ARTS University Bournemouth’s Students’ Union are to take part in an online protest as part of the national Students United Against Fees campaign. 

On Thursday April 29, over twenty Students’ Unions around the country will collaborate in a joint Day of Digital Protest over the lack of financial support provided by the government to students studying during the ongoing pandemic.

During the day today, students will be sharing their stories on social about a year as a student during the coronavirus pandemic with their local MPs and signing an open letter to be sent directly to Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

AUB’s Students' Union President Louise Hall said: “The campaign is focused on demanding that the government releases funds to Universities to provide financial compensation for this academic year. 

“Despite the best efforts of Universities, students simply have not received the education that they are paying for and it is time we were compensated. 

“On Thursday, Students’ Unions across the University will come together to make our demands known to the government through the joint release of a letter to government, telling the stories of students to the press and by reminding everyone that the Prime Minister paid no money to go to University, whereas many students have paid upwards of nine thousand pounds per year.

“Students are rightly frustrated, disappointed and angry with their treatment this year by the Government, and it is time this was realised.”

Bournemouth Echo:

University students have appealed to the UK’s competition watchdog the Competition and Markets Authority, to help them win compensation for the teaching, campus facilities and accommodation many say they have been denied during the Covid pandemic.

Student unions say members have been ignored following complaints that spending most of the academic year learning virtually does not justify the £9,250 fees, according to the joint letter to the CMA.

Arts University Bournemouth students will also be taking pictures of a Boris Johnson cut-out around campus to be posted to twitter and Instagram.

The day of actions will be happening all day, but a main focus will be in afternoon. The Students’ Union will predominately be using twitter and Instagram alongside our activism hub from 4pm to 6pm today.

Louise added: “We have decided to support SUAF and their day of action as we believe students and universities have had a disruptive experience during this pandemic.

“AUB has worked tirelessly this year to support students, we believe there needs to be more government support for universities during this pandemic.

“We believe there needs to be further conversation on fee compensation after this year of disruption for our students.”

Follow the campaign using the SUAF21 social media handle on Instagram and SUAF211 on Twitter.