VUWSA President Max Hardy told Salient that students who had enrolled, and had their fees paid for FREN112 were told in their second tutorial that they had to drop out of the course.

Salient understands the students were told they were not able to complete the beginners course because they had completed NCEA level 1 French—one student completing it over four years prior.

“There are no restrictions or course requirements listed for this paper, yet they were told they were not able to continue in FREN112,” Hardy says.

Online information for the course on the Victoria University website clearly states “Restrictions: None”.

One student received conflicting information in an email from a senior department member saying there were restrictions on entry to the course.

“If you had [discussed course entry] I would have been able to confirm in simple terms the particular restrictions placed on enrolments in FREN112.”

The French language course structure allows students to skip course requirements, should they wish to. However, it does not state that students must take this course of action.

After students went to VUWSA with their concerns, VUWSA acted as the students’ advocate and had them enrolled back in the paper.

The department member went on to say the student’s actions in complaining about the directive to withdraw from the course were “reprehensible”.

“…Treating the situation as one of injustice to yourself, rather than one that relates to maintaining high standards in the classroom and a positive learning attitude amongst your fellow students is reprehensible.”

Hardy is concerned that other students may have encountered negative situations and not contacted VUWSA for advocacy support.

“Lecturers can be intimidating for first years.

“Student should always come to VUWSA with their concerns so that we can give them advice and support if required.

“This French situation is an example of the importance of independent advocacy.”

Victoria University declined to comment on issues relating to specific students.

By Angela Mabey, Salient

Salient will make sure you have all the details you need to head along and make sure that VUWSA represents you.

For more information contact the President.

A new intake of committed Executive members and talented staff have been busy preparing for the start of the trimester and the spectacular Orientation activities that have been lined up.

“The year has got off to a flying start, we have a strong mix of people and skills, and it looks to be a fantastic year,” says new President Max Hardy.

“For the past 111 years VUWSA has played a huge role in ensuring students get the most out of their time at University. VUWSA remains an integral part of the student experience here at Vic.”

Hardy acknowledges that VUWSA has had a tested relationship with its members in recent years, but is not daunted by the challenge of restoring VUWSA’s credibility with students and the University.

“I’m looking forward to building a sustainable association that students can be proud to be members of,” says Hardy.

VUWSA offers an enormous amount of services to students at VIctoria. At VUWSA, we’re focused on independent and professional advocacy, representation and services that make life on campus easier or more enjoyable for students.

“It will be a tough year with most of what VUWSA does under threat, but I am confident VUWSA will prove itself once again as a vital and positive force in the University community,” Hardy concludes.

“The ACT Party’s Bill in Parliament would mean an end to accountable student representation at Vic, a collapse of important welfare and advocacy services and a dramatic decline in the general vibrancy of student life here”

“It happened in Australia, and it resulted in students paying more for less services that they no longer had control over, which is not something we want to see in New Zealand”

Student leaders say that there is strong support amongst students for urgent government action on climate change.

“A recent meeting of students voted to support the Greenpeace ‘Sign On’ and 350 campaigns, and in support of New Zealand having a 40% emissions reduction target below 1990 levels by 2020,” said Jasmine Freemantle, President of the Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association (VUWSA).

“Students are concerned that the less we do now, the more the burden is likely to fall on future generations. But the more we do now, the more students can contribute to innovative solutions that will ensure New Zealand is a world leader, and has its economic future secured,” she said.

The march will depart from Kelburn Park at 12pm and progress to Parliament. The march is part of the lead up to the 350 Global Day of Action scheduled for Saturday 24 October.

For further comment or information please contact:

Zachary Dorner
Environmental Officer
Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association
Ph: (04) 463-6980
Mob: (022) 618-6761
environment@vuwsa.org.nz

“The VUWSA is opposed to any bill which seeks to take away control of essential services from students, particularly during such hard economic times,” said VUWSA President, Jasmine Freemantle.

“The VUWSA is an incorporated society which provides vital services to Victoria students, such as independent advocacy and support, academic and welfare services, and the coordination of a diverse range of sporting, cultural and social events,” said Freemantle.
“These services are an integral part of campus and academic life and part of the wider educational experience of university. This Bill will have a devastating impact on these services,” added Freemantle.

A student initiated referenda took place at Victoria University in 1999, and was overwhelmingly defeated. Voluntary student membership has jeopardized the quality of student support and services in Australia recently, and supporting such legislation in New Zealand would be a huge step backwards.

For further information please contact:

Jasmine Freemantle
email: president@vuwsa.org.nz

We will also be venturing down to the Architecture and Design School for midnight feasts of yummy goodness so keep an eye out for more information.

Any questions please contact wvp@vuwsa.org.nz or 463 6985.

“I am delighted that an athlete of the quality of Victor will join the ranks of winners of this prestigious award. It demonstrates that students can combine competing at the highest level with academic study,” said Jasmine Freemantle, President of the Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association (VUWSA).

The Blues are the highest recognition the University can give to people who have, by their sporting achievements or contribution to sport, brought credit to the institution. They are awarded by the VUWSA on the recommendation of the Blues Panel, which consists of representatives of the Victoria University Sports Council and appointed members who are highly respected in the Wellington sports industry.

