NUS plans a five-pronged submission

THE National Union of Students is planning to formulate a five-point submission to Dearing, writes Alan Thomson.

* NUS consultations with student unions have shown a demand for greater integration of further and higher education to provide a "seamless" learning structure with the removal of the vocational and non-vocational divide.

It believes there should also be an expanded role for higher education in developing areas like citizenship.

* Its current policy favours an income contingent graduate tax. It is likely to call for a more equitable funding partnership between students, society and business. The NUS opposes the widespread introduction of tuition fees.

* It believes that access should be limited only by ability. Due weight should be given to increasing access for young people from ethnic and poorer backgrounds.

* It wants a greater role in student support and development, including welfare provision, and perhaps more funding for campus unions.

* It will probably call for a national body to oversee standards. The suggestion is that students may have a role in setting standards and measuring quality.