This group is maintained on behalf of the Open University Students Assocation in Scotland.
We will use it to bring you news and information on what is happening within your Assocation. Please also feel free to use it to communicate with OUSA in Scotland and "meet" other OU students within Scotland.
OUSA in Scotland is governed by an elected Assembly of student representatives. Elections take place in late Summer each year (although 2011 may be a little later) and any OU student resident within Scotland is entitled to stand for election. In addition to our elected members we also have some observer members who generally are student representatives on OU in Scotland committees who have not stood for election to the Assembly.
Assembly leadership and administration is undertaken by an Executive which is also made up of elected student representatives. These elections take place concurrently with the main Assembly elections. We will bring you news of the next round of elections here once nominations open. As an OU student in Scotland, you could be part of our Assembly.
The OUSA in Scotland Assembly has the following functions:
- to facilitate the representation of OU students at a local and national level within the Open University and Higher Education sector
- to define national level OUSA policy
- to facilitate obtaining the widest possible student opinion and access to discussion and decision making in OUSA
- to provide an OUSA public face to OU events within Scotland (e.g. residential school, graduation)
- to support local OUSA Groups and Networks within Scotland.
You can contact OUSA in Scotland on executive@ousa-in-scotland.org.uk or visit our online fourms at http://learn.open.ac.uk/mod/resourcepage/view.php?id=566353.
Our websites http://www.ousa-in-scotland.org.uk or http://www.open.ac.uk/ousa/ contain more information on OUSA.
You can also find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=114085388633021&v=wall.
Scottish Islands Student Group - Stornoway
OUSA's Scottish Islands Group organises informal student meet ups on the first Saturday of each month in the Woodlands Cafe, Stornoway at 3pm. Please contact Jane js23992@my.open.ac.uk for full details. Please also contact Jane for further information on the Scottish Islands Group, especially if you would be interested in a meet up on another island. contact: Jane js23992@my.open.ac.uk
NB: there will be no meet up in January. Regular monthly meets will recommence in February.
OUSA's Scottish Islands Group organises informal student meet ups on the first Saturday of each month in the Woodlands Cafe, Stornoway at 3pm. Please contact Jane js23992@my.open.ac.uk for full details. Please also contact Jane for further information on the Scottish Islands Group, especially if you would be interested in a meet up on another island. contact: Jane ...
OUSA Edinburgh Student Group - visit to Royal College of Surgeons
A date for your diary: Wednesday14th December, 6pm – 8pm The Museum at the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh. Come along and marvel at the exhibits, find out how things medical used to be – you might even meet the ghost of Dr Robert Knox, he who purchased cadavers from the notorious Burke and Hare!
A visit to the museum would be relevant to many Humanities courses, as well as to Science Modules. The building itself is worth a look, given the architect was William Playfair, and it is well situated near several suitable hostelries for a 'refreshment break' afterwards.
Please indicate your interest on the OUSA Edinburgh Social Group Forum at http://learn.open.ac.uk/mod/forumng/view.php?id=591533 (or to kittyjohnstone@yahoo.com)
A date for your diary: Wednesday14th December, 6pm – 8pm The Museum at the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh. Come along and marvel at the exhibits, find out how things medical used to be – you might even meet the ghost of Dr Robert Knox, he who purchased cadavers from the notorious Burke and Hare! A visit to the museum would be relevant to many Humanities courses, as ...
Scottish Islands Student Group - Skye
The OUSA Scottish Islands Student Group is planning an informal get together for students on Skye on the 26th November. The exact time and venue are still to be confirmed. Please contact Jane Smith at js23992@my.open.ac.uk for more information
The OUSA Scottish Islands Student Group is planning an informal get together for students on Skye on the 26th November. The exact time and venue are still to be confirmed. Please contact Jane Smith at js23992@my.open.ac.uk for more information contact: Jane js23992@my.open.ac.u start date: ...
Edinburgh Student Group social evening
Edinburgh Social Group now meets on two nights in the month; First Tuesday and Second Wednesday of every month, both meetings in Milne's Bar, Rose Street. Look for the OUSA notice on the table - or ask the Bar Staff. The table is booked from 5.30pm; some of our members come straight from work and have their evening meal in Milne's (it's good bar nosh, and not too ...
Looking for work experience?
Looking for Work Experience
A new programme to enable students in higher education to gain paid work experience within the third sector (social enterprises, voluntary organisations, co-operatives and mutuals) was launched at the end of last year. A joint initiative between the Open University, Queen Margaret University and the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, the programme will provide a variety of opportunities for students to gain valuable paid work experience whilst studying. It may be particularly useful for Open University students who are studying with a view to a career change. The first internships started in January 2011 and more will become available as the project takes off. For more information on the 4-year programme and what is on offer please visit http://www.3rdsectorintern.com/
19 new flexible part-time internships were added in October 2011. Posts are available in a variety of locations including Aberdeen, Stirling, Fife and the Central Belt.
Closing date for applications for the current internships is mid October - so hurry.
Looking for Work Experience A new programme to enable students in higher education to gain paid work experience within the third sector (social enterprises, voluntary organisations, co-operatives and mutuals) was launched at the end of last year. A joint initiative between the Open University, Queen Margaret University and the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, the programme ...
Edinburgh Social Group Pub Night - Wednesday
Edinburgh Social Group now meets on two nights in the month; First Tuesday and Third Wednesday of every month, both meetings in Milne's Bar, Rose Street. Look for the OUSA notice on the table - or ask the Bar Staff. The table is booked from 5.30pm; some of our members come straight from work and have their evening meal in Milne's (it's good bar nosh, and not too expensive; they are happy to serve tea and coffee, or even tap water - that's free - in addition to stronger beverages). The meetings usually keep going until the last member leaves!
If you are an OU Student you are, automatically, an OUSA member. You will be made welcome at either or both meetings, as will any carer, facillitator or best buddy should you wish, or require, assistance or company to and from the meetings. Milne's is an easily accessible pub, that's why it was chosen, but not all of our meetings are held there. Sometimes we go on academic outings, usually there is some kind of hostelry in close proximity to the venue (em, we're students, right?). We've been to the cinema for relevant-to-course films, we've been to castles, the Falkirk Wheel, even CAMRA festivals; suggestions for outings are always welcome, even more welcome is when the suggestor also organises the outing - but we'll all pitch in to help. The only stipulation is the event(s) should be accessible to as many students as want to attend.
If you want further details about OUSA meetings in the Edinburgh Area please e-mail kittyjohnstone@yahoo.com or look for us on Facebook, but neither is mandatory. You just have turn up.
Edinburgh Social Group now meets on two nights in the month; First Tuesday and Third Wednesday of every month, both meetings in Milne's Bar, Rose Street. Look for the OUSA notice on the table - or ask the Bar Staff. The table is booked from 5.30pm; some of our members come straight from work and have their evening meal in Milne's (it's good bar nosh, and not too expensive; they ...
OUSA Scotland September Newsletter
Welcome to the Autumn edition of the O U S A (Open University Students Association) in Scotland newsletter. As an O U student you are automatically a member of O U S A, the representative body for the O U’s students.
O U S A in Scotland’s primary responsibility is the representation of Scotland’s 16,000 O U students, both within the University and amongst other higher education sector agencies. We aim to ensure that the student voice is heard at all levels and that our viewpoint is taken into account during the decision making process.
