Newcastle College has joined forces with Newcastle and Northumbria universities and Newcastle City Council to launch a student-led forum that will support the needs of our city’s large and diverse student population.
With over 75,000 students living in the city, the Students as Partners forum focuses on strengthening ties between students and their communities, promoting positive, mutually beneficial relationships.
By working with the Council and other organisations to ensure effective delivery of public services to students, it is hoped that the quality of the student experience will be enhanced and will promote the city as a place to live and study – both while students are at university and after they’ve graduated.
The aim is that this group will help ensure students are recognised and valued as members of the communities they live in and will celebrate the work students do, whether through volunteering in their local area, supporting residents or being responsible neighbours.
In turn, by highlighting the wide range of social, cultural and economic benefits that students bring to Newcastle, the group aims to highlight the importance of students’ voices in shaping future city plans, particularly those relating to the provision of housing and health and wellbeing support.
By working with the Council and other organisations to ensure effective delivery of public services to students and residents alike, it is hoped that the quality of the student experience will be enhanced and will promote the city as a place to live and study – both while students are at university and after they’ve graduated.
Northumbria University Students’ Union President, Mary Udeze said: “From the diversity of culture to volunteering, to recycling and to the economic benefits of thousands of students and graduates enriching the city and region; students are an integral part of the Newcastle community. Many love the city so much they choose to stay after graduation. Through Students as Partners, the Students’ Unions aim to raise awareness of students’ positive impact, and work closely with the City Council and others to ensure these benefits continue to grow and be shared with all parts of the community.”
Newcastle University Students’ Union President, Ilsa Hartley, added: “Whether our students were born and brought up in Newcastle or have made it their home while they study, the city is an integral part of their university experience. We are delighted to be part of this forum where we can shine a light on the positive contribution that students make to the city. We look forward to building positive and productive relationships with our key partners to make the city an even more vibrant and inclusive place for all.”
The Students as Partners forum is part of the Collaborative Newcastle Universities Agreement (CNUA), a partnership between Newcastle and Northumbria universities to make a positive change for the city by working closely with the City Council and other city stakeholders.
The group’s inaugural meeting took place last month where discussions covered safety in the city, the value of student contributions including to city-wide events such as Pride, improving access to public transport, and housing challenges and opportunities.
This is a proud moment for Newcastle College and its partners as we work together to ensure students' voices are heard, and that their efforts help shape the future of the city they call home.