Celebrating 4/20 likely in a different way to most students, the OUSA Exec still managed to push their fortnightly meeting up to a marathon two and a half hours on the 20th of April. Who can say they aren’t dedicated?
There was a heap on the agenda to get through, and get through it they did (eventually). Firstly, a big congratulations to the Tuvalu Students Association and the Student Innovators Collective for their recent affiliations as OUSA clubs – Critic Te Ārohi can’t wait to see you guys out there.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) between OUSA and the Vice-Chancellor was briefly revisited for discussion, having already been signed earlier this year. Through this, OUSA gains the right to send three emails to all of its student members (e.g. pretty much every student at Otago University) which is pretty awesome. Imagine if Critic got to do that. We’d say “The Game”.
Finance and Strategy Officer Troy Gibbons was also issued a written warning by the Executive following a breach of the Executive Code of Conduct. The motion passed with a razor-thin 5-4 vote from Executive Members. Jarna and Sami (Tumauki Takirua), Ella (Clubs & Socs Rep), Irfaan (International Rep), Fergus (Postgrad Rep) and Daniel (President) all voted for the warning. Rihana (Welfare and Equity Rep), Zoe (Residential Rep), Flynn (Political Rep) and Troy voted against the warning. Kameesha (Vice-Pres), being chair, was unable to vote, as was Hansini (Academic Rep), who was absent for a midterm test.
“This matter was addressed in accordance with the Executive Code of Conduct and the Executive Discipline Procedure,” OUSA President Daniel Leamy told Critic. Daniel remained tight-lipped when asked what the warning was issued for, emphasising that the Exec takes matters of conduct seriously.
Daniel referred to the warning as a “precedent‑setting complaint”, and not “personal” action against Troy. “Rather, it establishes a clear framework to ensure that all Executive members can be held to the highest standards moving forward.” Third year law student, Charlotte, was approached by Critic regarding the warning. She thought that while it’s “disappointing to see someone having violated the code”, it was “encouraging that OUSA have responded appropriately and that it won’t affect his work”.
Despite trouble in paradise, the Executive’s focus will remain on “advocating for Otago students and supporting their needs” amidst an “important and challenging” period for ākonga. Daniel made it clear that, consistent with that focus, the warning would have no impact on Troy’s goals or duties to serve the student body. “He continues to prioritise his role and work as their representative, advocating for issues that are important to them.”
In this spirit of looking forward, the Exec have highlighted four priority political campaigns for the rest of the year: implementing Paid Placements, Fees Free study, Rental Warrants of Fitness, and repealing Voluntary Student Membership (VSM). According to a memo from Troy and Flynn, “OUSA has been, and should remain, an active political advocate.” Cheers to that.