There is also a social and support aspect to O U S A and a number of informal student groups have been established within Scotland for this purpose. Read on for further information on these groups and how you can become a part of O U S A in Scotland.
Dates for Your Diary
1st October Scottish Islands Student Group meet up at the Woodlands Cafe, Stornoway from 3pm. Contact Jane js23992@my.open.ac.uk.
4th October Edinburgh Social Group pub night at Milne’s Bar, Hanover St/Rose St from 6pm onwards. Contact Kitty kittyjohnstone@yahoo.com.
21st October Aberdeen and North East social evening at the Station Hotel, Aberdeen from 7.30pm. Contact Rob robmackay60@hotmail.com.
If you need this newsletter in another format please contact ousa@student.open.ac.uk
Student Groups
O U S A in Scotland has set up a number of informal student groups. These groups are all run on an informal basis by students for students and are free to join. Some of the groups have regular face to face meet ups, others operate by means of web forums whilst others use a mix of methods Being informal there is no requirement for officers and committee members so you can join in, safe in the knowledge that you will not get your arm twisted into taking on a committee position!. Take a look at what is on offer and get in touch with the relevant group co-ordinator if you would like to find out more.
Scottish Islands Group
Members of the Islands’ group have been continuing to enjoy speaking online with fellow students from their own and different islands. Students are able to share experiences and support each other. A wide variety of topics are discussed, ranging from personal interests to study issues. Sometimes we just enjoy a light hearted chat! This is a very friendly group and new members are always welcome. Students who join this group can access it in Shared Activities online forums, via the Student Home page.
Monthly social ‘meet ups’ have been taking place in Stornoway. Those of us who live on the Isle of Lewis have benefited from being able to get together with other students who live in the local area. These ‘meet ups’ take place on the first Saturday of every month in the Woodlands cafe at 3pm. The next one is due to take place Saturday the 1st of September. Please come along if you are interested. All students are welcome.
If you would like to arrange an O U 'meet up' for your island, please get in touch. A couple of our students from Mull and Skye are particularly keen to meet others who live nearby and would love for more students from these areas to get in contact.
If you would be interested in joining or would like more information about the ‘meet ups’ please email Jane Smith at js23992@my.open.ac.uk
Aberdeen and North East Scotland Social Group
This group aims to keep O U students in our area in touch with each other and support each other when the studying gets a little tough. You can ask local O U students about their own learning experiences, find out about courses you might like to try and find out more about local and national O U events. We also have occasional face-to-face social meetings in Aberdeen but we are open to suggestions about where and when to meet up. In the past we have had meals, concerts and hill-walks so please keep coming up with good ideas.
The next meeting is going to be on Friday, 21st October. It will be a post-exam social commencing at 7.30pm at the Station Hotel, Aberdeen. All O U students and friends are welcome.
You can contact the group through our forum on O U S A Scotland at http://learn.open.ac.uk/mod/forumng/view.php?id=591531 or contact me at robmackay60@hotmail.com
Rob Mackay 29.8.11
Edinburgh Social Group
The Edinburgh Social Group meets in Milne's Bar on Rose Street on the first Tuesday of each month. Our table is booked from 5.30; while most people arrive later, some of the group come straight from work and have a meal; having the table booked ensures we get one.
Getting together around the table at Milne's is a little like being in the Union at a brick University. The conversation(s) range from the weather (well, it is Scotland, after all) to course work, to where could we go for an outing, and all points in between.
Just as in the traditional Students' Union there is the opportunity to meet people from other faculties, and in so doing you might find new interests and supportive new friends. Members of the Group come from a variety disciplines and are of varied ages and backgrounds.
We are always open to new ideas for activities to be undertaken as a group or places of interest to visit. In the past, for instance, we've gone on visits to three different castles (pertinent to many disciplines) and sampled real ales at a C A M R A festival (not so pertinent to the studies, but enjoyable and interesting all the same). Come along and join in – we're in Milnes Rose Street Bar, usually with a notice printed with the O U logo and O U S A , and we'd love to welcome you whether you are a new student or an old hand. By the way, Milne's is accessible for people with mobility issues and there is an accessible toilet on the ground floor. In addition to alcoholic beverages they serve food, coffees and teas, and a range of soft drinks. Contact us on kittyjohnstone@yahoo.com.
Scottish Remote Students Group
What brings together students from Argyll, Caithness, Dumfries, Dundee, East Lothian, Highlands, Inner Hebrides, Outer Hebrides, Scottish Borders, and even ex-pats in North Africa?
Well apart from being remote to each other - they are all part of the O U S A Scottish Remote Students group. This is a group of O U students in Scotland - sixteen and growing - who regards themselves as being remote and want to keep in touch with other students. Whether to discuss the problems facing O U students in their locations - or situations; or to share experiences on their courses and find fellow students doing the same; or just to have an opportunity to let off steam - often when the only person that understands is at the other end of the inter web.
Broadband speed and availability, online courses, tutorial access, rurality reports and even the weather have been some of the more formal topics so far, but there are no limits to the imagination of this group or to membership.
Find us in the O U S A Forums for further details and to request to join at :
OUSA-STUDENTS ▶ OUSA Regional and national forums ▶ OUSA Scotland ▶ OUSA Scottish remote students group or http://learn.open.ac.uk/mod/forumng/view.php?id=591536.
O U S A Scotland Student Groups Contact Details
Aberdeen and North East Social Group Rob robmackay60@hotmail.com
Glasgow Social Group Amish aa6292@my.open.ac.uk
Edinburgh Social Group Kitty kittyjohnstone@yahoo.com
Proposed Inverness Social Group Keith keithgreene771@yahoo.ie
South West Scotland Student Network George gm266@my.open.ac.uk
Scottish Islands Group Jane js23992@my.open.ac.uk
Scottish Remote Students Group Stuart smw75@my.open.ac.uk
Scottish Disability Network Adrian afd22@my.open.ac.uk
Scottish L G B T T Network George gm266@my.open.ac.uk
Scottish Postgraduate Group George gm266@my.open.ac.uk
Scottish M C T Network George gm266@my.open.ac.uk
Scottish Arts Network Carole cpb45@my.open.ac.uk
Scottish MAC Users Group Ruth rt974@my.open.ac.uk
Scottish Photography Group Ruth rt974@my.open.ac.uk
Scottish Theatres Group Stuart smw75@my.open.ac.uk
Higher Education News
After what seems like a long wait the O U have announced their new fee structure for students registered in England. You may have seen references to these new fee levels of £2500 for a 60 point course. We must stress that these fees DO NOT apply to students registered in Scotland. Here in Scotland, the O U is funded directly by an organisation known as the Scottish Funding Council (S F C) which is the public body responsible for distributing Scottish Government funds to higher and further education institutions. The course fees that we as students pay, are subsidised by a grant that the OU in Scotland receives from the S F C. The equivalent public funding that the O U receives to subsidise students registered in England is being withdrawn and it is this that is leading to the massive fee increases. Fortunately the Scottish public funding will continue for the foreseeable future and we will not be subject to these increases. However, please do not forget that we will be subject to the usual annual inflationary rises.
There are transitional arrangements being put in place for current students affected by these changes to allow them to continue their studies at the current fee levels. However, there are quite strict criteria to qualify for the transitional fees. If you are likely to be moving to England in the near future we would strongly advise you to check out the details as soon as possible. Please see www8.open.ac.uk/study/explained/fees-2012/currently-studying for more information.
