Source · Select Committees · Petitions Committee
Recommendation 2
2
Accepted
We have heard evidence that universities, lecturers and support staff have made tremendous efforts to...
Conclusion
We have heard evidence that universities, lecturers and support staff have made tremendous efforts to continue to deliver university courses in uniquely challenging circumstances, and some students have continued to receive an excellent education. In at least some cases universities have been able to provide courses in a way that students believe is good value for money. We do not therefore believe that there should be a universal refund or reimbursement of tuition fees to all university students. (Paragraph 16) Refunding tuition fees
Government Response Summary
The government welcomes the Committee's finding that there should not be a universal refund of tuition fees and expresses gratitude for the efforts made by universities and staff to deliver higher education during the pandemic.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Government welcomes the Committee’s finding that there should not be a universal refund of tuition fees to all students. The Government is grateful for the tremendous effort made by universities and the dedication and commitment of staff to continue to deliver higher education and support to students during these unprecedented times. There are some excellent and innovative examples of high-quality online learning, and the sector is working hard in preparation for the new academic year. Examples include providers with 30,000 students managing to transfer to online provision within 24 hours, including lecture, seminar and tutorial delivery, and all student support for wellbeing and mental health, including counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and crisis support. More widely, after the lockdown measures closed secondary schools, there was an urgent need to move academic support for affected A level students online. As a result, certain providers made video lectures and other materials publicly available online for Maths, Physics and Chemistry students and these were shared extensively with schools and students through university outreach links. Related to this, many providers will also support students to catch up on any curriculum essentials that students may have missed due to the current crisis and not completing their prior studies. programme this year. This is to help students settle into university life. Some providers intend to supply students with washable face masks in welcome packs, while all providers will give clear guidance on the COVID-secure measures being taken in their teaching spaces, libraries, study spaces and labs for the safety of students and staff.