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$7 billion for universities but student services left to starve |
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Tuesday, 13 May 2008 |
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The National Union of Students is shocked that despite record Government investment into university infrastructure in tonight's budget, no money will be available to save vital student services, despite Government assurances that the crisis facing student organisations would be resolved this year.
'We're relieved that the Government has finally responded to the NUS campaign of five years to abolish undergraduate full-fee degrees. Similarly, expanding the endowment fund and providing renewal funding will address many of the infrastructure problems plaguing our universities' said Mr Angus McFarland, the National President of the National Union of Students.
'But the government is too concerned with building nice new buildings and not concerned enough with what goes on in them. They should be concerned with what students are getting out of their education – and right now it's not a lot.' Mr McFarland continued.
'Students are still graduating with the highest levels of personal debt in the world, and many will have their studies adversely affected by a lack of income support. Finally, the Government has failed to address the crisis facing student services and life on campus. Despite over $7 billion in funding announced for universities, not a cent of that will be available to restore lost student services,' Mr McFarland continued.
'The Government assured students that they would deliver on their promise to restore essential student services and representation. Without action this year, services will continue to close month by month. Yet they seem to have decided to leave student organisations to slowly die,' Mr McFarland said.
'Frankly it seems unbelievable that out of $7 billion, a Government allegedly committed to an education revolution could not allocate a cent to save essential student services,' Mr McFarland concluded.
For more information or comment contact Angus McFarland 0411 606 808
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Tuesday, 06 May 2008 |
The National Union of Students today welcomed the announcement from Vice Chancellor Steven Schwartz that Macquarie University will incorporate volunteer work in its curriculum from 2010. "We support the principles behind this announcement. It is already the case that university students are engaged in volunteer and community development work and that should be formally recognised. However we have some concerns about how this will work in practice," National Union of Students President, Angus McFarland said.
"The reality is that many students are unable to volunteer because of their work commitments and the necessity to work long hours to cover basic living expenses. There would need to be equity scholarships or subsidies in place to ensure that students are not unfairly disadvantaged or worse off when fulfilling volunteer work requirements," Mr McFarland went on to say.
"Secondly, it is unclear whether or not Schwartz's proposal will include volunteer work as a HECS component of a degree. Students should not have to pay HECS to do a volunteer program and this is completely against the spirit of volunteerism and community development. If volunteer work is to be mandated at Macquarie University, the National Union of Students will lobby to ensure that courses including the volunteer work are HECS-exempt," Mr McFarland said.
As there is no independent student organisation at Macquarie University thanks to Voluntary Student Unionism, the National Union of Students expects to play a significant role in representing Macquarie University students' interests in negotiating the detail of the new curriculum.
For media comment contact Angus McFarland on 0411 606 808
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NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION: 19 MARCH 2008 |
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Saturday, 15 March 2008 |
TAKE PART IN THE NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION!
Education is a right, not a privilege. In 2008, students demand a fully funded, accessible and equitable education system.
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Read more...
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