Wendy,
The point Bryan is making is that whilst genuine financial pressures, of
whatever nature, are of concern, they cannot be 'mitigating
circumstances' which account for failure. Circumstances? yes, of
course. Mitigating? No. Simply, they are reasons for failure, not
excuses. I've heard it said in a Review Board meeting: there is no
point in 'working through college' if the student doesn't/can't keep the
academic side of the contract to which she or he is committed.
MY answers to your questions:
> But what is your solution if a student simply cannot earn sufficient
> in the hours left after educational needs are met?
>
Answer: a fully flexible study pattern which makes the phrase 'hours
left after educational needs are met' redundant. A reduction (where
appropriate) in the commitment demanded by the institution, thereby
lengthening the duration of study for an award, but increasing the
earning capacity of the individual. True lifelong learning, if you wish,
in which education is not 'time out' from reality, but an intrinsic part
of it.
> Secondly this is exacerbated where a student is not receiving their
> parental contribution. What do you do there?
>
Difficult one this, but my answer, as uncomfortable as it would have
made me, is that parental contribution should be removed from the
equation. Parents who wish to give their offspring financial help
always will, but I would rather see the assessment of parental income
removed. Students from different economic backgrounds will never be
equal, but it doesn't mean we shouldn't treat them as such.
> Thirdly not everyone can manage their money. The inability to do so
> apparently has nothing to do with academic ability or with level of
> income or status in society or with being free thinking and
> intelligent
> etc. What do you do with a very able student who cannot manage money?
>
You initiate, alongside your other Key Skills and Employability
modules, a programme of financial management options which look at the
practicalities of personal financial management, the management of
budgets for student societies, earnings, investment and pensions
information, and anything else you might like to throw in.
Whilst we look at these things from different angles, we all
agree that because the environment is changing, we need to adapt the way
in which we do things. I am keen to win the flexible learning and key
skills debates on their academic merit rather than because of financial
imperatives. With respect to parental income, I suspect that the further
we move towards funding regimes based on credit, and of course, true
lifelong learning, the more incongruous 'parental contribution' will
become.
I also agree with John Sander that well run Student Employment Services
are become necessary. At Swansea, the Director of Careers Services is a
member of the Learning and Teaching Committee and his input is
invaluable.
Best wishes
Iestyn
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Iestyn G Henson
Administrative Assistant
University of Wales Swansea
Singleton Park Tel: 01792 295875
SWANSEA Fax: 01792 295157
SA2 8PP Email:
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