Media students at Coventry University say they have cleared the first hurdle in the battle for better facilities, but are still threatening to withhold fees.

They have meet with senior figures over the problems with the Ellen Terry building in Jordan Well.

They say equipment crucial to their courses has not been installed since it was converted from being the Odeon cinema.

Angry at the absence – and apparent unlikely appearance – of the facilities that include video and photographic equipment, more than 300 students signed a petition threatening to withhold their fees.

University bosses retaliated by insisting that the equipment was available to the students.

But following a meeting with the students, they have invited the protestors to carry out an audit of the facilities.

Second year mature student Stephen Brookes said the meeting had been productive, but once the list of missing equipment had been compiled they wanted assurances within a week of when it would be provided.

He said:

“They are asking us to identify every item that is missing and we have to present that on Friday.

”We have got a result, but it’s not the result we need. We are still in dispute with the university.

“Unless they come up with the promises our fees will be withdrawn.”

SEE ALSO:
[05 NOV 00] COV UNI MEDIA STUDENTS UP IN UP ARMS
[06 NOV 00] UNIVERSITY SAYS SORRY FOR MEDIA DEBACLE
[06 NOV 00] COMMENT: CAN UNIVERSITY SURVIVE MEDIA REACTION?