The Otago University Students' Association (OUSA) is keen to join Otago Polytechnic's ''Scarfie Army'' initiative as a way of boosting the number of student volunteers in Dunedin.
The polytechnic launched the ''Scarfie Army'' pilot programme last year, drawing inspiration from the success of Christchurch's ''student volunteer army'' . OUSA president Francisco Hernandez said it was in discussions with the polytechnic about joining the army, with hopes of becoming part of the initiative before the start of the second semester.
Being part of the initiative would make it easier for students to help in the community, he said.
''I think students, as a whole, are very keen on volunteering. It's just about providing an easy mechanism for them to be able to serve their community and that's what the Scarfie Army is about.''
Increasing the number of volunteers was part of an effort to try to get students treated as citizens of Dunedin rather than temporary residents, and an acceptance that the rights and privileges that came with being a citizen also came with responsibilities, he said.
Otago Polytechnic director of communications Mike Waddell said the Polytechnic was happy for OUSA to become part of the Scarfie Army.
''We are facilitator of the Scarfie Army. This isn't just an Otago Polytechnic response, this a city-wide tertiary-sector response,'' Mr Waddell said.
After the pilot programme proved a success last year, the polytechnic had approved funding for the initiative, including hiring a co-ordinator to run the initiative.
