I've always despised people who from the height of years of experience look down at you and say: "I can remember when I was in your position..."

However, I do remember my first year experiences quite vividly. I stumbled through enrolment, spent a quarter of an hour in a maths lecture which my timetable said was English, and I knew nothing about the Students' Association or its President, except that I'd just paid some money to belong.

While I appreciate that not every student suffers from such ignorance, it might be helpful to outline the President's role in the Students' Association. The President, along with the rest of the Executive is normally elected in August, for the following year. Last year the President-elect resigned and I was elected by a Special General Meeting to act as interim President until new elections could be held in late March.

The President is the only full-time elected position and s/he he paid an honorarium of $60.00 a week. S/he has the overall responsibility of seeing that the Union is run efficiently, that any Association policy is carried out, and that the cultural, sporting, social and political life of students is active and healthy. Obviously one person isn't expected to do all this by his/herself, hence the election of Executive and S.R.C. officers, and the need for involvement of all you 6,000 members.

What this really means is that if you need help in sorting out your bursary entitlement, or finding out where to buy cheaper books, or you've been laid off unfairly at work or you're just pissed-off with University, you can come and ask me at the Student Association Office.

Remember, you pay my wages, so don't hesitate to come and see me, even if it's just to say hello.