University of Stirling’s student newspaper | July Edition | Vol. 51 No. 1
What I wish first year me knew: A comprehensive guide to life in Stirling for Fresher’s Page 8 brignewspaper ●
Meet the union president and vice-president! Page 4
@brignewspaper ● brignews.com
Uni chasing up lockdown leaving fee Image credit: University of Stirling
Iona Brownlie News Editor Accommodation Services have begun chasing students who have not paid the release fee for leaving student accommodation during the Coronavirus Pandemic. The accommodation team sent emails to students who hadn’t paid on Wednesday 26th August. In the email sent to individual students, accommodation services said: “through all the change and restrictions you may not be aware that you have missed your release fee payment and you are currently due an outstanding amount of £(individual outstanding amount).” A University Spokesperson provided background information, saying: “... a number of students living within University accommodation requested to exit their tenancy contracts prior to the original agreed end date. “These students were asked to pay any remaining rent due, before begin-
ning a 28-day notice period. “The amount due for that notice period was capped at a maximum of £400, with students whose monthly rent was less than that, paying the lower amount. “Students were not charged extracontractual fees.” In light of the Coronavirus pandemic many students were left in financially difficult situations with many being furloughed or laid off from their jobs. The email also gave students information to help and find financial support: “If you have forgotten to make this payment, please arrange to do so as soon as possible using one of the following methods: Online via your student portal; alternatively you can arrange to make a payment by bank transfer “I do appreciate that this crisis has impacted our students and their families and you may find yourself in financial hardship. “The University has several hard-
ship funds that you can apply to for financial assistance in light of the current situation.” The University’s Accommodation team has already received backlash for charging a leaving fee in the first instance. Further criticism has mounted after tenants were notified their belongings would be disposed of if they were not collected by a specific date. This request was issued despite Coronavirus travel restrictions still being in place. Many of the rooms still containing belongings were left by international students who had fled the UK because of the Coronavirus pandemic. The Accommodation team have urged people to complete any hardship application forms and return it along with the evidence listed on pages eight and ten: “The Money Advice Team will assess you for every fund you are eligible to apply to under the one application.” Continued on page two
Image credit: University of Stirling
Uni bosses pledge to Covid safety Iona Brownlie News Editor
The Principals of Scotland’s 19 higher education institutions, including the University of Stirling, have issued a joint statement confirming that public health remains their top priority as students return to campuses across the country. With many universities starting in the next few weeks- Stirling started back on the 14th- the statement welcomes students and provides reassurance about the safe restart of teaching. Importantly, the message also highlights the shared responsibility of university communities in suppressing COVID-19 and praises students for their “incredible solidarity” in helping fight the virus. It also reflects upon the hard work of staff over the summer break in helping to put in place plans that will deliver teaching this semester while keeping people safe. Professor Gerry McCormac, Principal and ViceChancellor of the University of Stirling, is the Convener of Universities Scotland. He said: “It is vital to our university communities that we can safely welcome new and returning students to the start of the new academic year. “Students have experienced so much disruption and uncertainty over the last six months and have shared the hardship felt by all of society because of the pandemic. “Students need to get on with their lives and their education in a safe, positive and constructive way, but the pandemic is still very much a reality. “Universities have worked tirelessly to ensure everyone’s safety as we plan for the new academic year. “We have taken all possible steps to create a safe and supportive environment in which students can make a phased return. “It has been a huge undertaking, with substantial adaptions to courses, timetables, and to the physical and online spaces needed to support them and ensure public health guidance is implemented. “The entire university community has been part of this planning process in every institution, up and down the country.” Professor McCormac also said: “Universities were immensely proud to support the NHS, community health and the testing and research programmes from the beginning of the pandemic. Continued on page five