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Although in 1999/2000 second years will also be potential non-payers, targeting first years will be vitally important in order to boost the numbers of students involved in a non-payment campaign. As freshers know few or no other students when they come to Oxford for the first time, feeling part of a mass, well organised group will be vital if first years are to be persuaded not to pay their tuition fees. This is especially necessary as many colleges are demanding payment before the end of 1st week of Michaelmas term. Unlike in other universities, Oxford does not tend to offer means to pay fees by instalments, so quick targeting of students is vital.  Before Freshers Arrive Knowledge of the campaign is necessary before first years arrive in Oxford. Nearly all will be aware of this academic year's non-payment campaign, but this will not be fresh in people's minds in Michaelmas 1999. Talking to interviewees in December may have had some impact, but the real work has to be done in the weeks prior to the students' arrival. JCRs cannot give money to a non-payment campaign, as they face potential legal action (see Legal Implications section), but this does not prevent first years being contacted. In theory, this is possible, but college offices have prevented addresses being released to anti-fees JCRs. The OUSU Freshers' Guide has informed Freshers that a non-payment campaign will occur but action as soon as students arrive is imperative. Most colleges run parenting systems - second and third year students write to their sons/daughters prior to their arrival. College CAF committees can use this opportunity to contact freshers in two ways: instruct parents to mention the fees issue, or get parents to include a small leaflet with their letter. If your college JCR / CAF committee has a list of all Freshers' addresses (i.e. the SCR does not have to be asked), direct mailings are possible but are of course more costly. SAFE will be in a postion to help coordinate these mailings and will be able to supply literature and may even be able to mail the whole of the new first year prior to their arrival.
0th Week When Freshers arrive in Oxford, plans for fees campaigns must be immediately visible. Posters, leaflets in Freshers' Packs and leaflets in pigeon holes must let first years know about the campaign, and a CAF meeting for all freshers must be arranged as soon as possible, in which freshers can express their views and can feel part of a group of similarly minded people. It is at this time that the real campaign kicks off. Stalls at Freshers' Fair and a march at the end of Freshers' Week are designed to get people invoved, while lists obtained at the fair will give an estimate of the number of non-payers expected. |
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