Petition to Reduce Fees

Dear Goldsmiths, University of London,

We, the postgraduate offer holders of Goldsmiths, University of London, would like to request a reasonable reduction of our tuition fees. Our stance is based on various factors, which upon discussion seem to have affected all of us. The reasons for our request are as follows:

Goldsmiths University is the first option for many of us, not only due to its international ranking and reputation, but also due to the University’s progressive position on education being available to people from different social and economic backgrounds. This very position created an expectation as to how delivering classes during a global pandemic would be executed by Goldsmiths. To our dismay, we have all experienced a lack of communication from the University.

We understand the uncertainty that surrounds the pandemic. Nevertheless, we, as students who, some of us,  are international and planning to leave our home countries and travel abroad in these unusual times to further our education, were expecting stronger communication from the University to clarify what the coming academic year is going to look like. Most of our emails were left without responses and updates were not as consistent as one would expect from such a reputed university. Most students are considering the idea of deferring their offers to the next academic year — an option available only to some. Others will have no choice but to defer.

Despite the effort that we hope will be invested in virtual learning for the academic year 20/21, it will not be equal to the experience gained from on-campus learning. The majority of international students are, without a doubt, seeking an academic experience, which includes face-to-face interactions with the university staff and the rest of the students, given the diversity they represent. As mentioned by students who have already begun their Pre-Sessional classes, the quality of the video lectures during online classes has been quite poor. We assume it won’t be much different when classes for our master's courses begin.

It is also important to note that all students will not have access to the usual facilities that are a fundamental part of the academic experience, such as the library, lecture halls, meeting rooms, and spaces for other activities. Furthermore, the networking opportunities that used to come along with the community experience on campus will be diminished, which will have a direct impact on the value promised of a university, like Goldsmiths, and on our future projects as Goldsmiths alumni.

It is imperative to understand that not all students come from wealthy backgrounds and are unable to afford the education provided, as de facto, most of us are struggling like everybody else during this pandemic. Some of us have lost jobs, and others will have to sacrifice all of their life savings to cover the expenses for living in London for a year. Even during normal times it is, indeed, challenging. During a global pandemic, it is even more so.

Another reason we bring up this request is that, around 85 universities worldwide have announced fee reductions, new scholarships, and discounts in general for this academic year. We, unfortunately, have not seen any special response from Goldsmiths University so far in this context.

On these grounds, and as we are approaching September, we are requesting a reasonable and realistic fees reduction for the home and international students and additionally we are also requesting more flexible financing plans for the fees for the academic year 20/21, given the changes in the learning circumstances.