Here at AUTSA, we believe in creating an environment where every student feels supported, included, and respected, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, or spiritual beliefs. We understand that each student's journey is unique, and we strive to create a safe and inclusive space that celebrates diversity and promotes equity.
We understand that navigating university can be challenging, and we are committed to providing a supportive network for all students. Our initiatives, events, and services cater to a wide range of interests and needs, including student communities and social events. We are dedicated to creating a vibrant and inclusive community that empowers every student to thrive, and we work tirelessly to ensure that this is the case.
Here at AUTSA, we do not tolerate any form of discrimination, including slander or bigotry, towards any individual or group. We recognise that creating a safe and inclusive space requires a conscious effort to combat harmful attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate discrimination and prejudice. Therefore, we actively work to educate our students and staff about issues related to diversity and inclusivity. We encourage open dialogue and respectful communication that values different perspectives and opinions. Our ultimate goal is to foster a community where all students feel supported, heard, and valued, and where everyone can thrive regardless of their background or identity.
In summary, we are committed to creating a safe and supportive space for everyone.
Postgraduate students have voiced concerns about the effects of supervisor redundancies recently announced at AUT.
AUTSA recognises the unique experience of postgraduate students and understands that these students are experiencing a difficult time due to the uncertainty of who will supervise their studies and the lack of transparent communication from AUT regarding the next steps of this transition.
To our PG students, we know the redundancies have seriously impacted your well-being. We are working to ensure AUT addresses your concerns and shares information more openly with you. We also acknowledge the emotional aspects of having to say good-bye to supervisors, research team members, and friends you have made during your studies. Please know that we understand this is multi-faceted and we are working to make your voices heard.
These are the recommendations we made recently to AUT, and its leadership team based on the student voices we heard:
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Students should not suffer financially if they move institutions due to their supervisor being terminated by AUT. For example, we have many students coming to AUT for their supervisor's specific expertise; what will the university do to support them and help them finish their PG studies?
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AUT needs to send an immediate email to all PG students with all pertinent information while also having an email contact for students to connect and seek advice/help.
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There should be a fees-free extension for students impacted by supervisors' redundancies.
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Communication plans should consider video and the option for students to meet face-to-face with AUT support to navigate this transition.
If you have not already shared your concerns with AUTSA Advocacy at advocacy@autsa.org.nz, we encourage you to do so, so that we may include your voice and perspective in our communications with AUT. Please note that AUTSA Advocacy is a confidential service that is independent of AUT, and we will only share your information with your permission or anonymously.
Your student voice,
AUTSA
Statement from SRC on strikes
Kia ora e te whānau and Bula Vinaka,
AUTSA, your student association, stands in solidarity with the staff of AUT who have chosen to strike. Lecturers, academics, and staff from all walks of Aotearoa’s tertiary industry are calling for better pay and working conditions for themselves and their peers. Despite the impacts that striking can have on our students, we understand that these will be necessary for staff to continue delivering excellent educational outcomes for our students.
We hope that following these strikes, the Tertiary Education Union will come to an agreement with AUT to find a fair and equitable agreement that benefits both sides of the table. As further strikes have not been ruled out as of this moment, we encourage AUT to hear the union out and come to a mutually beneficial understanding.
Our priority will forever be our students’ needs and well-being; however, we cannot have education without our educators.
Nga manaakitanga ki a koutou,
Your Student Association
Statement from SRC on rent control
AUTSA supports the call for rent controls and transparency about rent increases. Our students deserve access to affordable rents, and the Rent Control policy document outlines a plan we support. This is awesome for our students, especially as the inflation rate and the cost of living are increasing dramatically. If you would like to support this cause, add your name to the open letter at https://action.greens.org.nz/reasonable_rents
Statement from the President,
Sara Youseff
AUTSA cares about our students and we are alarmed and saddened by recent media reports regarding sexual violence in universities in New Zealand.
Sexual violence and rape culture are deeply ingrained into today’s world and need to be addressed. This is not solely an issue of protecting our students but an issue of educating our whole community about preventing and eliminating sexual violence in all forms.
There are too many stories from people in our community who have been harmed by sexual violence and this needs to change. Ending sexual violence is an issue that needs to be at the forefront of our minds. To live without the threat of sexual violence is a human right.
Each of us has an obligation to each other. Together we can take a new path and create a community at AUT that loudly disavows sexual violence and works to dismantle the culture that perpetuates it.
Please hear us when we say sexual violence is wrong and is not an acceptable part of our community.
To the survivors of sexual violence, please know that we are here for you. We will fight for you and stand up for you. We will do everything we can to protect you, so you do not have to feel silenced.
As a community, we are stronger when all members feel safe. AUTSA will continue working with AUT to ensure adequate support and accountability measures are in place to respond to incidents of sexual violence in our community. We will also be working to identify proactive measures to help our whole community better understand how to prevent sexual harm and to dismantle rape culture in all its forms.
AUTSA’s Advocacy team is available for confidential advice via advocacy@autsa.org.nz.
Or you may report incidents of sexual harm, bullying and harassment at https://www.aut.ac.nz/student-life/sexual-harm-and-harassment-reporting.
If you would like advice or support from someone at AUT, contact the AUT Student Relations team on 021 956 082 or studentconduct@aut.ac.nz.
AUT also provides free, confidential counselling sessions and mental health support.
If you’d like to get support from outside AUT,
you can refer to one of the following: