The long-awaited White Paper has arrived. Initial reactions from University Alliance are below.
Professor Janet Beer, Chair of University Alliance and Vice Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University said:
“We welcome the move to put a high quality student experience at the heart of the White Paper. We have worked closely with Government to ensure that students are centre-stage in our universities and that we work together to achieve an outstanding learning experience. The decision to go to university is a major investment in the future – more so now than ever. That is why all 23 Alliance universities have signed up to a vision for the empowered student, placing them at the centre of their learning. The work I have been leading on student charters and Key Information Sets will extend the provision of information for both prospective and current students, leading to the exercise of informed judgment on their part about choice and quality.”
Libby Hackett, Director of University Alliance, said:
“We are really pleased that the White Paper focuses on putting students in the driving seat. Well-informed students who are empowered to make the most of their time at university will ensure we have the high-end, innovative, creative graduates this country needs to grow – those who will create new jobs, not replace old ones.
“While there is much in the White Paper we welcome, our concern is the political pressures that caused delays to its publication have led to the wider economic vision being lost. We would urge the Coalition Government to look beyond the immediate changes and provide the much-needed economic vision that recognises universities – delivering work-ready graduates and research with impact – as key to growing the UK out of recession and driving an innovation-based economy.“
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Contact: Sam Jones 07767 673 982 or sjones@www.unialliance.ac.uk to arrange interviews.
Notes to Editors
University Alliance are hosting a seminar looking in-depth at the White Paper next Tuesday, 5 July. Journalists are welcome and can register here – http://unialliancewhitepaper.eventbrite.com/
About university Alliance
University Alliance is a group of 23 major, business-engaged universities committed to delivering world-class research and a quality student experience around the UK. They are universities without boundaries: delivering economic and social growth through close links with their research, students and staff and the world around them – locally, nationally and internationally. With representation right across the UK they educate over 25% of all UK students, with large proportions of international and post-graduate students.
Alliance universities
Aberystwyth University, Bournemouth University, University of Bradford, De Montfort University, University of Glamorgan, Glasgow Caledonian University, University of Hertfordshire, University of Huddersfield, University of Lincoln, Liverpool John Moores University, Manchester Metropolitan University, Northumbria University, Nottingham Trent University, Open University, Oxford Brookes University, University of Plymouth, University of Portsmouth, University of Salford, Sheffield Hallam University, Teesside University, University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, University of Wales, Newport, University of the West of England.
