Alex Wright, University for the Creative Arts student
Me and fellow students staged a sit protest in our uni library.
Further cuts to our library hours, budget cuts, the closure of the student bar and student supply shop, and other budget cuts, had been leaked over the summer.
This and continued support of Generative AI angered students. With no communication or consultation, there was no way for us to voice our concerns.
We weren’t heard. So we resorted to protest.
Last year, we had a ‘chalk the grid’ protest. Over 98% voted against AI usage in a student union poll. Forums and petitions galore. But still they ignored us.
Rightly pissed, I set up a group chat for the protest. Quickly it had well over 100 members, and others helping organise.
Over 60 showed up on the day. Management were forced to meet us, attending our protest. Students asked them questions, and demanded change.
We demanded:
- 24/7 library times
- Bring back student bar, with better and less frequent events
- Gen AI banned across the whole uni and teaching
- Better communication and transparency of where money is spent
We were told it would cost £100,000 a year to maintain the current library hours. But the vice-chancellors make £250,000 each!
They were greatly offended! But low-paid staff have faced pay and job cuts.
We stayed until 9pm. In the end, we agreed to student forums being set up.
We’ve only had once since. In that, they announced weekday opening would extended to 8pm, after previously being reduced to 5pm.
The library will now also be open on Saturdays. But unfortunately unstaffed. I can now say it’s open more than the public library… just.
The uni is still allowing Gen AI. The bar has no alcohol license still.
So there is much more to do and push for. But we did cause change and make an impact!
