The protest was on behalf of some overseas students who had run into financial difficulty
More than 150 students
staged a mock outdoor exam
to protest at others being
banned from taking tests
because they could not afford
fees.
The protest in a courtyard at
the University of Sussex last
Friday was the latest stage in
an escalating conflict between
students and the
administration.
The protest was sparked by
the university banning 20
international students from
taking exams, which start this
week, because they have
fallen behind with tuition fee
payments.
It said the bans would be
overturned once the overdue
fees were paid.
The students have also faced
having their library and email
accounts suspended.
Daniel Vockins, president of
the university's students'
union, which called for the
protest, said the students had
been given unreasonable
deadlines to make repayments
when they were completing
dissertations and revising for
exams.
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The mock exam was followed
by a march to the university
financial offices where a
petition with 300 signatures
was handed over.
The protest followed a
campaign on networking
website Facebook, supported
by academic staff, to help
Nigerian student Luqman
Onikosi, who was one of the
banned students.
He has since been given leave
to complete his exams and
pay outstanding fees in
September.
International students have to
pay fees of around £9,500 a
year at the university, which
the students' union said made
it difficult for many to cope.
A University of Sussex
spokeswoman said it had a
general policy, which had
been agreed with the
students' union, to take
prompt action in contacting
students who were getting
into debt problems.
She said: "Such students are
informed by a series of letters,
reminding them of the need to
pay fees, advising them of any
action that will be taken, and
inviting them to seek help.
"The University of Sussex is
home to over 2,000 non-UK
students from 120 countries.
International students are a
vital part of what makes the
campus a diverse and exciting
place.
"From time to time, a small
number of students run into
financial difficulties and have
problems with paying their
fees. In such cases, the
university and the student
union are able to offer
practical advice and support."
If these striking students are so concerned about this, why not pay the fees out of their own pockets, instead of expecting the university to shoulder bad debts? If the fees are too steep for international students, perhaps they should consider studying somewhere they can afford.
If these striking students are so concerned about this, why not pay the fees out of their own pockets, instead of expecting the university to shoulder bad debts? If the fees are too steep for international students, perhaps they should consider studying somewhere they can afford.
If they cant afford the fees then they shouldnt go to Uni. Have they heard of part time jobs ? How will they get on in life once they have finished studying for their degree in potato growing or the study of dandelions !
If they cant afford the fees then they shouldnt go to Uni. Have they heard of part time jobs ? How will they get on in life once they have finished studying for their degree in potato growing or the study of dandelions !
Sulk, grumble, whine...
When students organise a prank at Brighton Station everyone starts **** and moaning about how they never do anything meaningful, and when they do it's the usual tired 'lazy student' stuff. Boring!
Obviously students can't pay for other people's fees. What an idiotic suggestion.
And what's with the reference to ropey degrees? Most students are on 'normal' courses.
Have you been to university? Do you have any idea what it's like? All this 'school of hard knocks' rubbish comes across as bitter, unhappy jealousy. What makes you so great?
Well done to the Sussex students for standing up (or rather sitting down) for what you believe in!
Sulk, grumble, whine...
When students organise a prank at Brighton Station everyone starts **** and moaning about how they never do anything meaningful, and when they do it's the usual tired 'lazy student' stuff. Boring!
Obviously students can't pay for other people's fees. What an idiotic suggestion.
And what's with the reference to ropey degrees? Most students are on 'normal' courses.
Have you been to university? Do you have any idea what it's like? All this 'school of hard knocks' rubbish comes across as bitter, unhappy jealousy. What makes you so great?
Well done to the Sussex students for standing up (or rather sitting down) for what you believe in!
We're saying "let them study" - allow all students to take their summer exams because it benefits neither student nor university bank balance to stop them studying just days before summer exams. It's unreasonable and simply not in the spirit of the institution.
We're saying "let them study" - allow all students to take their summer exams because it benefits neither student nor university bank balance to stop them studying just days before summer exams. It's unreasonable and simply not in the spirit of the institution.
Posted by: Alex, Preston Park on 2:40pm Wed 7 May 08
Why do foreign students pay £9500 a year?
Mr get a part time job. I worked all the way through Uni around 30/35 hours a week, I would have been pushed to afford that each year.
