Forgotten Students Campaign Response

Thank you to those who have got in touch with me with the Forgotten Students campaign. 

I very much recognise that this is a difficult and uncertain time for students. I am pleased that the government has worked with the sector to make sure all reasonable efforts are being made to enable students to continue their studies during this difficult time. Locally, I have continued to work closely with the two universities in my constituency – Falmouth and Exeter – and with the Universities Minister Michelle Donelan MP. I am due to meet with the Minister along with students from both universities in the coming weeks to we can talk about the pressing issues facing students at the moment.

 

I have very much expected universities to continue delivering a high-quality academic experience and help students to achieve qualifications that both they and employers value.  

 

Regarding tuition fee levels, the government is committed to a sustainable funding model that supports high-quality provision, meets the skills and needs of the country and maintains the world-class reputation of UK Higher Education (HE).

 

The maximum tuition fee cap has been frozen for four years and will remain at £9,250 in 2021/22 for standard full-time courses. HE providers are autonomous and responsible for setting their own fees under this level. In deciding to keep charging full fees, providers will want to ensure that they can continue to deliver courses which are fit for purpose and help students progress their qualifications. The Office for Students (OfS) has made it clear that HE providers must continue to comply with registration conditions relating to quality and academic standards, which set out requirements to ensure that courses are high-quality, that students are supported and achieve good outcomes and that standards are protected, regardless of whether a provider is delivering its courses through face-to-face teaching, online learning, or a combination of both 

The OfS is taking very seriously the potential impacts of the pandemic on teaching and learning and is regularly engaging with all registered providers. It is actively monitoring providers to ensure that they maintain the quality of their provision; that it is accessible for all; and that they have been clear in their communications with students about how arrangements for teaching and learning may change throughout the year. If students have concerns about the quality of online tuition, they should first raise their concerns with their university. If their concerns remain unresolved, students at providers in England or Wales can ask the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education to consider their complaint. 

 

On accommodation, if a student has already signed an accommodation contract for the new academic year and, because of the outbreak, and think it may no longer fit their requirements, I would very much encourage them to talk directly to their housing provider.  

 

The government has encouraged all providers of student accommodation to review their accommodation policies to ensure that they have students' best interests at heart.  

 

Students can surrender their fixed term tenancy early if they reach an agreement with their landlord. If they have a joint tenancy agreement, all tenants will need to agree to the surrender. However, even if their circumstances have changed because of COVID-19, they still will not have an automatic right to leave early.  

 

If a student thinks their accommodation provider is treating them unfairly, they can raise a complaint under the accommodation codes of practice if their provider is a code member.

 

Students may be entitled to refunds from certain accommodation providers depending on the terms of their contract and their particular circumstances. Citizens Advice offer a free service, providing information and support, contact details for which are available on its website at: tinyurl.com/83F5LCZ. Students experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 should contact their higher education (HE) provider to discuss the additional support that may be available to them.   

Locally, I know both Falmouth and Exeter universities are working closely with their students and the accommodation providers to ensure that students are not out of pocket. In most cases, students will have received a full refund. I am grateful for the excellent work of both universities in facilitating this.

 

The government has worked closely with the OfS to help clarify that providers can draw upon existing funding to increase hardship funds and support disadvantaged students impacted by COVID-19.  

 

Providers were able to use this funding, worth £256 million for Academic Year 2020/21, to go towards student hardship funds and mental health support. Additionally, on 2 February it was announced that we will be making available to universities up to £50 million to support those that need it most, particularly disadvantaged students. This is in addition to the £20 million announced in December, bringing the total to £70 million for this financial year.  

 

Regarding mental health concerns, HE providers are best placed to identify and address the needs of their student body and decide what welfare support services to put in place.  

 

At the start of, and throughout the pandemic the government asked HE providers to continue to support their students as a priority, which has included making services accessible from a distance. Students should stay in touch with their provider’s student support and welfare teams as these services are likely to continue to be an important source of support. Many providers have bolstered their existing mental health services and adapted delivery mechanisms, including reaching out to students who may be more vulnerable, and have been asked to ensure their services adapted to online provision where necessary.  

 

The government convened a working group of representatives from the higher education and health sectors to specifically address the current and pressing issues that students are facing during the pandemic. The government continues to work closely with the OfS and the sector to ensure that it is doing everything possible to give students the support they need at this difficult time.  

 

A new online platform was announced - Student Space, to enable all students at English and Welsh universities to access vital mental health and wellbeing support. Funded with up to £3 million by the OfS and led by Student Minds, the Student Space platform bridges any gaps in student support during the pandemic and is designed to work alongside existing services. It offers a whole range of help including preventative support and immediate interventions for those in distress, from therapeutic interventions, to stress relievers, suggestions for strengthening mental health, and quality-assured on-line resources such as peer support platforms and volunteering opportunities.  

 

If you would like to discuss this further or any other matter then please do not hesitate to contact me.

cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk