The new Vice President of the University of Sussex as well as the relatively new managers, want to – once again – restructure the university, only five years after its last major reform. The University management’s strategic plan – the so-called Green Paper – lays out the proposed changes for the upcoming seven years.  In short, the ‘reforms’, which are based on a clear political agenda, have a very simple aim: they aim to make the university into a business-run institution, with students as consumers and education as a product.  Furthermore, research projects directed by faculty and students will in future only be supported if they are conducive to the agenda of the government and if they can present a tangible and measurable outcome. For example, research projects in international security, which can benefit the government in its international policies, will generally be financially funded. In addition, with the new changes, academics will be subjected to managerial power over their department and over their teaching – the heads of the departments shall, in the future, no longer be academics, but highly skilled managers who have no tie to academia. These people are considered fitter to administer the finances of the research projects and the department.   

The University of Sussex, which is known for its critical attitude towards society and which aims to give students an alternative education, is on the verge of being changed into a business school. The management aims to build a new business department, which should draw students from around the world to the institution. It is well-known that business schools attract big money from governments and corporations alike. For the University of Sussex, which is already poorly funded, this is a very attractive option.

But the sacrifice for the proposed changes comes at a high price; academic freedom as well as receiving a critical education are threatened to be forfeited. If the changes are implemented, another university in England will become the victim of the market.  Students will receive an education which will discipline them and make them uncritical towards society – in short, after attending university, they will be fit for the capitalist workplace and for nothing else, or so it is intended. The students and staff of the university are trying to oppose these reforms. Weekly meetings which aim to halt the restructuring process are taking place. At this point, it is absolutely crucial that the student body is led by politically conscious leaders and that it is educated so as to become politically conscious. It is important that this student struggle is linked up with the struggle of the working class. 

Socialist Appeal stands for:

A fully funded and fully comprehensive education system under local democratic control. Keep big business out of our schools and colleges. Free access for all to further and higher education. Scrap tuition fees. No to student loans. For a living grant for all over 16 in education or training.

Edinburgh - Schools Under Threat  By Ewan Gibbs Thursday, 10 January 2008

What is a university degree worth?  By a student comrade, 29 October 2007

The City Academy Scandal  By Ed Doveton (Oldham NUT personal capacity) Wednesday, 15 August 2007