Union Turns Over a New Leaf
Poor students coming up to Oxford will from this year get the chance to join the Oxford Union at a substantial discount. Life membership, which currently costs £160, will be offered to some freshers for as little as £95.
The 'Oxford Union Access Scheme' will initially benefit only those who pay no tuition fees whatsoever, though President-Elect Marcus Walker told the OxStu that he hopes to extend the scheme in the future. In its initial form, it will also give poorer freshers the option to pay in fifteen monthly instalments of £8.
Walker, who spearheaded the scheme, said that "from personal experience I know that the cost of joining puts many people off the Union. I hope this scheme will do something to change that."
Current President Ambrose Faulks, whilst supporting the initiative, said: "We have the oldest student facilities in Oxford and continue to host the most prestigious speakers...this costs us money". Walker hopes that increased take-up rates amongst freshers will make up for the lower fee each will contribute to the Union, which has posted heavy losses in recent years. Around 70 per cent of Oxford students are believed to be members of the Society.
It remains to be seen how many more freshers will join the Union as a result of the Access Scheme. However, even if its impact is largely symbolic, Oxford's oldest society will doubtless gain publicity, political kudos and some moral high ground - all valuable weapons against its numerous detractors.
12th Jun 2003