Students call for rethink on University Funding

On Wednesday 10th June, the National Union of Students launched its “blueprint” for Higher Education which includes a form of student contribution or “graduate tax” . David Sheppard Academic Officer at the Union of UEA Students was at the launch of the blueprint in London and he responds to the proposals: 

“The National Union of Students has kicked off the debate on how Higher Education should be funded with a bold and innovative solution. Students at UEA and across the country are united in their opposition to the current fee system. Everyone is fed up with top-up fees and many of the students that are graduating soon are incredibly worried about how they’re going to pay their debts back.”

He continues; “However, we believe that NUS’ proposals don’t go far enough – we think that universities should be funded by the public purse. Any fee or tax will put poorer students off. Nevertheless, we look forward to the debates and discussions that will follow in the near future as funding is reviewed.”

A spokesperson for the 1994 Group, of which the University of East Anglia is a member, commented on the NUS blueprint:

“"Any mechanism that prevents variable fees and the functioning of a regulated market would be damaging to the sector… We strongly support a regulated market because this is the best way to drive up excellence in research and teaching, and to deliver student satisfaction. A system of variable fees has been, and remains, the correct strategy. This system should be developed, rather than fundamentally changed” 

Rowena Boddington, the Communications Officer at the Union of UEA Students replies:

“This comment shows just how out-of-touch University leaders are. How can they possibly support the current arrangements?  There are now so many students in Norwich struggling with thousands of pounds worth of debt that they can’t afford to pay back. The regulated market “strategy” has completely failed and we need some fundamental changes – not mere tinkering.”

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NUS

Independent