There is no intention to close UCB, Pro Vice Chancellor (PVC) Tim Thornton told students in his first ‘Ask Tim’ question and answer session at the campus.
Acknowledging the cuts from central government, Professor Thornton assured the assembled students that higher education was changing but that the University’s current financial situation put it in a better position than most.
Asked about course closures, the PVC explained that some courses have ceased recruitment that had few or no students currently enrolled on them, describing this as a practice that occurs across all three campuses to ensure the University is “absolutely on the pulse” with regards to what students want to learn.
Professor Thornton reasserted that the University are adamant that no current students will be affected by the changes to funding or fees.
Students who attended the event quizzed the PVC on a number of topics, from funding cut impacts to campus bus services.
The Students’ Union will be holding Ask Tim events on Queensgate campus (22 February and 17 May) and University Campus Oldham (15 March).
The Students’ Union have kicked off their survey of 1,000 students with a promising first day that saw around 200 responses collected.
Ashenhurst Houses, Aspley Hall, Firth Point, Snow Island and Storthes Hall will be put under a microscope as the five members of the executive team gather opinion on quality of service and cost-effectiveness.
Private student letting agencies Vanilla, Maison and StudentHaven are also to face the scruitny of their residents.
“We know that students can be asked to pay a lot for their accommodation,” said President of the Students’ Union, Matt Christie.
“And we know there are some really great things happening at halls that should be shared across providers in Huddersfield.”
“Part of our job at the Students’ Union is to collect student opinion on matters that affect them and accommodation is one of students’ biggest areas of interest and concern.”
On speaking to students, the Executive team spoke to one student who told how their room in halls would increase in price next year to £101 per week.
“I would recommend it at the current price of £82,” the student told them. “But not at over £100.”
Over 200 students from Huddersfield, Barnsley and Oldham attended the national march against university cuts and unfair fee hikes at the start of November. Now, your Students’ Union is helping you register to vote and write to your MPs to tell them the government is taking the wrong turn.
With some minor groups turning to violence to sway MPs minds, your Students’ Union is taking a more positive approach - because MPs listen to voters, not violence.
For the forseeable future, the Students’ Union will be on all three campuses with vote registration forms. Fill in one side of A4 and place it in the ‘We Will Vote’ ballot box and we’ll do the rest.
If you want to go one further, the Students’ Union will send your letters to local MPs that represent you.
Ben Hall, Communications and Democracy officer at the Union says using what political power we have as a unit is the way to influencing government decisions:
The Students’ Union again welcomes reindeers and mince pies onto campus to celebrate the festive season on Thursday 9 December 2010.
Christmas festivities will kick off with a brass band and reindeer and continue throughout the day with Christmas dinner, mince pies and other festive food and drink in students’ union bar, The Graduate.
Festivities will carry on to the night with The Graduate and Camel Club presenting their huge Christmas Party, starting at the Students’ Union.
Watch out for spontaneous Christmas dancers on campus.
With some minor groups turning to violence to sway MPs minds, your Students’ Union is taking a more positive approach - because MPs listen to voters, not violence.
