Student club ban 'a money thing'

DON SCOTT

NO PAMPHLETS: University of Canterbury Christian Union president Paul Denmead, centre, feels campus restrictions are unfair.

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Canterbury University is putting profits before students during Orientation Week, club presidents say.

University of Canterbury Christian Union president Paul Denmead said student groups were banned from advertising on campus during Orientation Week, while banks and other commercial operations had free rein.

He received an email last month saying his group could only promote the club during clubs days next Tuesday and Wednesday.

Meanwhile, banks and other businesses such as phone and rental companies had paid to be on campus talking to students.

"It's pretty ridiculous. Here we are associated with the UCSA, and banks with heaps of money can just barge their way in and have heaps of space," he said.

Christian Union members distributing pamphlets on campus yesterday were asked to leave by security who said anyone advertising would be issued with a trespass notice.

"We don't shove them (leaflets) in people's faces. We haven't had any problems at all," said Denmead.

"It's like they (the university) are saying we will have the money for the start and when things slow down we will let the clubs on to do their thing."

Student Life president Justin O'Malley said the rules were a restriction on students' rights to free speech.

"It's a little disappointing if commercial entities can sign people up for credit cards, but clubs have to wait until next week when students have lectures," he said.

"I'm sure it's a money thing."

Group manager of operational services Chris Hawker said the university's policy for clubs and groups on campus came into force in October 2007.

It was an attempt to create a level playing field for all clubs, he said.

"We have had problems in the past with people literally corralling students and browbeating them," he said.

"We are just simply trying to keep some sort of control."

The National Bank and ANZ had a contract with the university which allowed them to approach students on campus during Orientation Week but not on clubs days, he said.

Groups caught advertising outside of Clubs Day would be asked to leave.