2006 Media Releases
Tuesday, 8 August 2006
La Trobe University Council adopts new VSU services plan
In response to the Voluntary Student Unionism legislation which came into effect from 1 July 2006, La Trobe University has decided to retain a comprehensive range of student services.
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Equity and Student Services), Dr Kerry Ferguson, said an allocation of $3 million per annum will be available for services for 2007 and 2008 that were previously funded by the compulsory service fee.
This is a major financial commitment to the provision of student services and heralds the University’s commitment to the Student Experience. This is in addition to support services already funded by the University.
The decision, made by the University Council last night, follows an overwhelming response to an extensive University-wide survey and consultation process undertaken in 2005 and 2006. Based on this, it has been decided that the main services to be provided are:
• Counselling
• Course and Careers including Employment Services
• Sport
• Childcare Services
• Clubs and Societies
• Information / Referral Hub
• Advocacy
• Representation
• Health
• Legal services
• Entertainment and events
• Student Theatre
Dr Ferguson said that the University aimed to offer a comparable experience to that offered prior to the VSU legislation. The desire to have students engaged at all levels of governance and, where possible, direct delivery of services, lay at the core of the Council decision.
She said arrangements for delivering services will include service level agreements with incorporated student bodies to provide services and shared service arrangements for all student bodies.
“Funds will be provided to the incorporated student organisations, both at the Bundoora campus and at Bendigo and Wodonga for the provision of specific services.”
Dr Ferguson said a new Division of Equity and Student Services was the first step in a new management framework for the range of post-VSU services, combining the context and core values of the University with a commitment to deliver the best possible services to students within a restricted fiscal environment.
“Mr Michael Torney, the current General Manager of the La Trobe University Union, has been appointed Acting Director Student Services to oversee the transition to the new Divisional Services Model which will continue to allow for student participation in policy formulation.”
The La Trobe University Union (at Bundoora) and its affiliates, the Mildura Student Union and the Shepparton Student Union and the Sports and Recreation Association will be wound up and reformed into a Guild structure as part of the Division of Equity and Student Services. The activities of the Mildura and Shepparton Students Unions, and Health services at the Bendigo campus, will be funded through the Division.
Significant administrative savings will eventuate as a result of this restructuring.
A Sports Manager will be appointed to manage sport at all campuses, including the Sports Centre at Bundoora and to coordinate the activities of sports clubs. The sports Centre at the Bendigo campus will continue to be managed by the Bendigo Student Association (BSA).
Council also supported the principle of an independent student newspaper – Rabelais – and agreed that funds be made available to support it.
“The reserves of the Union, SARA, and Children’s Centre, some $4 million, will be used to fund all associated redundancy costs, with remaining monies used to mitigate the initial funding of the new Division of Equity and Student Services,” Dr Ferguson said.
A voluntary GSF has already been introduced on all campuses from 1 July 2006 and this will be reviewed for 2007. Dr Ferguson said these arrangements will be subject to further review and refinement during a two-year transition period.
For further information:
Dr Kerry Ferguson, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Equity and Student Services), Tel: 9479 3523