This would seem a good opportunity to remind you of some of the financial support that is available for students in Scotland.
Part-time Fee Waiver scheme
Available to students with a low household income to cover the full cost of course fees. It is not available for post-graduate and some professional courses. Apply directly to the O U in Scotland.
I L A 200
This is available to any student with a personal income of £22000 or less. It provides up to £200 towards your fees in any one year. Details available at www.ilascotland.org.uk.
Part-time Fee Grant (formerly known as I L A 500)
This provides up to £500 a year towards course fees for students with a personal income of £22000 or less and who are studying at least 40 credit points in the year. It is now administered by S A A S (Student Awards Agency Scotland). More information available at www.saas.gov.uk/student_support/special_circumstances/.
Anyone up for University Challenge?
To take your mind off T M As, E M As, exams and results why not apply to join the O U University Challenge team?
O U S A is now starting the process of organising a team for the next series of University Challenge, one of the most challenging quiz programmes currently on television. To be eligible to apply you need to be a current student of the Open University and expect to be studying next year.
If you fancy making an appearance on television, would enjoy the chance to flex those brain cells and the opportunity to enhance your university's reputation please email your name and PI number to s.j.carter@open.ac.uk who will keep your details on file and send you an application form when they become available later in the year.
Those interested will be asked to take part in O U S A's selection process, with the successful applicants being required to attend an interview and be available for filming if the team gets to the televised stage. More details will be posted once they become available.
Past Exam Papers
As we start to approach the main exam season you may find it helpful to have access to past papers for your course. Under an arrangement with the O U, O U S A is able to sell copies of many past papers with all proceeds going towards O U S E T (the student charity). Papers are available either as hard copy by post or as P D Fs for download. Please see http://www.open.ac.uk/ousa/exam_papers.php for more information and online ordering or order via the automated telephone service on 0870 013 4334. Prices start at £1.25 per paper. Due to copyright reasons, unfortunately papers are not available for all courses. Model answers are not provided.
O U S E T was established in 1982 to provide assistance to students in financial need but who did not qualify for any other means of financial support. For more details of who can benefit or to make a donation please see http://www.open.ac.uk/ousa/ouset.php.
Contacting O U S A in Scotland
Email: ousa-ecm-scotland@open.ac.uk or
regional-forum@ousascotland.org.uk
Telephone: 01908 652026
Post: O U S A in Scotland, P O Box 397, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6BE
Websites: www.ousa.org.uk and www.ousanearyou.org.uk/r11.htm
Facebook: www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=114085388633021
Platform: www8.open.ac.uk/platform/groups/open-university-students-association-in-scotland
Don’t forget to visit our online forums at http://learn.open.ac.uk/mod/resourcepage/view.php?id=566353
Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter from O U S A in Scotland.
If you require further information please do get in touch with us.
Welcome to the Autumn edition of the O U S A (Open University Students Association) in Scotland newsletter. As an O U student you are automatically a member of O U S A, the representative body for the O U’s students. O U S A in Scotland’s primary responsibility is the representation of Scotland’s 16,000 O U students, both within the University and amongst other higher ...
OUSA Vice President Equal Opportunities vacancy
Casual Vacancies on the Central Executive Committee - Now Open
Casual Vacancies on the Central Executive Committee - Now Open AUGUST 2011 CASUAL VACANCIES ON THE CENTRAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (C E C) 2011/2012 NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN Message sent on behalf of Trudi de Haney, General Manager & Returning Officer Dear Colleague Following recent resignations vacancies have arisen for Vice President Equal Opportunities and the ...
College courses count towards OU degrees
A partnership between the Open University and Kilmarnock College is giving its students the chance to study part time with the OU.
Kilmarnock College students can count credits from HNC, HND and other courses towards an OU degree.
And the opportunity is open to former Kilmarnock students no matter how long since they left the college.
Dr James Miller, director of The Open University in Scotland told the Kilmarnock Standard he was delighted to be working in partnership with the college.
He said: “It is particularly important in the current economic environment that students from the college are able to up-skill and re-skill and stay one step ahead in the labour market".
A partnership between the Open University and Kilmarnock College is giving its students the chance to study part time with the OU. Kilmarnock College students can count credits from HNC, HND and other courses towards an OU degree. And the opportunity is open to former Kilmarnock students no matter how long since they left the college. Dr James Miller, director of The Open ...
Anyone up for University Challenge?
To take your mind off TMAs, EMAs, exams and results why not apply to join the OU University Challenge team?
OUSA is now starting the process of organising a team for the next series of University Challenge, one of the most challenging quiz programmes currently on television. To be eligible to apply you need to be a current student of the Open University and expect to be studying next year.
If you fancy making an appeareance on television, would enjoy the chance to flex those brain cells and the opportunity to enhance your university's reputation please email your name and PI number to s.j.carter@open.ac.uk who will keep your details on file and send you an application form when they become available later in the year.
Those interested will be asked to take part in OUSA's selection process, with the successful applicants being required to attend an interview and be available for filming if the team gets to the televised stage. More details will be posted once they become available.
To take your mind off TMAs, EMAs, exams and results why not apply to join the OU University Challenge team? OUSA is now starting the process of organising a team for the next series of University Challenge, one of the most challenging quiz programmes currently on television. To be eligible to apply you need to be a current student of the Open University and expect to be ...
Become a Student Representative
Become a Student Representative
Would you like the opportunity to influence O U policy and be part of the student voice within the university? O U S A in Scotland is currently looking to recruit volunteer student representatives to join a number of O U committees and working groups. You would need an interest in representing student views, time to attend meetings and a willingness to be part of the O U S A in Scotland team. These are excellent opportunities to be a part of your university, network with other students and staff, and to gain experience for your C V.
These are key positions in O U S A as our representatives are the voice of Scotland’s 16,000 students. Previous experience is not required however. A training day is scheduled for 20th August and new representatives will be appointed to committees to serve alongside experienced reps for their first year.
Being a student representative on a committee entails attending meetings with O U staff, Associate Lecturers and other student representatives to present the collective student view to members of the committee. You will not be expected to work on a one to one basis with students or undertake other O U staff functions.
Any current O U student registered within Scotland is entitled to apply to be a student representative on the committees. Applications from new representatives are particularly welcome. Previous O U S A involvement is NOT a pre-requisite.
Most meetings are held in Edinburgh and travel expenses (and accommodation where necessary) are paid for all meetings attended.
Please contact us on ousa-ecm-scotland@open.ac.uk for more detailed information and an application form.
Closing date for receipt of completed applications is 31st July.
Become a Student Representative Would you like the opportunity to influence O U policy and be part of the student voice within the university? O U S A in Scotland is currently looking to recruit volunteer student representatives to join a number of O U committees and working groups. You would need an interest in representing student views, time to attend meetings and a willingness ...
OUSA in Scotland online
OUSA in Scotland now has a new suite of online forums available to registered OU students.
Visit us at http://learn.open.ac.uk/mod/resourcepage/view.php?id=566353 and say hello.
General OUSA forums are available at http://learn.open.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=6088 or via the OU Student association forums link in the Links menu on the left hand side of your Student Home page.
OUSA’s forums are open to all members of the O U community and are all moderated by students.
Whatever your interests, hobbies or areas of academic study you’ll find a forum here to suit you.
