President Column

Representation: How do I represent you, the Student?

One question that I am commonly asked as President is how do I represent you—the student? I thought I’d briefly answer that question in my column today, focusing on three main aspects: the local, regional and national representation of University of Waikato students.

Locally, i.e. within the University environment, I represent you by sitting on about 30 boards/committees of the University. These include a broad range of boards from governing committees of the institution, such as University Council, Finance Committee, and Capital Development Committee, to more specific committees such as Research Committee or the Student Centre Project Control Group.

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Service Spotlight: Sports on Campus and in the Community

With Ryan 

It’s that time of year again when winter sports are coming to a close.  While this may be sad for many, the awesome fact is that summer sports are now just round the corner.  So keep an eye out for information about the cricket, tennis, touch and many other sports that are about to begin.  There are a huge range of opportunities to get involved here at the University of Waikato. There are over 60 sporting and recreation clubs here on campus and they want you to join! For more information on summer sports go the university sports website at www.uwsport.org.nz.  

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Board Talk: What have the WSU Directors been doing lately?

Sarah Hill

A few weeks ago I approached students asking a simple question. Do you know if there is a smoke free policy on this campus? The answer I got was a unanimous, “there isn’t one”. This is not the case: in the university calendar right at the back are all polices listed, there is in fact a smoke free one. So over the last week I have been asking students what their views are on smoking, where they think it is acceptable and (if they don’t like smoking) why they dislike it so much.

This issue has come to my attention because everyday I walk through the second hand smoke of other people: particular near entranceways to buildings as I walk into class. It wasn’t until my 3^rd year Psychology lecturer asked the question: ‘who in this class smokes?’. Nobody said they did and a very small few said they used to. This means I am in no way the only one that puts up with smoke I don’t want to be around. 

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Guest Column: Our NZUSA Overlords Speak!

This year the British Conservative Minister for Universities and Science pointed out that “students’ unions are an important part of the civil society within higher education institutions,” and also that “without them, universities would be much poorer institutions.” His Government is thinking about how they can strengthen the role that students and students’ associations play in ensuring University’s are responsive to students.

Sadly, in New Zealand we have an ACT Party Bill making its way through Parliament that will end universal membership of students’ associations and remove the ability for students to ensure that there is a mandated representative organisation on their campus.  If the institution decides it doesn’t want one – then there won’t be one.

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Club Notices

There are heaps of things happening on or around campus over the next week, so make sure you go along to the events and participate in the culture of the University of Waikato!

The newly formed Waikato Investment Club (WiC) wants to meet you! Have you ever wondered how those Wall Street fat-cats seem to talk such large sums of dosh while sitting behind a monitor in those red suspenders and smoking a crisp Cuban cigar? Well you’re in luck! Cigar and red suspenders aside, The Waikato Investment Club (WiC) is starting up at the University of Waikato! The club is for interested students who wish to get involved in some of the more practical aspects of Finance, such as trading shares. We will also be regularly hosting relevant guest speakers and giving students the opportunity to enter into national and global competitions.  We will be aiming to have our first meeting/info session on the first Wednesday after Mid-semester break at 6pm (Room TBC). We aim to be a club that caters for all degrees, majors and interests so keep your eyes and ears peeled in the next couple of weeks for details! If you would like to contact us with questions, suggestions, or be on our mailer then email Waikato.investment@gmail.com.

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President Column

Waikato University: Home to World Class Lecturers

Last week Thursday I had the pleasure of being invited by the Minister of Tertiary Education, Hon. Steven Joyce, to attend the National Teaching Excellence Awards at Parliament’s Banquet Hall in Wellington.

The annual event is funded by the Tertiary Education Commission and the awards acknowledge teaching practices that are student-focused and committed to promoting effective learning. They also provide an opportunity for teachers to further their careers and share their good practice with others through involvement with the Academy, of which they gain automatic entry to as a result of being awarded.

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Expressions of Interest Sought for Vice-President Maori Position

Are you keen to be involved in the governance of your student union? Interested in making sure that Maori issues are brought to the Board’s attention? Keen to develop links and relationships with Maori clubs and societies on campus, and to represent their concerns? If so, then consider putting in an application for the Vice-President Maori Position!

As most of you will have read last week in Nexus, the Vice-President Maori position on the WSU Board is now vacant. Given the original demand from students for this position, the Board feels that it is important that it does not remain vacant for the rest of the year. As a result, the Board is officially calling for expressions of interest from students who are interested in the role.

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Director Introduction: Chamanthie Sinhalage

Hi everyone, my name is Chamanthie, and I am in my fifth year of a Law and Arts degree majoring in Public Relations and Political Science. I am also one of the two new Directors on the WSU Board.

I am looking forward to an exciting Semester, helping students get the most out of University life. I have been heavily involved with clubs and societies during my time at Waikato, and this has made a huge difference to my overall experience here. Last year, I started a society of my own– which has been the most incredible adventure yet. I have met some amazing people, gotten the chance to represent the University at various tournaments and have generally had a blast!

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VP Maori

Tena koutou everyone

No Pipiwai ahau.

My name is Priscilla Ngatai and I am the interim VP Maori for WSU. The WSU Board put me into the role in an acting capacity to make sure that vital relationships were still maintained and that important duties were still fulfilled during this time of change.

For those who don’t know, I come from Te Taitokerau (up north), where the sun shines a little longer on Aotearoa (NZ), from a little valley called Pipiwai.  My father was born on the shores of Te Mahia, Ngati Kahungunu; my mother comes from Ngatihine, Ngapuhi. 

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President Column

November 26^th is a date that you should all put in your diaries. Why? Because November 26^th is election day 2011: the day the country goes to the polls to elect our parliamentary representatives over the next three years.

For those who don’t already know who they are going to vote for, there are heaps of things you should do between now and November 26. First, you need to make sure you’re enrolled to vote: check out www.elections.org.nz or call 0800 36 76 56 and make sure you are on the electoral roll: if you’re not, then you won’t be able to vote on election day!

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