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The National Demo 2010

Above - Two of the two hundred Huddersfield students at the National Demo in London

Huddersfield Students' Union did their part, but unfortunately the National Demonstration for stopping the hike in fees failed. We took some 200 students from all three campuses to the National Demo, we lobbied countless MPs and even turned local Conservative MP Jason McCartney to vote against the hike in fees - but alas, it didn't work.

However, thanks to the great relationship with the University, the Students' Union Executive Officers of 2010/11 managed to iron out a deal for future students with the University, setting their fees at £7950 - a price that is literally a quality education for a fair fee.

UHSU Exec lead on National move against unfair billing of students

Your Exec team have been doing some work nationally on trying to get Opal to change their rent payment dates to go in line with student loans and have been leading the student movement across the country to address the issues.

Accommodation provider Opal have spoken of their unwillingness to move rent payments in line with student finance payments, in a move that has upset some students of the University of Huddersfield and brought it up to the Students' Union and Vice President for Welfare and Equalities, Natalie Wolstenhulme.

The final installment of rent at Aspley Hall and Little Aspley is scheduled for 18 April 2011, whereas loans do not arrive in bank accounts until 2 May. DIGS and Unite have been willing to be flexible with late payment of rent due to loans, however, Opal have stated that students' will have to pay a £30 charge for every 7 days that payments are late.

Representatives from UHSU have spoken directly to both Aspley and Little Aspley who have units on Firth Street. They say that it is out of their hands because it is national company policy.

Your executive team have been hot on the phonelines to Universities nationwide that rely on Opal for student accommodation trying to co-ordinate a group response to Opal's demands and have successfully brought several other Union's on board.

UHSU President Matt Christie said "accommodation providers need to be aware that students' aren't flush with money, especially since the second term is actually the longest. We are working hard to change some of the variables of contracts for the future"

Vice President for Welfare and Equalities Natalie Wolstenhulme who deals with housing issues under her remit is urging students' to get in contact with their accommodation provider as soon as possible and also to check their bank policies for late direct debit payment. "Sometimes a failed standing order can generate charges of upto £25 per time so it is essential that students' keep their finances in check."

If you have any issues with providers then don't hestiate to contact Matt or Nat on su.president@hud.ac.uk or su.welfare@hud.ac.uk.
 

For more information on how the campaign is going, please follow it on facebook

Student parents

UHSU Vice President for Welfare and Equalities Natalie Wolstenhulme has been collecting research and writing a report on the experience of Student Parents at the University of Huddersfield.

As a result, the Students’ Union is making some great changes that will make the services more accessible and hopefully better for Students with parental responsibilities.

Some of these changes include having half price meals in The Graduate during graduation weeks, child friendly snacks in the shop and coffee bean area, colouring facilities for children to keep them occupied, more information on our website and a logo representing the activities parents can bring their children to.

We also have a new facebook page which hopes to encourage student parents to network and also give them a forum to feedback their opinion to us at their convenience.

Alongside the Union, there were also recommendations that were made to the University, which includes: the earlier availability of timetables, a more child friendly campus with breastfeeding friendly areas that are advertised well and data collection on student parents during enrolment so we can tailor the information we send out to make sure that student parents are aware of services, help and other things that the University and UHSU provide for them.

These plans are all the culmination of a survey carried out in November 2010 and are being discussed at various levels of the University and Union and we will keep you updated as things progress.

The report will also be made available to download very shortly.

Recent Campaigns

Student Housing: Is it worth it?

Campaigns Archive

2010 September - December: We Will March & We Will Vote

2010 May: General Elections 2010

2009 October: Keep the Cap