MEETING MINUTES

FOR ANYONE WHO MIGHT HAVE MISSED TODAY'S VS MEETING




Following today's meeting, this is a summary of the decision taken, the questions raised, the concerns which have been expressed.The meeting took place in the 3rd years studios. Visual Studies tutors refused the invitation in order to not affect our decisions, and compromise our voice.Student Union President Polly Wilson was present to answer questions and bring support.


A very warm feeling towards the course was expressed by everyone present. The positive points which the course presents have been highlighted. The passion involved in the course, both coming from the tutors and the students, the uniqueness of the course, its important group dynamics have been brought up by several people in the discussions. The excellence of it, its excellent results and staff have been variously praised. It was pointed out that Visual Studies is the course with the highest intake of jobs after graduation.Its recognition across the UK was similarly pointed out. It was very strongly expressed that even if we have been ensured that these issues aren't affecting us directly they will actually do. In the case of 3rd years it was made clear that their only attachment to the course was important enough for them to feel concerned.


Raising interest in a Visual Studies degree appears as an important standpoint. It was expressed that often the course is misunderstood and isn't publicised enough. This seems like the most direct way of increasing numbers and rescuing the course, rather than merging it with fine art.




Highlighting the difference from a Fine Art course came out as a strong point in the conversations. In fact this appears as a central element when attempting to preserve the course from its integration in the BA FA. Fine Art students which were presents agreed and presented their opinion. As fine artists there are a number of students which choose the BA as a mean of being more specific with their practice, of specialising in a subject, and resent sometimes the broadness of the course. From this point of view the integration of Visual Studies, which stands on the opposite approach, becomes a concern for those students. The integration of Visual Studies in Fine Art appears like it could '' dilute fine art and concentrate visual studies'', and by doing so damage both courses. 




The reasons for such a decision where questionned as much as its implications. It is of strong concern for everyone that with the merging of Visual Studies with Fine Art, the budget for such a course, the tutoring time allocated to it and the spaces might remain unchanged whilst the numbers of student will increase. Similar concerns have been raised concerning the continuation and ending of the BA VS degree for those which are at the present moment enrolled in the course. It seems unlikely that students will receive the same amount of tutoring hours, teaching and space when they will, in two years time, be reduced to the mere amount of 17 people. The reduction of artistic practices represented within the University in favor of vocational degrees appeared of concern for both Visual Studies and Fine Art students. These will be the last course representing that part of the University.

Concerns related to the future Visual Studies graduates degree have been similarly raised. It appears worrying to encounter the job market with a degree related to a course which isn't existing anymore. The validity of such degree isn't questioned but the understanding of such a qualification by an employer seems more difficult when, looking on the University website, he might find the apelation ''Visual Studies'' under ''Fine Art''. In fact the practices which the Visual Studies course has been supporting are very distinct from a Fine Art degree and that could wrongly represent what a student is actually qualified for.


It was taken as a decision to ask Student Union President Polly Wilson to partake on Thursday's meetings with Head of University Professor John Last. It was similarly agreed that students would be designed to talk during the meeting to address those questions and concerns, in order for the opinions expressed to come across more clearly. It was decided that even if the division in three groups could be seen as undermining the strength of our message it could be used as a way of expressing our ideas with more order and care. It was decided to ask if some students from 1, 2nd and 3rd year could assist to the others meetings so that we could compare the different elements which come out of each meeting.


Figures have been asked to Student Union President Polly Wilson concerning the numbers of students recruited on the course in the last 5 years, the exact percentage of intakes of jobs after graduation with a BA VS, and the budget of such a course, in comparision to other courses which the Art School offers. These will be given out on Thursday during the meeting.These will help presenting a strong argument in favor of the viability of the course.


The importance of such a decision being taken in the current political and economic moment was discussed. Some felt that it was central to the success of our action to be considered in the larger scheme of things. We aren't an isolate case but part of a broader phenomenon which is touching numerous Art Institutions and reaching these student unions support could makes us appear stronger and on a more united standpoint.Others thought it was more central to raise concerns only directly linked to the course.