Why do foreign students pay £9500 a year?
Mr get a part time job. I worked all the way through Uni around 30/35 hours a week, I would have been pushed to afford that each year.
It's called 'sarcasm' Jocelyn - of course they wouldn't dream of paying other students' debts, but it's pefectly alright to pass the burden onto the university I suppose? Grossly unfair it may be, but even students should be held accountable for their own debts - think of it as a rehearsal for the real world! And yes I did go to Uni, as did my son.
It's called 'sarcasm' Jocelyn - of course they wouldn't dream of paying other students' debts, but it's pefectly alright to pass the burden onto the university I suppose? Grossly unfair it may be, but even students should be held accountable for their own debts - think of it as a rehearsal for the real world! And yes I did go to Uni, as did my son.
[quote][bold]Andi[/bold] wrote:
It's called 'sarcasm' Jocelyn - of course they wouldn't dream of paying other students' debts, but it's pefectly alright to pass the burden onto the university I suppose? Grossly unfair it may be, but even students should be held accountable for their own debts - think of it as a rehearsal for the real world! And yes I did go to Uni, as did my son.[/quote] Sarcasm's a little tricky to distinguish in it's written form. Inverted commas are good!
I think Daniel from Sussex puts it pretty well - stopping them from studying isn't going to help anyone.
I agree that the students should account for themselves, but what a lot of money!
Andi wrote:
It's called 'sarcasm' Jocelyn - of course they wouldn't dream of paying other students' debts, but it's pefectly alright to pass the burden onto the university I suppose? Grossly unfair it may be, but even students should be held accountable for their own debts - think of it as a rehearsal for the real world! And yes I did go to Uni, as did my son.
Sarcasm's a little tricky to distinguish in it's written form. Inverted commas are good!
I think Daniel from Sussex puts it pretty well - stopping them from studying isn't going to help anyone.
I agree that the students should account for themselves, but what a lot of money!
Yes, yes, I see the incorrect apostrophe! No need for any clever dick to point it out.
Oh, I forgot to mention: melfromhove! What a great attitude you have! You sure seem to know what life is all about!
Yes, yes, I see the incorrect apostrophe! No need for any clever dick to point it out.
Oh, I forgot to mention: melfromhove! What a great attitude you have! You sure seem to know what life is all about!
Suggesting that these students get jobs to cover the cost of their fees is ridiculous- I agree completely, especially given the restrictions on international students from working more than 20 hours a week.
Suggesting that these students get jobs to cover the cost of their fees is ridiculous- I agree completely, especially given the restrictions on international students from working more than 20 hours a week.
Posted by: melfromhove, hove on 3:38pm Wed 7 May 08
[quote][bold]Jocelyn[/bold] wrote:
Yes, yes, I see the incorrect apostrophe! No need for any clever dick to point it out. Oh, I forgot to mention: melfromhove! What a great attitude you have! You sure seem to know what life is all about![/quote] Thank you.
Jocelyn wrote:
Yes, yes, I see the incorrect apostrophe! No need for any clever dick to point it out. Oh, I forgot to mention: melfromhove! What a great attitude you have! You sure seem to know what life is all about!
[quote][bold]melfromhove[/bold] wrote:
by all means excuse them from the fees. Then, when its all over, lets all go over to their respective countries and see what WE can get for nothing. [/quote] but Britain has already gone over (to quite a few countries actually) and has got a whole lot for nothing. of course then it was called the british empire.
melfromhove wrote:
by all means excuse them from the fees. Then, when its all over, lets all go over to their respective countries and see what WE can get for nothing.
but Britain has already gone over (to quite a few countries actually) and has got a whole lot for nothing. of course then it was called the british empire.
Amazing how many people haven't really read what is said in the article. At no point does it say anywhere that they want to avoid paying the tuition fees. The issue is more about how quickly they are being asked to pay back arrears and the timing of the request!
I assume that all those who are complaining about students struggling with their fees will also be more than happy for every bank to instantly demand back every loan in arrears etc. After all, the damage that would do these peoples lives (let alone the economy) is minor compared to the disgrace of being in arrears! (That last paragraph was sarcasm in case anyone didn't pick up on).
