Students and graduates occupy second University of Greenwich building (From News Shopper)

Save Philosophy at Greenwich campaigners protest against cuts to single honours philosophy degree course

10:18am Wednesday 27th April 2011 in News By Kelly Smale

STUDENTS and graduates have occupied another University of Greenwich building over the axe of a degree course.

Around 15 people entered the Queen Mary Building on the Greenwich Campus yesterday (April 26) at 4pm and have remained at the site over night.

The Save Philosophy at Greenwich campaigners are protesting against the cuts to the single honours philosophy degree course, which has been running for the past 20 years.

Occupiers, who also took over the King William building for more than 24 hours last week, say they want a group representative to be able to attend the academic planning meeting on May 5.

They are also demanding a face to face meeting with the dean of humanities and social sciences, professor Joanne Finkelstein, vice-chancellor Baroness Blackstone and deputy vice-chancellor for academic development, Simon Jarvis.

Graduate Lloyd Duddridge said: “Our demands were not met before so this is a continuation from the last occupation.

“The uni have still declined to speak to us.”

The 23-year-old added: “We are not going to give up.

“It’s a sign to them that we are not just willing to fight for a few days and give up. We are in it for the long hall.”

An online petition to save the course has 1,440 signatures and 589 people have joined a Facebook group called Save Philosophy at Greenwich.

The university has decided to stop recruiting students to the philosophy single honours course.

University of Greenwich response

A University of Greenwich spokesman said:

“A small number of students and people from outside the university, are currently in a public area on campus.

"The university’s Academic Planning Committee has taken a decision to stop recruiting to Single Honours BA Philosophy.

"This is one outcome of long term strategic planning in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, that will develop interdisciplinary teaching, transferable skills, employability and sustainable student recruitment.

"The decision will be reported to Academic Council as a matter of routine.

"The Students’ Union has four members sitting on that committee and will represent students’ views.

"There have already been many discussions with staff and students about this issue, and the occupying group has been given the opportunity to share its concerns with a senior manager."