This is your opportunity to link up with fellow students in an informal setting; to be entertained, informed, share your thoughts and have some fun by taking part in a huge range of online discussions.
OUSA in Scotland now has a new suite of online forums available to registered OU students. Visit us at http://learn.open.ac.uk/mod/resourcepage/view.php?id=566353 and say hello. General OUSA forums are available at http://learn.open.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=6088 or via the OU Student association forums link in the Links menu on the left hand side of your Student Home ...
OUSA in Scotland May Newsletter
Here is the text from the April/May edition of the OUSA in Scotland Newsletter. If you would like to receive a formatted Word or PDF file please get in touch with us on regional-forum@ousascotland.org.uk.
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Welcome to the Spring newsletter of the O U S A (Open University Students Association) in Scotland. In this issue we bring you news of how we are using the forthcoming Scottish elections to increase awareness of part-time students and highlight the inequalities between part-time and full-time in the Scottish education system. Also in this issue is a call for you to tell us your experiences with online delivery of OU module (course) materials, a report from our recent conference the opportunity for you to be a member of our Executive Committee or Board of Trustees and news from our network of informal student groups.
Read on.
Kitty and Susan, your newsletter editors.
O U S A in Scotland Calls For Equality
Since our last newsletter events in the higher education world have moved on. As previously reported O U S A in Scotland took an active part in the Scottish Government consultation on the future of Higher Education in Scotland. As well as sending our representatives to consultation meetings we also submitted a formal written response to the consultation making a case for a better deal for our students. You can read our submission at http://www8.open.ac.uk/platform/news-and-features/ousa-in-scotlands-response-building-smarter-future.
As we now approach the election period, we are once again being given a prime opportunity to address our concerns to the politicians who will be governing our country. Although the main focus is on full-time students, the statements being issued by the main political parties that they will not introduce tuition fees for these students, shows us that in Scotland at least, the funding of higher education is still considered to be a state responsibility.
There is still a long way to go before we will have equality with our full-time colleagues and being realistic this is not going to happen in the immediate future. However, in the short term, we can still present a strong case for better government support of part-time education. In particular the I L A (Individual Learning Account) system could be reformed so that more students, including postgraduate students, are able to benefit from it. Part-time education will become increasingly important in the future as the need to up-skill and re-skill during our working lives becomes ever more essential. With its flexible model of delivery the Open University is going to be a key player.O U S A in Scotland has now produced our own election manifesto outlining the case for O U study and presenting a list of key requests, which will be emailed out to prospective parliamentary candidates. Top of this list is a call for eventual equality with our full-time equivalents. If you plan to question candidates in your area on education issues you may wish to obtain a copy. The O U in Scotland has also produced some useful “profiles” available at http://www3.open.ac.uk/near-you/Scotland/p9_4.asp showing the breakdown of students in each parliamentary constituency. If you are going to be attending hustings in your local area you may find these fact sheets very helpful.
Higher education is going to be a key issue in the election campaign. The main focus will inevitably be full-time students, but with four in ten higher education students in Scotland studying part-time, we need to ensure that we are not overlooked. Get in touch with us on regional-forum@ousascotland.org.uk if you wish a copy of our manifesto. We would welcome your involvement to raise the part-time student agenda in your own local area.
O U S A Conference Summary – wanted Charity Trustees
Thank you to all of those of you who gave up a weekend to attend the annual O U S A conference in Milton Keynes. Hopefully you found this a worthwhile experience. For those of you unable to attend we are able to bring a very brief summary of some of the most important points here.
This was the year that O U S A voted for a new constitution that will pave the way for us to become a registered charity. As registering as a charity is now a legal requirement for us, it was important that a constitution acceptable to the charity commissioners was adopted.
However, the work isn’t finished yet as the new constitution will be supported by a set of bye-laws detailing the day to day operations of the Association. A draft of the bye-laws is now available but further work is required to turn these into a final document. Like all aspects of the O U S A Futures project, consultation with students is a priority. A forum has been set up on the O U’s First Class online system for this purpose. To find this forum, log in to the First Class system, then click on Open University, then OU Students Association and then OUSA Signpost. You will find the forum OUSA Bye Laws Discussion in the resulting list.
As we move forward with becoming a charity we will require trustees. Our new constitution has provision for up to 2 student trustees who are not already members of its Central Executive Committee. Do you have the experience and skills to become a trustee of our Association? If so, please do get in touch with our office on ousa@student.open.ac.uk to request all the necessary information. All O U students are eligible to apply. Completed nomination forms must be returned to the O U S A office by the 16th May.
Central Executive Committee Member for Scotland - Casual Vacancy
Thank you to everyone who voted in the recent O U S A Executive Committee Member (E C M) elections and elected Ruth Tudor as your E C M for the coming year. Unfortunately, for us in Scotland, Ruth also got herself elected as Deputy President (congratulations Ruth) and will not be able to take up the E C M position. Therefore, a casual vacancy for E C M Scotland has been called. All current students in Scotland are entitled to stand for election.
This is an exciting and challenging voluntary position within O U S A. The postholder is a member of O U S A's Central Executive Committee (C E C) with specific responsibility for ensuring the representation of students within Scotland. They work closely with the O U S A in Scotland Assembly (of which they are an ex-officio member) to provide a communications channel between O U S A within Scotland and O U S A centrally.
Could this be you? For an application pack please contact the O U S A office on ousa@student.open.ac.uk or for an informal chat on what is involved please contact the previous postholder, Susan, on smb2@my.open.ac.uk. Completed nomination forms must be returned to the O U S A office by the 16th May.
O U S A in Scotland Electoral Register
Since the introduction of One Member One Vote for elections within Scotland, all current students in Scotland are now entitled to vote in the above E C M election. However, you do need to sign up to the electoral register beforehand. To do so, send an email to t.k.philemon@open.ac.uk (c.c. r.l.lambert@open.ac.uk) quoting your name, PI number, preferred email address and O U computer user name, and requesting to be added to the Scottish electoral register by the 24th May. If you have previously signed up to the register you do not need to sign up again.
News from our Student Groups
Read on for updates from our network of informal student groups across Scotland, and details of forthcoming events. All groups are run on an informal basis, are open to all OU students within Scotland and are free to join.
Aberdeen and North East Scotland Social Group
The Aberdeen and North East Social Group has two planned events coming up and everyone is welcome to join us. The first is on Saturday 14th May at 7.30pm at the Station Hotel, Aberdeen. At this event, Rob and Moira will report on National Conference which they attended in April. It is took place at Milton Keynes, the home of the O U, so it should be a very interesting report. There will also be plenty of time for sharing information about the courses you are doing and the opportunity to ask questions about anything and everything.
The second event is taking place on Friday June 10th when some of us are planning to visit the Aberdeen Beer Festival. A few of us went along last year and it was very enjoyable. It takes place down at Pittodrie, home of good football!, starting in the early evening. Again, this is an opportunity to meet some fellow students in a social setting. Please note that soft drinks are also available.
For further details please contact Rob Mackay at robmackay60@hotmail.com.
Edinburgh Social Group visit to Stirling Castle
I had some reading to do for my course and I had something enjoyable to look forward to so I decided to combine the two. On the way to Stirling for the Edinburgh Social Group meeting and tour of Stirling Castle I did some of my reading on the Citylink 909 bus from Edinburgh to Stirling (and on the return journey - honest).
