Steven Turner UNEG Inc External Student Representative

Hi all Undergraduate External Students

Outcome of motions I put forward at 5th of October 2009 UNEG Inc Meeting.

Motion:

The Exeuctive members of the Undergrads of New England Guild Inc (UNEG Inc) support the action taken by the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) University of New England (UNE) Branch on the 9th of September 2009 in taking strike action to improve the pay and working conditions for acdemic and general staff. The Executive members of UNEG Inc recognise improvement in the conditions of academic and general staff at UNE wil also lead to better access and improved quality higher education for current and future undergraduate students at UNE.

Approved Unanimously

Motion:

The President of the Undergrads of New England Guild Inc (UNEG Inc) will write to Chancellor The Hon Dr Richard Torbay, and Dr Tim Battin, President, UNE Branch, NTEU Branch stating that the Executive members of UNEG Inc support the strike action taken by NTEU members on 9 September 2009 to improve the pay and working conditions for academic and general staff and that The Executive of UNEG Inc recognises improvement in the conditions of academic and general staff at UNE will also lead to better access and improved quality higher education for current and future undergraduate students at UNE.

Approved Unanimously

Motion:

That the Acting Administration Officer expedite  the amendment she has discussed with Professor Ellis Magner which involves giving all students (UNEG Inc members) the ability to vote on issues at general meetings and in referenda where they are not able to physically attend the UNE campus for said metings. This will allow the overwhelming majority of students to exercise their democratic right to vote - from which they are now excluded by their location.

Approved Unanimously

Motion:

That the President write to the CEO Services UNE on behalf of the Executive of UNEG Inc to extend the members thanks to the staff of Services UNE, especially to Wayne Kratz for his endless efforts to promote the intellectual and social opportunities available to all students. In particular, we thank him for his selfless contribution of more than 20 hours during the September residential schools in organising and facilitating the 4 external student functions in the Bistro. The acting President should also note that these were not only well attended, but were enjoyed by College students, UNE staff and external students alike.

Approved Unanimously

Hi all Undergraduate External Students

The minutes from UNEG Inc’s past two meetings are now up on the UNEG Inc Blog to view at http://blog.une.edu.au/uneginc/meeting-minutes/

Hi all Undergraduate External Students

You would have all recently received an e-mail from the UNE Library to participate in the libraries online student survey in relation to improving UNE Library Services. I strongly urge you all to repond to the UNE Libraries Survey. This is an oppurtunity for all undergraduate external students to have a say in what we would like improved. According to the e-mail the survey will be online until the 16th of October 2009. Cheers.

Hi all Undergraduate External Students

The Human Rights Consultation Report has been released. The recommendation is Australia needs a Human Rights Act.

If you wish to read the National Human Rights Consultation report you can view it online at:

http://www.humanrightsconsultation.gov.au/www/nhrcc/nhrcc.nsf/Page/Report_NationalHumanRightsConsultationReport-TableofContents

Or you can download the National Human Rights Consultation report in its parts in either DOC or PDF format at:

http://www.humanrightsconsultation.gov.au/www/nhrcc/nhrcc.nsf/Page/Report_NationalHumanRightsConsultationReportDownloads 

Below are the recent reports released from the media outlets:

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,26182075-2702,00.html

http://www.thenewlawyer.com.au/article/Lawyers-applaud-human-rights-report/501349.aspx

http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-national/committee-recommends-bill-of-rights-20091008-goaq.html

http://www.eurekastreet.com.au/article.aspx?aeid=16951

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/committee-recommends-bill-of-rights-20091008-goaq.html

Hi all Undergraduate External Students

Since there is no facility to attach the minutes from the first UNEG Inc meeting on my blog I have put below the motions I put forward at the meeting and the outcome. Cheers.

Motion 1:

UNEG Inc supports a free, equitable, accesible and high quality public higher education system. This brings UNEG Inc inline with Article 26 of the United Nations Decleration of Human Rights which states “Everyone has the right to an education.”

Approved unanimously

Motion 2:

The University of New England (UNE) make available for all UNE students hard copies of materials required to complete their studies not just online.

Approved unanimously

Motion 3:

The University of New England (UNE) make available the option for all future UNE students wanting to apply to UNE a hard copy form not just online.

Approved unanimously

Motion 4:

The online newsletter include the audited statement of Financial Accounts and any other financial statements submitted at UNEG Inc meetings.

Approved unanimously

Hi all Undergraduate External Students

There is a brilliant article in The Australian, published on the 25th of September 2009, written by CFMEU National Secretary Comrade John Sutton called Marxism Holds The Key.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,,26120528-5014047,00.html

Hi all Undergraduate External Students

You would have received today from Professor Graham Webb Acting Vice Chancellor an e-mail outlining UNE’s new student complaints policy.

Below is the Acting Vice Chancellor’s statement:

“At its meeting on 14 of September, the University Council agreed to the implementation of a new policy that provides a single point for referral, investigation of and response to, formal complaints by students. This policy is available at: http://www.une.edu.au/policies/pdf/student-complaint-handling-and-resolution-policy.pdf “

“The single reference point for students referred to in the policy will be the UNE Service Quality Unit, the details of which can be easily found by going directly to UNE - Service Quality - Service http://www.une.edu.au/service-quality Quality Unit or on every UNE webpage by clicking on ‘Feedback’ at the bottom of the web page and navigating from the hyperlink. The Deputy Vice Chancellor has also asked the Web Team to ensure that this function for students is made available to students at the appropriate place on our web site.”

“The University is dedicated through its Strategic Plan to the improvement of its student experience, which must include the rapid and comprehensive resolution of legitimate complaints. Accordingly, I urge you to lend your support to the SQU by providing information, comment on recommendations that may be sought from you in response to student concerns and complaints.”

“Alicia Zikan, the Undergraduate of the UNE Council has volunteered to answer any questions you may have from the student perspective (email: aslorach@une.edu.au ).”

Hi all Undergraduate External Students

NTEU comrades at the University of Southern Queensland have gone on a 24hr strike today in relation to improved conditions. You can read statements by NTEU USQ Branch President Brad Astbury by clicking on the media article links below.

http://www.thechronicle.com.au/story/2009/09/30/usq-staff-set-to-go-on-24-hour-strike/

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/09/30/2700239.htm

Hi all Undergraduate External students

The Senate Standing Committee on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport is currently holding an inquiry into the adequacy of Government measures to provide equitable access for metropolitan students attending regional universities. Further information about the Senate Committee can be found at the Parliament of Australia’s website at  http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/rrat_ctte/rural_and_regional_education/info.htm

Hi all Undergraduate External Students

I have been informed that there is a mistake on UNEG Inc’s Welcome Guide flyer for the Social Functions in relation to parking. Please see flyer for update in relation to parking at UNE. Welcome Guide from UNEG Inc to September Intensive School External Students