A last-ditch attempt by students at Perth College UHI to save courses from closure has been rejected.
Those attending a high-level meeting on Tuesday between members of the management team claimed that a decision had already been made before discussions even began.
They also accused the college of offering “no flexibility” and failing to take on board alternative suggestions made by those affected.
Although a spokesman from Perth College UHI declined to confirm the outcome of the meeting, it is understood students have been offered the chance to apply for similar courses at other universities.
It appears that limited places have been made available at Abertay University in Dundee and there may also be the possibility of transferring to Stirling University.
However, this could leave many worse off or even result in some being left with no other option but to drop out as there may not be enough spaces.
The Courier spoke to one student who was at the meeting, which they described as “emotional.”
“I personally feel that they had made up their minds before they came to the meeting,” said the student, who did not wish to be named for fear of affecting her application to another university.
“They are providing solutions for us which are not necessarily the best ones but, in the minds of the management, they are solutions nonetheless.
“To be honest, I left the meeting feeling quite emotional. I felt like we were being patronised, as we were told that these were the options and they weren’t prepared to budge.”CostsShe is one of those who face increased transport costs. The help available to students who have to travel to their place of study has now been limited as the Students Awards Agency for Scotland no longer offers separate funding for this. Instead, the sum has been added to the maximum income-assessed loan.
If she decides to go to Abertay, she estimates it could increase her costs by at least £23 per week, which she can barely afford.
“It’s not the best option, but I’m not prepared to give up my education completely,” she continued. “If I don’t at least try and give it a shot, then I’m just going to regret it because this is something I really want to do.”
She wants to continue with her studies and accepts she will have to bear the brunt financially. Although she feels “let down” by the college management, she said the staff from her department have been supportive.
Our source said, “My lecturer and student adviser has been a tremendous help to me and has been assisting me in filling in my application forms. She has gone to great lengths and done a lot more than the college would have done, including contacting various other colleges to find out if they have any places.”
The decision to drop three further education courses was taken following a 10% cut in the grants available to the college, which was awarded full university status in February.
A fourth has been suspended for a year, while four higher education courses have also been cut. This affects around 150 students 1.5% of the student population and was met with dismay by many who believed they had been accepted for 2011-12.