Petition

Funding for Adobe Software

by Anonymous 11 April 2023, 17:33

Category: University Petition

Voting closed

Education President 

February Update

In October I launched a survey for students on creative media and communications courses, to gather data on their experiences using adobe software. This survey has now concluded, with 36 total responses. Using this feedback, I have written a proposal for students to be given access to this software on their own devices. I will be meeting with the heads of school for business/communications and creative arts to discuss the proposal shortly. 

April Update 

Last month, we met with academic staff from relevant courses to put forward a case for this change. Unfortunately, the University did not agree and there are currently no plans to change the way students access Adobe software. 

The University opposes this change on the basis of cost, a belief that students work better when together on campus and concerns around student work not being securely backed up on personal devices. The University is also concerned that this change will cause an inequality for students who can't afford their own devices. 

However, the Student Engagement Fund will consider requests for support purchasing Adobe software for your own device.

Please note this funding is only available to UK students. Our student advisor can support with applying for this fund - you can email them on advice.smsu@stmarys.ac.uk.

We will now be closing this petition. We will however continue to argue for flexibility in the way you engage with your course and support for commuting students. 

Votes

This is a petition to get funding for Adobe software on our own devices. 

Myself, a media student, and coursemates have been coerced into working in a selection of 4 rooms on the E-block throughout our semester. This was only until 10pm. The media studio was supposed to be open 24/7 just like the library to provide 24/7 access to the Adobe which takes up about 2/3 of our course. However, the software isn't up to date and it was shut over Easter as well. 

It is a burden to all people on my course (Creative Media) and other students on courses that require work to be done with paid Adobe software to be restricted in scheduling our work.

Paying for the software ourselves is not possible, as not everyone has £16 per month (smallest package, which doesn't provide all necessary software) just leftover to pay for software the uni should provide as part of the 4-, for international students even 5-digit tuition.

Sign this petition to save us that money and improve our work. 

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