Both MUSA’s Distance student advocates resign

Both of Massey University Students’ Association’s (MUSA) Distance student advocates have resigned, one after the other. Izzy Mickleson, Distance Advocate, announced her resignation on June 22, shortly followed by Distance Student Engagement Coordinator Callum Goacher’s announcement on June 23.  

Callum was unable to comment, due to still being under contract, however it is worth noting their vocal support for Alex, MUSA’s Education Officer, during the AGM where they said “I am the only operations staff person currently working on a huge class reps programme here at MUSA. Alex is the only person who can actually help me do my job, and I am already overworked.” Alex then received a brutal vote of no confidence, which probably didn’t help with Callum’s whole “overworked” situation.  

Distance Advocate for nearly three years, Izzy said she chose to resign “because the values of MUSA no longer align with my own. I have wanted to leave Palmy for some time now, and the changes that took place at MUSA just sped up the process of take that leap.” No sunglasses needed here, babe, Izzy’s got all the shade.   

President of MUSA, Fatima Imran, didn’t have much to say about the resignations other than “they decided it was their time to leave”. In the interim until MUSA fills their positions, Fatima says “MAWSA is helping us out (meaning they will take the Distance cases) until we have hired a Distance Advocate to fill that position”. Izzy’s role is currently being advertised on Seek, and MUSA is hoping have a new Distance Advocate early in Semester 2. 

Massey @ Distance (M@D) Co-Presidents Jacalyn Clare and Jax Watt have expressed concern about the two resignations, but “have been in regular communication with MUSA to understand how MUSA will be supporting Distance students”. M@D will be involved in the hiring of the new Distance Advocate, and will ensure Distance students remain supported during this time.  

M@D still oversees group Distance advocacy, and are able to support students via their helpdesk, new Stream site, and said group advocacy. Good luck team, lol.