At UCU, we feel that informing students about the changes at the University is important. This helps to support students through uncertain times and helps to raise awareness and support as we oppose the job losses.

The proposed changes will have an impact on the students and it helps for them to understand that this is a process controlled by the University of Derby leadership and will be happening across the whole university, not at a subject or course level. 

Confidentiality

You are not obliged to keep your own redundancy process private, although you might want to limit the sharing of specific details such as pay and timings. You should not share the details of others’ redundancy (that is for them to do).

You might want to share the proposed changes with students (this is in the public domain) and how you and colleagues are feeling.

Avoid suggesting things that are not in the proposals or creating anxiety amongst students about their own courses.

Why should students support us?

• The proposed changes will lead to a loss of the expertise that they benefit from.
• Staff who remain will have an increased workload which can lead to burnout, reduction in ‘extras’ such as trips, networking opportunities, workshops, seminars, additional study guidance.
• Cuts are likely to lead to reduced options for modules and courses.
• Our working environment is their learning environment – confident and secure staff contribute to a positive learning experience.

What you can ask students to do

• Show their support through talking to their staff, wearing UCU badges and stickers and talking to their friends about what is happening.
• Write to UoD executive and governors, saying how they think the changes will affect them and demanding no job losses.
• Write to contacts such as MPs to ask for their support.
• Use social media to highlight what is happening and how they feel about it.
• Put pressure on the Union of Students to take action in solidarity with UCU.

We have also produced a leaflet for students that you are welcome to share either in print or by email.