8/8/2019 24 Nov Petition - Principal's Response

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Response to Student Petition – 24 November 2010

I regard it as an important part of my duties to listen to the concerns of students at

this University which is why I have held two open meetings in my time as Principal

as well as having regular discussions with the SRC.

Like students, I and my colleagues on senior management group are deeply concerned

at the impact that public spending cuts will have on higher education. I commend

those students who have demonstrated in a peaceful and non-violent way to ensure a

fair and properly funded future for UK universities and future generations of students.

I believe, and have consistently argued, that higher education should, ideally, be

funded 100% from the public purse. That remains my preferred scenario. However, at

a time of unprecedented cuts in public spending, it is my responsibility to consider 

alternative funding models. In contributing to the debate on a possible Scottish

solution, I hold the following principles as fundamental: firstly, that there should be

no up-front tuition fees in Scotland, nor should students contribute anything duringtheir studies. Secondly, that any from of graduation contribution should be

 progressive, linked to earnings and ability to pay. Perhaps even more importantly, a

Scottish solution must maintain and enhance access to higher education for those from

disadvantaged backgrounds and a proportion of revenues raised should be earmarked

for students support.

I am proud of the student experience which we offer at Glasgow, as evidenced by our 

high scorings in both the National Student survey and International Student

Barometer. We regularly outperform our peers in the Russell Group and elsewhere in

Scotland. And I can guarantee that protecting the quality of that student experience is

 paramount as we develop our response to budget cuts.

I am also determined that Glasgow will move forward as a world-leading institution,

enhancing research across a multitude of disciplines, and offering students a wide

variety of courses in world-class facilities, with teaching carried out by those at the

forefront in their field.

All universities are facing difficult choices and, on the basis of the Government’s

spending plans, it is inevitable that there will be job losses in universities throughout

the country. In analysing how this University can best adapt to reduced public

funding, I will continue to listen to and to work with students and staff. We will doour utmost to mitigate the effects of the cuts, and to protect the interests of our 

students.

In reiterating my belief that higher education is a public as well as a private good, I

 pledge to students that I will continue to argue vigorously, in both public and private,

for a fair deal for Universities and students. I welcome your commitment, as

evidenced by your demonstration and the petition, and I hope you will work with me,

and my colleagues on senior management group, to ensure a bright future for this

University.

Anton MuscatelliPrincipal