they claim that they did try to negotiate with the uni but negotiations fell through. The ads were supposedly a last resort.
^^ The uni is actually notoriously diffcult. The MSA is a totally seperate organisation from the university. The uni don't even technically have to talk to them or give them anything. So, its a struggle, especially, if you're the uni, its kind of in your interests to give them a minimum.
Shock value works sometimes, it gets people talking. Most students dont even know what the SSA fee is or just how much the MSA does or fights for. I think its warranted.
Its a classical pillar of advertising and marketing, can you imagine if every ad out there was just plain and matter of fact?
I know a lot of people who work at the MSA and they do put in a lot of work to try and make the uni better while juggling other commitments. I think it's a bit rude to call them 'clowns' unless you have some valid criticisms.
I've actually argued with MSA reps (see, im no fanboy for either side). They do get paid a salary, its small and its below minimum wage. They would make much more working at BBQ's galore than they would at the MSA. It's not easy work like scanning barcodes either, its very hard.
Lets not forget the MSO's (monash student organisations - eg caufield, clayton, gippsland, postgrad student organisation) collectively manage upwards of 4 million dollars, with the MSA at clayton managing at least 2 million (as far as i can tell, these things are very hard to find, not exactly on wikipedia). It's not at all an easy task, you have students breathing down your neck, you have the university out for you to slash costs and you have a largely apathetic student body.
Again, i'm by no means a fan boy, i totally don't agree with the way they run somethings, especially elections but they do some good work. Student advocacy for example, if you're ever in the shit with monash and in danger of disciplinary procedures (eg being chucked out at the worst) the MSA will send someone who has dedicated their time to learning the procedures to help you out. Its one of those things you never want to use but its nice to have.
Again, the MSA is totally seperate from the uni. If we had no MSA, the students would really have no representation. The uni would make decisions however it likes.
This is worth a read -
http://monashstudentassociation.com/About/Myth-BustersIf what the MSA says is true then I can understand why they are angry. It makes sense that student services should be run by a student elected body where we can decide what services we pay for, rather than getting hit with a flat rate fee well above what most people will use from the uni.
Thats true but its not to say the MSA is any better or representative at allocating the funds they get either. I think on the whole they are a lot more fair and encouraging of student life than the university would be though.
Lets not forget the university also provides a vital range of services like the religious center, counseling, careers advice, ect.
It's a bit harsh to type cast them as the bad guys. In the real world, the bad guys always think they're doing the right thing and they think you're the evil one. They have good intentions and of course they stuff up sometimes. Not too fond of every position belonging to the same party though...
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