The OUSA referendum was at the end of last semester. All enrolled Otago Uni students were emailed a link to an online survey to have their say on what OUSA should focus their efforts on. Questions were able to be submitted by students prior to being put to vote, and after some to and fro (with many of Critic’s suggestions sadly binned) the final list included 21 questions. 1572 of you responded, voting yay or nay to each.
Critic has compiled the results and comments below. As a brief summary, students continue to express enthusiastic support for a student bar, think attempts from the Exec to be relatable are “cringe”, and are down for anything that involves OUSA or themselves saving money – sadly meaning prints of Sexy Garfield are out of the question. Note: the results of the referendum aren’t binding.
YES:
Should the Otago University Students’ Association (OUSA) Audited Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 be received and accepted? (78.9%)
Should OUSA's Annual Report for 2023 be received and accepted? (83.3%)
Should OUSA support an ATM being installed on campus somewhere near the Link? (51.8%)
Since the campus is cashless, students pointed out that this might not be beneficial to anyone besides regular bus and drug users – who apparently make a majority “yes” between them. Who out there is bank transferring their dealer?
Should OUSA lobby for the University of Otago to create a course advice software where students can input their degree and papers and see if they meet all the degree requirements? (77.2%)
Should OUSA provide a student bar? (77.8%)
Support for this was overwhelming (shout-out to the person who commented “YES” 84 times), if tinged with impatience given the question was also in the last referendum.
Should OUSA advocate for a new policy that will give students universal access to closed-captioned lecture recordings? (82.3%)
There was resounding support for this across the board for multitudes of reasons – mainly to increase accessibility of learning for all tauira. Good to hear this one is underway.
Should OUSA provide or lobby the University to provide period products in all bathrooms on campus? (85.5%)
“duh”
Should the OUSA executive provide an online bulletin of their actions (such as the one on 2nd May) on a weekly or biweekly basis? (49.6%)
With many abstaining, the majority voted yes. However, Critic’s loyal followers pointed out in comments that this is something we already do (“that’s Critic’s job”) and that having to follow yet another form of media sounds exhausting.
Should OUSA provide a cheap option for dinners for students, similar to $4 lunch? (81.4%)
Students’ comments noted that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with the cost of living, noticing the quality of their diets and nutrition had slipped. Many, however, wondered at the impact it would have on the Bowling Club’s business, with some suggestions of a collaboration of some kind.
Should OUSA lobby the University to work with the Otago Regional Council for cheaper fares for university students? (77.7%)
Consensus yes, but many pointed out that students can already get cheaper fares through the community services card which all students are eligible for. The bus hype was strong, though.
Should OUSA lobby the University to create more all gender toilets on campus? (50.1%)
Many pointed out that there has been a Uni plan about this for a while that has been held up in bureaucracy, despite poking and prodding from Critic on multiple occasions.
Should OUSA lobby the University to run a Postgraduate open day? (65.8%)
Should OUSA lobby the University to expand the Graduate Research School’s scope to include Honours students, course work Masters students and 2 years Masters students completing their coursework year? (64.9%)
NO:
Should OUSA make free prints of Sexy Garfield available for all students? (63.6%)
Boo.
Should OUSA have branded condoms and dental dams? (70.5%)
Should OUSA pass a motion that the President be only referred to as "Mr/Madam President" on all occasions? (61.5%)
To those of you who thought this was an ego trip question from Keegan: Critic submitted this question, and will continue to refer to her as Madam President.
Should OUSA provide more daytime events on campus? (46.2%)
This question sparked confusion over what the events would be. While some interpreted it as daytime concerts like those during Ori, others said they’d like to see more things like sausage sizzles, smaller gigs, promotions of rec programmes and volleyball nets. There was support for chill, non-alcohol related daytime events but not for events that some felt would be disruptive.
Should the OUSA executive do a weekly challenge and post it on Instagram (@ousaexec)? (51.6%)
While some thought it would be fun (“you do you, I guess”) others commented that it sounded “cringe” and a “waste of time”, with one person commenting (rather boringly): “You’re not influencers” and that “they should do the work they get paid to do”. Okay, Karen.
Should OUSA lobby the University to turn all the grass on campus into an intensive dairy farm? (72.2%)
At least some got that this is a joke.
Should OUSA convert the aquatic events centre into a cafe? (68.6%)
The runners were keen for a caffeine fix on their morning runs past the building. The rowers in the comment section were understandably displeased.
Should OUSA ask Gus Webster to opt-out of being a member of OUSA? (45.2%)
“Who the fuck is Gus Webster?” Critic had to look it up, too.