UCSA-UC Quality of Service Petition

As the university looks to raise fees again for 2009, we need to ask ourselves what these fee increases have brought students. As can be clearly seen in the College of Arts, an increase in fees does not reflect an increase in quality and in the standards of our degrees.

The university can blame the government for under funding the sector, but shouldn't take this resentment out on the group that should be the core interest group - the students.

To this end, the UCSA is proposing that no fee rises above inflation be put in place without the university becoming fully accountable to students for the services they provide. If they wish to treat us as customers when telling us they need to put fees up, then we expect to be treated as customers when we have an issue with the service this institution provides. Ironically the difference between the 5\% fee maxima increases possible under law, and inflation (around 4\%) is less than $500,000.

The UCSA is proposing a five point plan, of what we as students should be able to expect from an institution that increases fees 5\% (and $500 per 1 postgrad EFTS) per annum:

***To be treated and respected as customers and the key stakeholders in UC (see the TEC strategy documents).

***That all fee increases be justified and linked to quality and performance indicators. (Not merely used as a marketing spin or branding exercise)

***A staff to student radio that is comparable or better than the average for NZ universities (our June 08 staff student ratio of 20.8 : 1 is by far the worst amongst NZ universities)

***That any change in fees to be set during term time, to allow for fair consideration and right of reply from students

***That the university not let the drive to maximise revenue overshadow it's role as a critic and conscience of society


The university has shown this year that they are happy to make controversial decisions in spite of the objections of the UCSA. The smoke free policy will soon be passed despite our objection; fees are likely to be raised at every level by as much as possible, and there is also the issue of the Code of Conduct policy (that will give the university disciplinary powers over any student behaviour that is not in line with the reputation of the university), which may be implemented despite UCSA's vehement objection. We need the support of the wider student body, to show the university that they must respect and give due rights to their paying customers.