Banks have a system for rescheduling debt, is it really beyond the university to be able to come up with something similar for the incredibly small minority who can't keep up the payments. (Or will that be beyond some of the brightest minds there). (Sorry, sarcasm again).
Amazing how many people haven't really read what is said in the article. At no point does it say anywhere that they want to avoid paying the tuition fees. The issue is more about how quickly they are being asked to pay back arrears and the timing of the request!
I assume that all those who are complaining about students struggling with their fees will also be more than happy for every bank to instantly demand back every loan in arrears etc. After all, the damage that would do these peoples lives (let alone the economy) is minor compared to the disgrace of being in arrears! (That last paragraph was sarcasm in case anyone didn't pick up on).
Banks have a system for rescheduling debt, is it really beyond the university to be able to come up with something similar for the incredibly small minority who can't keep up the payments. (Or will that be beyond some of the brightest minds there). (Sorry, sarcasm again).
I know of misguided international students who have been promised easy part time jobs, relaxed tuition fees policies etc etc. and then they struggle to make ends meet once in the UK. The ones who make these promises? university representatives- who dont care so much for the students or their promises once they've got their commission!
I want to hunt down those representatives!
Im sure glad at least they have honest and sincere fellow students who really know fair from unfair.
I know of misguided international students who have been promised easy part time jobs, relaxed tuition fees policies etc etc. and then they struggle to make ends meet once in the UK. The ones who make these promises? university representatives- who dont care so much for the students or their promises once they've got their commission!
I want to hunt down those representatives!
Im sure glad at least they have honest and sincere fellow students who really know fair from unfair.
[quote][bold]Steve[/bold] wrote:
If they cant afford the fees then they shouldnt go to Uni. Have they heard of part time jobs ? How will they get on in life once they have finished studying for their degree in potato growing or the study of dandelions ![/quote] Lets see how much expendable income you have working a part time job.
Of course you'd probably then complain about all the 'immigrants' taking all the jobs in the city.
Steve wrote:
If they cant afford the fees then they shouldnt go to Uni. Have they heard of part time jobs ? How will they get on in life once they have finished studying for their degree in potato growing or the study of dandelions !
Lets see how much expendable income you have working a part time job.
Of course you'd probably then complain about all the 'immigrants' taking all the jobs in the city.
[quote][bold]liz[/bold] wrote:
if foreign students cant pay the fees on time ,then they should stay inthere own countries and study, we get no help if we lived abroad. [/quote] Yes, I can see how you might be worried by an influx of literate people from other parts of the world...
liz wrote:
if foreign students cant pay the fees on time ,then they should stay inthere own countries and study, we get no help if we lived abroad.
Yes, I can see how you might be worried by an influx of literate people from other parts of the world...
[quote][bold]Lecturer[/bold] wrote:
If - Capital I can't - apostrophe time, - placing of comma their - not there country - singular we would get - stick to the same tense. FAIL[/quote] How very cheap of you. Satisfied with yourself? Or just sickenly smug?
Lecturer wrote:
If - Capital I can't - apostrophe time, - placing of comma their - not there country - singular we would get - stick to the same tense. FAIL
How very cheap of you. Satisfied with yourself? Or just sickenly smug?
Posted by: Paul, Brighton Seafront on 7:58pm Wed 7 May 08
[quote][bold]liz[/bold] wrote:
if foreign students cant pay the fees on time ,then they should stay inthere own countries and study, we get no help if we lived abroad. [/quote] It is not unheard of for any student to fall behind on payments, whether they be 'native' or foreign students. It seems that the SU president believes that unrealistic deadlines have been set. No one is a winner if they are unable to take their exams and drop out without paying their fees. Some common sense is needed!
liz wrote:
if foreign students cant pay the fees on time ,then they should stay inthere own countries and study, we get no help if we lived abroad.
It is not unheard of for any student to fall behind on payments, whether they be 'native' or foreign students. It seems that the SU president believes that unrealistic deadlines have been set. No one is a winner if they are unable to take their exams and drop out without paying their fees. Some common sense is needed!
Posted by: newsjiffy, London on 10:09pm Thu 8 May 08
Quite disappointing how some people will take any chance to have a pop at students. Some people who study at Sussex are going to go on to work in medicine and social care, a bit more important than "the study of dandelions".
