I am writing to seek your support for what may possibly result in an
occupation at VUT St Albans on Monday 29th April. Such action will be a
result of the student union offices being demolished and relocated
without adequate or ongoing consultation with all students. Queers,
muslims, and disabled students are among those who were most excluded
from the 'consultation' process.
As discussed last Saturday (13Apr02), please find attached the Staff
Plan for Bldg 4 at StAlbans; the Student Precinct Plan and the document
the Uni is using as 'approval' for it's progress on this matter. You
will note that the agreement was mainly regarding a Cafe in Bldg9 rather
than that now in Bldg 4.
At no time until March this year were any of the elected student
representatives made aware of or were privy to the specifics of the
Staff Plan in its entirety, attached. This plan was approved by the
Tender Board and contracted out within the past month. Works are due to
commence within the next fortnight!
After attendance at the March VUSU Exec Mtg, the VTSAN President, fired
off the following email which resulted in the VUSU President being
carpeted by the VU delegated authority, Michael HAMERSTON. The staff
plan has made no provision for the replacement of the general student
lounge or queer space. Nor does it provide for the International
Student Association or the muslim prayer room.
Date: Wed, 03 Apr 2002 03:18:42 +1000
Subject: Student's democratic rights trampled at VUT St Albans!
From: VTSANPre <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, . . . . .
Victoria University of Technology
Deputy Vice Chancellor of TAFE
Michael Halmerstone
CC: Equal Opportunity Commission
Minister for Education Lynne Kosky
Australian Education Union
National Tertiary Education Union
National Union of Students Queer Officers
Media representatives
Dear Michael,
I am writing with great concern at the proposed redevelopment of
Building 4 on St Albans campus. I understand the student union offices
are being converted into a restaurant, with the student union offices to
be relocated to the student lounge. I understand the new plan has no
queer space and is being implemented without any consultation with
students, and against the wishes of the elected representatives of the
student union. I think it only fair to let you know I am raising this
matter with relevant trade unions, government departments and the equal
opportunity commission because queer students have a right to a space to
meet and organise, as do all students. To take this away from them is
blatantly discriminatory and to redesign the student lounge without
consulting students is to blatantly ignore their rights and needs.
Furthermore, I understand students have presented an alternative plan to
create a central hub of activity on the campus, creating some culture on
what is often referred to as a 'dead' campus by St Albans students. I
look forward to messages from the student union to say that you have put
the new plans on hold and are sitting down with the students to discuss
a solution that will uphold their rights and cater for their needs.
Yours sincerely,
Caspar Cumming
Victorian Tafe Students and Apprentices Network
President
Ph: {W} {03} 96397699 {H}
Fax: {03} 96396448
Mobile: 0438570115
At the last Victoria University Student Union executive meeting held on
Thursday 18th April the executive passed a motion to reject the
Institute's planned redesign of student space and continue campaigning
for students to be consulted and have their plan implemented. The motion
stated VUSU would seek outside support from VTSAN, NUS and other
relevant organisations. The University is planning to start building
work on Tuesday the 30th of April and students are planning to gather at
St Albans on Monday to stop this building work going ahead. Your support
is requested.
A meeting to plan the action will take place at 12 midday on Friday 26th
April in the St Albans student lounge in Building 4 {the biggest of the
six student spaces under threat}.
Contact:
Caspar Cumming TAFE students Network President: 0438570115
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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