DEPARTMENT FOR
INNOVATION, UNIVERSITIES AND SKILLS News Release (2008/022) issued
by The Government News Network on 9 April 2008
Career and
educational development, accommodation and value for money were
some of the key issues raised by university under and
postgraduates during five student juries, the results of which are
published today.
Students studying across the country were asked to give their
verdict on university life by Minister for Students Baroness
Delyth Morgan to help inform the work of the new National Student
Forum, set up by the Department for Innovation, Universities and
Skills in January to give students a voice in Government.
The juries' key findings which the Forum will be asked to
consider include:
* A greater emphasis by universities on careers and postgraduate
opportunities, including a more systematic approach to identifying
and supporting work placements;
* The need for better information, advice and guidance for
students to assist them in making the transition between further
and higher education;
* Simplifying the application process for student financial support;
* Improving access to quality, affordable accommodation on or
around university and college campuses.
Minister for Students Baroness Delyth Morgan, said:
"Higher education policy needs to reflect the reality for
today's students. We need to hear students' views so
that we can help improve the university experience for them and
future learners.
"The juries have provided a vital student perspective in the
development, delivery and impact of Government policy, helping
shape the debate around future policy and advising Ministers on
what students can reasonably expect from the time and money they
invest in their university studies.
"The juries and the National Student Forum aim to build on
the continuing work we are doing to enhance the university
experience for all and support the routes that we already have in
place for students to let us know what they think."
Student juries were held to draw out the experiences of students
who might not normally have their voices heard in Government and
to give them direct access to experts and policy-makers.
The views expressed by the student juries have been provided to
the members of the new National Student Forum which is a real
voice for students in Government. It will produce an annual
report, to which Ministers have committed to respond.
Notes to editors:
1. The student juries report, including the full set of findings,
is available at http://www.dius.gov.uk/policy/highereducation.html
2. For more information about the Student Listening Programme,
visit http://www.dius.gov.uk/press/18-10-07.html
3. Five Student Juries were held in London, Manchester, Bristol
and Sheffield. The juries were deliberately composed of
"ordinary" students (i.e. not sabbatical officers or
student governors) so as to facilitate a genuine debate about
students' experiences and expectations.
4. The Government's Student Listening Campaign, of which the
student juries and National Student Forum form a major part, is
being actively supported by student representative organisations -
National Union of Students; National Postgraduate Committee;
Mature Students' Union; Skill: national bureau for students
with disabilities; Open University Students' Association and
the British Council - and is intended to compliment, not
overshadow, the work that the Government already does with these organisations.