As a former Sussex student, I wish Luqman all the best.
Quite disappointing how some people will take any chance to have a pop at students. Some people who study at Sussex are going to go on to work in medicine and social care, a bit more important than "the study of dandelions".
As a former Sussex student, I wish Luqman all the best.
Foreign students come here because there aren't opportunities for study at home and pay a premium here which the UK universities depend on. We need them. They're not allowed by their visas to work more than a few hours a week so cannot simply work to pay fees.
That having been said there are a few whose finances do not work out and find they're unable to pay fees. In these cases its right for the university to stop then building up debts they can never repay.
Foreign students come here because there aren't opportunities for study at home and pay a premium here which the UK universities depend on. We need them. They're not allowed by their visas to work more than a few hours a week so cannot simply work to pay fees.
That having been said there are a few whose finances do not work out and find they're unable to pay fees. In these cases its right for the university to stop then building up debts they can never repay.
Posted by: Matt, Brighton on 10:36am Sat 10 May 08
I think this shows hows ridiculously uninformed the general population are. Week after week I have to read comments which amount to absolute doggerel because people have no idea about what they are moaning about.
The article clearly states that this is about foreign students who run into financial difficulty. It's not about people trying to freeload.
Frankly, I'd like to see anyone of these detractors study in a foreign country - perhaps one in Europe, not to mention one on a different continent - and then try to survive when they are told they can't study anymore because they haven't the means to pay.
To invoke a colloquial saying: I think most people would die on thier arse.
I think this shows hows ridiculously uninformed the general population are. Week after week I have to read comments which amount to absolute doggerel because people have no idea about what they are moaning about.
The article clearly states that this is about foreign students who run into financial difficulty. It's not about people trying to freeload.
Frankly, I'd like to see anyone of these detractors study in a foreign country - perhaps one in Europe, not to mention one on a different continent - and then try to survive when they are told they can't study anymore because they haven't the means to pay.
To invoke a colloquial saying: I think most people would die on thier arse.
Posted by: Rosie, Brighton on 1:51pm Sat 10 May 08
I would like to add that alot of people don't seem to fully understand the situation. The particular students that we are supporting come from developing countries and have worked hard to be here. The circumstances under which they can't pay their fees are extreme, for example Luqman's sponser died. He is very dedicated and hard working, arguably more than alot of British students, and is definitely appreciative of the opportunities a university education here will give him. Why not share some of the opportunities we get given on a plate in the West with people who can potentially make a difference in the world by taking this education back with them, to help rectify the difficulties in their countries with intelligence? Although our protests may well be fruitless in the face of well-established bureaucracy, should we not show our humanity? I sincerely hope that not everyone holds the view that these students have come to England for a free ride, or if so I hope this has made you reconsider those views.
I would like to add that alot of people don't seem to fully understand the situation. The particular students that we are supporting come from developing countries and have worked hard to be here. The circumstances under which they can't pay their fees are extreme, for example Luqman's sponser died. He is very dedicated and hard working, arguably more than alot of British students, and is definitely appreciative of the opportunities a university education here will give him. Why not share some of the opportunities we get given on a plate in the West with people who can potentially make a difference in the world by taking this education back with them, to help rectify the difficulties in their countries with intelligence? Although our protests may well be fruitless in the face of well-established bureaucracy, should we not show our humanity? I sincerely hope that not everyone holds the view that these students have come to England for a free ride, or if so I hope this has made you reconsider those views.
Posted by: Paula, Alfriston, Sussex on 9:38pm Sun 11 May 08
I feel really moved to read about students caring so much about fellow students from other countries - what a very refreshing attitude. These are international students who have fallen into financial difficulties since beginning their studies, and who are asking for a reasonable timescale for repaying debts - they are not requesting to freeload. International students pay colossal fees, and it might be difficult for them to pay back arrears immediately. All of this stress must make sitting exams at the moment even harder.
I feel really moved to read about students caring so much about fellow students from other countries - what a very refreshing attitude. These are international students who have fallen into financial difficulties since beginning their studies, and who are asking for a reasonable timescale for repaying debts - they are not requesting to freeload. International students pay colossal fees, and it might be difficult for them to pay back arrears immediately. All of this stress must make sitting exams at the moment even harder.
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