University Question Time with the VC

University Question Time - YOUR issues - Free food

Following on from last years' Great Debate the Vice-Chancellor is returning to the Guild to discuss students' issues with the Guild President. This is your opportunity to have the VC debate topical issues that are relevant to students and answer your questions. Join us for refreshments afterwards.

Questions can be submitted to Guild Reception (postcards supplied at Reception) or by emailing questiontime@guild.bham.ac.uk by no later than midday on Tuesday 2nd March. There is the possibility for follow-up questions from the floor which will be facilitated by the student chair. Please be aware that due to time constraints not all questions may be discussed.

Wednesday 3rd March in the Guild Council Chambers. We hope to see you there.

See the facebook event here.

MPs, Come clean on fees! (letter to the Guardian)

I'm still reflecting on Tuesday's flashmob raising awareness about the HE funding review and ensuring that students' opposition to higher fees and the marketisation of higher education was heard loudly! I felt that the flashmob was a great success and I'd like to thank everyone who got involved! A round-up of the media coverage and the further campaign is soon to follow but at this stage I'd like to re-post the letter from Student Unionists across the country calling on both the Labour and Conservative parties to come clean on fees (see the Guardian):

"As student leaders we are appalled by Labour and Conservative attempts to duck difficult questions on student fees and finance at the next general election (Report, 10 November). We are in no doubt that a review panel dominated by business and university leaders is designed to stitch up students with yet another inflation-busting hike in tuition fees. Students will not stand for this. Opinion polls conducted for the National Union of Students and lecturers' union UCU consistently show that the overwhelming majority of the public are opposed to higher fees. Only 12% believe this review should even consider raising our fees; when students entering university this autumn are set to graduate with debts in excess of £23,500, it's not hard to see why.

Labour and Conservative leaders seem to believe they can maintain their cosy consensus of silence until the election and beyond. Today we are descending on parliament to demand that MPs come clean on their stance. Any parliamentary candidate that does not sign the NUS pledge to vote against an increase in fees and support our calls for a fairer funding system will be named and shamed. In 2005, the student vote made a significant difference in towns and cities across the UK. Our message is clear: candidates must vote with us, or students won't vote for them."

It is vital that students understand the power they posses as a collective. Make sure you are registered to vote well ahead of the general election and inform your local candidates that their position on student fees will be the issue which could mean the difference between winning or losing come the election!

Students in the recession: a survey and a tip

The British Youth Council (BYC) is doing some research into young people and their experiences with the recession. It would be really good if you could fill this out to help them make their case! You could even win a subscription for your favourite magazine! Also, check out their website for updates on campaigns such as their campaign for an 'Equal National Minimal Wage'

Fill out the BYC survey here

Then, if thinking about the recession has made you worry about your uni lifestyle and shopping then here is a personal tip: Get yourself an NUS extra card and start saving (I particularly like the 5% off offers for both Amazon and play).