Following the University's announcement to students and staff that it was considering the immediate future of the Art Shop, as a Students' Union we have been working closely with both the arts students and the Faculty of Arts and Creative Technologies.
The focus has been on understanding the impact of any closure, where and how an alternative service could be ensured, and how the service would need to change in order to be sustained. Historically the opening times of the shop have been a regular cause of complaint from students. But the possible closure of the Art Shop has generated lots of positive feedback on the benefits of having a service on campus.
As well as supporting students with ensuring their views and concerns are heard, the Students Union have also been considering how it could, if needed, extend its own retail provision, through its nearby shop to meet student needs and to compliment the operation of the Art Shop.
We are therefore extremely pleased that the University have confirmed that the Art Shop provision on campus will be retained on a term time basis, and that its opening times will be extended to better meet student needs.
This is another positive example of the student voice being heard and responded to. The consultation exercise has clearly shown there is an opportunity to engage students in finding solutions to the challenges the University has, and we look forward to collaborating further in these opportunities.