• See previous statement

To recap, UWE have decided not to continue with recruitment on three of their joint honours languages half awards, with immediate effect.

The University’s Academic Board, which includes representatives from all staff at the University and Students’ Union reps, met last week and agreed the proposals that UWE’s Vice Chancellor put forward. After a lengthy discussion, some comments about process and many contributions is was agreed that these proposals will be forwarded onto the University’s Board of Governors in July for final approval.

The Students' Union have analysed the detailed paper-work that has been provided surrounding this issue. UWE Students’ Union have asked the UWE finance department for further evidence to justify the decision, which we have been assured will be provided as soon as possible.
The Students’ Union held a forum with University and College Lecturer Trade Union (UCU) late last week. We agree with them on need for an Equality Impact Assessment on the proposed changes, which UWE are planning on doing.

The Students’ Union had a meeting with Executive Dean of the Social Sciences and Humanities Faculty, where available student reps were briefed on the current situation and were given the chance to voice any concerns.

We have again been assured by the UWE Vice Chancellor that the University will continue to fully support students currently enrolled on these courses until completion. The Students' Union's priority is the student experience, so we will do our upmost to make sure that their student experience and learning journey at UWE will continue as previously published with no negative disruption.

Our current policy is that this reduction in recruitment for these three joint-honours languages half-awards shows a very sad day in UWE’s history. However, this is as a result of a model of mass higher education and a market driven education system.

The Students’ Union wish to wholeheartedly assure all our members that we are committed to supporting UWE Students. We are still wanting any students concerned or with feedback to email or phone as soon as possible.

src.president@uwe.ac.uk

0117 32 82963