UK Conservatives Move to Strengthen Students’ Associations

Tuesday, 12 July 2011, 3:33 pm
Press Release: NZUSA

UK Conservatives Move to Strengthen Students’ Associations

Students in New Zealand are hoping the Government will look overseas for inspiration in the way it ensures students are well-served and represented at their institutions.

The UK Conservative Government has recently announced proposals for major reform of their tertiary education system. The role of students’ associations in ensuring quality education and responsive institutions, and being an independent advocate for students were specifically mentioned in the government’s White Paper on Tertiary Education:

“Students’ unions are an important part of the civil society within higher education institutions. Effective students’ unions are prime examples of organisations run for and by their members. They can help greatly in improving dialogue and facilitating stronger partnerships between higher education institutions and their students…. Students’ unions also play an important role in the pastoral care of students…These roles will become more important in the future.”

Conservative Minister for Universities David Willetts has also praised the contribution of students associations in a recent speech:

“Students’ unions are playing their part in their local communities…To local schools, hospitals, charities, friendly societies, I would add student unions….We value student unions. We salute them and what they achieve for and on behalf of students. Without them, universities would be much poorer institutions, as would the employers, causes and political parties who take on their alumni.”

“It is great to see Britain’s Conservative government affirming the importance and value of students’ associations. Many of the sentiments expressed are applicable to the New Zealand context too,” says NZUSA co-President David Do.

“Students’ associations work hard to serve students and improve education. Currently many are providing or preparing their reorientation weeks for students entering the second half of the year. We always look for ways to improve student services, representation, and experiences on campus, and we work with institutions constantly on this,” says NZUSA co-President Max Hardy.

“It is ironic that while the Conservative Party in the UK is seeking to strengthen the role of student associations, Act and National are trying to destroy them here with voluntary membership. In light of the UK experience, we call on National to drop its support for ACT’s destructive and unnecessary Bill. Let’s work together to ensure the best outcomes for students,” concludes Hardy.

For more information see these links:
• David Willett’s 2007 speech on the student experience is here:
http://www.davidwilletts.co.uk/2007/10/31/student-experience/
• The contribution of ‘student unions’ is on page 36 of the paper here:
http://discuss.bis.gov.uk/hereform/
• A recent article on these issues in the Australian is here:
http://www.theaustralian.comau/higher-education/uk-pushes-wider-student-union-role/story-e6frgcjx-1226092309862.

NZUSA is the national representative body for tertiary students and has been advocating on student issues since 1929.

ENDS

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NZUSA - New Zealand Union of Students' Associations

We stand for opportunity, for all.

NZUSA is the New Zealand Union of Students' Associations, the national body that represents New Zealand's students' associations and the interests of New Zealand's 400,000 students at universities, polytechnics and in trades training.

We conduct original research, advocate to Government and through the media, and support New Zealand's students' associations to be more effective on behalf of their members. We advocate alongside Te Mana Akonga – The National Māori Students' Association, and Tertiary Women New Zealand – The NZUSA Women's Caucus.

Since 1929, we've believed in a society rich in opportunity, where anyone from anywhere can become any thing. We support accessible, affordable quality public tertiary education.

Contact NZUSA - New Zealand Union of Students' Associations

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