English universities have questioned proposed new rules aimed at ensuring students are being treated fairly, saying they go “way beyond” existing consumer protection laws.
Earlier this year, the Office for Students (OfS) proposed an ongoing condition of registration that would require every university and college to treat its students “fairly in relation to its higher education provision and the services that support it”.
The new rules – known as Condition C6 – would require institutions to publish a suite of documents on their websites explaining their student protection arrangements, including policies related to course changes, information on complaints, refunds and compensation, and details of agents who work on behalf of an institution.
The changes, which are out for consultation, have been put forward after some universities were criticised for not delivering courses in a way that was promised to students but sector groups have raised concerns that the new proposals are “disproportionate”.
“Our members are absolutely committed to treating students fairly, and they fully support the principle behind this consultation,” said Vanessa Wilson, chief executive of University Alliance.
