Nouse.co.uk » Government advises on student issues

Government advises on student issues

February 10, 2009
Jim Bulley

A report released by the National Students Forum (NSF) has sparked a response from the government on issues relating to student finance, employability and the experience of disabled, international and postgraduate students.

In a governmental report released last week the government responded to requests from the NSF, issuing instructions and recommendations to Universities and private companies.

In response to the NSF report the government considered some of the key issues relating to student finance. As a result, work with the Student Loan Company will be continued to try and introduce a more flexible loan installment arrangement. The response recognises that “some students are content with current termly arrangements, others would prefer a monthly instalment.” Similarly it is recommended that universities consider introducing more flexible payment for tuition fees.

The NSF dedicated a chapter of the report to the issue of employability, and the government has responded by outlining a plan to improve the partnership between universities, colleges and employers at a national level. It is recommended that employers publish information that will help inform prospective students as to the long-term impact of their subject choice.

Employers should also provide universities with a “wishlist of broad-based skills” that they look for when hiring.

A large section of both the report and the response deal with the experience of disabled students. The government has started to explore the feasibility of creating an Association of Disabled Students.

This association would be intended to “combat the isolation that can be felt by these students” as well as providing a better peer support system. It is also proposed that disability-awareness is incorporated into the orientation process at universities, to help improve awareness. A similar program is recommended for all staff.

The government proposes that to improve the experience of international students, basic compatibility problems need to be addressed as a priority. Clearer guidance need to be provided by UCAS to explain the international equivalents of qualifications.

It is also recommended that universities introduce a cultural transition programme to help international students adapt to a new country. The National Union of Students (NUS) will also take action to ensure that students union are “international-student-friendly.” Finally, the government believes that it is best practice for universities to “allocate a percentage of international student fee income to support individual students in need.”

Both reports are particularly concerned with funding for postgraduate students, and suggest that Research Councils make funding available for international postgraduates, as well as home postgraduates. This is intended to better support international students who have undertaken all of their undergraduate study in the UK. It is also suggested that an accessible database is created to suggest alternative sources of funding.

At the launch of the response a statement from David Lammy MP, Minister of State for Higher Education and Intellectual Property, and Lord Young, Minister for Students, said, “This response should not be seen as an end but as the beginning of a continued dialogue.”