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Oldham Evening Chronicle - Monday 7th March

Campus Committee Chair is accepted on to Study China Programme

Oldham student Mofozzul Choudhury Imran will be spending his Easter immersed in Chinese culture after beating off stiff competition from thousands of other UK students to take one of 400 places on an educational programme known as Study China Programme.
Founded in 2007 by University of Manchester, Study China is a government funded initiative which encourages UK students to study abroad, developing skills and awareness to live and work in the global community. It allows students to experience a brief but diverse introduction to fastest growing economic country China. However, due to government cuts, this year’s trip is likely to be the programmes last.

The 26 years old student at the University of Huddersfield’s Oldham Campus, Mofozzul Choudhury Imran, was determined to get accepted onto the programme and enlisted the help of the University’s Careers and Employability Service and family friends to ensure his application was the best it could be.

“When I heard about the Study China programme I thought it was an amazing opportunity. As a country with one of the world’s fastest growing economies and largest populations I couldn’t miss out on a chance not to experience three weeks in China, particularly as I am a Business Management and Administration student.

“I felt the programme was such a great opportunity and I just couldn’t risk losing out because of my answers. Staff in the University’s Careers Service was a great help to me giving me lots of advice about my application and thanks to everyone who helped me on this including my family friends.”

So passionate about the programme, Mofozzul Choudhury - who is the Student Union Chair at the Oldham Campus is the first student from University of Huddersfield well as first ever student from Oldham to be accepted on the programme - has also put himself forward to be considered the speakers for the trip’s closing ceremony.

While out in China, he will receive over 40 hours of Chinese language classes, in an attempt to help strengthen their relationship and understanding of the country.

Alongside language classes they will also be immersed in Chinese culture by means of a number of exciting and interesting activities which include Tai Chi, calligraphy, kite making, attending an archaeological dig and numerous excursions.
Mofozzul also hopes to fill any free time he has with his own trips to Chinese businesses, so he can learn more about how they work well as attending some business events.

Access to Learning Fund

The Access to Learning Fund (ALF) is open for applications for the academic year 2010/11. This is a discretionary hardship fund so an award is not guaranteed, however if your application is successful, any money awarded would be non-repayable.

The University website has the application form, guidance notes and details of the documents required (look at the Student Finance page, under Access to Learning Fund or click on the link below). Copies of the application form are also available from the Students’ Union pod in the Library.

http://www2.hud.ac.uk/student_finance/alf/

If you have any questions about the fund, or need some advice, you can contact the ALF team by emailing studentfinancialsupport@hud.ac.uk by calling (01484) 471130 or by contacting the Students’ Union Advice and Information Centre by email at advice-centre@hud.ac.uk, telephone (01484) 473446 or through the Student’ Union office.

Wellbeing Week 24 - 28 Jan 2011

Well-Being Week, proved to be a busy week with a number of organisations from the local community setting up stalls on Campus. To kick the week off, Oldham Community Leisure Centre (OCL) came in to promote Flash the Pass to the students, giving the students 50% off classes they run on a pay as you go basis for 6 months, as oppose to taking out full membership at the centre.

On Tuesday Oldham Community Health – BME Communities came in, as well as Fitness First and UCO very own Men’s Football Club. From a quiet start to the day, the event became busy as the campus filled up. Fitness First managed to sign up students to their club and generate interest in a healthy life style using their gym and classes provided. Oldham Community Health was also trying to generate interest in mental health in the younger generations and the signs to watch out for, they also had a number of interest in their eye-catching stand. UCO’s Men’s football club, managed to sign up mebers before their first training session.

On Wednesday Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust arrived bearing lots of freebies, including the widely coverted stress balls and free pens! They were hoping to raise their profile and if possible to get students signed up to the Foundation. Brook arrived with their usual display of information as well as free “pants” and key-ring to those who were tested today. On Thursday, the Police with a safe street aspect of Well-being attended.

