Colleagues may be aware that Southampton was mentioned in an edition of Dispatches on Channel 4 yesterday evening (Monday 26 February) related to university expenses, following references in the media over the weekend.
Yesterday, we detailed the University’s response given to the makers of the programme regarding expenses – part of which was used during last night’s broadcast. The programme also made reference to student hardship, using a current Southampton student as a case study.
The University did respond directly to Dispatches prior to broadcast regarding this part of the programme but they unfortunately did not use any part of our statement, despite our insistence they do so.
Here is our statement to Dispatches:
Tuition fees and maintenance loans are not funded by universities and the linkage to legitimate expenses is wholly misleading. But we are very concerned to hear that any student might find themselves working long hours to cover their cost of living. We would encourage all students experiencing financial hardship to access the University’s experienced and trained advisors to help address these issues, and seek to access the significant direct and discretionary funding that the University makes available to those experiencing financial hardship, and which does not require repayment by the student.
More information about the financial support and guidance available to students experiencing hardship is available by clicking here.
