The ANU has denied investigating the possibility of charging students for the use of various spaces throughout Kambri, the ANU’s new multimillion dollar development.
This comes after ANU student newspaper Woroni alleged to have leaked a copy of the University’s draft booking policy in March, suggesting the ANU considered charging student groups for access to a number of Kambri spaces.
ANU released their final Kambri booking policy earlier this month that allows student and teacher groups access a number of spaces inside and around Kambri free of charge.
An ANU spokesperson told Canberra Daily spaces in Kambri’s Marie Reay Teaching Centre and the public realm were always free for students to use, as well as key external areas in Kambri.
“Suggestions otherwise were misinformed … Our intention has always been to create a commercially viable events and functions precinct that adds to campus life as well as the life of our wonderful city.
“Any revenue generated is directly re-invested into Kambri for the ongoing benefit of the ANU community and all Canberrans.”
ANU Students’ Association (ANUSA) Enviro Collective Co-convenor MaryClare Woodforde told Canberra Daily there is a sense amongst students that some Kambri facilities cater more to those outside the student body.
“In general there is a sense that the university campus is becoming pretty expensive for students, but probably the prices are okay for the public servants or other workers coming over for lunch.”
Ms Woodforde said a number of students have reported being questioned by security over innocent student gatherings at Kambri since it opened.
“From that point it has been somewhat prohibitive … It’s not a nice feeling having security approach you on your own campus asking what you’re doing,” she said.
Canberra Daily was told ANU’s draft policy never said students would have to pay for those spaces at Kambri.
It’s also understood the booking process has been welcomed by the Postgraduate and Research Students’ Association (PARSA) and ANUSA – both of whom were involved in the process from the onset.
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