Part 1 on User Pays Systems: Student Unions
“I love Brendan Nelson’s big quote in the Nelson Report on the abolition of compulsory student union fees. He said students should not have to pay for something they do not use and I was like “that’s f**kin’ sweet. I’m not paying for my degree. Thanks for that Brendan.”
- comedian Wil Anderson
A student friend told me recently how she hates that she has to pay for the Uni student union when she doesn’t use any of its services. I said nothing but I am highly critical of this attitude. I don’t use the Union’s services much myself. “Market Day” usually sees me pay for membership of about ten clubs, none of which do I ever participate in. I don’t have the time to use the gym or play sport. I’ve used the counselling services about 4 times in 4 years of study. And when I almost appealed a grade, academic friends advised me that I was well-spoken enough that I would probably be better off without Union representation. But does this all mean that I object to paying Union fees? Not on your nookie.
Firstly, student unions provide some necessary financial assistance to students who aren’t as well off. These are students who are trying to concentrate on study. Financial worries increase their stresses. Unions provide invaluable childcare services. Student unions provide job ad services for students trying to support themselves. Unions also campaign on behalf of students with disabilities and on behalf of other students whose minority needs are often ignored by a self-centred majority.
Secondly, Uni is a stressful, anxiety-provoking joint to be in. Much more stressful than most of the occupations we are training for (unless you’re studying journalism). After all, once you get out, you don’t have to work a part-time job as well as full-time study. There are students at the Uni who need to use the counselling services to survive. Without that help and support, many of them would drop out or sink into depression, which is an epidemic in this country. I don’t think it’s healthy for them to have to be thinking “I don’t know if I can afford an appointment at the moment. I’m not that suicidal this week, I should be fine”. And that wasn’t hyperbole by the way.
And personally I like having that back up there myself. It’s like insurance. Most of us don’t claim anything much on insurance. But we like to have it there.
The social clubs are excellent ways for new students to make friends at a time when they might be feeling lonely and isolated. Lonely and isolated doesn’t make for good studying habits or good health (and nor does overpartying of course). Socialising relaxes us and keeps us from burn out. And sport is an excellent way to release endorphins, as well as make friends. And Unions also contribute to the Uni culture, which is a unique and valuable experience. Student magazines provide opportunities for journalism and writing students to get published and to write articles about things related to students’ lives.
The political campaigning stuff is debatable. I can understand people's objections to the Unions' participations in that. It remains to be seen what services Brendan Nelson will want retained and what will be deemed unnecessary.
And I’m happy to spend a little of my money on this.