► Accommodation campaign
Campaign Accommodation campaign Rationale A large number of cases are dealt with by the UBSU Advice Centre that involve either University or private accommodation problems. There are a number of inequalities in the services provided to students at the differing campuses of the University. The facilities and level of safety within the University halls at Luton are of particular concern. Progress reports Action Taken 2007-08 Regular meetings were established with the Accommodation department to resolve issues that arose. A campaign around the washing facilities was launched in freshers week in which dirty socks and letters were sent to the Director of Estates and Facilities. From this meetings were held to explore possible solutions. UBSU supported the proposal to the Board of Governors for new accommodation and has been involved in the tender for and selection of the new provider. There was a serious problem with the internet provider Cablecom this year. UBSU co-ordinated a petition on paper and via facebook. Along with the Accommodation departments many meeting around this have been held. A Q&A session was organised with Cablecom which was productive for all parties. Compensation was obtained from Cablecom for affected students. Solutions are being discussed with the Cablecom and the accommodation office for next year. The security problems have been highlighted to the University and senior staff have taken note of this. A new security company has been appointed in which UBSU was involved in the tendering process. Meeting with the University staff, Police and the Luton Equality Agency to investigate and explore what could be done regarding the behavioural problems in halls. Surgery hours were suggested for UBSU to hold with the Police. These however were not established. This work was being done under the banner of the Mutual Respect Agenda. Action Taken 2008-09 There are problems at Bedford due to high recruitment and the University unable to keep its promises to first year students, leaving some in private accommodation. Problems have arisen with the over zealous implementation of the new security system at Bute Court. Meetings held with University to address the issues. An article in The Blend used to highlight the problems. Problems arise with students living in Manor Court who are being asked to leave at short notice for the rebuild to take place. Raised issue with University and provided support to students through the UBSU Advice centre. The Director of Finance has instructed the Director of Facilities & Estates to deal with this issue. The basis for a rate-your-landlord scheme is established, and students will have the opportunity to do that later in the year. A meeting is held with Bute Court students. 80+ attend. Four representatives are selected to meeting with the University. This meeting with the University has taken place. The University responds by allowing an increase in the numbers of visitors to Bute Court to two per flat. If you would like to find more about this campaign please e-mail laura.hamilton@beds.ac.uk
