Unitec Students' Association Speaks Out for Polytechnics

Unitec, Auckland, New Zealand -May 4, 2012

MEDIA RELEASE: Unitec Students' Association Speaks Out for Polytechnics

Recently announced changes to the student allowance scheme for tertiary students will severely disadvantage those in the polytechnic sector.

The President of the Students' Association at Unitec, Shannon Pennefather, states "Unitec offers many foundational level courses to provide access for people to enter tertiary education at lower levels and prepare them for their Bachelor programmes. If the government limits allowances to 4 years of study, many will be unable to complete their degrees with support"

Unitec has a large proportion of such foundation level courses which provide students with the opportunity to gain the appropriate credits and readiness necessary for Bachelor level programmes. In consideration of the largest metro-polytechnic in the country, Pennefather explains:

"Student allowances are now focusing their investment around the 18 yr old University student. This fails to address the needs of a diverse polytechnic student body"
Unitec's average student age sits at 29 yrs old. There is also a significant proportion of students who have returned to study after having children or pursuing careers tracks. These students face considerable financial responsibilities by dividing their time and money for the opportunity to up-skill within their industry.
Pennefather reacts, "Students are being put in a position to decide whether their funds will be used to feed their families or pay for an education. These are not acceptable options".
Student allowances are a necessary support system in place for the successful completion of tertiary programmes. Under the new funding scheme, Polytechnic students are at particular risk. At Unitec specifically, the demographic does not mirror the image of what the government has interpreted as 'a student'.
"It seems that the message the government is sending to people who are ineligible for assistance is, 'Sorry, you cannot have an education. Enjoy the poverty trap'."
USU, the Students Association at Unitec, will soon be joining the NZUSA, and plans to bring forward these polytechnic perspectives to the wider discussion of changes. USU seeks to provide the necessary representation needed for polytechnic student financial support to a national level.

ENDS

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