HARDSHIP FUNDING
In response to overwhelming student feedback, the Government has agreed to invest an additional £50 million in hardship funding, to be distributed across universities. We are meeting with the University to discuss how this funding will be spent and ensure no barriers are created to this vital support.
We actively encourage you to reach out to the University’s Student Advice Service at StudentServices@brighton.ac.uk to enquire about hardship funding, and how to apply.
Thank you to those taking the time to write to your MP and signing Government petitions. If you haven't yet signed or emailed your MP, please use your voice - it is incredibly important right now. You can access the resources and template letters we have written here.
DIGITAL ACCESS SUPPORT
We know many of you continue to experience digital support issues, ranging from hardware to WIFI. We have raised this with the University and the need to include postgraduate students in the criteria. They have listened, extended the process and incorporated these changes.
Under the new process, students will need to be referred to the fund through your SSGT, so please do get in touch with them and alert us if you experience any challenges. We know some of you are struggling to locate the fund and navigate it and we have mentioned to the University the need to actively publicise this information.
SAFETY NET
We have consistently raised concerns about the impact of the latest restrictions on your learning. We are pleased the University has decided to implement a safety net package in response to student feedback - see the latest email sent on this.
This wide-ranging package includes uncapped resits for failures and non-submissions and uncapped repeats for unrepresentative performance.
Most importantly, they have announced plans for a safety net algorithm that governs degree award classifications. We will continue to work with them to ensure this algorithm is shaped in the most student-focused manner possible.
For any assistance with specific challenges, please reach out to our dedicated Support Team at BSUSupport@brighton.ac.uk. Thank you for all your feedback – it really does shape everything we do and creates meaningful change. We are so proud and grateful to be your Students’ Union.