Colleagues
Reading the HEFCE Student Support Funding guidance for 2002/03 (report
02/12) I was surprised to see that in para 36 it says that 'all
part-time FE students [in HEIs] should therefore be able to apply for
help from the HE Hardship Fund, and should not have to be studying on a
50% or more FTE course to qualify'. This seems to raise concerns about
parity with HE students, as well as more practical issues. Does this
mean that anyone attending an evening or short course lasting a few
weeks can apply?
Looking at the Hardship Fund guidance itself in section 2 for
clarification, the 50% of a FT course qualification is still there (para
4), without any exemption for FE students.
We have significant numbers of FE students, and we are seeking further
clarification from HEFCE. Does anyone else see this as an issue?
David Toynbee
Deputy Registrar
The London Institute
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