Students' union '˜disappointed' by Hastings university plans

The students' union is '˜disappointed' by the plans for the Hastings university campus saying it will continue to ensure their voice is heard.
Protest against the closure of University of Brighton's Hastings campus in May. SUS-160514-140759001Protest against the closure of University of Brighton's Hastings campus in May. SUS-160514-140759001
Protest against the closure of University of Brighton's Hastings campus in May. SUS-160514-140759001

University of Brighton released a statement yesterday (Thursday, November 24) laying out the draft proposals for a ‘university centre’ at Sussex Coast College.

No staff or courses would stay in the town with everything either moved to another campus or closed, but higher education programmes would be run by the college with the university acting as a validator.

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Brighton Students’ Union said it will work ‘even harder’ to fight for the students and make sure the university is committed to expected standards.

“The students’ union position has always been that we wish to see the campus remain open as part of the UoB, with an increased investment in student accommodation and student facilities,” a statement said.

“From our understanding the future of the campus was due to be discussed at the board of governors on Friday, December 16, and we are surprised that this statement has been released in advance of those discussions.

“Brighton Students’ Union has been developing a strategy to ensure the quality of the education at the Hastings campus is maintained.

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“We will be helping students take action where the student experience does not meet student’s expectations.

“Given these recent developments we will be working even harder to ensure the students in Hastings voices are heard and that the university is committed to providing a quality experience in Hastings until the final students have graduated.”

A paper to be considered by UoB’s academic board details the ambition to continue higher education provisions in the town with courses delivered by Sussex Coast College Hastings.

The plans come after a three-month public consultation which ended at the end of October and discussions between the university and the college.

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UoB deputy vice-chancellor Professor Chris Pole said: “We have released these details now as we feel it is important to have transparency around the final stages of the decision-making process.

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