1. Campaign Update Plan of Action 2009/10 GET INVOLVED

3. Developing a clear policy agenda Mandate from two consecutive National Conferences Analysis of the current system An Alternative to funding the system

4. Key Messages from conference policy: · NUS must focus on any attempts to lift the cap · NUS opposes the marketisation of education · NUS will proactively campaign for a fairer funding system for students · NUS wants a simpler and fairer funding system · NUS believes that higher education across the UK remains significantly under funded

5. Additionally NUS will be calling for: funding to match the OECD average, a structured business contribution that any graduate contribution should be income- contingent and linked to earnings, not prices, against commercial interest rates on student loans, student support based on need, a fairer deal for part-time students based on the same principles as full-time students further reviews of international and postgraduate fees and a review of postgraduate support.

6. September 2009 NUS produces a critique of what is wrong with higher education funding….

7. The System Fails on its own Terms: Students have to take a huge financial risk, with no guarantee of success The means of providing bursaries are faulty in both principle and practice Students lack the proper advice and guidance to navigate the HE ‘market’

8. The System just does not Add Up The repayment system would have to change if debt levels rise to high The exchequer cannot continue to provide loans on the scale required Student borrowing will exceed the graduate premium for some subjects

9. The System Compounds Inequality Expenditure on teaching will become sharply differentiated A true HE market will result in an even greater division of wealth in the sector Students from privileged backgrounds dominate the ‘best’ institutions

10. The System Undermines Learning Fees and markets promote a damaging consumer mentality Students have to work far more to support themselves than even before The link between teaching and research will begin to break down

11. The System is not a Fair Settlement An increase in fees would mean that individuals pay more than the state The problems for part-time students have still not been addressed Employers – especially in the private sector – do not contribute a fair share Payment is linked to a notional ‘price’ not to the actual benefit obtained

12. Building an Alternative

13. Objectives To break the consensus around fees and the role of the market in higher education, To start prioritising the values that underpin our model, To start framing the debate and shaping the terms of reference beyond ‘the cap how high?’ To demonstrate our credentials for a seat on the review To negotiate from a position which will enable us to secure other campaign objectives that feedback from this discussion will enable us to make

14. 5 Foundations 1. The way 'student support' is funded should be considered independently from the way that the 'individual contribution' to the costs of higher education is collected. This will allow greater flexibility to better meet both the needs of students and the aims of a contribution system.

15. 5 Foundations 2. Students should be provided for according to their true needs while they study, and should make a contribution to the costs of higher education according to the true benefit while they work. We would define this as a progressive approach.

16. 5 Foundations 3. There should be significant flexibility for students, so that they can move between stages in the structure with ease and without penalty. As part of this, the system should make more use of flexible units of academic credit. There should also be flexibility to meet diverse needs on the student support side.

17. 5 Foundations 4. The systems and processes of higher education funding should be made more efficient and ensure that maximum resources are applied, either in support for teaching and learning or in direct financial support for students. Unmanageable levels of debt, in particular, are bad for both the borrower and the lender and should be avoided wherever possible.

18. 5 Foundations 5. The financial compact between the state, individuals and employers should be re-established. Each should play a role within any new, fair and progressive funding structure.

19. Resulted in…. Available at: http://www.officeronline.co.uk/fundingourfuture

20. General Election: UK Wide Issue England: Effect on English Universities – Market Wales: National Bursary Scheme – get Welsh MP’s on board with this – UK parity N.Ireland: What happens in Westminster – happens Stormont Scotland: Currently fee free – but creating a funding gap between Scottish and other UK institutions – bad for students and the sector

21. What is really going on out there? Review pushed back and won’t report ‘til after the election Will the Tories want to tackle it in a first term? Would Labour risk it if they scraped by? Where would the Lib Dems stand in a hung parliament? Wales- National Bursary Framework Bang for Buck- Giving students more power (Contracts, Course Reps, Consumer Charters)

22. Focus back on Key Messages NUS must focus on any attempts to lift the cap NUS opposes the marketisation of education NUS will proactively campaign for a fairer funding system for students NUS wants a simpler and fairer funding system NUS believes that higher education across the UK remains significantly under funded

23. External Strength Great Higher Education Funding Debate Party Conferences 2008 and 2009 Lobby of Parliament Meetings with the sector, think-tanks, and policy people Getting interested parties involved TOWN TAKEOVERS – time to get the issue back on the doorstep

24. Internal Strength Great Higher Education Funding Debate Day(s) of Action Lobby of Parliament Activist Academies Local Campaign Organisers TOWN TAKEOVERS – time to mobilise and use students to get the issue back onto the doorstep

25. Not just for those 10 towns though….. Support and ideas to run activities in YOUR town Can still run elements in your city… Local stunt for press in your town centre Workshops with local 6 th form colleges/schools Meeting with local dignitaries Town Hall style debate (could be on your campus) Voter Registration Activity About using students to get the message out to the public – Across term 1 and 2

26. How does it tie into other NUS work? (ALL UNIONS) Society and Citizenship: Voter Registration Campaign General Election – Get the Student Vote out Strong and Active Unions: Activist Academy – creating more grassroots campaigns Welfare, Higher Education & Further Education: Additional policy issues in any manifesto/pledges for the General Election Getting student issues on the agenda – can bleed across