We had an Educational Pass, being students on OU Courses, and had free entry to the Castle with access to guided tours and a Gallery Talk in the Tapestry Studio. The day covered many different course-relevant aspects: Art History, History, Geology, Geography, Social History, Meteorology and more. In fact Stirling is amazingly connected to a huge range of course work... and we went for a late lunch. There was a relatively low turn-out for this outing. Hopefully next time one of the O U S A Student Groups offers an Educational Outing there will be many more people who will take the opportunity to enhance their course work, have a great day out and meet fellow students face-to-face.
Have a look at the information on our Groups for contact details of a Group near you - for face-to-face meetings or virtual meetings of like minded fellow students. It's your OUSA, make the most of it.
C J (Edinburgh).
Scottish Islands Group
This is an informal group of O U students who live on Scottish islands. The purpose of this group is to gather a community of students who live in these islands. Students are able to share experiences, support each other and identify the specific issues that can affect their study with the O U. Students who join this group can access it in Shared Activities online forums, via the Student Home page.
We have recently started having social 'meet ups' in Stornoway. The next ones are due to take place in the Woodlands cafe on Saturday the 7th of May and 4th June at 11.30am. If you would be interested in arranging an O U 'meet up' for your island, please get in touch.
If you would be interested in joining or would like more information please contact Jane Smith at js23992@my.open.ac.uk.
OUSA Scotland Student Groups Contact Details
Scottish M C T Network George gm266@my.open.ac.uk
Scottish Arts Network Carole cpb45@student.open.ac.uk
Scottish Postgraduate Group George gm266@my.open.ac.uk
Scottish Disability Network Adrian afd22@my.open.ac.uk
Scottish L G B T T Network George gm266@my.open.ac.uk
Scottish Remote Students Group Stuart smw75@my.open.ac.uk
Scottish Islands Group Jane js23992@my.open.ac.uk
South West Scotland Student Network George gm266@my.open.ac.uk
Aberdeen and North East Social Group Rob robmackay60@hotmail.com
Glasgow Social Group Amish aa6292@my.open.ac.uk
Edinburgh Social Group Kitty kittyjohnstone@yahoo.com
Scottish MAC Users Group Ruth rt974@my.open.ac.uk
Scottish Photography Group Ruth rt974@my.open.ac.uk
Scottish Theatres Group Stuart smw75@my.open.ac.uk
Student Support from O U S A in Scotland
The Open University in Scotland provides all their Associate Lecturers (A Ls) with a useful folder with guidance re supporting their students. However, there may be a time when neither the A L nor the Support Team in the office can help. This is where the O U S A Student Support Service may be able to help you; I should have used the Student Support Service some years ago when they gave my T M A back to the tutor who had taken marks off for an error in a reference which was not the case, but I didn't know about the position.
Should you have an unresolved problem it could well be worth your while to contact us; we are all volunteer students living in disparate parts of Scotland and are studying a wide range of subjects. We even have a disability specialist amongst our team!
The Open University has been undertaking a wide review of Student Support and we may find that new things are introduced. The O U is very proud of its support for students and please, if you have any problems, don't hesitate to get in touch with your A L or the Support Team in Drumsheugh Gardens, and don't forget O U S A is here for you too!
We are currently in the process of setting up new ways to contact us. In the meantime you can contact us at regional-forum@ousascotland.org.uk.
Susan Scott – O U S A in Scotland Student Support Service
Move to Online Module Delivery
Are you concerned about the O U’s move towards delivery more of its module (course) materials online? Is this trend causing difficulties to your studies? Perhaps you prefer hard copy and are now faced with the additional cost of having to print out your own course material. Perhaps you do not have regular access to a computer, printer and internet at home. Perhaps you struggle to download materials over a very slow internet connection. Perhaps you are just not a natural with computer systems and find it all very confusing. Whatever your concerns, we want to hear from you.
O U S A in Scotland is becoming increasingly aware of the dissatisfaction some students are experiencing because of this move. We are about to start a campaign to raise awareness of these concerns to the O U in Scotland. To assist us with this work we need real stories from real students. Please get in touch on regional-fourm@ousascotland.org.uk or write to us at the Milton Keynes address and tell us about how online delivery is affecting you. Your experiences are important to us.
Get Your New O U Email Address
The O U is in the process of decommissioning its First Class online service and moving all module content on to a new system known as the V L E (Virtual Learning Environment).
As part of the decommissioning process our @student.open.ac.uk email addresses will cease to operate and will be replaced with new Google Apps based ones. However, you will not automatically be given one of the new style @my.open.ac.uk addresses as you need to sign up to it. To sign up for this service you will need to be a currently registered student. If you are “in between” modules you will need to wait until you register for your next module.
To get your new email address, go to http://learn.open.ac.uk/mod/oucontent/view.php?id=469447&direct=1 and click on the link that invites you to “Sign up for your Open University Google account”. As well as email you will also have access to other features of the Google Apps for Education service.
Contacting O U S A in Scotland
Email: regional-forum@ousascotland.org.uk or ousa@student.open.ac.uk
Telephone: 01908 652026
Post: O U S A in Scotland, P O Box 397, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6BE
Websites: www.ousa.org.uk and www.ousanearyou.org.uk/r11.htm
Facebook: www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=114085388633021
Platform: www8.open.ac.uk/platform/groups/open-university-students-association-in-scotland
Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter from O U S A in Scotland.
If you require further information please do get in touch with us.
Here is the text from the April/May edition of the OUSA in Scotland Newsletter. If you would like to receive a formatted Word or PDF file please get in touch with us on regional-forum@ousascotland.org.uk. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Welcome to the Spring newsletter of the O U S A (Open University Students Association) in Scotland. In this ...
OUSA in Scotland calls for equality
OUSA (Open University Students Association) in Scotland has called upon Prospective Scottish Parliamentary Candidates to work towards equality of funding for all Higher Education students in Scotland.
Most of the political parties within Scotland are committing not to introduce tuition fees for full-time university students. However, part-time students still pay fees and there have been no election promises made to improve the financial support that we receive.
OUSA in Scotland has produced a manifesto outlining the case for OU part-time study and making a number of requests to the candidates. Four in ten higher education students in Scotland study part-time. We are a significant part of the education sector and awareness of the lack of equality between part-time and full-time needs to be raised. Prospective Scottish Parliamentary Candidates have now been emailed with the following.
The Benefits and Values of Part-time Study, with the Open University
- · Social inclusion – the OU is underpinned by the fundamental principle of guaranteed open access regardless of educational, social or cultural background.
- · Lifelong learning – part-time education provides the way forward for improving the workforce skill base and hence the country’s prosperity.
- · Value to society – OU students can continue to work whilst studying and contribute to the economy hence reducing the cost of their education to the government.
- · Flexibility – OU study is suitable for all, regardless of where they live and their personal circumstances. Modular provision means students choose the intensity of study to fit around their life. Amount of study can be varied over the course of their degree as their circumstances change. The unique “Open” degree provides a qualification tailored to the needs of the learner.
- · Quality - the Open University is renowned for the quality of its teaching materials and student support, unlike other distance learning providers. The OU is consistently at the top end of the annual National Student Survey. The Open University in Scotland has been ranked first for overall satisfaction in Scotland since the National Student Survey began in 2005.