The SU general information table and notice boards displayed a variety of different literature; which was also popular with the students, where they took the information away with them, including the free condoms, magnets and lanyards.

All organisations stressed how they would be interested in coming back in at Fresher’s Fayre. Overall the week was a sucess and will hopefully have a positive impact on students lifestyles.

Nick Clegg visits Oldham East and Saddleworth - Nataile Wolstenhulme

The Deputy Prime Minister arrived in the Oldham East and Saddleworth constituency on Wednesday 5th January to campaign on behalf of the Liberal Democrats ahead of the unusual by-election that is to be held on Thursday 13th January. It is unusual because it is the result of a court case by Elwyn Watkins, Lib-Dem candidate who took Phil Woolas ex Labour MP to court over false allegations during the last general election – something that hasn’t happened in over 100 years.

Whilst in the constituency, Nick Clegg couldn’t avoid the protests of outraged local students while visiting a supermarket and was even heckled and jeered as he arrived at the Saddleworth Museum in Uppermill for a question and answer session with voters and Liberal Democrat supporters.

Vice-President Welfare and Equalities Natalie Wolstenhulme, as a local voter, was at the question session where some tough questions were asked by various people about the future of education both higher and further. The first blow came when a question around funding for part time students was asked. Seeing an opportunity, Clegg started his response by reiterating the benefits of the new system that will be in place from 2012 describing them as a backward approach but that will benefit students. The approach of ‘charge them more but make them pay back less’ whilst appearing positive to the respective students, will result in the overall inclusive debt of all students passed on 20 years down the line therefore just prolonging the inevitable debt. He also ‘alluded’ to schemes that they are working on and contemplating and haven’t finalised yet for helping students from disadvantaged backgrounds go to University but couldn’t give a straightforward solution. Wasn’t a solution the Aim higher scheme? However, he did finally answer the question by outlining that part-time students will no longer have to pay up front tuition fees but will be put into the same scheme as full time students, which was welcomed by all.

Next, Clegg was asked what would be done to ensure security for small universities and University campuses like the University Campus Oldham for those students that do not wish to travel far from home, or that have a particular course they would like to study there to which his response was very surprising. The government have no plans in place to help secure these types of institution or campuses but it is the responsibility of the University itself to ‘sell’ themselves to prospective students to ensure they get sufficient numbers and unfortunately some Universities just aren’t good enough. As unsatisfactory a response this was, he then went on to explain that we should be encouraging more vocational courses that can be taught at Further Education colleges as not everyone has to go to University and there are too many people wanting to go as it is. This is a complete 180 from the Liberal Democrat party leader whose campaign not so long ago was free education FOR ALL.

The final question on education was to do with pre-school but highlighted some of the priorities of the Government, which were not Higher Education. According to Nick Clegg, the country should be pumping its money into children, pre-school and whilst at school. We should be encouraging them from a young age to ensure they get a good education and want to succeed, whether that is in higher or further education. As good as this sounds, and we should be encouraging young people and children, but what about those already in higher and further education? Should we be neglecting those or helping them to develop successful careers that will benefit home and country which are what they have studied for in the first place?

Clegg discussed another controversial issue, Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA). This is due to be scrapped in the near future, which surely goes against the widening participation objectives. However, all is not lost! The government are looking for alternative solutions to support students from deprived areas whilst studying at college however it is very unclear what these solutions will look like or even if they will exist. What is clear, is that there are cuts and savings being made all over the place but with no real view of the impact they are making on life in Britain. It’s obvious why students are so unhappy.

Alongside a rise in tuition fees, cuts to education and the growing disappointment with the Liberal Democrats, they decided to call the by-election just before the start of term meaning that students from Oldham East and Saddleworth either will not in the constituency as they have moved back to their respective University or will not be returning to University Campus Oldham until the week after the vote. Tactics or coincidence? Speaking to students who attended the session with Nick Clegg on Wednesday were rightly concerned that they would not get a chance to vote as they were returning to their Universities early but had registered to postal vote which hadn’t arrived.

