Student staff members employed at the University are not receiving their income effectively, a new Student Idea argues.
Students have expressed concerns that the wait between paydays is too long, as University staff — including those working at Marketplace stores — are currently only paid once a month. Other staff affected include student ambassadors and student college staff. The Student Idea is instead calling for fortnightly remunerations by the University, in line with the separate timescale for Guild staff. The payment system was only introduced in September 2015, and it requires students to fill out an application so they can be paid at the end of the month.
The author of the Student Idea notes that the cost of living in Exeter has forced some students “to rely on this income for basic living”, and missing the cut-off date for the application could lead to students struggling financially “for five to six weeks”. At the time of writing been met with general approval, with over eighty per cent of voters selecting either ‘Strongly Agree’ or ‘Agree’, and only one voter opposing the statement.
A second year English student, who works part-time for the University, told Exeposé they agreed with the proposal, saying: ”I’d much rather be paid fortnightly than monthly. The end of the month is always that bit too much of a stretch.”
Other Student Ideas proposed include that the University should offer free rape alarms to students, in light of recent reports of sexual assaults in the city. There is also a proposal to refurbish the Great Hall, which is described as “an embarrassment”.
