Dons set to oppose top-up fees
A resolution opposing the introduction of top-up fees will see Congregation - Oxford University's ruling body - convening for the first time in over a year.
The resolution, drafted by Dr. Mike Woodin, Psychology Tutor at Balliol, has received the backing of more than 40 dons, including nine professors. The support of less than half that number is sufficient to call a debate.
The University's highest legislative body will meet in the Sheldonian on 25 March, to discuss the Government's recent White Paper on higher education.
If passed the resolution will call upon the government to meet "the cost [of higher education funding] from the public purse."
Woodin has gained support in leading the initiative from Dr Patrick McGuinness, a French Tutor at St Anne's, and from OUSU (Oxford University Student Union).
Supporters of the resolution fear that variable top-up fees will damage efforts to widen access, with the resolution noting that "top-up fees will prove to be a significant deterrent for potential students from poorer backgrounds to enter higher education."
Will Straw, OUSU President, has welcomed the resolution, stating that it "is extremely significant, since it will give this prestigious and highly influential body a chance to express its dissatisfaction with government policy."
27th Feb 2003