NZUSA Policy Workshops April 15th & 16th

NZUSA holds Policy workshops every year which are designed to enable students to learn more about the various issues that NZUSA has policy on and how that policy can be actioned. The workshops cover selected topics drawn from National, International and Education Policy as well as teaching students basic skills such as gestetnering, layout, leaflet and poster design, as well as organisation of activities ranging from forums through to demonstrations.

It must be stressed however that these policy workshops are not designed to cater for student politico 'heavies' but are more an excercise in explaining the varied policies of NZUSA to its members (i.e. You) and looking at ways of actioning them. And the structure of the workshops is such that encouragement is given for discussion and ideas to be aired.

Some of the issues covered in the policy workshops include:

New Zealand and a Nuclear Free Pacific

A joint session between National and International covering various aspects of the Nuclear Question. This includes discussion on Nuclear Warship visits, Uranium shipping in NZ ports and activities planned for Hiroshima Day in August.

Overseas Students Cutbacks and the Role of NOSAC

Covers the continuing battle to oppose the 45% cutback in Overseas students numbers imposed by the Government in late 1976 and the role and direction of NOSAC. Discussion will also embrace the Overseas student movement in general and plans for future activities.

Civil Liberties

Looking at the current civil liberties campaigns in New Zealand such as the SIS Bill campaign, recent industrial Legislation and the increasing infringements of New Zealanders' democratic rights. Homosexuality and Marijuana Law Reform may also get an airing.

Energy, the Environment and Foreign Control

An important session covering areas such as the Clutha, the foreign ownership of New Zealand Industry and natural resources. A look at the newly released Government Energy Policy as well as continued logging of our native forests and alternative energy scenarios for New Zealand's future.

South Pacific

A look at our backyard, the Pacific, often regarded as one of the most neglected areas of New Zealand's foreign policy. Immigration will receive close scrutiny as will the various sorts of liberation struggles in places such as New Hebrides, New Caledonia and West Papua.

Maori Land

A look at the recent developments in the Maori Land struggle in various areas of of New Zealand including Bastion Point and Raglan.

Bursaries

What's happening to the bursaries issue this year, what has been achieved so far. A bit of a where do we go from here session.

Assessment

How can students successfully wage an Assessment campaign at class, department and and faculty levels? A look at the various Ways of assessing a student. Which are more fair than others?

Lecturer Evaluation and Training

Did you know that lecturers receive little or no formal training in teaching skills? How can we combat the subsequent downgrading in teaching quality? What makes a good lecturer?

NZUSA Election Year Activities

Discussions on the ways in which NZUSA can action its policies in relation to the build-up to the General Election to be held (hopefully) in November. How can students lobby and pressure both M.P.'s and parliamentary hopefuls?

There will also be a general discussion on the present NZUSA policies in the areas of National, International and Education. So if there is something that you would like to know more about, see VUWSA President Lindy Cassidy or ring David Merrit or James Movick at NZUSA — 856-669.

The workshops will be held on the weekend of April 15—16 at Canterbury University in Christchurch. Billets etc. will be arranged.