“Ask not what you can do for your [student community]. Ask what’s for lunch”
– Orson Welles
Nothing has acted more like a sedative to the vibrancy of our little University community here at Vic than the state of the food and drink on campus. We surveyed students and one thing glared through the masses of data more than anything else –the food and drink on campus was too expensive and not good enough (there were usually some other words to describe “not good enough”). So we did something about it.
Students want a campus that they want to be around. This is why we are partners to the Campus Hub development, which is geared to creating a vibrant centre for the campus. Retail, and specifically food and drink will be a critically important aspect of this.
VUWSA has ensured that retail spaces are let with the goal of enhancing the campus environment and meeting student expectations, and not merely securing rental revenue. A few dollars of rent is a small reward for a dull campus and unhealthy and poor students.
We ensured student feedback in the development of the briefs for new cafes and kiosks. VicBooks (owned by students for students) has started offering good food and coffee and there are many new developments across the campus coming soon.
But really you should let us know what you want. You now have the right to a say about whether food and drink retailers are meeting your expectations. Isn’t VUWSA just fantastic? So let me know if you have ideas, complaints or questions or would like to be more heavily involved in the process of overseeing the retail on campus.
The swine is coming round again – immunise yourself
Get your flu shot. Flu in the middle of your studies/exams/assessments is lame. Swine flu will be the seasonal flu this time around, so it is probably a good idea to immunise.
You can get one from the Memorial Theatre Foyer this Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 11.30 and 1.30pm and from Pipitea Student Health while stock last.
We will stick up for you
The story of the students who were forced out of their course, after having attended lectures and tutorial and having paid their fees is not an isolated event. The University is staffed with people who want to give you a great education, but they don’t always look at it from your perspective. Sometimes with very bad results. If you think you are being treated unfairly then you should contact our Advocate and they will usually be able to sort out any issues within the day.
Class Representatives are being trained this week. Every paper you are enrolled in should have one. Make sure you know who they are and if your class doesn’t have one, email our Education Organiser. Class Reps act as important link between you, your lecturer and VUWSA. If you have any concerns about your lecturer, course content, or assessment then have a chat with your Class Rep who will be able to help you or they can help you get in touch with us.
New additions to the VUWSA family
Last week VUWSA welcomed two new staff members. Melissa Barnard takes up the new Clubs and Events Manager role and Advertising and Sponsorship Manager Wendy Turk. Both Melissa and Wendy bring a lot of fresh energy and commitment to their roles and are looking forward to the year ahead.
Melissa is coordinating the Team Vic defence of the University Games Shield during the Easter break. If you play one of the 23 sports on offer and are keen on travelling to Invercargill (travel subsidies available) email clubs@vuwsa.org.nz. We defended the Shield last year so we will need a very strong team to triumph once again and make it an unprecdeneted three in a row
Max Hardy
president@vuwsa.org.nz