- · Financial – mature students with a family are unlikely to be able to afford to stop work to attend full-time traditional university.
Did you know
- · Four in Ten higher education students in Scotland study part-time
- · Part-time higher education in Scotland is NOT free – unlike our fulltime counterparts we still pay tuition fees
- · Students earning more than £22,000 receive NO financial support
- · Students qualifying for an ILA (earning less than £22,000) but studying at less than 0.33 FTE receive only a maximum of £200 per year towards fees
- · Postgraduate fees receive no government subsidy
- · No part-time fee waiver available for postgraduate study
- · Many MSPs have studied with the OU over the years
As part of the “Scottish Solution” to higher education, the Open University Students Association requests that the new Scottish Government :
- · Works towards equality in funding for all higher education students regardless of mode of study.
- · Enhances the ILA scheme to allow more students to claim realistic amounts towards their course fee. This enhancement to take into account actual course fees, minimum study intensity and the income threshold. Ensure that both the amount claimable and salary threshold, increase in line with the rate of inflation.
- · Provides part-time students with access to student loans for support and maintenance.
- · Implements a scheme whereby employers are incentivised to provide assistance towards tuition fees for employees wishing to undertake part-time study.
- · Provides a specific action plan for the roll out of super-fast and, affordable broadband to all premises within Scotland, including rural and remote locations.
- · Implements a scheme to match employer’s contributions towards tuition fees of their employees undertaking part-time study.
- · Increases the current level of government fee subsidy for part-time tuition fees.
- · Commits that those students on the lowest incomes will continue to receive financial assistance to cover the full costs of their tuition fees.
- · Implements a scheme whereby the course funder receives an incentive when a part-time student successfully completes a course of study – this may take the form of a partial fee refund.
For a PDF of the manifesto please contact us on regional-forum@ousascotland.org.uk
OUSA (Open University Students Association) in Scotland has called upon Prospective Scottish Parliamentary Candidates to work towards equality of funding for all Higher Education students in Scotland. Most of the political parties within Scotland are committing not to introduce tuition fees for full-time university students. However, part-time students still pay fees ...
Platform's student blogger on OUSA conference
Platform's student blogger Carrie Walton writes about OUSA conference, a bit of business and the serious wobblies...
"Over the weekend of the 15th – 17th April 2011 I made more new friends and met more new and interesting people than I could’ve ever imagined and it’s all because I went to the OUSA Conference. I’ve been looking forward to it since I first became involved with OUSA at the back end of last year but had no idea what to expect from it."
Read the full post here
Platform's student blogger Carrie Walton writes about OUSA conference, a bit of business and the serious wobblies... "Over the weekend of the 15th – 17th April 2011 I made more new friends and met more new and interesting people than I could’ve ever imagined and it’s all because I went to the OUSA Conference. I’ve been looking forward to it ...
OUSA Election Results
Election results from the recent OUSA (Open University Students Association) Conference were:
ANNOUNCEMENT OF OFFICER ELECTION RESULTS
Count
President Celia Patricia Weeks 45
Marianne Ewart Cantieri 90 Elected
Neither of the above 5
Total Votes Cast 140
Spoilt 0
Deputy President Ruth Tudor 94 Elected
Joshua Brumpton 37
Neither of the above 8
Total Votes Cast 139
Spoilt 0
Vice President Communications Hazel Pagg Elected
Total Votes Cast 140
For 118
Against 22
Spoilt 0
Vice President Constitutions David Roy Humble 70 Elected
Jacqui Withington 67
Neither of the Above 1
Total Votes Cast 141
Spoilt 3
Vice President Education Kaye Louise Jones 38
Tania Rogers 89 Elected
Neither of the above 11
Total Votes Cast 140
Spoilt 2
Vice President Equal Opportunities Susan Janet Glover 101 Elected
Leslie Thomas Roach 35
Neither of the Above 2
Total Votes Cast 138
Spoilt 0
Vice President Finance Carole Radcliffe Elected
Total Votes Cast 140
For 120
Against 20
Spoilt 0
Vice President Representation Nicola Jane Morris Elected
Total Votes Cast 139
For 129
Against 10
Spoilt 0
Vice President Student Support Alison Kingan Elected
Total Votes Cast 140
For 129
Against 11
Spoilt 0
Election results from the recent OUSA (Open University Students Association) Conference were: ANNOUNCEMENT OF OFFICER ELECTION ...
OUSA in Scotland and the Scottish Elections
The majority of the main parliamentary parties in Scotland are making a comitment not to introduce tuition fees for full-time students should they get elected. However, they are all being very quiet on the subject of part-time students who still have to pay tuition fees.
OUSA welcomes the commitment to free full-time higher education in Scotland but wants to ensure that the needs of part-time students are not overlooked.
The Open University Students Association in Scotland is currently working on a manifesto of key requests calling for a better deal for Scotland's part-time students. Once completed this manifesto will be emailed out to all prospective parliamentary candidates. A copy of this manifesto and our requests will be posted to this site once available.
With four in ten higher education students in Scotland studying part-time, we need to make sure we are not overlooked when the new Scottish Governement takes up office.
The majority of the main parliamentary parties in Scotland are making a comitment not to introduce tuition fees for full-time students should they get elected. However, they are all being very quiet on the subject of part-time students who still have to pay tuition fees. OUSA welcomes the commitment to free full-time higher education in Scotland but wants to ensure that the needs of ...
OUSA in Scotland Priority Areas
Back in August, OUSA in Scotland identified a number of prioritiy area to focus on over the coming year. These priorities are (in no particular order) :
Computer and Broadband Access
Postgraduate Support
Course Fees
Student Isolation
Do you have a story to tell relating to any of them? Do post it here as we would like to hear about it. We need your experiences as evidence of where the problems are for when we approach the OU and other bodies. If one of the above is affecting you, tell us about it.
Back in August, OUSA in Scotland identified a number of prioritiy area to focus on over the coming year. These priorities are (in no particular order) : Computer and Broadband Access Postgraduate Support Course Fees Student Isolation Do you have a story to tell relating to any of them? Do post it here as we would like to hear about it. We need your experiences as evidence of where the ...
OUSA in Scotland March 2011 Newsletter
Open University Students Association in Scotland March 2011 Newsletter
Welcome to the O U S A (Open University Students Association) in Scotland newsletter. Read on to find out more about what is happening in your Association and how you could join us for a weekend at our annual conference, become a student representative or spend a week as a residential school representative. Also in this issue is an update on the latest funding news, how to find us online, information on our Islands Student Group and details of paid work placements within the voluntary sector. If you would like more information on O U S A or any of the articles in this newsletter please do get in touch.
Kitty and Susan, your newsletter editors.
Contacting O U S A in Scotland
Email: regional-forum@ousascotland.org.uk or ousao33@guest.open.ac.uk
Telephone: 01908 652026
Post: OUSA Office, P O Box 397, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6BE
Websites: www.ousa.org.uk and www.ousanearyou.org.uk
Dates For Your Diary
12th March Scottish Islands Group Stornoway meet up
Get together for students at the Woodlands Cafe, Stornoway at 11:30am. Contact Jane for more information on js23992@my.open.ac.uk.
26th March O U S A in Scotland Seminar, Stirling (tbc)
Training for Conference Delegates and presentation by O U Policy and Public Affairs Manager. Visitors welcome by arrangement. Contact Ruth regional-forum@ousascotland.org.uk by the 14th March.
