After an extremely turbulent year involving education reform on university funding and student fees, UK higher education institutions are joining together to celebrate the benefits that UK universities have on society in Britain, this week. June 13-19 2011, marks the second annual 'University Week', a national campaign which last year gathered the support of 110 institutions, high-profile individuals, backing from business leaders, and a great deal of national and regional media attention. The campaign aims to demonstrate the wide-reaching impact of UK universities on the community, its businesses, and the future of the UK while simultaneously dispelling cynical views that universities exclusively benefit themselves and the individual.As students across the country prepare to graduate in the coming weeks this national campaign invites current 'graduands' to celebrate, with their institution, the wonderful university experience they have had, to promote the benefits of higher education and to offer advice as to how UK universities may be improved.
Sally Hunt, General Secretary of the University and College Union (UCU) said: "The UK higher education system is one of our crown jewels. It commands respect the world over thanks to the expert level of teaching and the high quality research our universities deliver. Our proud international record is one that must be celebrated and enhanced, and Universities Week is a great way to do that".
Supporters of 'University Week' are extensive; from sports personalities to famous musicians and actresses, people across the country are uniting to draw attention to the benefits of university, the invaluable opportunities it poses for the individual and the unrivalled social advantages it produces for the local community. The aim of the week is to not only highlight the social as well as economic benefits of UK universities but also to encourage UK institutions to be more vocal about their community and outreach work. 'University Week' supporters are hoping to inspire all higher education institutions to continue the work that they are doing to improve access for students from poorer backgrounds in the aftermath of the confirmed rise in university tuition fees earlier in the year.
UK Universities add at least £?1.31 billion a year in value to UK society in the form of health, well being and citizenship. This is just one of the findings of new research conducted ahead of 'University Week' by independent think-tank NEF, The National Economic Foundation. According to NEF universities also play a significant role in British political engagement, social mobility and volunteering.
Manchester Metropolitan University has facilitated above average social mobility in the local area, through catering to local course demands, outreach programmes and offering opportunities for part time students; the social value of which is around £147 million a year. Similarly, the University of Warwick is currently generating around ??28.6 million of value in cultural enrichment a year through the popularity of the Warwick Arts Centre. Warwick University is also heavily involved in cultural enrichment through volunteering; one strand of its student volunteering programme includes working with primary schools to improve reading, thereby allowing local children to meet international students from a variety of cultures.
'University Week' also aims to highlight concerns involving higher education for students and parents alike. Already this week, after speaking to people across the country, campaigners have confirmed that a shocking one third of parents admit to having little or no understanding of the new university fees system. This revelation, one of the most significant to be unearthed from the campaign thus far, supports the findings of a survey of 45 University Vice-Chancellor's, carried out by Universities UK ahead of 'University Week', of which 95.5% said that they felt that there was a significant misunderstanding on fees.
Steve Smith, President of Universities UK addressed this finding, saying: "The need for clear and accessible communication on the new fees system is absolutely paramount". This is just one of the concerns that University Week aims to highlight in its bid to demonstrate the 'œincredibly important' role that universities play in society.
Elise, GRB Journalist
