Courses that provided data for the National Student’s Survey 2010, published by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (Hefce) received an average student satisfaction mark of 83%, compared to a UK average of 82%.

252,000 students took part in the national survey which is aimed at monitoring and maintaining higher standards of Higher Education.

UCLan’s Mathematics and Statistics course scored a massive 99% in student satisfaction with courses in Management, Journalism and Physical Geography and Environmental Science also scored higher than 90% in the survey.

Students rate every aspect of life at their university including teaching, support services and assessment.

Nursing and Mechanical Engineering courses scored highly in graduate employability, each scoring over 80%.

Spending cuts on higher education are expected to have a big impact on future student satisfaction surveys.

Student Union President, Michael Palmer, is not surprised with the increase in student satisfaction at UCLan.

“UCLan’s high scores in the National Student Survey shows the commitment of the university as a whole and that is encouraging and developing student’s academic and life skills,” he said.

“Life at UCLan is a bright and varied experience and it’s important to remember that it is unique to each and every student here. The opportunities available to students both academically and on a more personal development level are huge.”

By Hannah Breeze

Deputy News Editor

The annual bursaries to second and third year students as well as recent graduates were due to be paid into student accounts on August 23 but are currently yet to arrive.

As a result some students who were expecting the arrival of the £329 (£500 to second years) from UCLan have become desperately short of money.

Colin Steele, a fresh start referral student going into Education and Sport this year said: “I’m living off barely any food and owe over £200 to my mum, who works part time as a single mum.

“She was relying on the bursary to come in on the 23rd so I could pay her back and she could pay her bills.”

Lee Macneall, who has just completed a foundation year in art also told of his frustrations about not receiving the bursary.

“I was counting on it, mainly for rent and food but because it’s delayed, i’ve had to put it off for a while,” he said.

“Also I got into debt with a store card this year, i signed up in freshers and spent money, totally forgot about and got a CCJ through the post.

“Now I was meant to pay that on August 23 but obviously can’t. Also I have a bank charge which is also building up, but can’t do nothing about it and my bills need to be paid!

“Even though it’s going to be paid, I don’t really think it’s good enough to actually have to wait for it. I’ve had to work to a criterion which I met; I’ve done my part, so why can’t they do there’s?”

Another student who has gone into their overdraft is third year Film and Media student Kirsty Gilbert.

She said: “MyUCLan has been telling me that my bursary has been paid since August 20. Because of this I assumed I’d be getting the money on the August 23.

“I didn’t and have now ended up overdrawn with the added worry of the bank charging me £22 a day in overdraft fees. It’s left a lot of students high and dry. By the time I actually get my bursary and paid my overdraft fee’s I’ll have none of it left.”

Final year photography student Lee Dillon added: I really need this money for gas and electric bills. It’s affecting me badly, causing more stress than I need.

“I’m about to have my internet cut off due to bill problems, which I need in order to keep on top of my course.

“It’s totally unfair to have to wait when we haven’t done anything wrong.”

By David Stubbings and Reni Eddo-Lodge

Previously named the Ones to Watch scholarship, the late payment of £329 to each eligible student has affected UCLan’s second and third year students as well as recent graduates.

Scheduled to be paid into student accounts on Monday August 23, the bursary payment was eligible to UK residential students who had started studying at UCLan on or before September 2009.

With student loan payments still weeks away, many students are now at a loss.

Andi Berry, a second year American Studies student, has found himself struggling because of the late payment.

“Come August 23, my UCLan online profile confirmed the bursary had been paid, but my bank account said otherwise. The day before I did a big food shop, relying on the bursary money. As a result of the late payment, I’m in my overdraft and it’s incurring more charges as we speak.”

Third year Journalism student Naz Kinsella added: “It’s going to be a struggle to pay for my travel expenses to and from Preston.

“As I’m trying to steer clear of debts, I might have to dip into my overdraft. It’s not ideal and I’d like my payment as soon as possible.”

Paul Barnes, UCLan’s Head of Customer Accounts clarified the bursary confusion. He said understood what students were going through, commenting that ‘it takes time to process 10,000 payments’.

A proposed succinct description of a payment timescale would in turn prevent students from false, clockwork-like expectations in the future.

UCLan’s Senior Administrative Assistant for scholarships, Tahera Mercer, agreed.

“As far I’m aware, there isn’t a delay. Payments were processed from our end on August 16,” she said.

“Sometimes it’s down to the individual banks. We’ve had a few students calling in distressed because they were relying on the money coming through. We do our best to make sure students receive their payments on time.”

The bursary is only available to students whom the principal earner in the household in which they live is earning less than £60,000 per year.

