News
SEPTEMBER 2019 | ISSUE 3
Students feel “disconnected” from student body Our Editor in Chief, Natalie Rose, examines the levels of student engagement and participation at Middlesex University over the last few years. This is according to figures revealed by the university and interviews with student group leaders. Middlesex University has revealed statistics that show the levels of student engagement and participation rising from 2018 to 2019. These figures are despite growing complaints from society leaders that the student body has grown more disconnected in recent years, leading to a decreased level of involvement in student groups, societies and Students’ Union events. Katya Turikova, 21, Head of Student TV and in her 3rd year of BA Business, said that “there is no student body” due to a lack of connectivity between the students. “I would like to see a university where the student body is more united.” She argued. This included more collaborations between societies, a less “distant” Students’ Union, and a greater sense of excitement from students to be a “part of things” at the University. However, the statistics provided most recently by the university show that students are getting more involved lately, not less. According to official information released by the university, figures show that 21% of students completed their Module Feedback Forms in 2019, compared to just 1% in 2018. With a total of 14,805 students enrolling or re-enrolling at the start of the 2017/18 academic year, that 20% growth represents approximately 2,961 students becoming more actively engaged in their courses. Other figures show that the number of students attending their
graduation ceremony has also increased. 45% of students attended their graduation ceremony during Summer Term in 2018, compared to the 55% who attended during Winter Term in 2019. Despite this, only 778 students were reported to attend 100% of their classes in 2018, meaning that around fourteen-thousand students did not attend all their classes that year. In fact, during the academic year 2017/18, the average student only attended 61.58% of their classes. Dr Anna Charalambidou, BA English Programme Leader and Senior Lecturer in English Language, claimed that she was “very fortunate” to have students with a desire to engage in the University’s community outside of their classes. She explained that despite her good fortune, “not all students are able to afford that time” due to part-time jobs, long commutes and other family or caring responsibilities. The argument that Middlesex University students have particularly difficult schedule to manage is one that is backed up by the current elected President of the Students’ Union, Anas Badar, who in an interview with The Echo earlier this year explained that one of his main driving forces for running for the position was his own long commute and how that affected his ability to get involved in activities outside of his studies. International students were also a key factor highlighted by Anas. “I don’t really see them as much involved,” he said, pointing out that
MIDDLESEX FLIES RAINBOW FLAG AT PRIDE PARADE there are additional communication barriers and work commitments for students who have travelled to the UK for their studies. The Students’ Union have responded to this claiming that society memberships have risen by over 2,000 in the last year. Despite this, although seeing an “increased number of student events”, the numbers in attendence have remained “level”. They also promised to be “committed to providing opportunities and services which are accessible and relevant”, particularly in working with students who have encountered “barriers”, such as commuters and carers. These statistics contrasted with the student opinion begs the question: How can we get students to engage more outside of their courses?
On the 6th of July 2019, Middlesex University marched at the LGBT+ Pride Parade in London to show their support for the cause. Inês Viola covers the event. Middlesex University frequently celebrates its LGBT+ community, and the university has had an active participation in London’s Pride Parade since at least 2016. Natalie Rose, a student at Middlesex University and Editor in Chief of The Echo, talked of her experience on the day, saying that it was really “a chance to feel proud.” The “feeling of solidarity” that she felt between the students and staff that were there was “amazing”, and it was great to see all the organisations that are “helping to create a more inclusive and accepting community” by showing support for their LGBT+ staff, members and students.
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Lisa Hunt, President of MDXSU’s LGBT Liberation Group, argued that it was important for Middlesex University to continue its tradition of participating in the Pride Parade considering the “dynamic diversity” on campus. She hopes to re-establish “a prominent committee” as it was two years ago, including “frequent movie screenings and meetings”. Campus is “a place of love, friendship and safety for a lot of people.” With her plans, she hopes to “create that space where people can feel themselves.” Regarding the future of the Pride Parade, Natalie Rose commented that “there’s been a small move towards ‘showmanship’” with some corporate organisations trying to showboat themselves as “accepting” by spending large amounts on their floats. Although, she argued, it’s “a waste of our time” to worry about this when instead we must be “celebrating the positive direction we’re moving in.” There have been an extensive number of other events throughout the year which have been focused on inclusivity for these communities and sexual health education. This includes the Night of Controversy, a night of performances and sexual education. This evening was an idea first started by Erica Ramos, VP for Business and Law 2017-2019, as part of her campaign to raise awareness of these issues. All the proceeds of these events were donated to various charities, including Coppafeel, a charity focusing on breast cancer awareness based in London. The performances of the evening included burlesque acts and sexual health quizzes. They also occasionally included performances from drag queens. No confirmation has been given on whether the Night of Controversy will continue next year.
