VSU legislation's impact on the range of campus services in Australia: a net loss
The range of tertiary campus services provided
Sporting services and facilitiesPost-VSU there has been a net loss of services within the campus services sector. The impact has been widespread across all campus services areas with the largest impact on those services areas which are not fee generating in their own right – such as the services at the student welfare end of the spectrum like legal advice, advocacy and emergency financial loans. Sporting services, although hit, have not been as hard hit by the impact of VSU as student representation or student union style services.
There are approximately 100 sporting services nationally that have been shut down or reduced, including areas such as elite athlete support, reductions in campus based recreational programs and, of greatest concern, a 17 per cent reduction in club sport participation. See Appendix H (available by email).
A further 50 or so sporting services are under pressure. See Appendix J (available by email).
Some universities have moved post-VSU to strengthen and increase the range of sporting services provided. Monash University is an example.
All-up there are approximately 31 sporting services nationally that have been added or increased post-VSU. See Appendix I (available by email).
Student unions and commercial services
There are approximately 261 student union services nationally that have been shut down or reduced including areas such as funding for orientation, clubs, childcare and assistance to international students. See Appendix H (available by email).
A further 27 or so student union services are under pressure. See Appendix J (available by email).
There are approximately 31 student union services which have been added or increased. See Appendix I (available by email).
It is anticipated there will be further net loss of services across all campus services areas as the total dollar amount of the university grants (many of which given to aid with transition to VSU) to the sector reduces over the coming three years.
Receive the full ACUMA / AUS VSU Impact Study by email
Simply complete and submit the form below, and we will email you a copy of the full VSU Impact Study, including references and all relevant notes. |
