Christianne Glossop, the new Chair of the RVC Animal Care Trust and proud RVC alumni, shares a heartfelt letter on the challenges our students face
As a proud alumna of the RVC, I am delighted to have been appointed the new Chair of the Animal Care Trust (ACT), taking up the mantle from Professor Stephen May. As you can imagine, there is a steep learning curve, and it was enormously helpful to visit Hawkshead recently to see firsthand how the ACT supports the work of the RVC and manages the RVC Alumni Fund.
As an RVC student (about a hundred years ago), I remember only too well how hard it was, living away from home for the first time – balancing studies with some kind of social life, on a limited budget, with little or no chance of supplementing income due to the heavy workload through term time and the vacations. And from what I have seen, there is even more pressure on our students today, with tuition fees, no grants, smaller loans, even less time for paid work and more competition in the workplace.
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The cost-of-living crisis is affecting students too. I was shocked to read that in the UK, the average student's monthly living costs increased by 17% last year and 8% of students used a food bank with many skipping meals to save money (2023 Save the Student Survey). The average student's maintenance loan falls short of covering their living costs by £582 per month or almost £7,000 per year. I fear this could seriously discourage students from studying at a time when we desperately need more veterinary and scientific workers in the UK and around the world.
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In 2019, in recognition of the financial pressures on our students, the RVC created the new, hugely enhanced Student Support Fund. An annual grant of £100,000 per year was established from a mix of ACT and RVC funds including donations from alumni. The fund is open to all home and international students – be they undergraduate or postgraduate and on any course. Last year we increased the annual fund by nearly 20%, but within months it became apparent that this was not enough.
Demand for the fund has increased each year, and in March 2024 the student Advice Centre applied for an additional £10,000 to ensure support was available over the summer for those who face unexpected costs during this time either because of retakes, EMS requirements or estrangement from their families.
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As alumni, we know education at the RVC sets students up for career of a lifetime. In times like these our community can truly make a difference. Let’s remember what the RVC did for us, dig as deep as we can, and support future generations through their academic journey, reducing the constant worry about making ends meet, especially in this challenging financial landscape.
Our US Alumni can benefit from tax-deductible donations. Meaning your dollar stretches further allowing us to accomplish even more thanks to our partnership with the Chapel & York US Foundation. When donating please select '51³Ô¹ÏÍø' under 'suggest a recipient'. Thank you.
Every little helps, and regular giving would mean the world.
With my thanks for your support,
Christianne
Professor Christianne Glossop OBE
Chair of the RVC Animal Care Trust
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