Chris Carr column

The credit crunch has sharpened our thinking and returned us to core values

Published 22 November 2008

Over the past few weeks and months we have all heard the phrase ‘unprecedented economic conditions’.

The contribution of different age groups enhances the learning for everyone

Published 21 October 2008

It hardly needs me to say that we live in interesting and potentially difficult times with all that is happening in the financial sector; you have probably noticed.

Going to university transforms people’s lives, and that’s a prize worth seeking

Published 23 September 2008

Every new beginning means an end of something else – that which went before.Many, if not most students, going to the University of Cumbria will be first-generation students, from families and often local backgrounds with no previously experience of universities.

If results day has brought unexpected disappointment (or delight), help is here

Published 19 August 2008

At this time of year, as A-level and GCSE results are published, you can usually predict some press coverage about how standards are falling, qualifications are getting devalued, and it’s all so much more complicated than it used to be with so many qualifications which seem to change so frequently (well at least that last point may have some validity). So, where do people turn for advice? There are many sources of help and guidance.The first few weeks at university are designed to help students adjust, get to know each other and their tutors find out about the range of support services available and make the best possible start to their course. The support available doesn’t end there – it continues throughout the student’s programme of study and even beyond.

Universities have to practise what we preach about saving the environment

Published 22 July 2008

Climate change is the biggest single threat facing our planet, a much greater threat than international terrorism.

We must dare to be different to create a university in Cumbria for the future

Published 25 June 2008

The University of Cumbria is less than a year old and across the region there are high aspirations for its future success. But how will we measure success in 2057?

These days our students have to work on much more than their studies

Published 26 May 2008

It was made plain to me and my fellow undergraduates when we arrived as new students at university in the early 1970s that, irrespective of any wishes we may have to the contrary, we were not permitted to undertake any paid employment during term time.

Regular training is a fact of life now for everyone – and crucial to our economy

Published 26 May 2008

Within UK universities there is often debate about the role of study for professional qualifications, as opposed to the study of an academic subject.

Our ideas, knowledge and inventiveness are key to creating a successful UK plc

Published 26 May 2008

Every year at about this time the Secretary of State at the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills writes to the chief executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England, setting out his expectations from the council for the year ahead.