million+ calls for universities to adopt a unified approach in lobby for more funding
The Chief Executive of the university think-tank million+ has called for a more unified approach in the campaign by universities to win more public funding in a speech given to the Association of University Administrators (AUA) Annual Planning Forum at Warwick University today.
Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of the university think-tank million+ said: “Diversity of mission has for too long been used as an excuse to perpetuate inequities in funding regimes and reputations. This is simply not in the interests of the majority of students.
“The big challenge for the sector is to agree on key principles and public funding needs and to then campaign on a concerted basis with all stakeholders. This has to include voters and in a pre-election period parliamentary candidates, whose support is crucial if universities are to gain the public funding that they need in the future.
“This lobby should be based on the unassailable principles that all universities must be well-funded for teaching, research and knowledge transfer and that all students, full-time and part-time alike, are entitled to a holistic student support system.
“Finally universities should be clear with Ministers, Shadow Ministers and the Treasury that the Government does need to borrow to invest in the future of higher education. Universities are a fundamental driver of economic growth and social inclusion and they are worth borrowing for.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- million+ is a leading university think-tank, working to solve the complex problems in higher education. www.millionplus.ac.uk
- For more information please contact Victoria Mills on 0207 7171655 or 07900 277819