Victoria University of Wellington Students' Association

What’s VUWSA?

VUWSA was set up by students for students just after Victoria opened its doors for lectures 113 years ago. They knew students themselves were the only people who could represent students, and ensure the University was delivering the quality of education, experience, community, and facilities they wanted and needed during their study.

This 113-year-old idea still holds true: Everyday VUWSA continues to work on the philosophy of students serving students.

VUWSA’s Strategic Plan (2012-2015)  is a key aspect of our ongoing programme of professionalising and invigorating VUWSA. It will ensure that students always receive an outstanding level of service and a strong student voice across Victoria year-to-year.

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You control VUWSA

As a student of Victoria you can join the Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association (VUWSA) – one of the oldest and largest student organisations in the country for FREE!

Your FREE VUWSA membership gets you access to a huge range of services and benefits both inside and outside of your academic life helping you get the most out of your time at Victoria. To join simply visit one of the VUWSA offices.

As a member of VUWSA you have the ultimate governing role over VUWSA – it is students who have the power to say what VUWSA should be doing and in what direction it should be going. You are an integral part of VUWSA so you should get involved. VUWSA is governed by an Executive elected by students and you are free to contact them about anything to do with the University, VUWSA, or students in Wellington generally.

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Representation, Advocacy and Quality Assurance

VUWSA’s core services are about making sure students get the best possible education. Students are the number one stakeholders at Victoria—that’s why VUWSA ensures there is strong student representation across all levels of the University. VUWSA coordinates over 800 student representatives on all sorts of university bodies including class representatives for all individual courses, all faculty boards, Student Services Levy Committee, Academic Board and University Council. These representatives make sure you have a voice throughout the University.

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Advocacy Service

Everything we do is all about you! VUWSA offers all students access to a free and confidential advocacy service, which is completely independent from the University.

We’re here to help: Whatever your issue: course related, an allegation of plagiarism or misconduct, employment dispute or accommodation predicament, financial challenges with WINZ and studylink, or family and relationship issues, our advocate can support and assist you.

The VUWSA Advocate will listen to you, explore options and risks, support, coach and work alongside you towards a solution which is in your best interest. Contact VUWSA’s Advocate today to make an appointment!

• Email: advocate@vuwsa.org.nz
• Phone: 04 463 6984 or 021 045 6214
• Visit: VUWSA Reception, Level 2, Student Union Building, Kelburn Campus
• For more information click here.

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Promoting an Outstanding Student Experience

VUWSA advocates for a well-rounded student experience, and provides a number of services geared towards promoting a community of students, as well as opportunities for expanding ourselves socially and culturally.

VUWSA supports over 80 clubs and societies at Victoria including sporting, political and cultural groups, as well as 13 representative organisations such as the Postgraduate Students’ Association and the Law Students’ Society.

VUWSA also funds the weekly student magazine Salient, and the student radio station VBC 88.3fm. VUWSA also runs events and entertainment throughout the year, including the annual OWEEK and Re-Orientation festivals, and they facilitate Victoria’s participation in the University Games.

You are free to get in touch with your executive members if you have any ideas about how the experience at Victoria can be improved, or if you have any concerns that you wish to raise.

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Providing Adequate Support for Students

VUWSA provides a variety of student support services, including a food bank, Student Job Search, free bus tickets (Snapper) for student with classes on more than one campus, and other assistance for students in need. If you are struggling with any aspect of life at Victoria, get in touch with us.

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Student Democracy

Student Elections

The VUWSA Student Elections for the 2013 Executive will be held in September 2012. There are 13 Executive positions up for grabs and all students who are members of VUWSA are eligible to run for election and vote. The only condition is that you must be studying in the year that you intend to hold office (with the exception of the President).

General Meetings

VUWSA holds general meetings where official business of the Association takes place. At these meetings you are able to direct the Executive in any way by passing a motion. There is also food, drinks and prizes. It is a great way to get involved with student democracy.

Dates and locations for VUWSA’s 2012 Initial General Meeting (IGM) and Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be publicised closer to the time around campuses, in Salient, on the VUWSA website and Facebook page.

Student Representative Councils (SRC)

Student Representative Council (SRC) meetings are a place to debate pressing issues affecting students and society generally. Students can move motions from the floor on any topic, and if their motion passes it becomes SRC policy, which is a (non-binding) direction to the Executive. SRCs are fun and they have featured Members of Parliament and other prominent people relevant to the SRC topic. Meeting times and topics will be placed on the VUWSA website and publicised around campus. SRC voting will take place online.

Student Surveys

VUWSA conducts a number of student surveys throughout. Your input is important as we use this as a guide to making key decisions on student issues, so please keep an eye out for these surveys.