Catchin' up with Pete
“Sup Mr. Prez! I’m in first year! Get me some good grades, eh?”
-Quote of the week from a student who flatteringly overestimates the extent of my academic influence here at Unitec. The library is your friend bro!
So, what’s goin’ on?
USU is currently working with Unitec to re-craft the nature of student representation on our campus. The Student Voice project has been underway since late last year. The long and the short of it is a question: “How does Unitec engage with students?”
Now to the unfamiliar ear this may sound a little vague and watery, but if instead I asked you the question “What do you think happens to the comments you post in Rate My Course when you feel your qualification isn’t delivering on what it has promised for you?” – Sure, the tool is there and you’ve had your say, but what we are driving for now is the consistency in welcoming change. The project is important because Unitec is making an honest commitment to recognise what you have to say as important. Its really about simple things; resource insufficiencies and overcrowding in classrooms being seen and corrected. Consultation not just information around decisions that make a difference to your day to day life on campus. It will end up providing the policy framework by which student representation is embedded into all facets of Unitec’s leadership and by which real consequences will exist for those who don’t recognise students as relevant stakeholders in their education. We are working to provide you with a chance to say who you want providing food on campus, how you want to see your courses developed and as a bottom line how you feel your fees should be spent.
In other news, you should be aware that USU is seeking a new team-member for the student executive. Nominations have closed and the candidates for the Waitakere Rep slot are out competing for your votes. If you see them, say “hi” and ask them what they have to bring to the table. The Waitakere Rep acts as an important conduit for feedback into the association so make sure the right person gets the job; be at the common area by the coffee cart in Waitakere at 12:30 on the 14th of June to cast your vote (I know it’s a pain but there are some stupid rules we have to operate within for elections like this).
Hope you’re all looking after yourselves and that the balance between families, friends, work, study and lack of sleep isn’t weighing you down. If you’re finding things difficult, there’s always someone you can ask for help; USU, the Student Wellbeing team and Student Central will do what we can to make your lives easier.
Chur chur,
Pete.
Mad props:
I’m going to be unabashedly selfish and hijack this week’s issue for a personal message. I had my 21st over the weekend of the 29th of May and one person (among a few others who know who they are) deserves a very special heart-felt thank you for making the weekend, the parties, and my life a very happy place. Sarah you are amazing J
All Aboard the Fail Boat:
I’m getting on the fail boat this week. I must be one of very few kiwi males who got through their entire 21st birthday weekend without taking part in the legendary yardie… fail.. (anybody keen for a belated one this coming weeked?)