Wednesday 13-11-2024 - 17:00

This is our first update after attending the University's initial discussion around the future of Lampeter Campus on Wednesday 13 November - we've outlined the new information we've learnt, what our next steps are, and the support students can access right now 

What we know 

• There are 92 undergraduate students studying on the Lampeter campus, a decrease of 23.9% on last year and a 68.6% decrease over the last 5 years*; with 27 students of the 92 being in their first year. 
• The Postgraduate population (Research & Taught) is 197 people this has fallen by over 35% in the last year and 50% over the last 5 years. 
• The University is proposing to move Humanities programmes from Lampeter to Carmarthen by September 2025 so that it has “the support and location that it needs to further develop and flourish as an academic discipline” 
• Students who currently study on Lampeter Campus would be offered the opportunity to continue and finish their programme with the following available:  
  • Alternative accommodation on the Carmarthen site 
  • Lectures delivered in Carmarthen 
  • Access to more facilities in the town of Carmarthen that are currently not available in Lampeter town (bowling, cinema, etc.) 
  • The University has noted that it wishes to maintain continuity of delivery and engagement for students with any move. 
• Lampeter Campus is proposed to become a centre for residential research, hosting collections and archives. In addition, providing a new residential executive education offer. And a host for residential summer schools. These are some of the options being considered. 
• The University will come to a decision by the end of January 2025 on whether the move takes place.

What we have been doing: 

• Launched our initial response; sharing on social media and via email 
• We have worked with NUS Cymru to provide statements to BBC News and S4C 
• We have hosted an organising space for Lampeter students to prepare for the meeting with the University 
• Represented the interests of students to the University during the meeting on Wednesday 13 November 
• Begun to bring together student feedback received via union@uwtsd.ac.uk as part of our ongoing response 

What are our next steps: 

Many students chose to study at the Lampeter campus for its unique characteristics and student experience. We are continuing to work with our students to gather their feedback and represent their priorities and feelings to the University. A thank you to everyone who has already been in touch with us to share their views. 

• We want to continue a co-ordinated approach to responding to the University, from students who study on Lampeter campus 
• The feeling from students on Wednesday is that the University is telling them something is happening and it isn’t a conversation. We will support students in communicating this further to the University and continue an open dialogue.
• On Wednesday the University noted there would be working groups, we are keen to see and attend these working groups to ensure the student voice is embedded throughout everything going forward. 
• Compiling all of the feedback and questions received at our organising meeting on Wednesday (thank you again to everyone who came along) as well as via email into a third blog post. As much as we can, we want to convey the feelings that students are sharing with us. 
• We are expecting answers to the questions asked in our initial statement. 
• We have additional questions for the University which you can find towards the end of this blog.  
• We are preparing guidance for students who already wish to withdraw from the University regardless of any decision. We sincerely hope it does not reach this point, however it is our job as a Students' Union to ensure you are clear on your rights.

It's not just students who are feeling worried and unsettled with the recent news - we have a tremendous amount of empathy for all Lampeter Staff and the impact these potential changes could have on them - their support is something we are leaving to their respective Trade Unions. 

Our additional questions: 

1. How much investment has the University put into campuses in comparison to Lampeter in the last 5 years? Or what have investments into all campuses looked like? 
2. The University will generate income from selling one of the Rugby pitches. Removing a resource from students for income: Could this funding be utilised to keep programmes on the Lampeter campus? 
3. What if a student wishes to remain living on the Lampeter campus and commute to Carmarthen? 

Feedback & Support 

• We understand that the uncertainty around this situation can be stressful and worrying - students can access well-being support via the student assistance programme. 
• Students who wish to feedback to the SU can email it to union@uwtsd.ac.uk. 
• Alumni who want to share their feedback can do so by emailing it to questions@uwtsd.ac.uk. 
• All press enquiries must be sent to union@uwtsd.ac.uk.