Access agreements Students not consulted, says NUS (UK)

Two-thirds of universities have failed to adequately consult students on their access agreements, the National Union of Students has claimed. Based on a survey of students’ unions, the NUS says 67 per cent of universities did not listen enough to student representatives when drawing up financial support plans for undergraduates. The findings come despite guidance published by the Office for Fair Access in March 2011, which recommended that universities consult with students’ unions when creating access agreements, which are mandatory for institutions charging fees of more than £6,000. Liam Burns, NUS president, said: “Universities are spending students’ fees on access measures, and we should have our opinions not only heard but properly listened and responded to.”

Source: Times Higher Education http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=26&storycode=419252&c=1