Saving vital funds and essential services provided by the University of Technology, Sydney's Union drove two UTS student club members to take a plunge of more than 100m from the University's tower this week

Sending a clear message to Federal Minister for Education Brendan Nelson, a massive banner displaying "No VSU: Save Uni Life" was suspended by the abseilers next to the building's bold "UTS" lettering.

The abseilers, members of the UTS outdoor adventure club, descended to the base of the tower where they were greeted by UTS's Vice-Chancellor, along with hundreds of staff and students, united in their opposition to the Government's plans to introduce voluntary student unionism.

The media turned out in force to capture the dramatic image of the two as they made their descent.

UTS Registrar Dr Jeff FitzGerald said there was widespread opposition in the UTS community to VSU and concern over the inevitable gutting of a number of services that currently benefit students.

"Activities and services at UTS such as orientation programs, social and recreation events for international students, improvement of sporting facilities, multicultural events, child care and some equity programs will be hard hit by cuts to funding currently administered by our student service organisations," Dr Fitzgerald said.

UTS Union Ltd CEO, Tom O'Sullivan, said the Union is equally concerned that the legislation will have a devastating impact on campus life and student development.

"Besides the very tangible effects of massive job losses and the disintegration of services and facilities; we'll see a generation of students emerge who have missed out on opportunities to develop artistic, sporting or professional attributes that are an essential part of providing a well-rounded education," Mr O'Sullivan said.

Some peak University bodies are advocating changes to the legislation that would allow for a Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF), enabling a higher education provider to charge a fee for cultural, arts, student support, health, sporting and fitness purposes. The proposed amendments also address the Government's concerns about governance and use of fees for political purposes.