Value for Money. Valued as Students.

In my last post I looked at the vision I have for the Guild and the student body and they way in which they should be included and represented...

I promise to take the same level of energy when dealing with the univeristy and lobbying on your behalf. I want to know what issues face you and the concerns you have about your course and academic experience. It is harder and harder for graduates to find work and therefore it is crucial that the academic quality is as best as it can be. There is always room for improvement and I will stand up for you to make this happen. We are not statistics, we are integral to this univeristy and should be treated as such. Value for money and Valued as Students.

-More resources: Core books are not readily avaliable and the costs of them are not appreciated enough by schools. I propose more e-books and hours whereby tutors have the core books avaliable so students can pop in and look at relevant material etc. This is part of the increased communication with tutors that will make students feel more valued and engaged with their course rather than a number. I also think that each school should have a database set up whereby books can be sold and bought to help in any way possible the costs students have to fund.

-I want to fight for a mentoring system like that implemented in some schools as I beleive that it is an invaluable way for students to help each other and for some to help when moving to university can feel very lonely. Knowing students from other years can be very reassuring. This is particularly important in regards to international students where a buddy system for those interested could help with integration which will firther unite the student body.

-I will fight for more contact time or flexibilty in which tutors can be visitied. Students frequently comment on the lack of exam feedback and contact hours. This might not align with the vision of traditonal univeristy study but if enough students are reporting it as a problem then changes need to be made. We need to be consulted on our academic experience and I will fight for this dialogue and the changes you want to be seen.

-Additional costs which are not made clear prospective students is not on. Students with families are not supported enough and it is far too commonly thought that student loans cover all these costs. THEY DO NOT. Universities should offer much more support to those who have to fork out for such costs. Books, equpiment, travel expenses really affect students and there should be greater appreciateion and help concerning this. This is especially so if the 9k fees are introduced yet the teaching budget for some subjects  has been cut by 75%. The uni needs to step up and think carefully about the packages they are going to be offering. Education has been made a market by the Con-Dems but our university has a sense of responsibilty to their students and so will I if elected. This is why I will fight, this is why I will try to dampen the effect that it is to have on students.

-Library opening hours at the weekend still seem to be problematic for students. This will be a point I will want to discuss with the university, expressing how hard it is when deadlines are on Mondays for example and the lib opens at 12 and closes at 9! The vending machines being empty when you are on an all nighter provides no motivation either and something I want to see changes in.

These are aspects I see where there needs to be improvement and things I will automatically lobby on.

BUT this is not a list that cannot be changed or added to. I will represent you and therefore open forums, meetings and chats with YOU are crucial so that my views are as representative as possible.

Feel free to comment away and come and see me during the campaign.
Also you can email maggieannehayes@hotmail.com

Peace

Mags
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