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8 Apr 2010 17:21:17
The University of Bedfordshire was one of the first stops for politicians on the campaign trail.
David Willetts MP, Shadow Minister for Universities and Skills, was joined by some of his party colleagues at the Luton campus on Wednesday afternoon.
Also visiting were the Conservatives’ prospective parliamentary candidates for Luton North, Jeremy Brier, and Luton South, Nigel Huddleston, along with Sir Graham Bright who was a Luton MP from 1979-1997.
The University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Les Ebdon CBE, accompanied them throughout their visit.
The quartet first received a tour around the Computer Science and Technology department by its Head, Professor Carsten Maple, before viewing the new Campus Centre building, which is due to open this September, with the Director of Facilities and Estates, Graham Blake.
There were then informal discussions in the Vice Chancellor’s office which involved Professors Ebdon and Maple on a variety of topics.
These ranged from the importance and value of international students at the University, to the number of extra University places made available, falling drop-out rates, the benefits of part-time study, as well as ‘two-year’ and Foundation degrees.
Student finances/loans and the importance of bursaries, along with the University’s increased presence in Milton Keynes, its renewed emphasis on engineering, and the importance it places on the creative industries were other issues debated.
Mr Willetts said afterwards: “Les is very prominent on the university scene, especially with his role with million+ as chairman. It was my first visit here and it was nice to see him in his natural habitat!
“It’s very good to see such an exciting capital project as the new Campus Centre going ahead, and there’s an obvious strength in IT and computing here.
“The University is very well regarded for access which we feel is so important and we also realise the value of part-time study and of being a mature student.”
Latest news» 2010» April» It's computing and new Campus Centre at start of campaign trail
