OPSA : Representation

Fighting For You

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Why have a Students’ Association?
A student with a single voice has very little power. However, when we all get together...

OPSA is here to stand up for your rights, so your opinion and needs have an influence over local and national decision-making: Without students’ associations tertiary fees could be increased 100% more than they have, interest-free on loans would never have be implemented, your tutors could demand all your assignments in the same week, and there’d be no free gym, clubs & societies centre, student discounts etc...

Really it is about having someone representing you, keeping an eye on policies and decision-making to protect your rights, so you can spend time focusing on your studies (and your social life).

National Representation
On a national level OPSA works with other polytechnics & universities to represent the common and collective concerns of students. Together we campaign government and national bodies for better living standards and against student debt.

OPSA is affiliated to NZUSA, which is the largest student body in the country, representing students at universities, polytechnics and colleges. NZUSA fights for change for students; their number one priority is fighting for a free education and a living allowance for all students.

NZUSA represents students nationally in heaps of ways, including:
• Making sure that a student voice is heard by decision makers
• Researching the effects of student loans and other policies
• Assisting different groups of students in running campaigns and activities
• Helping to run Student Job Search and other student services

NZUSA has a partnership with the national Maaori student body – Te Mana Akonga.

Local Representation
Locally OPSA provides representation from the Polytech Council to your classroom. This is provided through the President on the Poytech Council, and the various OPSA members on other Polytech boards. Right down to class level you are represented by your Class Rep.

OPSA also works with the Dunedin City Council, and other local bodies, to represent students' needs and views. OPSA makes regular submissions to the DCC and other bodies, and sits on various working parties and committees.

Class Representatives
Each class should have at least one Class Rep. Class Reps can be your first point of call with a complaint or problem. If you need to know who your class rep is contact Lesley Scoular at OPSA.

An essential part of OPSA is the Student Reps, students who choose to get involved in making a difference. Being a Student Rep only requires a few hours of your time each semester and gives you valuable experience in committee work, problem solving, communication, mediation/negotiation. To become a Student Rep, contact Lesley Scoular.

Advocacy & Complaints
Students who are experiencing personal or course related problems are welcome to approach the OPSA President, Student Liaison Officer, or Office Manager, who can offer advice and support, or act on behalf of students. Ring them on 477-6974, or 0800-762-786, extension 8332.

Complaints can be to do with problems with your course, your landlord, your finances - whatever is bugging you.

Harassment
You have the right to enjoy your time at OP without being made uncomfortable about your age, gender, race, religion, or sexuality. If you think you are experiencing harassment from another student or a staff member, contact Lesley Scoullar or Mark Baxter, ring them on 477-6974, or 0800-762-786, extension 8332.

OPSA President
The President is usually a full-time paid position - the role is to oversee and facilitate the Executive Committee, and represent students on various Polytech boards and committees including the Polytech Council. Any student can stand for President. Contact Lesley Scoullar for more information.

You are encouraged to contact the President with any questions, complaints, or sugestions you may have.

OPSA Executive Committee
The OPSA Executive Committee is the governing body of OPSA and controls the services and direction of the Students’ Association by setting policy and budgets. The Exec consists of up to 16 office holders (including the President). Any OP student can stand for Exec, elections are at the AGM, usually held in March each year. Contact Lesley Scoullar for more information.

You can find details about the current Executive are on the OPSA People page.

AGM
OPSA holds an Annual General Meeting each year to elect its Executive Committee and to form student opinion. However, please feel free to discuss problems ideas and suggestions - or even volunteer to help out - with the Exec or staff any time of the year. For more information, contact Lesley Scoular at OPSA.