A proposed change to Charles Sturt University's policy regarding its sport clubs has been met with widespread backlash.
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CSU is currently in a consultation process relating to its student club policy, which would restrict the amount of non-enrolled players at a club to 25 per cent.
The proposed change would require a CSU-affiliated clubs to have 75 per cent of its players enrolled students either at one of its campuses or online.
The Western Advocate understands this proposed changes would have major ramifications to a number of Bathurst sporting clubs including CSU FC, CSU Mungoes Rugby League Club and CSU-Mitchell Rugby.
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The 75 per cent figure would not include CSU alumni or staff.
In reaction to the proposed changes, a petition, put forward by student representatives from the CSU campuses at Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo, Albury, Wagga Wagga and Port Macquarie, has been making the rounds online.
Luisa Foliaki, of the CSU Student Senate and member of the online Social Club, said the proposed changes will have a major affect to Bathurst sport clubs.
"I look at the university clubs as having a massive connection to the local community. We're regional campuses and being a part of a regional community is to be a leader in it, connected and include everyone it what we do," she said.
"If our sporting clubs don't have that community, they stand to lose thousands of dollars in sponsorship because why would a business want to sponsor them if the community can't be involved."
Foliaki, who is enrolled online at the Bathurst campus, believes students and clubs haven't been given much of a forum for consultation.
"There wasn't much student consultation as recommended," she said.
"Any changes that affects students and stakeholders, they need to be consulted all the way through. In this case it would be the students and the representative committee. That on going process hasn't been evident."
Executive Director of Student Services, Jacqueline Clements, said via a statement that CSU is currently accepting feedback on the draft policy.
"The consultation on the university's student clubs policies is now open and I want to stress that we are seeking feedback from all parties, especially members of student clubs. We know students really care about the clubs and their connection to Charles Sturt.
"Given the amount of feedback we have so far received, we have extended the consultation by another week. After the first consultation round revisions will be made and put up for a second round of feedback.
"As part of their fees Charles Sturt students contribute financially to the costs associated to administer and support all of the University's clubs. As such, we want to make sure there is an appropriate return on this contribution by maximising the student participation in these clubs.
"Should decisions be made to adopt new policies, executives and members of impacted clubs will have the opportunity to request special consideration. This process will not be limited to a single stage of review by one person, and we will work with the students to achieve the best outcome."
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