An important debate has taken place in the LPAC building on the University of Lincoln campus. The debate which was styled in a ‘Question Time’ format was held by Vice Chancellor Mary Stewart.
The debate was organised after students occupied a room in the University of Lincoln for several weeks, in protest at the rise in tuition fees. The occupation ended after they spoke to Mary Stuart, the university’s vice chancellor.
Along with Professor Stuart the panel members were: Chris Charnley, president of Lincoln’s Student Union; Jack Dobson, a journalism student and a representative of the Lincoln occupation group; and Richard Keeble, a lecturer at the University who was acting as head of the Lincoln School of Journalism.
The debate started with each panel member giving a five minute speech followed by answering pre-submitted questions.
Chris started the debate off explaining the importance of fighting the cuts; he declared the Student Unions view on it is clear.
Professor Keeble talked about the importance of taking action; he suggested a more political approach.
Jack Dobson spoke about the significance of unity in this fight against cuts, he wants a unified Lincoln University to fight against the rising tuition fees.
The vice chancellor was passionate and explained cuts have already taken place, and that we should now ‘look at the facts’.
The discussion continued while questions were being answered.
Richard Keeble added: “It is difficult for universities to help disadvantaged students; this is a serious disadvantage. In most European countries you don’t pay or pay a lot less for tuition fees. Students will go away from England and will study on the continent; there is little incentive for them to stay here.”
The Student Union’s president Chris Charnley concentrated on students expecting ‘a higher quality service’ because they are paying ₤9,000 a year in comparison to a student who paid ₤3,000 a year.
He said: “We need to ensure these students who are paying more can expect more as well.” He added “We should embrace it as an opportunity to provide this.”
The vice chancellor gave a passionate speech about the importance of higher education. She declared that there is a group of vice chancellors who are concerned about the cuts that are coming.
She said: “The state has paid for your education and if you don’t pay it back, jolly good they should pay!
She continued: “We are clever people, let’s be clever, let’s do it the higher education way”.
The vice chancellor is suggesting a new campaign, where the media should be shown another image of the anti-cuts movement.
She finished with asking: “Are you with me?”