New Abertay University Students' Association president William Mohieddeen vows to fight tuition fees
Abertay University's new student leader has promised to campaign against any move to introduce tuition fees.
William Mohieddeen presenting his election video (see below).
- By Grant Smith, education reporter
- Published in the Courier : 29.03.11
- Published online : 29.03.11 @ 01.47pm
William Mohieddeen has been chosen as president of the students' association for 2011-12.
He is a fourth-year student doing a BSc in sports coaching and has been a member of the student representative council for three years.
He said, "Alongside the National Union of Students, I pledge to stand against any increase in tuition fees or education cuts so that no Abertay student is priced out of higher education and advancement of their skills."
The stance puts him at odds with university management, which has said it believes a graduate contribution is needed to help counter reduced public spending on higher education.
In its official response to the Scottish Government's green paper on funding for the sector, it said, "Given the currently reduced level of support, Abertay has concluded that the existing funding arrangement is simply no longer fit for purpose.
"The urgent introduction of some kind of graduate contribution is probably inevitable if Scotland is not to see the further impoverishment of its still — but only just — excellent universities."
Mr Mohieddeen said he also hoped to set up post-graduate open days for students.
"We come to university to attain skills to flourish in our chosen careers so it is important for students to know what choices are available after graduating, in what is a difficult climate to find jobs," he said.
Accommodation issues, the need for the university to have a dedicated sports venue and a greater say for overseas students are also on his agenda.
He added, "I have spent some good years at Abertay and have earned a lot from my experience here. I now want to serve its students in return."
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