The University of the South Pacific Students’ Association (USPSA) has raised concerns over what it describes as continued interference by the University of the South Pacific (USP) in the internal governance and operations of the Association.
In a statement, USPSA alleges that over recent months, USP officials have inserted themselves into matters strictly reserved for the USPSA Federal Council and Secretariat.
This includes attending Council meetings and participating in internal deliberations intended solely for student representatives.
The Association says this conduct directly undermines its independence, which it says is guaranteed under Article 16 of the USP Charter.
The Article states that “there shall be an organisation of the students of the University.”
The Association says this provision establishes it as an autonomous body whose governance, decision-making and internal affairs must remain free from USP administrative control
They say the presence of USP officials in USPSA Council meetings contradicts the Charter’s intent and erodes the separation between student governance and university management.
The Association emphasises that its Council operates under the authority of the USPSA Constitution and the democratic mandate of its members.
They say any attempt by USP to attend, influence or direct USPSA Council proceedings constitutes a breach of good governance principles and an overreach inconsistent with the Charter and the Statutes of the University.
USPSA is calling on USP leadership to immediately cease all forms of interference, including attendance at USPSA Council meetings without the approval of the Council.
The Association is also urging the USP Council to ensure that all engagements with USPSA occur strictly within the legal boundaries set by the Charter and the USPSA Constitution.
They say they remain committed to transparent, accountable and student-led governance.
The Association says it will continue to uphold the rights of students and protect the independence that the Charter guarantees.
We have contacted USP. They are yet to respond.
