The Oxford University Student Union

Oxford University Student Union today welcomed Vince Cable's speech as a "key turning point" in the national debate on higher education funding. President David Barclay said "After the shameless stitch-up of the last election, we're delighted that Vince Cable has come round to the view expressed by students across the country for years now. We wholeheartedly support the idea of a system that is free at the point of entry and based on a graduate's ability to pay once in employment. This is both the most progressive and the most sustainable answer to our current crisis of higher education funding. Of course the devil is in the detail of any proposed graduate tax, and Oxford students will not be conned by high-flown rhetoric with no substance. However, this speech has shattered forever the complacent myth that fee rises are inevitable, and has opened up a proper discussion at the highest level on a fairer alternative to our broken system. We look forward to having our rightful input into that discussion and debate. Given Oxford's history of able candidates being deterred from applying, we are keenly aware of the need for a new system which will allow students from every conceivable background access to a high quality and life-changing education."

Looking for information about this years Freshers' Fair or a Club or Society looking to attend? Booking has now opened on the new Fresher's Fair website www.oxfordfreshersfair.org

Oxford has decided to review its teaching model for the first time in recent history - OUSU has developed an initial student response based on 40 focus groups held in 10 colleges in the first 2 weeks of Trinity 2010. The OUSU report is being taken seriously in the University and has been circulated to colleges and the Academic Divisions. More work will be coming on the postgraduate experience in 2010/11 when we will also be taking forward the student views which have been expressed already. Thanks to anyone who ran or came to a focus group - email teachingreview@ousu.org for more information. The report can be found here.

Come along to find out how you can better support friends and get support for yourself. We provide information, develop practical skills and ideas and occasionally have 'guest speakers.'

The group is confidential and run by students for students. You can drop in once or attend regularly, and you're welcome to come on your own or to bring friends.

Contact support@ousu.org for more information, or to be added to the mailing-list.

Sessions this term:

Friday, 3rd Week (14th May), 4.30pm

Friday, 7th Week (11th June), 4.30pm

Held at OUSU (opposite the Westgate Centre)

The current sab team have produced a handbook for any students considering running for a full-time, elelected role at OUSU. It has information and advice about what the roles entail and how to gain relevant experience. 

For a list of some of the recent successes achieved by your student union click here.

click here for a map

Details of what OUSU did last term have now been placed online here. OUSU will be doing lots more in Trinity Term, with activities ranging from publishing The Oxford Student to running Oxide Radio. We'll also be campaigning on loads of areas including improving teaching provision at Oxford, higher education funding and improving university complaints and appeals procedures. There are many ways to get involved with OUSU, with varying levels of commitment. You can attend events such as RAG Ball and Gender Equality Week, or join one of our committees or campaigns by going along to the meetings or by taking the lead in helping to run them.

The Government is reviewing Higher Education and the future funding of Universities. OUSU has just made its 2nd response to the review, focusing on how higher education funding could be made fairer after the review. Read it here and email access@ousu.org if you would like to make any comments or contact us regarding it. Oxford University's first submission can be found here and their second submission will be published here and on the Browne Review website once it is available.

The Student Advice Service is an information and advice service consisting of four sabbatical officers and OUSU's Student Adviser. You can contact us confidentially and privately.  We deal with anything from accommodation to problems with your supervisor, mental health to changing course.  To get in contact email advice@ousu.org, or go to www.ousu.org/welfare/SAS/.

If you've used the service, we'd like to hear your feedback. It's anonymous and easy - email welfare@ousu.org with any questions.