VSU Protest Today (4 Viewers)

[Korn]

This is from USYD union:
Long arse list

Don't you just love it how they list the wentworth building, a room within the wentworth building, then all the activities within that room as separate things?

You guys have a shit load of facilities and services.
Hey NTB or other UWSer's anyone know what we get, I feel its jackshit compared to others

 

[jhakka]

Like his "You go to a shit uni shut up" comment was contributing

But being a more established member, you should know not to rise to the bait.

Waf: Out of interest and lack of motivation to find it myself, where was that list posted?

 

[Korn]

But being a more established member, you should know not to rise to the bait.

How so, its not like I dislike arguing

 

[braindrainedAsh]

To whoever posted up the USyd one above, you forgot all the stuff that their Sports organization does as well.

I can't believe people want their campuses to be devoid of university life.

At UTS, the vice chancellor and university staff encouraged students to attend the protest because at UTS it will mean that some services, especially university housing, may have to be cut back.

 

[Not-That-Bright]

Why would they cut back university housing.. when that's PROFITABLE?

 

[braindrainedAsh]

From the UTS vice chancellor:

Dear Students and Colleagues

At its meeting on Monday the UTS Council unanimously confirmed its long standing opposition to Voluntary Student Unionism (VSU) and stated its opposition to Federal legislation that has been introduced to enforce VSU.

VSU is a misnomer. It is a term that is in many ways misleading and the legislation will have far broader consequences than simply the operation of student political groups. Service fees paid by students provide a wide range of activities, services and amenities that are provided at zero or below market costs.

Such fees support and develop the University as a community and provide a broad educational experience for students beyond the classroom. Orientation programs, social and recreation programs; extension and improvement of sporting amenities; artistic and sporting scholarships; events promoting awareness of indigenous and international issues; childcare and equity programs are just some of the areas supported by service fees.

I know that this year’s National Day of Action on 28 April, organised by various student bodies, will focus on VSU. A number of students will choose to be involved in activities, commencing with a rally at midday in front of the UTS Tower, to highlight the important role that the Students’ Association and the UTS Union play in the life of our campuses, and to oppose the intended government legislation. I support those who wish to express their view. I would ask members of staff to be sympathetic to those whose attendance at class is affected by these activities and make any necessary alternative arrangements where possible.

It is very important that we engage the wider community as much as possible in the discussion of the impact of VSU legislation. You may wish to download this week’s UTS press release on VSU from http://www.uts.edu.au/new/releases/2005/April/20b.html for use in discussing this issue with family and friends.


Ross Milbourne
Vice-Chancellor

 

[Korn]

Why would they cut back university housing.. when that's PROFITABLE?

They cant cut back alot of things they are probably saying that they will have to

 

[MoonlightSonata]

I think the protest was a great idea

It did a nice job of filtering the mountebanks from my classes today.

 

[Riewe]

Even though it is still a way to go, will they still be protesting against the VSU next year when it is implemented? "OMG unions are now poor, lets continue protesting with union funds to show how important unions are OMG" It would be a waste of time if they continue on with it, don't you think

 

[braindrainedAsh]

UTS's housing isn't currently profitable because they have just purchased a large building and are currently in millions of debt for it. Without the housing contribution paid by students they may have to sell off some of the UTS housing sites because it may not be sustainable... or rent may have to be raised to ridiculous levels.

 

[Not-That-Bright]

I don't see where that says anything about university housing =/

 

[braindrainedAsh]

It doesn't say it in that, but I have spoken to people at housing, and in the union/SA about it. Potentially losing some of their housing which will have revenue raising potential in the future is something that the university is highly concerned about.

Plus, a uni with no housing? How shit is that? UTS already doesn't have enough for demand....

 

[Not-That-Bright]

If there's demand for their cheap housing, and they're making a profit.... i really can't see how they couldn't continue to have this housing.
Am I missing something?

 

[Korn]

If there's demand for their cheap housing, and they're making a profit.... i really can't see how they couldn't continue to have this housing.
Am I missing something?

Maybe, but it does sound like bs

It doesn't say it in that, but I have spoken to people at housing, and in the union/SA about it. Potentially losing some of their housing which will have revenue raising potential in the future is something that the university is highly concerned about.

Plus, a uni with no housing? How shit is that? UTS already doesn't have enough for demand....

What Parramatta doesnt have housing

 

[Riewe]

On the UTS fee bill, there is the Union fee, Student Association fee and Housing fee, so maybe the scrapping of union fees will also scrap the housing fee.

But will the Student Association still have my money, as i despise this hippie group, as i have no use for it, and it does not even remotely have any use for me, unlike the union which is slightly more applicable

 

[braindrainedAsh]

Cheap housing doesn't always make a profit, don't you understand?

By the time they pay for staff in the housing office, cleaners, gas, electricity, water, maintenance, occasional housing activities during o week, rates, not to mention repayments on the massive loans they took out to pay for the buildings, it isn't making a profit at the moment.

Plus the housing service also provides listings and assistance for students to find private residential accomodation. These services are provided free of charge.

Tell me where they make their money? When they buildings are paid off they may make a profit, but they can't run at a loss to pay off the buildings.

And yes, VSU would mean the end of the UTS accomodation levy that students pay, which is money they currently use to pay off their debt after the purchase of gumal ngurang.

 

[Not-That-Bright]

Well that's odd, because by all accounts usyd's housing (and uws's) make profits. There must be something wrong at uts?

 

[Korn]

Cheap housing doesn't always make a profit, don't you understand?

By the time they pay for staff in the housing office, cleaners, gas, electricity, water, maintenance, occasional housing activities during o week, rates, not to mention repayments on the massive loans they took out to pay for the buildings, it isn't making a profit at the moment.

Plus the housing service also provides listings and assistance for students to find private residential accomodation. These services are provided free of charge.

Tell me where they make their money? When they buildings are paid off they may make a profit, but they can't run at a loss to pay off the buildings.

And yes, VSU would mean the end of the UTS accomodation levy that students pay, which is money they currently use to pay off their debt after the purchase of gumal ngurang.

How much do u guys pay for accomodation??

 

[braindrainedAsh]

UTS's housing service is very new. You will find that at USyd they are well established.... they don't have debts to pay off do they? Plus, their newest venture (Sydney University Village) is owned by a private company.

There is concern with what will happen to UTS Housing after VSU.... I can't say for certain whether it will remain viable/sustainable or not... but there is concern.

Not to mention all the other services that might suffer under VSU.....

I pay $160 per week for a room in a 4 bedroom apartment.... that includes all bills etc. And it is in a prime location in the city.

 

[Not-That-Bright]

If private companies are getting into housing, i can tell you, the housing at universities will survive. I'd also assume that people who live in university housing can get youth allowance as they are independants, and rent assistance?