UCLan’s Fees and Finance team have advised students to contact the Finance Cashiers Team on 01772 892184 or 01772 892186 if they haven’t received payments by the August Bank Holiday weekend.

If you have been affected by the bursary delay please contact pnews@uclan.ac.uk.

By Reni Eddo-Lodge

Photo courtesy of Community Friend

Over 4500 calls came in less than 10 hours as those disappointed with their A level results but still hopeful of gaining a place at the university through the clearing system.

UCLan had just 250 university places to offer students through clearing but courses at partner colleges were available to applicants who narrowly missed their entrey requirements.

Carole Knight , Head of UCLan admissions said: “We were very busy on the phones at admissions. We were able to place students on alternative courses where available if they just missed their entry requirements.

“As we only had a limited number of places available, we were very selective with our candidates.

“Courses like Journalism, Maths and Chemistry were very popular and received a lot of interest during clearing. We would advise people who have still not secured a place to visit the UCAS website for more information and course guidance.”

Over 190,000 students nationally were left disappointed and entered into the clearing system.

Thousands of school leavers are still scrambling for a university place following record numbers of applications to Higher Education institutions.

Universities in the UK have received over 660,000 applications this year.   Although there are more places on offer, places are capped and fines are in places for institutions that over-recruit.

By 4pm on results day, UCAS had received 11,000 calls from students hoping to gain a place through clearing.

A UCAS spokesman said: “The clearing lines were very busy yesterday, it always is, so we expected the volume of calls that we had.”

It is thought that almost 395,000 students nationally have accepted a place at university.

“Clearing is open until the end of September but we urge students to do their research and be pro-active about their choices. Some courses are extremely competitive. Courses in Law, economics, psychology and history are very popular and go quickly during clearing,” added UCAS.

“The number of applicants this year has soared meaning it is more difficult to obtain a place at a university. We have seen an increase in students over the age of 25 applying though UCAS. This could be a result of fewer jobs and the desire to re-train for work.”

In spite of the high demand for places and record numbers of disappointed students, many students still achieved what they wanted and gained a place at university.

Future Adventure Sports Management student, Anna McIntosh, 18, from Glasgow, was pleased with her results. She said,

“I got up at 5:30am to check my UCAS page before my parents woke up. I was so relieved when I saw I had met my 240 points entry requirements.

“I felt an extreme amount of pressure on the build up to results as I was constantly reminded of the high demand for university places. Now I am really excited to start at UCLan!”

Soon-to-be fresher Chloe Vinden, 18, from Bolton, was accepted into UCLan as well.

“I was dreading results day to be perfectly honest but I got 3 Cs and 1 B and got in! I am extremely relieved and happy now,” she said.

By Hannah Breeze

Deputy News Editor

An artist's impression of the new flats opposite Corporation Street.

Landmark plans for a 13 storey glass-building in Preston City Centre have been given the go-ahead by the city council planning committee.

The multi-million pound development on the junction of Corporation St and Ringway will include modern student accommodation, a restaurant and new facilities for Preston City Mission Church.

The L-shaped building, next to the new Premier Inn hotel, is set to dominate Preston’s skyline and will split opinion of local residents.

The planning committee stated that there is a ‘continuing demand of high quality student accommodation from UCLan students’.

A UCLan spokesman said: “UCLan are currently in preliminary discussions with the contractor over potential management for the flats, although nothing has currently been finalised.”

There will be 278 flats in the development, with varying amounts of cluster flats, ranging from 2 to 6 people and also a number of studio apartments.

Contractors, Marcus Worthington Ltd has described the building as an ‘iconic contemporary statement within the city centre’.

Company representative, Carole Jackson said: “It was clear from the committee’s reactions that they were very supportive of the scheme. The fact is that the scheme is of outstanding design quality and is therefore very easy to support.”

“I’m sure opinion will be divided on the design, it always is. Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds boast such structures. This scheme could play a pivotal role in the future regeneration of the city,” she added.

The redevelopment will also see the demolition of the 100 year old wooden City Mission building, although they have welcomed the plans as the ‘ideal new venue for worshippers’.

Concerns over the loss of daylight from the building have been shunned by the planning committee. An archaeological dig is needed before building can start as it is thought the site was once a 19^th century burial ground.

By Chris Mayer

The 2010 Flying Start mentors who have helped Freshers settle in at UCLan. Photo: Cat Race

The city of Preston was woken from its summer time slumber over the last three weeks as some 600 soon-to-be freshers pulled back the curtains and let the sun shine through on the city as they arrived in Preston for a glimpse of university life.

The students arrived for three separate Flying Start summer schools over the course of the last month, and I was lucky enough to be one of their 25 mentors who would be showing them the ropes.

