David Clark | Issue 07

David Clark | Issue 07

Student Representation on University Councils

I’m glad to see Critic has already sounded the alarm about the Government’s proposed changes aimed at removing student membership from university councils. It makes me angry to think that students will be excluded from decision-making at the highest levels.

A growing body of evidence proves what already makes intuitive sense: a diversity of views at the boardroom table is critical to good decision-making.
In order to exclude students, the Government is eliminating from law the provision that council members must include student representatives. As Critic has pointed out, this means there do not need to be any students on university councils to legitimise them.

Simultaneously, university and wānanga councils will be reduced from 12-20 members to 8-12. And in future, three or four members will be appointed directly by Government.

Unfortunately, narrowed representation is what we have come to expect from a Government intent on attacking student rights and access to education. It follows the introduction of voluntary student association membership (VSM) and aims at further silencing students who have been vocal political critics.
It’s hard to believe Government appointees will be as robust in their criticism of Government policies.

Student input into university councils is important for ensuring universities retain a role as a critic and conscience of society. Student representation also makes sure universities remain great places to learn, study and live. After all, who knows the university experience better than students themselves?

The Government’s proposal to silence the student voice on councils undermines the important role you and your representatives play in democracy and decision-making on campus. It is a big leap backwards.

As your local MP, I want make sure that you are represented on university councils, and that you have a strong and independent student association. I am proud to belong to a political party that believes in having those involved in learning and teaching on the governing bodies of universities. It is a good thing, and adds value to the decisions being made.

If you’re as angry as I am about this retrograde step, please make a short submission to Parliament and be heard. For help making a submission, visit labour.org.nz/unicouncils.
This article first appeared in Issue 7, 2014.
Posted 4:50pm Sunday 6th April 2014 by David Clark.