O-Week kicked off on Tuesday with many new and current University of Wollongong students making a splash at the always popular pool party.
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But it wasn't all fun and games for those students running UOW's 100 plus clubs and societies.
The club executives' efforts to recruit new students to their respective clubs was severely impacted after UOW blocked access to UniClubs website outside of UOW servers.
They say the move has taken a sledgehammer to clubs' membership drives.
The Mercury understands that the Student Advisory Council were asked to fund an upgrade to the website last year but rejected it on the grounds it had no benefit to students.
Some club executives were somewhat shocked that the site was pulled days out from O-Week.
But a UOW spokesperson told the Mercury the university's IT Services identified a security vulnerability on the UniClubs website.
"In order to ensure personal information is appropriately protected, strengthened security protocols have been applied," the spokesperson said.
"The UniClubs website can still be accessed by all students while on all UOW's on-campus network or via the secure VPN connection provided for students' use while off campus."
Wollongong Undergraduate Students' Association (WUSA) president Alec Hall wasn't buying it and called on UniLife to do more.
"I think it's ridiculous that an organisation that takes our SSAF (Student Services and Amenities Fee) and charges membership fees of over $20 expects clubs and societies to struggle through O-Week with inadequate access to their own services and amenities," Hall said.
"I think this move is indicative of the increased corporatisation of a university that is becoming more and more attached from its students."
Students having trouble accessing the website are encouraged to contact UniLife on 4221 8179 or visit the UniLife office in Building 11 at UOW's Wollongong campus.
O-Week activities continue on Wednesday and Thursday, with the O-Festival on both days from 11am - 2:30pm on the Duck Pond Lawn.
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
