Question time in the common room
QUESTION Time came to the Common Room at Havering College of Further and Higher Education.
College principal Noel Otley was quizzed by students in an hour long session this week.
The event organised by the college’s student services team gave learners from all three main college campuses the opportunity to discuss any issues directly with the man at the top.
Topics covered included extra funding for activities aimed at Higher Education students, security measures and plans to improve sports facilities at the Ardleigh Green Campus.
The talks have already resulted in plans to extend the opening hours of B Block – the £6.5 million creative arts facility on the Ardleigh Green site.
On the college policy of ‘No identity card, No admittance’, Mr Otley told students: “It is important that staff and students feel safe and that no-one can just walk in and roam around the buildings.
“We are very strict. We know it is a pain if a student forgets their ID card and has to go home but it is better that we have a secure system.”
Mr Otley also answered questions from students based at the Hillman Close Construction Centre which will be closing this summer to relocate to Burnside House in New Road, Rainham in September.
The college has signed a deal with the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation (LTGDC) to lease the former Carpetright warehouse for five years. A total of £2million is being spent on creating a state-of-the-art facility for construction courses.
Mr Otley said: “Burnside House will house better facilities, a better canteen and have its own basketball court.”
Havering College student services manager Margo Lindsay said later: “This was a very successful event which will be repeated. It gave students the opportunity to speak directly to the principal to put forward any ideas and requests.”
ends