NUS President visits Wolverhampton

The President of the National Union of Students has visited the University of Wolverhampton to give a special talk on higher education.

Liam Burns was invited to the University to present a guest lecture, titled Students as Partners: On campus and in Parliament, at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park on Thursday (11 October 2012).

Liam spoke about the impact of the new tuition fees and funding systems, as well as relationships between universities and their Students’ Unions. He also stressed the importance of involving students in strategic decision making.

Dean of Students, Jon Elsmore, said: “The University has a strong ethos of working with our students and considering them as partners in the education process. We have introduced a new Students’ Charter in partnership with our Students’ Union and enhanced the student voice, so that now there are student representatives on every University committee.

“We were delighted to have Liam Burns in Wolverhampton to share his thoughts on the new funding scheme and how students can have a positive influence on strategic decision making.”

University of Wolverhampton Students’ Union President, Dan Batchelor, added: “The changes in how our education system is funded has created a number of new debates for students in regards to their relationship with their own university. As a Students’ Union we welcome new ideas which will enhance our students’ experience during their time with the University of Wolverhampton.

“This year, in conjunction with the University, the SU launched the new Student Charter which we will use to ensure students’ expectations are delivered. We are also invited to sit on a number of decision making bodies by the University, which we consult with our membership to ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of students. We pride ourselves on our student voice, which we aim to improve in delivery every year.

“For this SU to represent our membership effectively we continuously need to be engaged with our student body, and Liam Burns quite rightly emphasised the importance of unions in giving students the platform to succeed, through involvement in volunteering delivered by the union, as well as sporting and social activities. As a Union we welcome a number of Liam Burns ideas and will be striving to continue to engage with students, always aiming to ensure that their time as students at this University, is one of success and positive memories.”

Wolverhampton has invested in new facilities for its Students’ Union. The Ambika Paul Students’ Union at the City Campus has a new communications and media suite, meeting space, a large events space and a student lounge and juice bar.

The Walsall Campus has a new bar which adds to the Students’ Union facility at that campus, providing a seven-day-a-week operation, subject to licensing approval.

ENDS

Picture: Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Enterprise Professor Ian Oakes, Dean of Students Jon Elsmore, NUS President Liam Burns and President of the University of Wolverhampton Students’ Union Dan Batchelor.

For more information please contact Vickie Warren in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736