Statement in response to the Guardian article on cuts to staff and courses

On 21 March 2018 an article was published by the Guardian entitled ‘Open University plans major cuts to number of staff and courses’. This is a statement from your Association President, Nicola Simpson.



An update was made to the end of this article on Monday 26 March 2018.

Following the publication of this article, we call on the Vice-Chancellor – as a matter of urgency – to publicly reassure students by providing clarity on the various issues raised in the article and by providing assurances that both current students, and new students signing up for qualifications, this October will be able to complete their studies in a timeframe suitable for them. We also seek confirmation from the Vice-Chancellor on the timescales for when full information on the proposed curriculum changes will be made publicly available.



We have delivered a strong and consistent message to the University that transparency is essential, in line with the principles of the Student Charter to which the University and the Association subscribe. We therefore continue to strongly urge the University to ensure that students are actively involved and fully consulted in discussions and decision-making on any proposed changes to the future curriculum and the future teaching principles and methods.



Whilst we do recognise that there is a need for change, we call on the Vice-Chancellor to safeguard student interests by maintaining a broad curriculum, by maintaining the quality of qualifications and by ensuring that the teaching methods continue to support the University’s core mission of being open to people, places, methods and ideas.



On curriculum – we want a protected and extended ‘teach-out’ period for students currently studying modules and qualifications which are to be removed from the future curriculum. We recommend a minimum notice period of two years for the removal of a module in order to provide a level of flexibility for students. The ‘teach-out’ period needs to recognise that students complete their studies on differing timelines and no student should be disadvantaged or forced to study to a timeframe which does not suit them.



On teaching – we want the University to continue to provide ‘blended’ learning through a combination of both printed materials for those students who need or want them, and digital content when students would benefit from technological advancements. Students place a very high value on their relationships with tutors. Access to a named tutor and high quality tuition must be maintained as part of the teaching strategy at The Open University. Online and face-to-face tuition should continue to be available, both for the value they bring to students learning experience and in building student community. This blended learning approach will ensure that the University continues to be open and accessible for all students.



In this time of change, we want the University to continue doing the things that have made it the supportive and nurturing institution that it is today and that are fundamental to its core mission.

Nicola Simpson

President

Open University Students Association

Update: On Friday 23 March 2018 The Open University posted a statement addressing students.