VSM coin can be used as legal tender–it’s totally up to you, man, totally.
Interest in the recently tabled Freedom of Association bill may be drawn along political lines, but many students at Victoria University have come out in support of optional membership.
The bill, if passed, would give Victoria students the opportunity to choose whether they want to be members of the student’s association VUWSA.
Most students spoken to by Salient supported the idea of optional membership simply because they felt that VUWSA did not properly represent their views.
“VUWSA’s supposed to represent us, but it doesn’t really represent us very well because they’re just saying their opinions,” said one student.
Many students referred to VUWSA’s perceived political associations, highlighted by former President Joel Cosgrove’s affiliation with the Worker’s Party, and the association’s decision not to lay a wreath at this year’s Anzac Day commemorations.
“We’re forced to join, and then they go and do all this crazy stuff, and that’s representing the university, but it’s not a fair representation,” said another student.
Another major concern for students was that its VUWSA levy wasn’t being used towards activities or incentives that they wanted or needed.
“If I could clearly see that VUWSA was running efficiently, then sure, I’d pay my $131.90. But at the moment it’s bloody horrendous,” said one student.
Another student was surprised to learn that VUWSA claimed to fund clubs as she paid around $300 to play hockey for the university team—a VUWSA-affiliated sports club.
Political groups on campus that support VSM have also taken a primarily rights-focused stance on the issue.
“It’s important to remember that that’s how every other incorporated society and group in New Zealand operates, it’s not unreasonable to assume that students should be awarded the same,” said Student Choice spokesperson Lauren Brazier.
ACT on Campus and Victoria’s branch of Young Nats were also both highly supportive of VSM when spoken to by Salient in last week’s issue.
In 2009, full-time domestic students paid $131.90 each in VUWSA subscription fees. This payment goes towards a number of student services, including orientation, class reps, Student Job Search and Salient.
These don’t include the Student Services Levy, which pays for services such as Accommodation and Student Health, and the Student Technology Fee.
Despite concerns about VUWSA’s political views and spending, however, many students felt that the services provided by the association were important and that, if changes occurred, they would probably join by choice, if VSM was introduced.
“It’s more the system that needs to be adjusted rather than a bill completely scrapping it,” said one student.
“I know people who’ve used the food bank service, and the free bread service is also pretty good. I think there just needs to be more emphasis on student service instead of misguided advocacy,” another student said.
Most students said that they would be disappointed if Salient, which is largely funded by VUWSA, was no longer available.
“I think if you were to take away the compulsory fees towards VUWSA, people would still want to pay towards Salient,” one student said.
The Freedom of Association bill is due to have its first reading in the next week.