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WORONI The Australian National University Newspaper Since 1948
NO.12 VOL 64
OCT 04
Union Cleans up its Act NAKUL LEGHA CAM WILSON
Fenner to Haul in Non-ressies THE EDITORS
Fenner Hall is set to grant membership to 180 non-resident students in 2013, allowing students from outside the Hall to experience college life and signalling the beginning of an era of co-investment in the Residential Halls by the University. Head of Hall Dr Jasmine Jury announced the non-residential annex to all Fenner Hall residents last week, stating that, “Fenner has always been the kind of place which is open to all… I think a non-residential annex will prove to be a good cultural fit for the community we currently have.” The residences of Melbourne University have had a similar scheme in place for some time, and it has proven highly successful in opening up the collegiate experience to all interested students. The exact details of the scheme have yet to be announced, however Fenner Hall President, Daniel Rose, hinted that they would be aiming to mimic the Griffin Hall model. The scheme would grant full rights and privileges to the new associate members, with the exception of access to living spaces and the opportunity to nominate for executive positions on the residents’ committee.
“We’re seeking to establish an ideal model which will see them smoothly integrate into our community, while providing them with our committee’s culture of excellent service delivery and a living body of knowledge,” Mr Rose said. The plan has yet to be brought fto the wider community for consultation, but some committee members have expressed concerns about the extent to which the non-residential annex will change the make-up of Fenner Hall. Alexander Townsend, Fenner Hall Sports Representative, is concerned that the new program will overpopulate the Hall. “If all 180 join, Fenner Hall would be well over capacity - Social events would be outsourced… Capacity of our services such as kitchens, computers, study spaces, car parks, and bike sheds are already criticised, additional students would drastically limit these resources,” Mr Townsend said. The move will go some way to addressing the growing calls for the University to deliver non-residential students the services and outcomes that residential students receive. The implications for the University’s stated plan to open up to eight virtual Halls are
unclear. Griffin Hall, a virtual Hall for nonresident students, has almost filled to capacity, and has succeeded in interhall competitions. The Hall, however, has had difficulty securing bricks and mortar infrastructure from an increasingly cramped University. The establishment of this program inevitably comes with significant funding commitments from the University, and an increased income for the residents’ committee in the form of membership levies. With the discussion over rental tariffs this year centring on the need for the University to cross-subsidise ballooning rent in the Residential Halls in order to cover the $60m maintenance backlog, the non-residential annex marks the first step in the University recognising the wider role the Halls play in the student experience. The University has not yet announced plans to roll out non-residential membership to the other ANU Residential Halls. If the pilot scheme is successful, it is possible that Burton & Garran, Bruce and Ursula Halls will follow suit. Daniel Rose is also a member of the ANU Student Media Editorial Board, which publishes this newspaper.
The ANU Union Board is proposing a slew of constitutional changes to improve the Union’s accountability and relevance to the study body in the lead-up to a crucial Ordinary General Meeting on Thursday, 11th October. It is the first time in twenty years that the Union’s Constitution will be amended. The Union has released a 77-page list of reforms, which focuses on changes to electoral regulations and the Union’s objectives, allocation of money to ANU clubs and societies and the potential inclusion of ANU Students’ Association (ANUSA) and Postgraduate and Research Students’ Association (PARSA) representatives on the board. The ANU Union oversees a turnover of $4.2 million and manages the Union Building, which houses Subway, the ANU Bar and Newsagency, as well as most of the for-profit businesses on campus such as Zambreros. Criticism has consistently been leveled at the Union Board for its lack of responsiveness to student needs and transparency in how it conducts its affairs. The proposed changes come after a lengthy review carried out by the Constitutional Review Committee which included ANUSA, PARSA and Union representatives. “Students have long been asking for a more transparent and accountable Union. Now we finally have the chance,” said the Union Board in a joint statement. Article continues on page 2
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