10 QUESTIONS asked of Diana Nestorovska, Student Representative on the University Council

On the 8th of April, the Tertangala sent an email to Diana Nestorovska, in the hope that she could tell students a little more about her role as the Student Representative on the University Council. At the time of print, Ms Nestorovska had not responded to our questions, so we thought we’d ask them again. We ask that Ms Nestorovska answer the following questions. If received, her answers will be printed in full in the next edition of the Tertangala.

1. How and when were you elected to the University Council? When does your term finish?

2. How have you consulted with students during your term on University Council? Have students approached you to raise particular issues affecting them? How have you reported back to students?

3. Do you feel that you have effectively represented the students by whom you were elected, during your term on University Council?

4. What have been your major achievements as a student representative?

5. Do you think that it is fair that 95% of people on campus are represented by 5% of committee members? Do you think that students are under-represented?

6. How did you vote on the issue of the 25% increase of HECS at the last Council meeting? Why did you voted this way? Did you speak to the motion? What issues did you raise? Do you think that a 25% increase in HECS is in the interest of students?

7. As a student representative, how do you balance representing the interests of students with the interests of the University? What does the ‘University’s interest’ mean if it does not mean the interest of the majority who are students? If the ‘University interest’ and the ‘students interest’ are incompatible, which should a student representative prioritise?

8. The Vice Chancellor’s arguments supporting the HECS increase was that due to the diminishing real value of the University’s operating grant and that it was not possible for the University to continue to provide high quality education and services without increasing HECS. What educational and welfare improvements can students expect as a result of paying 25% more to go to University?

9. Do you think that the provision of Equity Scholarships will allay student concerns about paying 25% more for their education?

10. Why should potential students choose to enrol at Wollongong, when they could go to another university and save 25%? Do you think that the education and welfare services at Wollongong are 25% better than these other Universities?