Restructure of the student representative bodies at the University (1 Viewer)

[AsyLum]

Dear student,


I wanted to update you on progress we are making to restructure the student representative bodies at Macquarie to provide a greater voice for students in how their University is run and direct increased resources to improving front-line services and facilities.


You will be aware a decision was made some time ago to merge MUSR, MUSC and SAM to create a single body which will have significant student representation.


The timing of this restructure is ideal as the University looks at new and innovative ways to focus all its available resources on the needs and activities of students.


Put simply, this merger will ensure facilities and services at Macquarie will be vastly improved. It will allow the University to control the operation of the new body to ensure it is transparent and open, while allowing students much greater opportunity to influence the decision-making process so that the outcomes are truly reflective of students’ views.


CEO of MUSR Dee Anderson says of the merger: “I am fully supportive of the new direction which will bring a greater sense of student campus life to Macquarie. We are moving away from the previous board structure which at times may not have acted in a way which was reflective of all students.”


“Students will benefit significantly by the University overseeing the process to ensure it is transparent and they will have much greater opportunity to influence the direction of the organisation. Student services at Macquarie will be second-to-none if we get this right.”


MUSR has demonstrated its commitment to the merger by relinquishing its constitution and signing over its powers to the University. We continue to negotiate with SAM and MUSC.


I am pleased to say that as a result of these developments we are on track to achieve the merger by June 30, creating a new and united body which will combine the strengths of the three previous student organisations and dramatically save costs.


We have pledged that all monies saved by the merger will be put into student services. At the same time the University will be injecting additional funds to further enhance front-line services.


By working together through a new student-focused organisation we can sustain and extend the recreational facilities now provided through SAM and the many clubs and social groups on campus.


It is essential that the interests of student representatives appointed to the new body are aligned with our goal to maximise the future investment in the University for all students. Student representative positions will be unpaid, releasing further funds to invest in new services and facilities. It is important for the success of the new body that those students involved are motivated by helping fellow students and making a positive contribution to University life.


Moving forward, there are clearly some substantial assets which are housed within the student body portfolio and the University has and will continue to commit to heavily subsidising their ongoing operation.


One example of this is the opening in mid-May of the new Aquatic Centre, featuring a 50m outdoor pool, 25m indoor pool, large gym and social facilities. The Aquatic Centre is demonstrative of our aim to provide students with a range of sporting and cultural activities to enhance their overall university experience.


We have also embarked on a new drive of sustainability, one example being the significant funding of a sustainable irrigation system on campus. These types of initiatives will only continue to gather momentum as we direct more and more funds to benefit the whole student body.


It is an exciting time for Macquarie, and the formation of the new student body will enhance your University experience by ensuring you are represented by one united organisation with only your best interests at heart.


I look forward to keeping you updated on developments over the weeks ahead.



Paul Bowler

Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer

Whoa, thats pretty big news, didn't know this was happening? How does this affect SAM specifically by being 'signed to the Uni' ?

 

[MaryJane]

It means Victor Ma disappears (hopefully). I dont know how they are going to get that idiot to sign over his powers to the uni. Interesting to see MUSR did it without a qualm.

Also important news via email: public holiday for APEX Summit 7 September. Woohoo!!

 

[iambored]

yeah what is the APEX summit and why are they calling a public holiday?

i'm interested to see what happens with that restructure

 

[ALLLICE]

I accept any random public holidays with open arms ....who cares what the APEX summit is...that's irrelevant- we get a day off!

 

[Cyan_phoeniX]

I dont go to uni on fridays. :/

Is the apex summit that thing where all the leaders get together and dress up in groovy clothes (i.e. mexican wear in mexico - asian wear in Japan?)?

 

[xeuyrawp]

I dont go to uni on fridays. :/

Is the apex summit that thing where all the leaders get together and dress up in groovy clothes (i.e. mexican wear in mexico - asian wear in Japan?)?

And yup, that's where they wear the clothes. When Tony Blair when on Parkinson, he had the best story:

The conveners of the APEC event put out two different shirts out, from which the leaders could choose. One was hideous, and one was slightly less worse. So Blair rang up Bill Clinton (the then president), and asked which one he was going to wear, Blair said he was obviously going to wear the less hideous one. Clinton said 'if you wear the less hideous one, peopel will think you chose it. If you wear the worse one, people will think you were forced to wear it'.



I wonder what they'll wear this year. Probably rugby jumpers or something.

 

[Cyan_phoeniX]

it will probably involve akubra hats.

 

[iambored]

And yup, that's where they wear the clothes. When Tony Blair when on Parkinson, he had the best story:

The conveners of the APEC event put out two different shirts out, from which the leaders could choose. One was hideous, and one was slightly less worse. So Blair rang up Bill Clinton (the then president), and asked which one he was going to wear, Blair said he was obviously going to wear the less hideous one. Clinton said 'if you wear the less hideous one, peopel will think you chose it. If you wear the worse one, people will think you were forced to wear it'.



I wonder what they'll wear this year. Probably rugby jumpers or something.

so in 1 line, what is it? i looked on the site and still don't know, but it has to be something important for them to call a public holiday.

 

[xeuyrawp]

so in 1 line, what is it? i looked on the site and still don't know, but it has to be something important for them to call a public holiday.

APEC. Basically a big international economic consortium.

 

[iambored]

thanks


wiki has some of the pics of them in outfits

edit: i just asked someone else and they think the public holiday is for security (of world leaders) / practicality (demonstrations in the city) reasons. oh well, better for us!

 

[Kegs]

And yup, that's where they wear the clothes. When Tony Blair when on Parkinson, he had the best story:

The conveners of the APEC event put out two different shirts out, from which the leaders could choose. One was hideous, and one was slightly less worse. So Blair rang up Bill Clinton (the then president), and asked which one he was going to wear, Blair said he was obviously going to wear the less hideous one. Clinton said 'if you wear the less hideous one, peopel will think you chose it. If you wear the worse one, people will think you were forced to wear it'.



I wonder what they'll wear this year. Probably rugby jumpers or something.

That was the most awesome interview ever. He was fantastic. That story was fucking awesome, thanks for reminding me.

 

[xeuyrawp]

That was the most awesome interview ever. He was fantastic. That story was fucking awesome, thanks for reminding me.

Dude, how awesome was Kevin Spacey!

Parkinson: So, let's talk about America, and your relationship with the President.
Blair: Well, the good thing about the Pres---
(Spacey picks up his chair and sits down on the other side of the room)

 

[Kegs]

It was such a good combo. I want to watch the whole thing again.