Student officials blasted over no stall
students’ association again, he was told he was not getting a stall because he had not replied to an invitation on time.
Mark claims he and a number of other bars in the city centre were never sent an invitation to attend.
Instead, the student body at the college reached an exclusive arrangement with one bar in the city.
Mr Stuart had emailed to pass on his grievances to the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association (HISA), which runs the freshers’ fair.
However in an email sent back to Mr Stuart, seen by the PA, it said the event was oversubscribed and added: “We are working with a Perth-based venue to provide services to our freshers event with a significant cash value to HISA.
“Working with other venues would conflict with that agreement.”
Mark argues the students’ association should not be turning away businesses because of one agreement: “I was at boiling point when I read that email.
“The guy goes on about certain things being prioritised at the fair, and then contradicts it all by saying they are working with another venue.
“And he spoke in his email about the values of HISA, but what they have done is not ethical for businesses.
“They are not working with local businesses and they are cutting off students from what is on offer to them.
“I believe this move has been detrimental to the students at the college, and I feel strongly that students should be allowed to know what is out there for them.”
Michaela Asisten, vice president for education and engagement at HISA Perth, said: “The 2019 HISA Perth freshers was an amazing event to kick start the new academic year, and it demonstrated itself to be a valuable aspect of the Perth College UHI induction calendar.
“HISA Perth wes oversubscribed with more charities and community groups than we have ever had before to showcase their services to students.
“This year, students received information from services such as Perth and Kinross Council informing students on paying council tax, the Perth Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre advising students on consent and crisis information, and Perth Autism Support, who offered support for students with autism spectrum disorder.
“To meet the consistent appeals from students for an on-site bar at Perth College, HISA Perth collaborated with The Bank to provide a pop-up bar at the Webster building and an inflatable attraction for freshers.
“The only agenda HISA Perth has is to serve the needs and wants of our students.”