Higher Education during Lockdown
From the start of the UK lockdowns, we have seen the impact that the changes to our everyday lives have on our younger generation. Now we have a light at the end of the tunnel with our vaccination program, giving us a sense of light at the end of the tunnel. Before we get to this point, we need to recognise the impacts this unprecedented time has had. Like other sectors, universities have tried to adapt to this different world, but, in the process, have had a terrible impact on a generation. Now, whilst calls for partial refunds of tuition fees have been made mainly because of the change to the delivery of taught content, most of these are tied in with the experience.
During the pandemic, a university cannot replicate the feel and broader experience of physical campus life. However, whilst I empathise with learners on this point and when I think back to my own experiences at university and how different this would be in a virtual sense. I agree that reducing the fees to that of the Open University would be a suitable adjustment. Some universities are likely to argue that their name is expected to carry more weight than online universities' comparable course. Yet whilst for physical universities and online universities share different ranks in the league table. The only university that could argue for higher fees is the likes of UCL ranking in the top 10 nationally and online. This is also why universities' long-term ranking needs to be reflected in their costs, needs to be differentiated not remaining as they currently are. This is not likely to change in time to correct this problem though
Now I am calling for changes to be made as there is undoubtedly a justification. However, if the learners are being provided with the same standard of lesson delivery or as close as reasonably practical, the tuition fees may not be the place to target. Now, why do I say this?
The tuition fees are linked to the course content, course delivery and assessments. On the other hand, the maintenance loan pays for accommodation, which is related more to the learners' experience. If the learner was told whether they would be facing the possibility of online learning, they might have chosen the course. Still, they would of likely preferred different accommodation or facilities, choosing private rent or staying at home.
Now using the Office for Students guidelines: the universities are expected to provide access to resources and facilities for the learners, which is why university accommodation has the exception of having accommodation open and continuing to charge learners. As with my suggestion above for a tuition fee discount as the government has stated, unless the university has informed you about "that you should return for in-person teaching", you should stay at home. Therefore, the cost of this should be on the university as it would be unreasonable to expect students that should stay at home to pay for the use of multiple dwellings. Equally, additional restrictions within "flats" should not be further impeded. Although the government has issued further guidance, it does not state that households should also be limited, which is what the flat student bubble should be classified as.
In my view, to summarise the current situation suitably justifies a reduction in tuition fees to that of the Open University's likes at £6000. This money should go to the student as a rebate or grant. If it is refunded to student finance directly, it will both cause an increased cost due to adjusting the student finance system and have no practical benefit to the learner. It should be treated more similarly to the hardship funds which most universities have set up to help those in financial difficulties. In terms of their accommodation, it is my view for the lockdown duration, and their accommodation cost should be frozen. Until the "experience" can be returned to a sense of normalcy, a discount could also be offered not for a full reduction but to recognise the learners' change in circumstances.
https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings
https://www.distancelearningportal.com/articles/294/10-top-uk-universities-ideal-for-distance-learning.html
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/coronavirus-university-tuition-fees-refund-b1724308.html
https://officeforstudents.org.uk/for-students/student-guide-to-coronavirus/returning-to-university-in-2021/
https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=2020081313184272
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus/student-mental-health-during-coronavirus/