26th March Edinburgh Social Group visit to Stirling Castle
Meet 11am at Stirling Railway Station. Some free castle tickets available on a first come first served basis. Pub lunch afterwards. Contact Alison amm945@student.open.ac.uk or see the Edinburgh forum on the FirstClass system and OUSA Edinburgh group on Facebook.
5th April Edinburgh Social Group Pub Night
Milnes Bar, Hanover Street (access from Rose Street) from 6pm onwards in the upstairs ground level bar (disabled access). Contact Alison amm945@student.open.ac.uk or see the Edinburgh forum on the FirstClass system and OUSA Edinburgh group on Facebook.
15th – 17th April O U S A Annual Conference Milton Keynes
Read on for more information on how you can be a delegate at this year’s O U S A Conference.
Final Call for Conference Delegates
We still have a few spaces available for Scottish delegates to the annual O U S A student Conference. Would you like the opportunity to participate in the workings of your Association and help formulate its policy for the coming year?
Conference 2011 will be taking place at the O U campus in Milton Keynes over the weekend of 15th to 17th April. Ideally you need to be able to arrive at the venue for about 5pm on the Friday (late arrival is possible). Finish is 1pm on the Sunday. Accommodation is provided and travel expenses are paid, so no need to be out of pocket.
As well as the business side of things there is also a good social aspect to the weekend and you will have the opportunity to meet many O U students from far and wide.
Please see http://www.open.ac.uk/ousa/conference.php for more details of Conference or get in touch to find out what is involved. If you would like to be an OUSA in Scotland delegate at this year’s conference contact us on regional-forum@ousascotland.org.uk a s a p and no later than the 14th March.
Become a Residential School Representative
Do you have some time to spare during the summer months you would like to put to good use? Would you like to spend a week in the company of fellow students at an O U residential school? Each year O U S A provides a team of Residential School Representatives who are the face of O U S A to the students (our members), to the O U staff and tutors, and also to the host institution and student union.
The range of tasks undertaken by our “resi-reps” is quite diverse and includes meeting and greeting, marketing operations, social event organising, providing local information and generally being a friendly face for the students. Their whole aim is to help make a student’s experience of residential school enjoyable, informative and stress free.
Further information about becoming an O U S A Residential School Representative can be found at: www.open.ac.uk/ousa/residential_school.php or email our office on
Become a Student Representative
Representing the student viewpoint to the University is one of the most important functions of O U S A. The Association appoints 'Central Representatives' to sit as student members on the University’s Senate, Governance Committees and Faculty Boards.
Our team of Central Student Representatives are essential to our role in representing O U Students; they are their eyes, ears and voice in our communications with the University. As the 'Students' Voice' they ensure that the O U students opinion is heard by the University, they fight for the rights of the students to receive the high quality service to which we are accustomed, they put forward O U S A policy and they are involved in discussions with the O U on the best way forward, through the present economic difficulties.
Would you like to become one of our Central Representatives? You would need to be able to attend between 4 and 6 week day meetings per year (depending upon the committee to which you are allocated) at Milton Keynes; travel and accommodation expenses are paid. To find out more, please see www.open.ac.uk/ousa/governance.php or email the O U S A office on
Higher Education News
In October, the long awaited Browne Review into funding Higher Education in England was published. This has received much media coverage, particularly in the area of the fee increase (up to £9000). Although not directly affecting students in Scotland, as ours is a U K based University, serving an international community, the proposals of the Browne Review will have a major impact upon the O U as a whole. What the Browne Review does for England is shift the burden of fees on to the individual student with the main means of support being the student loan (which will be repaid, with interest, at a later date). Very worryingly, it recommends access to “student finance”, in the form of loans, should be based on U C A S points. This goes against the principle of openness that is ingrained into our University. Furthermore, the proposals set a minimum threshold of 30 credit points for eligibility for support.
In Scotland, the government has rejected the Browne Review and has recently released a green paper setting out a number of proposals for a Scottish Solution. In particular our Government is opposed to the idea of the burden for fees falling on the student.
O U students in Scotland (as in the rest of the U K) currently pay a portion of their course fees. The remainder of the cost is met by the Government via the Scottish Funding Council (S F C), and the O U in Scotland receives this funding directly. Some Scottish students may qualify for an I L A (individual learning account) of £200 or £500 to assist with the cost of their portion of the fees. Other students may have all of their fees paid in the form of the part-time fee waiver. Full-time students in Scotland, meanwhile, have their fees paid in full by the Government.
The Scottish green paper sets out a number of proposals as to how Higher Education could be funded in future. The current Government is strongly in favour of the state retaining prime responsibility for tuition fees, although a graduate contribution is a strong possibility.
Currently Scottish O U students pay the same course fees as other UK students. However, a few years ago, the O U Council agreed to break the link between the fees, paving the way for so called “differential fees”, whereby course fees may vary depending upon the UK nation in which the student is resident. With the UK and Scottish Governments now having very different approaches to funding higher education, differential fees will, it seems, become almost inevitable in the not too distant future.
Neither O U S A nor the O U have been quiet about any of the above. Both the O U and O U S A centrally made submissions to the Browne Review, and the O U S A president has since sent a response to relevant UK government ministers in response to the review. Here in Scotland a consultation on the proposals contained in the Green Paper has taken place. Organisations and individuals have been invited to submit responses. O U S A in Scotland has been closely monitoring events and has sent representatives to public consultation meetings. Individual students within Scotland have also had the opportunity to complete a web-based survey set up by the Government. Both the O U in Scotland and O U S A in Scotland will be submitting formal responses emphasising the needs of part-time distance learning students.
The Green Paper, with its consultation process, is probably the most important thing to happen in Scottish Higher Education in over a decade. It provides the opportunity to shape the future. The responses to the consultation will become a valuable resource for the next government’s advisors. It is therefore imperative that the viewpoint of part-time students is represented in the response.
Although the official consultation is now over it’s not too late to get involved. As we enter the run-up to the Scottish Government elections, you can put the pressure on your M S P to fight for a better deal for part-time students. To keep up to date on issues as they arise please see the OU’s campaigning website http://fourinten.org/. The full text of the Green Paper is available online at www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/12/15125810/0.
O U S A Scotland Island’s Student Group
This is an informal group of O U students who live on Scottish islands. The purpose of this group is to gather a community of students who live in these islands. Students are able to share experiences, support each other and identify the specific issues that can affect their study with the O U. Students who join this group can access it in Shared Activities online forums, via the Student Home page. If you would be interested in joining or would like more information please contact Jane Smith at js23992@my.open.ac.uk. See also the Diary Dates for details of our Stornoway meet up.
OUSA in Scotland Online
OUSA in Scotland (like most parts of OUSA) has a well established online presence. Currently, the official OUSA online medium is the OU’s First Class conferencing system. You can access First Class from the link on the left hand side of your Student Home page (it will probably be called something like “your OU mailbox and discussion forums”). Once in the system you can reach OUSA in Scotland by clicking on the Open University Link, then Regions, then R11 and finally OUSA R11. Here you can access OUSA in Scotland’s forums which as well as being a means of us communicating information to you are also a way for you to communicate with OUSA and your fellow students. Pop in and say hello and meet other Scottish students.