With only 103 votes in the last general election for this constituency, a change in allegiance from the Liberal Democrats to another party from students could be a huge blow to their very strong campaigning efforts over the past months as most students will have voted for their University seat in the last election.
We can only hope that students have registered for the postal vote and that they will exercise their democratic right and vote. As by-elections go, turn out is often very low but with the uncommon nature of this one, who knows what could happen.

20th Jan - Campus Committee Meeting

The first Campus Committee meeting of the year took place on Thursday 20th January. Highlights of the meeting included:

- Discussions over a venue for the end of year party.

- The Launch of the Lions' Lair Volunteering Project (click here for more info)

- A proposal to invite the newly elected MP for Oldaham East & Saddleworth, Debbie Abrahams, onto campus to face questions from students.

- Initial discussion over plans for the second term.

To read more about the campus committee meeing please click here.

The Campus Committee meetings are open to all students. The next meeting wil take place at 10:30 on Wednesday 16th February in S1/3.

Oldham Advertiser - Students condemn violence, but say protest was successful

Date Published: 11th November 2010

University Campus Oldham students have condemned the violence experienced during a demonstration against tuition fees in London. But still believe their protest was successful.

More than 50 local students travelled to the capital to join the NUS and UCU demonstration against the proposed hike in tuition fees.

But violence broke out as some students stormed the Tory Party HQ, occupying the lobby and smashing windows and wounding police officers.

Mofozzul Choudhury, Student Union chairman for UCO, said Oldham students were not involved in the violent clashes with police and did not support any of the violence.

“I was at the front of the march and didn't know of any of the trouble until it was announced,” said Mofozzul. “It was meant to be a peaceful march and we didn't expect to see anything like this but as with any big demonstration this kind of thing can happen.

“We were expecting 25,000 peiple and more than 50,000 showed up. My only criticism is how come the police didn't prepare for it.

“Emotions were running high but this violence was very unfortunate and disappointing to see.

“I'm hopeful that people will remember that it was a successful march not because of the trouble but because of the turnout.”

Under the coalition's plans students could face fees of £9,000 a year. They would not have to pay anything up front and would only pay back loans once they started earning a substantial amount.

But the NUS argue that such large debts will deter people from poorer backgrounds from going to university.

Mofozzul said: “Education if for life and without it no one can succeed in the future.

“We need to make sure future generations are protected.

“You many not have to pay up straight away but people fear the debt they will face and this will put off many from further education.

“It was important for us to attend and protest for the preservation of future generations.”

Oldham Chronicle - Angry Students in rising fees rally

Date published: 10 November 2010

DEFIANT students rallied together yesterday to save University Campus Oldham from becoming a victim of spending cuts and rising tuition fees.

Angry under-graduates who took part in the demonstration argue that proposed fees of up to £9,000 could see the uptake of places at the university drop and cripple future students with a lifetime of debt.

Third-year business management student Mofozzul Choudury Imran (26), from Westwood, is also the Student Union chairman for the Oldham campus.

He said: “It is vital for Oldham that institutions like UCO stay here to provide future generations in the local community with opportunities.

“We have so much talent and ability coming from local colleges but the fear of paying off such a huge debt could stop people from coming.

“It has opened so many doors for me and we need to fight 100 per cent against cuts.”

Sweeping cuts to higher education funding mean that student contributions are set to increase, with the current charge of £3,290 almost doubling to £6,000 from 2012.

Prof Peter Slee, deputy vice-chancellor of Huddersfield University, said that courses would be demand- driven but that it is too early to tell what effect on student numbers the changes will have.

Matty Beck,(19), a second-year student studying technical theatre, said: “Oldham will struggle to attract students as there is a lack of accommodation in the town. I commute from Manchester city centre.

“I feel let down by the Government, I wouldn’t have come to university if these fees were in place, I don’t see how people will be able to afford it. Would it be best to take your chances and get experience in a job?”

