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Student volunteers out in force to fundraise

21 October 2016

Student volunteers out in force to fundraise for the University of Otago

This morning University of Otago student volunteers took to the Octagon with collection buckets as a part of a public appeal to raise money for the University to keep its humanities division strong. The University Council, led by Harlene Hayne, is in such a dire financial situation that they feel they can no longer justify investing in their humanities department.

The group of students decided to create an appeal for the University of Otago after hearing the news that the University would be cutting jobs across humanities departments because of financial concerns. The appeal will continue until the University is in a position where they can provide job security for all employees.

“It seems clear that the University is confused about where to invest its $21 million profit in order to provide the holistic, comprehensive, and quality education they believe our young people deserve”, said Jule Barth, spokesperson for Compassionate Students Fundraising for the University of Otago to be Able to Provide Education (CSFUOAPE).

“The University Council is clearly struggling with where to invest its money, so we’re calling on the community to help them see that investing in their students and staff is essential. Donating today will help provide much needed encouragement to invest in the humanities”.

The University announced in July 2016 it would be putting five humanities departments under ‘management of change’ processes (Anthropology and Archaeology, English, History, Music, and Languages and Cultures) causing the loss of approximately 20 positions. Volunteers believe that investment in these departments would prevent job loss and maintain the University’s international reputation for providing a wide range of educational opportunities.

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Charlie Montague, also spokesperson for the group stated, “When a person is unwell, we do our best to look after them so they can flourish. We don’t just let them die. We must give the best medicine to our humanities division; we must invest in the humanities for the wellbeing of Otago University”.

The funds volunteers raised will be invested in the campaign to save the humanities, showing the University that the community supports it in its time of need, and that it is there to help make sure the University is able to continue doing its job of educating.

Those who were unable to contribute to the appeal via CSFUOAPE today can call the University of Otago on 0800 80 80 93 and offer to donate directly to the humanities department.

ENDS.


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