Federation University Australia will retain the student representation model currently used by University of Ballarat when the new entity commences in 2014.
Moving to clarify the models of student advocacy to be utilised at FedUni, a spokesperson said UB’s Student Senate model would be implemented at the Gippsland campus next year.
“The Student Senate consults with the student body on many issues, follows up on their needs and ensures decision making at the university includes the student voice,” the spokesperson said.
“It also serves to make recommendations on the proposed use of proceeds from the Student Services and Amenities Fee.”
The spokesperson said the Senate would include representatives from the Gippsland campus, including a representative from the MUGSU organisation.
“The bulk of funding for MUGSU will still come from Monash University, but FedUni also will work with MUGSU to provide them with appropriate funding to provide services to Gippsland students next year.”
MUGSU executive director Dan Jordan said finding the appropriate form of student representation in the new entity was a work in progress between parties.
“I think it’s a process of negotiation that will have to continue while we are working with FedUni,” Mr Jordan said.
“There is still a train of thought that if it’s going to be a completely new university, then you should have a new representative body – not a rollover of either MUGSU or the (Student Senate).
“We are not dictating to the students what’s to be done here – we are going to have a student from FedUni on our MUGSU board – it’s about being run by students for students, so if they determine they want things to go in a particular direction, then we will look into that.”
