This really sounds to me like the students have to do something against those a-team guys. I got an email from Brent Hayward. I am sure, I'm not the only one who got it, but I am just posting it. Here we go:

NO MORE CLUBS ON CAMPUS?

There are over 3500 Victoria University students who belong to the 60 VUWSA affiliated clubs on campus. These clubs vary from sporting clubs to political clubs, language clubs to social clubs. Clubs offer students an accessible outlet to enjoy an extra curricular activity they are passionate about. It is my belief that the student association exists to maximise the opportunity for Victoria students to participate in activities outside of study. VUWSA’s provision for clubs is a prime example of this.

VUWSA currently provides affiliated clubs with funding, facility access, fundraising opportunities, planning and event management support, administration support, discounted printing, discounted van hire, and exclusive promotion (clubs days, website page, A to Z of clubs booklet, articles/notices in Salient, posters, and flyers).

Is has come to my attention that a certain group of students’ running a campaign based around a $25 dollar student reimbursement, if elected at the upcoming VUWSA elections, are not only hoping to discontinue funding for clubs but want to eliminate the affiliation process altogether.

The withdrawal of VUWSA funding would adversely affect the operations of a club. A reduction in funding correlates with a decrease in quality provision. This may have a negative impact on membership and give a competitive advantage to clubs operating off campus. Potentially club numbers will fall and smaller clubs may fold.

Affiliation is the process of VUWSA verifying the legitimacy of a club operating on campus. Submitted documents are scrutinised to enable VUWSA to determine whether a club is acting constitutionally, is financially transparent, and providing for its student members. The process also enables me to educate club members in regards to effectively running a club, offer my admin and event management support, and detail in further the benefits of affiliation.

If the affiliation process was discontinued there would be no ability for VUWSA to determine whether a club was legitimate or not. VUWSA and Victoria University will lose the ability to reasonably determine who should be allocated resources. If there is no control, services will either cease or be a free for all allowing resources to be used by groups who are undeserving (dishonest, unconstitutional, non student groups).

Moreover, if affiliation was to be terminated all club funds and assets would be defaulted to VUWSA to dispose of at its absolute discretion in accordance with the VUWSA constitution. The value of the current club assets is $1,140,990.60 and as of 13/09/07 the current combined club funds are $31,775.62. Consequently, not only will there be a reduction in future club funds, but the removal of current club funds and assets will likely cripple most clubs on campus.

Clubs are not the only VUWSA portfolios under threat if this political group has its way. Huge cuts are proposed for Campaigns, Environment, International students, Women’s rights, *** rights and Welfare. Education advocacy is cut by half. Funding for reps groups gone, Re-Orientation gone, Snow games gone, Uni Games gone, Foodbank gone.

If you are one of the many students that may be affected by such a drastic change I implore you to take an interest in the upcoming VUWSA election, find out the political agendas behind the candidates and cast your vote. Your vote may have a significant impact on the future of student services at Victoria. The VUWSA election commences on September 21^st and concludes September 28^th.  

Brent Hayward

VUWSA Clubs Development Officer