Million Plus

MillionPlus, the Association for Modern Universities, has today (13 December) welcomed the new report ‘Homeward Bound: Defining, understanding and aiding ‘commuter students’’ published by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI).

Dr Greg Walker, Chief Executive of MillionPlus, said:

“This is an excellent report from HEPI, shining a light on an all too often forgotten aspect of higher education. In order to meet the countries productivity and social mobility challenges, it is vital to support educational opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. Modern universities are very experienced in engaging with and supporting students who do not live on or close to campus, often older students or those studying part-time while in work.

“As the report demonstrates, these students need particular thought and consideration to ensure that the distance they need to travel to their university is not a barrier to them achieving successful outcomes. There are valuable lessons to learn from these experiences, which should help other universities meet the needs of their commuter students.

“The report should also encourage politicians, policymakers and the media to focus on the diversity of our university population and avoid assuming that higher education is only for 18-year olds leaving school for a full-time experience.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

• For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Dan Blows on 020 7717 1658 or email press@millionplus.ac.uk
• MillionPlus is the Association for Modern Universities in the UK, and the voice of 21st century higher education. We champion, promote and raise awareness of the essential role and impact of modern universities in the UK’s world-leading higher education sector. More information can be found at www.millionplus.ac.uk
• What are modern universities? Modern universities are long established centres of higher education in their communities with roots that stretch back decades, if not centuries. Many gained university title following legislation agreed by parliament in 1992. They make up almost half of the UK university sector with over a million students studying at modern universities every year.
• Modern universities: key facts 2018