Fifty students from the university boarded a coach to London this morning to show their support in a national student protest.

Calling all Students - Get involved with the National Demo!!

You may aware/know or heard about the increase in student’s fee & budget cuts to higher education which to take effect from September 2012, if the budget plan goes ahead.

Oldham Campus and students studying across the University of Huddersfield are uniting with students across the country for one big demonstration in London. To find out more about the Browne Report, how the cuts may affect you and how to get involved please click the 'WE WILL MARCH' logo.

Alton Towers

This years Alton Towers trip will be taking place on 17th June 2010. Tickets are selling fast and are available from the Students' Union pod and the Library Help Desk.

Oldham Campus is heading to Amsterdam!

Following the success of the trip to Paris Oldham students have organised a trip with the same company to Amsterdam. Click here to find out more or to get involved.

This is not a UHSU official event but is organised by students that study on the Oldham Campus.

Politions in the Hot Seat - General Elections Debate

MOVE over David Dimbleby — students and staff at University Campus Oldham kept local politicians on their toes with their very own Question Time.

The general election debate was organised by the Students’ Union and attended by Labour’s Michael Meacher, MP for Oldham West and Royton.

The Liberal Democrats were represented by Elwyn Watkins, Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesman for Oldham East and Saddleworth. The Conservative and Independent delegates unable to attend.

Staff and students were also able to register to vote.

11th Feb 2010

Housing Week 8th - 12th Feb

Are you looking to move into rented accommodation? Do you already live in a rented house? Information will be available  throughout the week in the foyer to ensure you make good decisions. This includes gas safety, fire safety, contract checking, insurance and much more. 

For more information on accommodation check out our advice and information centre online.

Paris Weekender

 

 

Wellbeing Weekend

There was a number of stalls on campus offering support, guidance and information on different aspects of your welfare as a student!

Click for more info

Monday 26th October - Student Safety Week Roundup

Student safety week kick started Oldham’s first awareness campaign of the year! The event ran from Monday through to Thursday saw a couple of guests come to campus to talk to students.

Tuesday started with Brooke Oldham giving out information on sexual health. It is important that students are given access to high quality, free and confidential sexual health advice and services. For the first time on campus students were also given the opportunity to get tested for Chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

On Wednesday we were joined by Greater Manchester Police. Neighbourhood officers visited to give out advice and crime prevention goodies. Chief Insp Sarah Jones said: “For some students, particularly those who are just starting their university education, crime prevention can be the last thing on their minds and they are likely to think it will never happen to them.

Look out for our next Campaign on sexual health starting on Monday 30th November!

Monday 26th October - Oldham Chronicle Reports on Student Saftety Week

Students get Saftety Lessons

POLICE are helping Oldham’s students swot up on safety.

Neighbourhood officers visited University Campus Oldham to give out advice and crime prevention goodies as part of Student Safety Week.

Chief Insp Sarah Jones said: “For some students, particularly those who are just starting their university education, crime prevention can be the last thing on their minds and they are likely to think it will never happen to them.

“This event will also give students the chance to get to know local officers and tell us about any concerns they may have about crime and anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhood.”

GMP’s new safety campaign has been designed by students for students and uses cheeky but thought provoking headlines to communicate crime prevention messages.

Students can follow simple steps to make life hard for thieves, such as keeping valuables out of sight, always being aware of what’s going on around you, keeping to well-lit areas and shutting and locking all windows and doors, even when at home.

They are also encouraged to register their valuables for free on www.immobilise.com so police can compare with items that have been found or recovered from suspected criminals.

Friday 9th October - Keep the Cap Video

UCO Students get proactive about the student fees debate

click here to view more pictures and videos from the week

Friday 2nd October - Show of hands on student debt

Oldham students make the headlines with their protest against plans to lift the cap on tuition fees.

Click here to read all about it in the Oldham Evening Chronicle.

Thanks to the officers and staff for their involvement in making the campaign the first success of many!