Report – Are universities public goods?

Stakeholders’ debate

Universities duties:

Universities are not degree manufacturers, but they have to inspire people. Universities are the key organisations between students and the state, therefore, it is significant to get students involved in the community and make them aware of the values DMU stands for. Moreover, students’ degree and skills are should not only be used for private fulfilment, but it is a public good.

Values at DMU:

It is important to be/become a value led institution, where decisions are led by the value set, rather than financial figures or resources. It might create a community within the university, which again can help students to reach their full potential. Besides, the partnerships and relationships should be based on common values, not just on contractual documents.

Faith:

In hard times, like we are going to face in 2012, it is important to have a structure in order to make decisions easier and quicker. Faith groups can build sub structures within the organisation, which might than help the decision making process. It is crucial here in Leicester, as it is a multi-cultural city, where lot of different faith groups can be found.

Challenges:

DMU has to take into consideration that individualism might destroy our society. Therefore, we need to create a community and get involved in more partnerships. Tolerance is a main issue too. We have to be ahead of the changes and think quickly, as decisions this time might have cultural and economical effects. Because of the cost cut, unemployment and how to reduce staff costs is a critical issue to consider.

Another point which was raised is whether university courses have to last shorter or longer? If they would only last for 2 years, students will not have so much debt to pay back after. However, there are certain areas which cannot be studied properly within two year. Moreover, students might do some research and get some (job) experience before entering the job market, which might not fit in this 2 year period. However, considering a 4 year long course raises the question, whether students want to pay for an extra year in order to get more skills and knowledge. It might be the future option, that they can make their master degree in the 4^th year of their study. This topic however, might give a reason for another debate.

Partnership:

Universities have to be more externally focused, because communication and engaging with other institutions are key issues. Partnership starts from local level with government, faith groups, schools and universities. It can bring more sustainable life for all the three universities in Leicester, if we put together our resources and therefore cut the costs. Partnerships with local businesses, who might offer placements, internships etc. could inspire students, who will stay in Leicester and add value to the society here. International contacts are fundamental too, as Leicester is a very multi-cultural city. Engaging with children in the primary or secondary school level, might encourage their decision to come to university, so DMU has to keep an eye on these schools too.

Co modification:

There is a need for mindset change that universities are not the organisations, where students come and go, but they have to belong. There is a need to change the current view that degree is the students’ property, they are public goods. Universities have to help students not only to get a degree, but help them to get into job market and get involved in the community. Volunteering is one way of getting students more involved with others ad to get experience while studying.