So what is Flying Start? It is a Summer School initiative that gives prospective first years the chance to stay at UCLan and meet other students in their position, at the same time as learning valuable skills that will help them in their first year. Representatives from university services such as Wiser, Futures, the Student’s Union and M&M Mentoring gave lectures to students about their respective services and we mentors shared our experiences by taking seminars and imparting our worldly wisdom. Or something like that!

It was my first year being a mentor for Flying Start along with 8 other new mentors and we all loved it. Keight Molloy, a soon to be second year in Policing and Criminal Investigation really enjoyed her time as a Flying Start Mentor.

“The residential events were so much fun this year, the enthusiasm of all the mentees was a bonus and I really feel as a mentor I’ve made a difference to students who may have had a worry or problem before they attended Flying Start,” she said.

“The best part of Flying Start has got to be the Thursday afternoons when you realise all the friendships that have been formed because everyone is chatting and getting on! It was much different from the nerve-wracking Tuesday morning when they first all met!”

Another first year mentor, English Literature and Language student Natasha Akhter thought the events were beneficial to prospective students.

“The three residential events this summer were absolutely fabulous! Not only did the events help possible UCLan students to get a taste of university life, but it also provided them with very useful information about university services.”

The new Student Affairs Committee (SAC) for UCLan’s Student Union were able to present information about their services and Freshers’ week plans to the new students whilst in Flying Start.

“The SAC gave a 20 minute presentation each week that was aimed to educate prospective students in what exactly the Students’ Union is,” said SU President Michael Palmer.

“Speaking to the students afterwards during the evenings social event many of those that were in the audience said it provided them with a good understand of what services we offer and how they can get involved in sports and volunteering and where to go if they needed support.”

There’s no denying the fact that BBC is a British institution, providing service to millions. But with every pro comes cons, and it appears that the twittersphere have conveniently forgotten media reports of a dossier sent to the chairman of the BBC Trust Sir Michael Lyons, by ex BBC presenter Selina Scott, last week. Scott was unceremoniously dropped from BBC Breakfast Time, and the 59 year old maintains that her forced departure was due solely to her age. This isn’t the first time it’s happened.

Long standing newsreader Moira Stewart was one of the first to go, amidst an outcry of ageism and sexism from the press. She has since been reinstated and is now reading news bulletins on BBC Radio 2.

Her controversy was, more recently, followed by Strictly Come Dancing Judge, Arlene Philips’ shock departure from the show that she originally pioneered. Labour’s Equality minister at the time, Harriet Harman, spoke out in defence of Philips, as did Conservative MP Nigel Evans who told The Daily Telegraph: “We had the problem with the BBC and ageism when they got rid of the excellent Moira Stuart. This seems exactly the same. They are ditching a person whom they see as being on the wrong side of the tracks as far as age is concerned and replacing her with a younger model. It’s almost like a TV presenter scrappage scheme’.

These unfortunate women are either replaced by a younger face (in Arlene’s case, this face belonged to 30 year old Alesha Dixon), or they disappear altogether. It’s a strange sort of ageism.  Funnily enough, the British Broadcasting Corporation isn’t caught out kindly asking it’s older, and more specifically, male television presenters, such as David Dimbleby or Bruce Forsyth, to retire.

Quite the contrary. In fact, during the BBC’s general election coverage, 71 year old Dimbleby, who has been with the broadcaster for 48 years, covered the election action live for 18 hours whilst the nation voted for a hung parliament. This can’t be a case of the BBC considering its older anchors incompetent of doing the job, then.

Nigel Evans MP was correct to an extent, but it’s frustrating how the media’s coverage of the BBC’s ruthless culling of its older female television presenters is repetitively branded as ‘ageism against women’, when it is in fact, a case of old fashioned sexism- implying that women are only fit to appear on our television screens if they’re young and attractive.

When a woman’s age becomes an issue, and is perceived to hinder her ability to perform, yet the same rule doesn’t apply to her male counterparts, that’s sexism. This sort of treatment should not be labeled ageism, because the very word implies the discrimination applies to all, regardless of gender, when clearly it doesn’t.

Singling out a gender for a reason so binary and reductive is both laughable (in theory) and unbelievable (in practice).  This is disgusting behaviour from one of Britain’s well loved institutions, even more so shocking because the corporation often finds itself setting an example to society, silently filtering into the British consciousness.

Proud of the BBC? I think I’ll pass.

By Reni Eddo-Lodge

Deputy Comment Editor

The positions of Student Union President, Media Officer, Education Officer, Campaigns Officer and Activities and Participation Officer (APO) comprise the SAC and will be replaced this week.