You can also find us on Facebook as OUSA in Scotland and, hopefully by the time you read this, the OU’s own social networking site Platform, http://www.open.ac.uk/platform/. In addition to the main OUSA in Scotland information on Facebook you will also find localised content for the Edinburgh and Glasgow Student Groups. So even if you don’t have access to First Class (and we appreciate some newer students might not) you can still interact with us online.
We are in the process of developing our own website for OUSA in Scotland and will bring you news of this in a future newsletter. In the meantime you can view general information on OUSA at http://www.open.ac.uk/ousa/.
Looking for Work Experience
A new programme to enable students in higher education to gain paid work experience within the third sector (social enterprises, voluntary organisations, co-operatives and mutuals) was launched at the end of last year. A joint initiative between the Open University, Queen Margaret University and the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, the programme will provide a variety of opportunities for students to gain valuable work experience whilst studying. It may be particularly useful for Open University students who are studying with a view to a career change. The first internships started in January and more will become available as the project takes off. For more information on the 4-year programme and what is on offer please visit http://www.qmu.ac.uk/TSIS/.
Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter.
If you would like further information on O U S A in Scotland please do get in touch.
Open University Students Association in Scotland March 2011 Newsletter Welcome to the O U S A (Open University Students Association) in Scotland newsletter. Read on to find out more about what is happening in your Association and how you could join us for a weekend at our annual conference, become a student representative or spend a week as a residential school representative. Also ...
OUSA in Scotland's response to "Building a Smarter Future"
The following is the text of OUSA (Open University Students Association) in Scotland's response to the recent Scottish Government consultation on the future of higher education in Scotland.
Part-time students account for four in ten of the national student population; the Open University is the main provider of part-time higher education in Scotland, and thus this response can be seen as a major contribution by part-time students.
As the Open University Students Association is mandated by part-time students only, this contribution will focus solely on the areas of ‘Building a Smarter Future’ that relate to part-time students.
Focus Areas
Chapter 5 : Student Support
Chapter 6 : Funding
Chapter 5 : Student Support
Supporting lifelong learning
Should a new support product be considered to encourage more lifelong learning?
Yes.
Over 75% of the workforce of 2025 are already on the workplace, so higher level jobs will mostly be filled by those already in work. Enhancing career prospects through education (and particularly part-time study, which will allow an income to be maintained) will become a more and more attractive option.
Our population is becoming more career mobile, and the current economic uncertainty only increases this. As well as continuing professional development (CPD) there may be a need to re-skill several times during a working life, and part-time study will almost wholly fill this educational niche. CPD should be mapped to the SCQF framework, and could then be credited towards a degree.
Part-time
Should we provide more loans to cover part-time fees?
No.
We would like to see parity with full-time students by having fees paid for part-time students as they currently are for full-time students. All students (regardless of mode of study) should, however, be entitled to a loan for support. Repayment should not begin until after graduation, and when earnings have reached a prescribed threshold (which increases in line with inflation). However, careful thought will need to be given to the ‘eternal student’ who continually defers graduation to avoid loan repayments.
How many years will a part-time student be able to receive loans for? Will this place a limit on the time allowed to gain a degree? One of the main advantages of part-time study is the ability to do so at one’s own pace, especially for disabled students and those with carer responsibilities.
Many Open University students are on benefits and study with the aid of a full fee waiver; others with a personal income of less than £22,000 use ILA 500. Will these options be maintained?
How could businesses be incentivised to support part-time study?
Employers should be encouraged to support part-time learning through paying at least part of the cost of fees.
Currently very few part-time students receive sponsorship through their employers, and incentives would be very welcome. This could be in the form of tax incentives and government subsidies, especially in the case of small businesses that can’t afford traditional sponsorship.
Should we encourage more part-time study?
Yes.
Part-time study enables an individual to contribute to the economy and society whilst studying; the cost to the government is far less than that of a full-time student.
Mature students (who generally have families, homes and other financial commitments) cannot afford to study full-time for career development or to re-skill; with assistance towards fees and access to loans fro support, part-time study can be both a viable and an attractive option.
Disabled students
Should we allocate support to institutions to manage on behalf of their student population rather than direct to individual students?
This would depend on how the support was allocated. The Open University has over 30,000 disabled students throughout the UK, and a much higher number in Scotland than any other Scottish institution. If this system were adopted, funds would need to be allocated on the basis of disabled student numbers to maintain equality of funding. This would also push the cost of administration onto the university, possibly affecting the amount of money the student receives. These costs would either need to be met centrally or provided as extra funding to the relevant institutions.
CHAPTER 6 : FUNDING
Do you think the prime responsibility to funding should lie with the state?
Yes.
We would like to see the government retain the current level of funding for part-time students, or preferably raised to give parity with full-time students.
Increasing support from business
If you believe that Scottish business should invest more in higher education, how do you envisage this happening?
Yes.
Employers of graduates benefit enormously from the educational system, yet are unwilling to contribute towards the maintenance of it.
UCU proposed a scheme in Mar 2010 for a Business Education Tax (BET) [http://www.ucu.org.uk/index.cfm?articleid=4473]. This would increase the rate of corporation tax for large companies, effectively forcing them to pay for the benefits they accrue from graduates. This would seem workable in Scotland.
What incentives do we need to provide to employers?
Tax incentives should be offered to encourage sponsorship.
Businesses currently see no reason to make large (or continuous) contributions to education; they already receive the benefits that graduates bring without having to do so. It may be necessary to force them to contribute via taxation.
FUNDING MODEL
What changes, if any, would you like to see in the funding mechanisms?
We would like to see the ILA product further developed for part-time students so that larger numbers are able to benefit. The income threshold needs to be reviewed regularly to keep it in line with inflation and average salaries. The total claimable amount also needs to be reviewed regularly to keep it in line with fee increases, so that it always makes a realistic and substantial contribution to costs. We would like to see the FTE restriction on ILA 500 reduced to 25% and the postgraduate pilot made permanent. Money could be recouped by restricting ILA 200 use for leisure or recreational courses.
What behaviour should we focus on encouraging: collaboration; incentivising a shorter learner journey; recognising teaching excellence; any other priorities?
What would be your preferred option for achieving this?
Encouraging part-time study as a viable alternative rather than a second choice could produce very significant savings to both the government and the student.
A shorter learner journey would also be cheaper; this could be achieved by recognition of prior learning. Work-based learning (both paid and voluntary) should be accredited by the SCQF; this could then be credited towards qualifications. Vocational, academic and CPD study need to be treated more flexibly to reduce the time spent on overlap.
Under the present system part-time students pay fees upfront. Open University students can pay this off through monthly direct debit during their course; they end each academic year debt free. Working, either full or part-time, allows them to support themselves and their families. Open University graduates have no debt. This factor has seen the number of young students choosing this as an alternative to traditional university increase dramatically. School leavers are increasingly seeing the advantage of this method of study with transparent costs.
We do not want a system that brings parity with full-time students by forcing us to pay after graduation, and thus with a significant accumulated debt. Should a graduate contribution be introduced, part-time students must be exempted. It is not acceptable for part-time students to be expected to pay twice - through course fees and then a standard graduate contribution.
The following is the text of OUSA (Open University Students Association) in Scotland's response to the recent Scottish Government consultation on the future of higher education in Scotland. Part-time students account for four in ten of the national student population; the Open University is the main provider of part-time higher education in Scotland, and thus ...
