become shattered dreams.

“This group of students has the potential to make a real difference. Not just to their own lives but to New Zealand society, as role models who have made it against the odds. It’s like National is telling these people to just stay at home on the benefit – that they are not really cut out for higher education,” says Mr Springett.

Based on past figures, hundreds of potential Massey students will be affected. Those on the invalids’ benefit and widows’ benefit as well as the DPB will now not be eligible for support at a defining time in their lives.

Ralph Springett

President

Massey University Extramural Students Society

Ph 027 245 8223

Media Release 10 June 2009

Students condemn National policies as educational fascism.

Ms Tolly’s suggestion that over 65s are not worth investing in has disgusted many older extramural students at Massey University. Based solely on what a student can deliver back to society in the form of economic benefits, National’s Education Policies could be interpreted as bordering on fascism.

“Ms Tolly doesn’t appear to value the personal rewards of learning. It is simply a matter of what she can get back on her investment. The enrichment, happiness and quality of life of this group of learners doesn’t seem to interest her” says Ralph Springett, President of Massey University Extramural Students’ Society.

National’s lack of humanity is demonstrated by the introduction of policies that impact on those that need educational support most. They include the removal of government scholarships for those who would not normally be able to access tertiary education, axing funding to courses that deliver basic literacy and numeracy in a non-formal environment and now the suggested removal of support for those over 65 because they can’t return on the investment.

“What happened to respect and care of our elders? These people paid taxes. National’s line seems to be picking away at the moral fibre of Aotearoa.” says Ralph.

With the caps on funding for Tertiary Institutions remaining, places for marginal grade students may also be lost. Education under a National government looks to be reserved for the chosen ones who can fulfil Ms Tolly’s vision of a return on investment.

Media Release: 1 June 2009

Extramural students condemn ignorant scholarship cuts

Massey University Extramural Students’ Society condemns the recent budget announcement that $98 million dollars worth of tertiary scholarships will be axed.

“This is a ridiculous time to be cutting scholarships. More than ever tertiary students are depending on scholarships to give them access to education” says Ralph Springett, President of EXMSS.

“Decisions like this demonstrate the Government’s ignorance of the financial plight of many students.’ says Springett. “Worse still, the cuts specifically affect low income earners and areas where there is a skills shortage.”

The Step Up scholarships for low income earners and the bonded merit scheme, for subject areas where there is a national skill shortage, as well as Top Achiever scholarships, were cut in last week’s budget.

“I take great exception to the Government using the budget to smoke screen this decision. Thousands of Kiwi’s trying to get ahead will be affected every year. The Government need to support, not hobble, these people” says Springett.

Media Release: May 2009

Beyond the Walls – Exhibition Opening

Massey University Extramural Students’ Society is proud to announce the opening of the inaugural Beyond the Walls art exhibition.

You are invited to attend the opening function in the Massey Graduation Marquee at 6.30pm on Thursday the 14th May.

“This exhibition is an opportunity for artists all around the country to be recognised,” says Ralph Springett, President of EXMSS. “Massey Extramural students are both varied and talented, so who knows what we may discover.”

The Beyond the Walls exhibition is a part of the graduation celebrations occurring in Palmerston North between May the 11th and 15th which culminates for extramural students with the Graduation Dinner on May14th.

Artwork will be displayed at the Square Edge Gallery from 11th May until the 17th May. A gallery of exhibits will also be kept on the EXMSS website so artists get further exposure.

Media Release: 27 February

Increased Support for Distance Learners

Massey University Extramural Students’ Society has dramatically increased both the number and the value of its scholarships in 2009 as well as introducing new travel benefits for its members.

$13,000 worth of scholarships have been distributed over the last fortnight, up from $5,000 in 2008.

“The barriers to studying at a distance are increasing exponentially as the economy nosedives,” says Ralph Springett, President of EXMSS. “Increasing our services for our members is one way we can reduce these barriers.”

The new scholarships include awards for students with impairments as well as retention scholarships that pay fees in the following year. $3,000 of the new scholarship fund is aimed at supporting tradespeople in their transition to tertiary study.

“The Trade to Tertiary scholarship helps tradespeople make the jump into tertiary” says Ralph, a former chef and now a student of literature.

As well as increasing scholarships EXMSS is sending a $20 travel voucher to all extramural students attending contact courses which are held on each of the three Massey campuses.

“The Contact Course Travel Voucher is about reducing costs for students. The little stuff counts at the end of the day,” says Ralph.

EXMSS congratulates the scholarship winners and hopes that its commitment to providing assistance for students will encourage Tertiary Institutions to prioritise similar support for students in 2009.

EXMSS is the extramural students’ association of Massey University, representing 17,000 students studying at Massey University throughout New Zealand.

For more information contact:
Ralph Springett
President
Massey University Extramural Students Society