Approximately 70% of Stellenbosch University (SU) students pay Private Student Organisation (PSO) fees every year. Students have no option in this regard; many from various years and degrees, complaining of little-to-no service, as well as a lack of inclusivity in PSO events and activities.
“I don’t receive emails from them anymore, don’t know what they do. I can’t reach out to them if I need help,” says Ammaarah Arendse (24) final-year social work student,. Another student voiced how she struggled to get involved with her PSO. Amber Goldberg (21), studying agriculture and economics suggests, “The fee should be standard for all first year students but from then onwards should be treated like a regular society membership fee.”
According to policy documents, the purpose of PSOs is to enhance the overall experience of students, outside of the classroom, and provide opportunity to interact with student communities. Policy takes it further, stating that SU feels responsible for organising the student experience. Thus, all newcomers are allocated a PSO at the beginning of their first year.
Students allocated to Aristea, partaking in annual Vensters event at Stellenbosch University. PHOTO: A. Gorman, Facebook.
In line with SU claiming to be guided by the principle of excellence through diversity when allocating students to PSOs, Aristea’s Primaria, Megan Groenewald, says that Aristea actively strives toward inclusion, only doing events if it coincides with the values of the university. However, the lack of inclusivity from PSOs is highly criticised by students, with few speaking to heteronormative games and “traditions”, while others pointed to alcohol excluding the minorities who do not drink. Arendse – a Muslim student – says, “All their events include alcohol, as if it’s a prerequisite for hosting anything.”
Jethro Georgiades – appointed in 2016 to develop and manage the PSO office – explains that PSOs offer access to out of class facilities, opportunities and activities. These student organisations are meant to coordinate orientation, offer access to sporting, cultural and social activities, and assign peer mentors to first-years. “These are designed to give a Matie a broader university experience, as well as access to the co-curricular,” says Georgiades.
Students cannot de-register from their allocated PSO, nor switch to a different one. While events and activities are not compulsory, PSO fees are automatically deducted from student accounts – R321 every year, up until the end of an honours degree.
Groenewald breaks down this fee for her PSO;
R7 Cluster Communications
R25 Cluster Management
R197 PSO House Fund
R61 Leadership
R6 Prim Committee
R25 HK 251
Silene students dancing during welcoming week of 2019. PHOTO: Silene PSO, Facebook
In not allowing students to de-register from PSOs, the university ensures that all students have access to out of class activities. “It is Stellenbosch University’s intention that students participate in Residence or PSO activities in addition to their academics in order to leave SU as well-rounded graduates,” Georgiades adds.