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 21st and concludes
September 28th.
Brent Hayward
VUWSA Clubs Development
Officer