MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 23 AUGUST 2021 AT 11:00AM HELD VIA ZOOM OWING TO THE LEVEL 4 COVID 19 LOCKDOWN.

PRESENT

Michaela Waite-Harvey (Chair), Emily Coyle, Josh Meikle, Sophie Barham, Maya Polaschek, Jack Saunders, Geraldi Ryan, Mhairi Mackenzie Everett, Karamea Pēwhairanga, Dushanka Govender, Michael Evans and Melissa Lama

IN ATTENDANCE

Donna Jones (Minute Secretary), Debbie Downs (Chief Executive Officer) and Erin Gourley (Critic Editor)

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS EXECUTIVE MEETING

            Moved from the Chair

314/21 THAT the minutes from the executive meeting held on 16 August 2021 be accepted as a true and correct record.

                                                                                                                        CARRIED U

SPEAKING RIGHTS

            Moved from the Chair

315/21 THAT Donna Jones and Debbie Downs be granted speaking rights for the duration of this meeting.

                                                                                                                        CARRIED U

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Building access during Covid 19 level 4 – no access to an OUSA buildings without written consent from Debbie.  When we move levels and re-entry is permitted we must wait until the buildings are checked and cleaned first and follow protocols.

OUSA UPDATE

The Government stated this morning entry to most businesses and other buildings will make it mandatory to scan in.  Main reception and clubs and societies will be affected as we will need someone checking at the doors. Outside events will need to be investigated.

OUSA essential services – these are working fine; SSC has the foodbank operating and the hub is up and running for support and assistance for students.

Events – most Events postponed or cancelled.  More details once we move levels.

Community grants – Debbie continuing to apply online for the Clubs and Societies building.

Government wage subsidy – OUSA hasn’t met the 40% criteria this time so not eligible at the moment.

TE ROOPU MĀORI UPDATE

            Food vouchers being offered online

            Tutors and Counsellors available to students

            The conference in Auckland could be postponed if Covid levels remain.

OTAGO UNIVERSITY PACIFIC ISLAND STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION UPDATE

Vaccinations and wellbeing checks are happening.  Karamea and Melissa are working on wellbeing for the survey.

Melissa said some Pacific Island students have chosen to go back home to Auckland for the lockdown.

Trying to hold online events during the lockdown, this is a good chance to check in and see how students are.

3 National conferences have been cancelled, there is work being done to try and get refunds for these.

Very positive feedback about the OUSA Hardship fund especially about the promptness of receiving it.

NZUSA UPDATE

An emergency national council meeting has been held updating everyone on the Covid 19 action plan. The plan has been drawn up and sent around for feedback.

Maya (Welfare) reported they had am emergency meeting owing to Covid 19. 

Michael left at 11.25am

MOU tertiary bulletin out each day.

UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO SEXUAL MISCONDUCT POLICY

This policy was emailed and consulted on.  The University advised they would have preferred a bit more confidentiality around this policy, however Michaela advised she wanted OUSA to be transparent with our students

Michael left at 11.25am

Mhairi left at 11.26am

Moved from the Chair

316/21 THAT OUSA accept and submit the University of Otago Sexual Misconduct Policy

                                                                                                                        CARRIED U

WELFARE AND EQUITY MEETING MINUTES

            Polaschek/Saunders

317/21 THAT the minutes of the Welfare and Equity Meeting held on 18 August 2021 be received.         

            Michael returned at 11.27am

            Mhairi returned at 11.29am

                                                                                                                        CARRIED

EXECUTIVE 2022 ELECTIONS

There have been extra online campaign advertising to support the candidates owing to them not having access to their posters and the campus being off limits in these unprecedented times.

GENERAL BUSINESS

Blues and Golds panel – owing to covid-19 the panel are having to reschedule their panel meeting and also some nominations for Blues and Golds positions could be late. It is preferred to have the panel meet in person, however; isn’t possible at this time and a zoom meeting will be held. Dushanka and President Michaela will keep in touch with Michaela Tangimetua to ensure we accommodate them as best we can.

Finance and Strategy Meeting – Building access was discussed earlier and an email has been sent out by Debbie. 

Some OUSA Events could be cancelled.

 Looking at the wage subsidy for staff.

OUSA Elections – candidates being supported.  Voting set to go.

Academic Representative – please let Michael know if you have or hear of Academic issues.

August graduations – all graduates have received their degrees in absentia.  The two cancelled ceremonies may be rescheduled later in the year.

Meeting closed at 11.44am

Signed: ___________________________________                        Date: _________