hardship fund reform 2015 (key findings)
TRANSCRIPT
It is clear members were very concerned about lack of ring-fencing for hardship funds; increased demand (i.e. for disability support in the face DSA reforms) under conditions of reduced spending capacity. Further, members were concerned about the effects of changes on lower as well as middle income groups of students with negative impacts on student retention expected unless otherwise mitigated. NASMA is currently analysing the results of the data and the full
details will be published later in the summer.
Hardship Fund Reform initial excerpts
NASMA sent out a survey to members asking for their views on a number of key topics related to reform of the Hardship Fund system across the UK. We had almost 60 responses
from HEIs across the UK. Here’s what you said...
Main reasons for applications
Main changes expected Concerns?
ELIGIBILITY
Appeals process Other Changes
FUNDING
Shortfall
58
poor money skills
64
18 18
38 4
FAMILY crisis
64
432
Most often
Very often
Sometimes
Never
ACADEMIC EXPENSES housing crisis MENTAL HEALTH PHYSICAL HEALTH
75 81
11
7473
17 1023 13
8 6
42 22
We asked members for the main reasons for applications to their hardship funds... you told us
We asked members what were the main changes expected over the coming academic year (15/16)... you told us
We asked members whether you were concerned about these changes... you told us
87
57
44
2036
55
31
56
33
40
16
44
15 11
Yes
Extremely concernedA little concerned
Concerned - 44%
NoVery concerned
Not concerned
Not concerned – 24%
UnsureUnsure
Partly concerned – 33%
Effect of changes on
widening participation
Effect of changes
on student retention
134 4 13
22
35
26
3933
11
APPLICATIONS PROCESS