The ongoing debate, kindly hosted by the Vice Chancellor, Dominic Shellard and the Bishop of Leicester, Tim Stevens, reflects on the question: "Are Universities a public good?".
The debate was centered around Values, Challenges, Faith, Changes, Partnerships and Citizenships with focus groups split across students, staff and stakeholders. In each case, the vice chancellor explained the importance of universities towards inspiring, developing and creating value for the individual and society while the Bishop indicated the symbiotic relationship between faith and education where faith (the various belief systems)is a part of societal development and growth which universities should embrace.
As expected, students reacted passionately in response to the withdrawal of 80% of education funding and its value implications on individuals and the society going foward by raising specific issues regarding the merging of departments, limited personal tutoring and future employment opportunities amongst other things. Although the university staff shared similar concerns as students about the 'commodification' not only of education but most public services,they also identified the need for public sector pro-activity and the idea that students should think in terms of "Learning rather than being taught". The Bishop observed that effects of commodification may include individualisation of learning and inequality while the vice chancellor indicated that the university intends to strengthen its local partnerships and value adding activities as highlighted in its new mission.
The Stakeholders on the other hand, indicated that universities should consider the possibility of being a public "good versus great" as well as shortening the course durations, to which the Vice chancellor pointed out that efforts were being made to raise the university standards on the league tables by raising the entry standard, creating positive visibility around its community involvements/contributions and its willingness to welcome and imbibe positive change.
There was common consensus at the end of the day on the need to embrace a "can do" mentality, not just to by taking personal responsibility, but ultimately by expanding stakeholder engagements such as this debate across and beyond the community alongside innovative and proactive partnerships to establish long term growth.
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