The Auckland University Students’ Association (AUSA) has opened up nominations for their 2021 Student Executive positions. The elected executives create an integral association responsible for events, advocacy and decision making for Auckland University’s student body.
The executive roles currently available are President, Treasurer-Secretary, Education Vice-President, Engagement Vice-President, Welfare Vice-President, International Students’ Officer, Queer Rights Officer, and Women’s Rights Officer. The duties of these roles range from being involved in campaigning and advocacy for specific groups within the university to looking out for the general welfare of students’ and running events throughout the year.
To nominate yourself for these roles you must be a student at the University of Auckland at the time of nomination, and a current AUSA member. The nomination form can be found on the AUSA website.
Nominations close on the 28th of August. Voting for the election begins at 9am on the 31st of August and closes at 5pm on the 4th of September. Any student currently enrolled at the University of Auckland is eligible to vote.
The 2020 Executive has been able to achieve tasks such as enabling students’ grades to be moved up a grade level in regard to online learning during Semester One, organising ‘Party in the Spark’ and the relocation of Shadows bar.
The AUSA is further responsible for class representatives, who are delegated the responsibility of relaying problems and concerns within courses back to the relevant faculty. They are also the source of numerous food and welfare services on campus for students who are struggling mentally or economically disadvantaged.
The AUSA acts as a central hub providing a wide range of resources and opportunities to help students have the best possible university experience. It is important that students have their say in who is making AUSA decisions, as they are your acting voice.
Callum Sao, an AUSA intern said in regards to the importance of the AUSA, “AUSA is a voluntary student led and run association that is committed to advocating and representing students of the University of Auckland.”
“AUSA offers a wide range of free services which includes, but is not limited to, AUSA Advocacy and AUSA Grants. They are dedicated to providing students with the best student experience possible.”
If you wish to take on one of the executive roles, it is important to note the committee meets once every fortnight during semesters, and then at various times during semester holidays. As AUSA represents the student body, it is important that nominated officials are available and committed to representing the university community and attending the meetings.
Successfully elected representatives will be announced on the 11th of September.
More information about AUSA can be found on their website www.ausa.org.nz or on their social media pages (Facebook and Instagram).