Read: CPC23 - Purpose Coalition kicks off Conference exploring how universities can better support students to thrive at university
A groundbreaking report which assesses students’ basic needs was launched today at an event hosted by Staffordshire University and the Purpose Coalition on the first day of the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester.
The discussion, Student Success: What do students need to survive and thrive at university?, featured panel members Rt Hon Justine Greening, Chair of the Purpose Coalition and former Education Secretary, Professor Annabel Kiernan, Pro-Vice Chancellor Academic at Staffordshire University and Jo Gideon, MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central.
At a time of renewed debate on the value of a university education, as well as the financial investment required from both institutions and individuals, there should also be a clearer focus on what is required to support an individual so that they can fully engage and benefit from their academic experience at university. This new pilot study, Developing a UK Measure of Students’ Basic Needs, has collected a range of data on students’ needs on campus, providing an evidence base to help shape meaningful interventions and support services which can also be used by other universities to develop effective impacts.
Speaking at the event, Jo Gideon MP said “I am delighted to be on the panel today as I wanted to support the work of the Purpose Coalition and Stafforshire University which is at the heart of the levelling up agenda. Levelling up is all about aspiration - Staffordshire University offers the skills of tomorrow - the courses are all there and all right, but you can't get on if you are struggling with food insecurity or mental health”
Speaking at the event Professor Annabel Kiernan, Pro-Vice Chancellor Academic at Staffordshire University “Many universities are seeing first-hand the effect of learner insecurities on students’ engagement and outcomes which can take the form of financial, food or housing insecurity. Many students experience all three. They affect their experience and achievement at university but can also produce wider impacts, for example on mental ill-health and poor wellbeing, which can have long-lasting effects beyond their university years and can prove to be significant barriers to opportunity.
“The cost-of-living crisis has hit students particularly hard. The report shows that 93% are worried about it, with one in three ‘only just coping’. Nearly two thirds have gone without food when they were hungry at least once in the last year. Many experience poor quality housing, with a quarter reporting moving home between three and five times within a single year. Seven in ten had reduced their social activities due to financial constraints, with two thirds having to ask family or friends to help cover food costs or bills.
“As anchor institutions, universities play a key role in promoting opportunity in this country. Providing the right support is essential, particularly for those whose students come from disadvantaged backgrounds, to ensure that higher education is transformative for the individual, for communities and for the region.”
