Tasmania’s two student unions will merge, and student run societies may disappear under changes being planned by University Council.
The University of Tasmania and the student bodies are still in negotiations on a new funding arrangement, despite the Federal Government’s Voluntary Student Unionism legislation having come into force this month.
The legislation makes it illegal to compel students to join a student organisation.
Student organisations such as the Tasmania University Union run services such as discounted food outlets and academic support. Until July this year such organisations have been funded by compulsOry student contributions.
In an interview with Edge Radio, TUU President Ricky Mawad said, “We have got an in principle commitment from the University to assist us in preserving the student experience at UTAS. What will happen is something along the lines of a trust fund that will be used to fund certain areas that the University believes are the priority areas.”
These priorities include student representation and Orientation Week activities.
“We have an in principle commitment to fund those areas, the extent of the funding I cannot comment on,” said Mawad.
The University and the student unions will contribute money to a trust fund, from which future activities will be funded.
The University has made clear its desire to see the southern and northern student associations merged. “The entire arrangement is predicated on the merger of the two student bodies; such a merger will be effected by 2008” said Mawad.
Mawad said no referendum or vote would be required for the merger, as “University ordinances that are put through University Council override the constitutions of the incorporated student bodies”.
At risk are the twenty or so student societies, which rely on funding from the union. Student societies cover a range of groups and interests, and include the Overseas Christian Fellowship, Physics & Mathematics Society, and PLOT (Student Drama) Society. Student societies have always been more popular in Tasmania than most other Australian universities.
“Funding for clubs and societies is somewhat left in the grey area at the moment,” said Mawad. “We’re still awaiting the University Council’s decision on the extent which clubs and societies will configure in the funding arrangement. We’re also
concerned at the extent to which they will be able to survive under a completely user pays voluntary system.”
Mawad denies that the student unions are in no position to bargain. Students and staff are outnumbered on the University Council.
“I wouldn’t say that we’re in the strongest bargaining position but I wouldn’t say we’re in the weakest position either. I don’t think that any administration wants to be seen as paying out on the student experience.”
For now the TUU is offering free membership to any student until the end of the year.
