Student Rights: Consumer Rights?

11th December 2007 | University of London Union

Cost: £25 per delegate

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Exploring the notion of students as consumers and the marketisation of education.

Featuring:

• The launch of NUS’ new National Student Charter

• Keynote address from Minister for Students, Lord Triesman

• A range of interactive workshops and debates, featuring a range of speakers including MP’s, think tanks, academics and trade unionists

The introduction of student fees and the increasing costs of maintenance mean that higher education requires a greater financial investment from individual students and their families than ever before. In a public policy environment that requires students to pay more, this conference investigates the implications for students’ unions, institutions and the student experience itself.

• Are students now consumers?
• Are students’ rights now consumer rights?
• Now that students are paying more, do they expect more? Do they deserve more?

The day will feature a keynote address from Lord Triesman, in his first major speech to a student audience as Minister for Students. There will also be workshops and panel debates looking at the issues leading up to the 2009 review of fees in England around costs, debts and markets, the situation facing part time students and work based learners, the changing relationship between students and lecturers, and the implications of a consumer culture for less popular courses.

In addition, we will launch NUS’ new National Student Charter and explore how you can use the charter locally to defend and extend students’ rights, and oppose student contracts.