Former winners include All Blacks Graham Mourie, Jerry Collins and Conrad Smith, five-times World Mountain Running Champ Jonathan Wyatt, and Black Stick Suzie Pearce. Twenty three students will receive sports Blues and two students will receive sports administration Blues. The Sportsperson of the Year award will be presented by rugby league legend Ruben Wiki. The Awards will be held at the Kosmos Greek Taverna, 12 Pirie Street at 6.30pm.

Recipients include:

Sports Administration Blues
Sam Vinton Boot – Tennis Administration
Terence Davidson – Squash Administration

Sports Blues
Scott Fuglistaller – Rugby
Victor Vito – Rugby
Robert Fruean – Rugby
Alex Schroder – Hockey
Lizzie Ingham – Orienteering
Stephen Whittington – Debating
Polly Higbee – Debating
William Bishop – Fencing
Sebastian Templeton – Debating
Richard D’Ath – Debating
Ella Edgington – Debating
Michael Hobbs – Rugby
Thomas McKay – Handball
Ben Wallace – Handball
James Cochrane – Handball
Jo Holdaway – Hockey
Ellen Schaef – Athletics
Louise Hosegood – Athletics
Sarah Hosegood – Athletics
Lachlan Tijsen – Water polo
Phillip Drew – Croquet
Richard Maxwell – Underwater Hockey
Michael Pittams – Squash

For further information please contact:
Brent Hayward
Clubs Development Officer
Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association
Ph: (04) 463-6982 Mob: (027) 564-5060
clubs@vuwsa.org.nz

Information for clubs:

Club days are a great way of promoting your club to students especially the new draft of 1st year’s during orientation. VUWSA provides each group with one table and two chairs. There is a limit of stalls in the quad each day and so booking early will secure your preferred timeslot(s). A second table may be provided to a group upon request but will only be allocated if there are tables unused.

What you need to think about doing/bringing:

• Club volunteers to be stationed at your stall.
• Sign up sheets and pens.
• Posters, flyers, brochures, banners, flags, decorations, music, video (Power spaces are limited so please book early)
• Invitations to an upcoming event/demonstration/practice/meeting/dinner
• Enticements, prizes are a big one that should be focused on like spot prizes or winner drawn from all those signed up at the end of the day/week. Prizes could be vouchers (e.g. music, movie, meal), tickets to an event/activity (your own event maybe). Look into sponsorship for your prizes. Sponsors pay money to secure space in the quad during clubs days. You may be able to promote a product or service on their behalf in return for sponsored product to use as prizes (e.g. display posters, competition, separate prize draw, wear sponsored t-shirts, distribute flyers etc). Please be aware that you cannot invite a sponsor’s representative(s) to participate in the day. No alcohol products may be advertised on campus during clubs week. Other enticements such as food and drink are also well received by students.
• Demonstrations (e.g. karate, fencing, dance, song). Space may be created to allow for club demonstrations/performances (please contact the VUWSA CDO with your ideas).

If your club is on the CDO’s contact database you will be contacted directly in regards to making a booking. Otherwise to book space, contact the VUWSA CDO on 04 463 5060 or clubs@vuwsa.org.nz.

Held each March / April, the Uni Games is famous for providing a friendly yet competitive environment for competition. This atmosphere has developed the Uni Games into NZ’s premier University Sports Event. Off the field, the week has an exciting social programme that has enhanced the not-to-be-missed reputation associated with the Uni Games.

The Shield is awarded to the Games Overall University Champion and was first awarded in 1923. The Shield is steeped in history and tells the tale of the sporting prowess of the Universities of New Zealand and their ongoing mission to be the best. Over the last decade Victoria University has won the shield an impressive five times (3 in the last 4 years). See article on the Vic Lions winning the 2009 Uni Games in Taranaki.

The following sports are currently offered:
Badminton
Basketball
Beach Volleyball
Twenty20 Cricket
Cross Country
Cycling
Debating
Fencing
Football (Soccer)
Golf
Hockey
Karate
Lawn Bowls
Mountain Biking
Netball
Orienteering
Rugby League
Squash
Surfing
Table Tennis
Tennis
Touch
Ultimate Frisbee
Volleyball

If you are keen to represent Vic and be a part of our winning movement contact the Team Manager on 04 463 5060, 0800 TEAMVIC, or clubs@vuwsa.org.nz. You don’t need to be a university club member to participate. Venue for the 2010 games has yet to be confirmed. The main recruitment drive will be during Orientation 2010 so keep an eye out.

For more info visit www.universitysport.org.nz

The premier awards include the:
Sportsperson of the Year
Maori Sportsperson of the Year
Sports Administrator of the Year

If you have gained regional representative honors or higher you may be eligible for a sports award. If you have been successful in sports administration you may be eligible for an administration blue. The Blues standards and nomination forms are available from VUWSA or can be found on our club online forms page. Applications must be sent to:

VUWSA,
Ground Floor Student Union Building,
PO Box 600,
Kelburn,
Wellington.

Applications must be received by 4pm Friday September 11, 2009.

The award ceremony itself is a grand occasion held in a formal setting with a 3 course gourmet menu provided. The ceremony attracts not only award recipients and their guests but also delegates from the local government, sporting institutions and other relevant industries. The ceremony is ordinarily held in October.