► Virtual Yinka
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► Student finance
Campaign Student finance campaign Rationale Large number of issues raised at the AGM and by students through the UBSU Advice Centre concerning the Universities attitude to student finance. These mostly falling into three areas (i) Sanctioning of students following non‑payment of fees, rents, etc. Including communication, policy, procedure, consistency, referrals and registration. It is recognised that these are difficult and long-standing problems, and that there will be no quick solutions, but UBSU is determined to force the University into action. Progress reports Action Taken 2008-09 A web and question-of-the-week survey makes it clear that students are not aware of the bursary opportunities and how to apply. Awareness sessions are planned for Christmas, near to application time. The issues surrounding sanctioning have been identified. The University recognises the problem, and has proposed helping students through the supply of finance counsellors. There is concern that this duplicates what UBSU does. Most importantly, the proposal does not address the key issue of the variable procedures and the reasons for sanctions. The University have suggested improved procedures, but these, on inspection, turned out to be the previously mentioned counsellors again. The UBSU Advice Centre has been tasked with providing definite examples of the problems. On 9.1.2009, UBSU is still waiting for the University to set a date to discuss the original proposals.
(ii) Difficulties faced by international students.
(iii) Awareness of and take-up of the bursary scheme.