However the outgoing SAC look back with pride on their year in the UCLan Students’ Union.

Former Students’ Union President, Beth Woodthorpe-Evans, spoke of her biggest achievements as President of the Student’s Union. She said:  “One of my biggest successes this year has been truly establishing the Board of Trustees, and also recruiting three new trustees.

“The Town Takeover campaign was also a huge success for the union as a whole, but something I personally felt so proud about too. I hope that the union will continue to have such a positive impact on students’ lives, be vocal and passionate in protecting our students rights.”

This year’s election saw a record vote count of over 2,500. The election has been one of the most heavily contended elections ever seen by UCLan Students’ Union.

Outgoing Media Officer, John Crossley said: “Pluto has come on leaps and bounds this year, as has Frequency. I’m not entirely convinced by the demand for PS-TV – a lack of interest and volunteers has meant we haven’t been able to get it off the ground this year.

“I love the Union, and all I can say is that it’s been an amazing journey and I’m very sad to be moving on.

The outgoing Activities and Participation Officer, Tom Bailey, said his time as part of the SAC was a “life changing experience.”

“I am most proud of a very successful international orientation programme working towards an international forum,” he added.

“We have also managed to introduce around 8 more societies this year which is fantastic as it gives students an option to get involved with the SU if they don’t like the sporting side of things. I have had one of the best years of my life doing this job.”

By Hannah Breeze

Deputy News Editor

The new SAC from left to right: Laura Hicks, Ross Herridge, Michael Palmer, Keron Knight and Sam Sandilands

Today sees the start of a new era as the incoming Student Affairs Committee assume office for the first time.

Incoming members Michael Palmer (President), Sam Sandilands (Education Officer), Laura Hicks (Campaigns Officer), Ross Herridge (Activities and Participations Officer) and Keron Knight (Media Officer) all take over from July 1.

After months of waiting since winning their positions in the Students’ Union elections in March, the team started training for their new roles two weeks ago with the outgoing committee.

However more training and courses are booked as the team continue to prepare for the start of term in September.

This period has now come to an end and the incoming committee are looking forward to taking over.

Michael Palmer, the new student President expressed his excitement about the forthcoming year.

“First of all a big thank you to all the outgoing SAC for their tremendous help in the last two weeks and the in-depth handover process. We’ve got NUS training over the summer which we’re looking forward to,” he said.

“We’re also looking forward to September and welcoming all the new and returning students and representing all students from UCLan.”

Ross Herridge, who replaces Tom Bailey as Activity and Participations Officer, said: “It’s been a very good idea to have two week handover process to let us get a feel of how things work. Now we’ve met all the staff around the union it feels more homely rather than being the new kids.

“I’m very excited especially after the last two weeks which gives an idea of things to come. Our first thing will be to welcome the international students and make them feel at home,” he added.

Next week sees the new committee and other staff from the SU go on a residential trip to plan for the year ahead.

By David Stubbings

News Editor

In light of our new Conservative universities minister, Mr David Willets, branding university students ‘a burden on the taxpayer’, it was only a matter of time before the tuition fees debate reared its ugly head again.

As soon as the Conservatives chose to form an alliance with the Liberal Democrats rather than forming a minority government, it was glaringly obvious that both political parties’ opposing stances on university tuition fees would not sit well with one another- so much so that, to avoid division in the new coalition, the Lib Dems have been allowed to chose to abstain from voting for against the issue in parliament.

Convenient, once you consider the long standing Liberal Democrat stance on the abolition of higher education tuition fees.

On the campaign trail, both Nick Clegg and Vince Cable signed an NUS pledge vowing to vote against a rise in tuition fees if they were elected into parliament. It was this core value that drew a lot of previously apolitical students into politics, and gave us an incentive to go out and vote- a policy that directly affected us.

In stark contrast, the Conservatives remained sketchy on their stance on tuition fees throughout the general election campaign. When asked, representatives from the party told student voters that they wouldn’t comment on whether they’d raise tuition fees until they’d examined the results of a review into the state of fees.

Again, rather conveniently, those results will not be released until long after May 6 (it’s been reported that the results of the review will be available some time in the autumn). Willets spoke about the current loan system, commenting that it was ‘unsustainable’- and many students felt the sting of the overwhelmed system last academic year when thousands of us received late payments of our student loans. His remarks are the strongest indication yet of a rise in tuition fees.

The phrase Con/Dem Nation emerged as a trending topic on the social networking website, Twitter, after Britain’s new coalition government was slowly and painfully announced. Funny as the phrase was at the time, Cameron’s savage spending cuts have revealed the flippant phrase to ring uncomfortably true.