Last year, Easter Break was cut from 4 to 3 weeks because of the London Olympics. Students were angry since Easter break is a critical point for them when key assignments are being finalised in the run up to exam preparations. In discussions thereafter with management, the Union consistently argued against this happening in the year 2012-2013 despite there being no resolute decision made to assure this.

This year, students were shocked to find out that the same has been done again despite the Union taking a clear position against it! We have not been consulted when this decision was made and the deliberate disregard for statements made against this last year is unacceptable. We are getting less and paying more and we must take a stand.

Management has failed to inform students or give a justification for this change. There is no excuse for taking a week out of our study period, a week for which we have paid. Having a week’s less time during this crucial period is likely to negatively affect student’s grades and is especially shocking considering the tripling of tuition fees. Further to this, the poor National Student Survey results last year are in part due to the anger caused by the shortening of the study period. Student satisfaction will continue to decline alongside student experience as a whole if dialogue regarding study time and student satisfaction is not adequately addressed.

We demand:
A full restoration of the Easter Break to 4 weeks.The creation of a committee made up of registry, academic staff and democratically elected students that sets the dates to be sent to LTQ committee