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THIS WILL EFFECT ALL FULL TIME UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS (Unless funded by the NHS)

The university is proposing that instead of students receiving their bursary in the form of a cash payment at the end of the year, students will receive an 'Aspire Card'. This card can be used to buy anything sold by an academic bookshop company (Books, Stationary and Laptops), University managed accommodation or university managed Child Care. It is important to remember that the money used for your bursary is taken from your fees and is only given back to you if you pass each semester.

In order for the Union to campaign on this issue effectively we want to know what you spent your bursary money on. Did you spend it on books, a computer, accommodation, child care? Let us know.

Also the University is proposing to place a bookshop on our main two campus’ Cambridge & Chelmsford. It is planned that the new bursary will limit you to spending the money on books (only available from the campus bookshop or their website), computers (only available from the campus bookshop or their website), University accommodation, University childcare and perhaps other negotiated deals, how do you feel about this?

Students starting this year (2008/2009) will be provided with the choice on whether they receive the 'Aspire Card' or cash. However after year 1 - there will be no choice, you will get your bursary in the form of, what is essentially book vouchers.

Please click here to join our facebook group to give us feedback and check out everyone else’s response!

The Students' Union have had initial discussions on this issue and this is the way we think it will effect Students:

Negatives:
*There will be limited or NO CHOICE on what you are able to spend your bursary money on

*We don't feel it is relevant to all students. For example, an art student may need to spend the money on materials instead of books

*Books are cheaper on Amazon and students also get a 5% discount on that website

*The compulsory reading list generally doesn't total £500 - what would you spend the rest of the money on?

*Graduates sell on second hand books which are cheaper and it is also more economic - this card would mean everyone would get £500 to spend on books so people are less likely to recycle

*Library can give you the variety you need to study

*There are now numerous online resources - why do we need a bookshop

*Students may rely on the additional money coming from their bursary and may even plan it into a budget where books aren't necessarily a priority

*We aren't yet sure as to what happens with the left over money you don't spend on the card

*The increase in fees and the lack of repayment from the University may mean students could have to work longer/more hours

Positives:
*Every course book may be available to buy

*A bookshop will add prestige to the University

*Students will have to buy books, increase in academic ability and fairness

Is changing cash bursaries into book voucher bursaries a positive move or would you rather have the choice to spend it how you wish?

Please feel free to comment on what the Students Union are thinking - tell us if we're wrong! Tell us if what we are thinking does accurately reflect the views of our students!

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*THIS DOES NOT EFFECT NHS FUNDED STUDENTS*