(no subject)
Dec. 9th, 2007 10:33 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
triple_flameThis is taken from one of the messages on the Open University website:
The Government has announced that, as of the next academic year, it will no longer be funding students in England and Open University students in Northern Ireland taking any Higher Education qualification that is equivalent to, or lower than, one they already hold. These students are being referred to as ELQ (Equivalent or Lower Qualification) students. This decision will have major funding implications for The Open University as ELQ students represent a substantial percentage of our student numbers.
There are some exemptions to the new draft policy including initial training for teachers, nurses, social workers and all foundation degrees. But we are convinced that across the sector the higher fees that institutions may have to charge will deter many graduates from university-level professional development. In our opinion discouraging institutions and students in this way runs counter to the Government’s priority to re-skill the nation’s workforce – a priority that we entirely support and currently excel in delivering.
It won't just affect the OU either, any university or other institute of HE is going to be hit bu these cuts which, let's face it, are just another strike against the British education system in general. Theoretically it might affect colleges offering A levels to those who already have such qualifications as well.
The link below goes to a petition set up by an OU member to campaign against the cuts, I will do some more research into the wider impact of this proposal but for now would urge those who can to sign this one. Unfortunately it's only open to British residents though.
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/ELQFunding/
Message from the Vice-Chancellor on funding cuts announced by Government
I am writing to give students an update on the funding cuts announced by Government that will see The Open University receive less money to fund our operation.
What has happened?
The Government has announced that, as of the next academic year, it will no longer be funding students in England and Open University students in Northern Ireland taking any Higher Education qualification that is equivalent to, or lower than, one they already hold. These students are being referred to as ELQ (Equivalent or Lower Qualification) students. This decision will have major funding implications for The Open University as ELQ students represent a substantial percentage of our student numbers.
There are some exemptions to the new draft policy including initial training for teachers, nurses, social workers and all foundation degrees. But we are convinced that across the sector the higher fees that institutions may have to charge will deter many graduates from university-level professional development. In our opinion discouraging institutions and students in this way runs counter to the Government’s priority to re-skill the nation’s workforce – a priority that we entirely support and currently excel in delivering.
How does this affect The Open University?
We stand to lose a significant part of our teaching grant. This decision will be phased in over three years to help institutions adjust to the reduced income. The details of the exemptions and the implementation are subject to a consultation with universities which will end on 7 December 2007. With only a short time left before the consultation closes I am writing to ask you to support our campaign.
I want to reassure you all that we are working to minimize the effect of the policy change on the University and its students. We are trying to get the policy reversed and we need your assistance to help convince the Government to change its mind. We believe we have a strong case but need your support to help take this argument to Government.
How can you help?
There are two quick and easy things that you can do to help support The Open University campaign:
1. Sign the Downing Street Petition - The Open University Students Association has tabled a petition on the 10 Downing Street website. Adding your name to this petition helps draw our issue directly to the attention of the Prime Minister: petitions.pm.gov.uk/ELQFunding/
2. Write to your local MP asking them to sign Early Day Motion 317 on The Open University. Mr Mark Lancaster MP and Dr Phyllis Starkey MP, the two MPs who represent the OU’s base in Milton Keynes, have tabled a cross-party motion in Parliament that MPs can add their names to. Using the website www.theyworkforyou.com you can write to your local MP asking them to support this motion opposing the funding cuts.
Professor Brenda Gourley
Vice-Chancellor
23 November 2007
The Government has announced that, as of the next academic year, it will no longer be funding students in England and Open University students in Northern Ireland taking any Higher Education qualification that is equivalent to, or lower than, one they already hold. These students are being referred to as ELQ (Equivalent or Lower Qualification) students. This decision will have major funding implications for The Open University as ELQ students represent a substantial percentage of our student numbers.
There are some exemptions to the new draft policy including initial training for teachers, nurses, social workers and all foundation degrees. But we are convinced that across the sector the higher fees that institutions may have to charge will deter many graduates from university-level professional development. In our opinion discouraging institutions and students in this way runs counter to the Government’s priority to re-skill the nation’s workforce – a priority that we entirely support and currently excel in delivering.
It won't just affect the OU either, any university or other institute of HE is going to be hit bu these cuts which, let's face it, are just another strike against the British education system in general. Theoretically it might affect colleges offering A levels to those who already have such qualifications as well.
The link below goes to a petition set up by an OU member to campaign against the cuts, I will do some more research into the wider impact of this proposal but for now would urge those who can to sign this one. Unfortunately it's only open to British residents though.
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/ELQFunding/
Message from the Vice-Chancellor on funding cuts announced by Government
I am writing to give students an update on the funding cuts announced by Government that will see The Open University receive less money to fund our operation.
What has happened?
The Government has announced that, as of the next academic year, it will no longer be funding students in England and Open University students in Northern Ireland taking any Higher Education qualification that is equivalent to, or lower than, one they already hold. These students are being referred to as ELQ (Equivalent or Lower Qualification) students. This decision will have major funding implications for The Open University as ELQ students represent a substantial percentage of our student numbers.
There are some exemptions to the new draft policy including initial training for teachers, nurses, social workers and all foundation degrees. But we are convinced that across the sector the higher fees that institutions may have to charge will deter many graduates from university-level professional development. In our opinion discouraging institutions and students in this way runs counter to the Government’s priority to re-skill the nation’s workforce – a priority that we entirely support and currently excel in delivering.
How does this affect The Open University?
We stand to lose a significant part of our teaching grant. This decision will be phased in over three years to help institutions adjust to the reduced income. The details of the exemptions and the implementation are subject to a consultation with universities which will end on 7 December 2007. With only a short time left before the consultation closes I am writing to ask you to support our campaign.
I want to reassure you all that we are working to minimize the effect of the policy change on the University and its students. We are trying to get the policy reversed and we need your assistance to help convince the Government to change its mind. We believe we have a strong case but need your support to help take this argument to Government.
How can you help?
There are two quick and easy things that you can do to help support The Open University campaign:
1. Sign the Downing Street Petition - The Open University Students Association has tabled a petition on the 10 Downing Street website. Adding your name to this petition helps draw our issue directly to the attention of the Prime Minister: petitions.pm.gov.uk/ELQFunding/
2. Write to your local MP asking them to sign Early Day Motion 317 on The Open University. Mr Mark Lancaster MP and Dr Phyllis Starkey MP, the two MPs who represent the OU’s base in Milton Keynes, have tabled a cross-party motion in Parliament that MPs can add their names to. Using the website www.theyworkforyou.com you can write to your local MP asking them to support this motion opposing the funding cuts.
Professor Brenda Gourley
Vice-Chancellor
23 November 2007
(no subject)
Date: 2007-12-09 10:59 pm (UTC)So much for Education! Education! Education!
P.S. I’m looking on the OU page at the moment. I can’t seem to find this posting. Can you give me the link please?