We are proud to share that we have successfully completed our Student Leadership Team priority project on Best Practice in Curriculum Withdrawals.
As part of this work, we have developed and published a set of standards that we believe The Open University should follow when withdrawing curriculum. We have also created step-by-step guidance to support Student Representatives and Open SU staff in reviewing proposed curriculum withdrawals, and delivered training to Student Representatives to raise awareness of this work and enable them to contribute to discussions at committee meetings. We are pleased that this work has been positively received by colleagues across The Open University, as it reflects the shared commitment to transparency and student involvement in decision-making.
This project originated from a motion submitted to Conference 2024 titled 'Protect the Curriculum' by long-standing volunteer, Nigel Patterson. The motion highlighted student concerns about the withdrawal of curriculum options, and called for greater student involvement and transparency in decision-making. The motion was passed by 93.40% of the 1,828 students who voted, providing Open SU with a strong mandate to take this work forward.
Reflecting on the impact of the motion, Nigel Patterson said:
"I first raised my motion at Conference 2024 after becoming concerned that curriculum options were being taken away from students. The motion was passed with a strong majority, thereby giving Open SU a strong mandate to campaign on this issue.
"It is encouraging to see how a student's concern can be brought to the wider student body, voted on, and then developed into a campaign that has been well received by the University.
"Open SU will be holding a one-day online Conference in November. This event only comes around every two years, so please check our website for more information closer to the date. It should be an interesting and enjoyable day, but it is also your opportunity to help shape the policies of your Student Union.
"You will have the opportunity to vote on all motions and, if there are issues that matter to you, you can also propose a motion yourself. Further details on how to submit a motion will be shared closer to the event. Watch this space!"