Student Reference Group to provide advice to central government on tertiary education system

View of UC Puaka-James Hight library from C-Block lawn. Source: Charlotte Thornton.

A newly established “Student Reference Group” for the University Advisory Group is set to provide a final report to central government next February, of advice from the student population. 

Caleb Banks, UCSA’s Acting Vice-President – Academic, said the board was created to better inform the Government, and that students had been identified as key stakeholders in any reform of the tertiary sector itself. 

“This board looks to gather student voices in order for any reform to be done, with students informing the outcomes,” Banks said. 

Made up of student representatives from all Aotearoa universities, Banks sits as the UC representative, nominated by UCSA President Luc MacKay. 

“The UAG itself was created in order to provide advice to central government. The Ministry recognises the role of a strong higher education sector in providing our country with the ability to grow and innovate, maintain a strong economy, and achieving better social outcomes,” Banks said. 

“Universities around Aotearoa are currently under massive financial pressure post pandemic. The government is looking to provide long term solutions so the sector can thrive.” 

When asked by Canta about how he would ensure he accurately and thoroughly represents the views of the extent of the UC student body, Banks said he would ensure that students interests were kept at the “forefront”. 

“Obviously, my job will be to represent the UC student view. Anything I am asked about, I will look to engage with students wherever possible. This will likely specifically happen through consultation with the UCSA Executive, UCSA Advisory Groups, Clubs, and surveying,” he said. 

The group will work towards creating a draft report for central government in August this year, with a final report presented in February 2025.

Banks said the group has been asked by the government to look specifically at the university system, including: how it serves Aotearoa, the size of the system, promoting appropriate levels of coordination between institutions, ensuring quality in research, teaching and knowledge transfer, funding mechanisms, the role of the Performance Based Research Fund, ways to best achieve equity for all learners, and the role of international education. 

“I think the largest priority to begin with from my point of view will be ensuring equity of learning for all UC students. Every student at UC deserves the opportunity to start on a level playing field, so ensuring that they get that will likely be the top of my list.” 

“This will inform discussion in many fields, including space, policy development and funding,” Banks said. 

The group’s first meeting took place on May 20.