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Vice-Chancellor to give evidence to Parliamentary Committee on ELQ funding
4 January 2008
Professor Brenda Gourley - the University's Vice-Chancellor - has been called to give evidence to the Parliamentary Innovation, Universities and Skills Committee on Thursday, January 17 on the ELQ issue. The IUS Committee examines the administration, expenditure and policy of the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, which has ordered the ELQ funding change.
The inquiry will focus on issues including:
- the arguments for and against the Government's decision to phase out support given to institutions for ELQ students;
- the impact on students;
- the exemptions from the withdrawal of funding that have been proposed.
The University has also submitted written evidence to the committee that outlines the flaws in the policy and the issues around its timing. Representatives of Birkbeck College, London (which is also affected by the plans), the University and College Union, and the National Union of Students will also be giving oral evidence to the Committee.
Students and staff are still being encouraged to sign the Downing Street petition before the Committee takes oral evidence to show the weight of support against the ELQ funding changes. To sign the petition, go to http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/ELQFunding/
You do not have to be a student to sign the petition; staff, friends and family can also sign it if they wish.
See the University's reaction to the announcement of the Select Committee inquiry: http://www3.open.ac.uk/media//fullstory.aspx?id=12459.
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