Education convention discusses student issues

Food prices, the condition of the Humanities building and overcrowding on campus were some of the issues debated at the Education Convention on November 18.

Participants had the opportunity to question University representatives during a question and answer session.

The panel included Shirley Crookes, head of Student Support; Robin Greene, head of the library, Roger Leng, member of the Board of Undergraduate Studies, and Tony Howard, director of Food and Retail Strategy.

Food prices on campus, particularly the cost of lunch, was the first issued raised.

Tony Howard said the University understands students are “hostage” to campus when it comes to buying food and drink.

He added that as much is being done as possible to cut costs for students with the Eating at Warwick card offering a ten percent reduction and plans for dining plans to be introduced in certain outlets.

It was also pointed out that the cost of milk at Costcutter is 49p in comparison to Tesco at 55p.

The closing of campus facilities during holidays was raised by postgraduate students. Tony Howard said that the Humanities
Café stayed open over most of the summer and certain outlets are to stay open during Christmas.

Concerns were also voiced about the housing crisis which affected 200 postgraduate students.

Shirley Crookes said: “We weren’t really geared up for it in quit the way we expected.” She then stated that first-year accommodation is no longer a guarantee.

Representatives confirmed that Warwick is proposing to build more residences in the future.

Robert Leng announced that the University are looking to resolve overcrowding in lectures with the installation of video capture technology.

Students equally voiced their discontent with the poor condition of the Humanities building.

Robert Leng promises that its refurbishment is “the next big project”. Representatives stated that the University has even discussed its demolishment.

There are also plans for the building of a new large lecture theatre.

Other issues raised included exam feedback and timetabling, postgraduate teachers’ pay, support for part-time students and course changes at the Medical School.

Erin Davies, education officer at the Students’ Union, was pleased with the success of the convention.

She said: “The questions asked by the students really got to the heart of student issues.”

However, she does hope that more students attend in the future: “I think it’s a fantastic opportunity… events like this can really make a difference to the student experience.”

A second Education Convention is due to take place next term.