Conference Document 2 : Motion form

ZONE 1
Access, funding and X
student support / ZONE 2
Education
ZONE 3
Communities / Emergency
(only to be used after close of motions)

Please note: Scottish Procedures Committee reserve the right to allocate a zone if none is selected, and to overrule zone choice if it deems the one chosen to be inappropriate.

Title of Motion: Better Postgraduate Financial Support

Name of CM: GCU Students’ Association

Conference notes:

1.  Both in 2013 and 2014, 57% of students indicated that the lack of funding that was available was one of two reasons for not enrolling in postgraduate study[1].

2.  Nearly half of students said that they would need to borrow money from their family to finance their postgraduate study[1].

3.  60% of postgraduate students were expected to be in part-time work whilst studying[1].

4.  In 2014, 3.7% of postgraduate students received funding for living cost from the UK Government whist studying[2].

[1] TARGETpostgrad Postgraduate Study and Funding Annual Survey 2015

[2] The Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2014

Conference believes:

1.  Most postgraduate students experience financial problems during their study.

2.  Students are discouraged from entering postgraduate study to concerns over funding.

3.  Postgraduate students should have access to similar living cost funding to that of undergraduate students.

4.  The current “postgraduate living cost loan” offered to postgraduate students in Scotland is not adequate.

5.  Further Funding from the Scottish Government would make postgraduate study more accessible.

Conference resolves:

1.  To lobby the Scottish Government to introduce a postgraduate study living cost grant through a bursary, which is similar to the one currently available to undergraduate students.

(Please continue on a separate page if necessary)

The above motion was approved by a General Meeting/Council/Executive in accordance with our Constitution

Signed: Position:

Secure code:

Each CM may submit a maximum of 3 motions, no more than one per policy zone. Only one copy of each is required. Maximum length – 300 words. Faxed motions will not be accepted. Emailed motions should be sent to and must be accompanied by the CM’s secure code.

Closing date for receipt of Motions is 17:00 on Friday, 12 February 2016