COVER STORY
A LEADING student representative is calling on universities to improve the way they support undergraduates during the pandemic. Former Newcastle-underLyme School student Nikhita Nachiappan recently beat 900 applicants to become one of 10 new members of the Office for Students’ advisory student panel. (Pictured below).
Now the 18-year-old, from Crewe, hopes to champion Staffordshire and Cheshire at national level and help put the voice of students to decisionmakers.
The panel held an emergency meeting earlier this month to discuss the growing numbers having to self-isolate on university campuses due to Covid-19.
Nikhita wants to see every university adopt a basic set of standards to prevent students missing out on learning or support.
She said: “First and foremost, students shouldn’t be left in the dark. There’s been a lack of information.
“When students are told to isolate, there should be clear and well-signposted support services. That’s especially important for first years, who are still getting to know their new surroundings.”
As a first-year student herself - taking a degree in politics and international relations at the London School of Economics - Nikhita knows the challenges of studying in the Covid-19 era. “It’s been difficult with everything online. I’ve had freshers’ week primarily on Zoom,” she said.
“We were promised that if you come to campus, you are going to have a good university experience. But some universities have offered blended learning, while others have put everything online.” The Office for Students (OFS), has just launched a review into digital learning and teaching. Students on the panel will be feeding in their experiences. It follows concerns that many have been unable to access chunks of their courses because they don’t have the right technology at home. Nikhita added: “With practical courses, the elements still need to be delivered in a Covid-safe way as well.” She is also concerned about students’ mental health, particularly for those feeling lonely in self-isolation.
She stresses it’s not just about people in halls of residence. Students who commute also need support. Nationally, there have been calls to offer discounts on university fees during the pandemic. But Nikhita believes there’s no easy answer as universities are still investing in resources and teaching. She first heard about the panel through a friend and decided to apply.
“I thought it would be good to get representation from the local area. Coming from Staffordshire, my experience will be quite different to someone from London,” she said. “I’m also from an ethnic minority background, so want to be the voice of the British South Asian community.” North Staffordshire has traditionally had a low take-up of higher education. Widening access is one of the issues she wants to explore during her year-long stint in the post. Sir Michael Barber, chairman of the OFS, is keen to hear the panel’s advice.
He said: “Universities are facing enormous challenges right now. We understand how difficult the circumstances are and many are doing a fantastic job. But in their continued response to the evolving situation, it is critical that vice-chancellors understand student concerns.”