Help Create a World of Opportunity

I can certainly say that thanks to the support from the Chancellor’s Fund, I had the opportunity to further develop my skills in drawing. My drawings have become better because the markers allow me to test combinations of colours, imitate textures, and the result is quality drawings that are vivid and exciting. I am certain that the Copic markers will help me in my studies and enable me to get one step closer to achieving my goal. I feel really happy that I can share my vision and creative thoughts with my peers and tutors. Thanks to the Chancellor’s Fund, I feel more confident not only in my drawings, but as a person as well.

Yoana Krasteva, BSc Architecture, 2014

The power of collective giving is immensely important to our students and

has a far greater impact than most can imagine. Therefore even what may seem

an insignificant gift is vital to Coventry’s fundraising effort.

Every gift makes a difference

The Chancellor’s Fund has enabled us to reach the parts of the students’ requirements which cannot be addressed by other means. We can all remember the days where it was the small things that made a difference and that is really the essence of this fund. I have been happy to support this from the outset and I will continue to do so. Contributions can be of any amount and I look forward to being joined by a growing number of donors.

Ernest Petrie, Pro-Chancellor and Donor

The front cover was drawn by Yoana Krasteva, a recipient of The Chancellor’s Fund. Yoana received £250 to purchase industry standard materials to help hone her skills and improve her portfolio. Yoana will be graduating in November 2014 with First Class Honours in Architecture. The Chancellor’s Fund is entirely donor-funded. Thanks to these generous donations we are able to support our students reach their potential.

15 people giving £5 per month could

support a student through an unpaid

placementWhether it’s support to help a student on a work placement or a grant so they can meet their educational needs, The Chancellor’s Fund is a vital resource. Donations from alumni and supporters give our students access to experiences and opportunities that can enhance their education and future.

Not every student can afford to take advantage of all of the opportunities available to them at University. Work experience, specialist equipment or even recommended course books can be out of reach for some, but through The Chancellor’s Fund it is possible to make a difference to a student’s academic career.

The Chancellor’s Fund

10 people giving £20 per month will help support a disabled student through University

A significant number of students experience financial difficulties throughout their time at University. The financial burden can be even greater for some, including people with disabilities, single parents, individuals from low income families and care leavers.

From September 2014 and as part of the government’s broader changes to the funding of Higher Education, the national Access to Learning Fund (ALF) is being replaced by grant schemes created at a local level. At Coventry University, ALF is being replaced by the ‘Student Hardship Fund’ which is designed to provide grants to help students directly affected by the closure of ALF. The Student Hardship Fund will be of enormous value to our students whose circumstances result in them being unable to pay for equipment or materials that can help them progress, as well as those who are struggling with the general cost living.

Coventry University has recently been voted University of the Year for Student Experience* and we want to ensure that all our students have a positive experience irrespective of their individual needs.

*The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2015.

Student Hardship

Sports and Societies are a great way to integrate into life at University and make friendships that can last a life time. Coventry University Students’ Union helps facilitate 46 sports clubs and 88 societies, ensuring students get the most out of extra-curricular activities. Most clubs and societies have very tight budgets with most of their funding used on transport. This makes it difficult to purchase new equipment or to fund professional coaching. You might have been a member of one of these clubs or someone passionate to see young people thrive in all aspects of University life.

Sports & Societies 20 people giving £15 per month

will fund professional coaches to improve our athletes’ sporting skills

4 people giving £15 per month will enable us to send one student to India to support our

development activities with local charities

A partnership between a charity in India and Coventry University is supporting disadvantaged children while creating global work placements for Sports Science students.

Youth Football Club (YFC) Rurka Kalan was founded in 2000 by Jas Sandhu, alumnus of Coventry University, and supported by Alan Malik, who like Jas, is an Associate Director of Coventry City Football Club. The aim of the charity is to give underprivileged children of Rurka Kalan a more positive and sustainable lifestyle through activities and educational opportunities.

Our work in India now also involves placements for English Language students who have been working in a primary school – Godiva Lions Public School – which is only 30 minutes away from YFC Rurka Kalan.

The school was created for children who cannot afford a school uniform or text books – let alone travel and school fees. Sponsorship from the Lions Club of Coventry Godiva has seen the school expand from eight pupils to more than 140.

Coventry University is proud to play its part in developing disadvantaged young people in India. Our involvement also ensures Coventry students benefit from an international placement to help their future employment prospects.

International Volunteering

13663-14 © Coventry University. All rights reserved.

I had the best 5 years of my life at Coventry University, first studying for my undergraduate degree, then becoming the VP for Sports & Societies and later President of the Students’ Union. Coventry University helped me to develop invaluable skills that continue to benefit me professionally to this day. The University will always hold a special place in my heart, so I was more than happy to give something back when I was contacted during the 2007 telephone campaign. Knowing that my donation is helping current students to have a similar experience, I continue to support the institution I am proud to be a part of.

Tom Clift, BA Leisure Management, 2001

I studied English for 3 years and graduated with a First Class Honours. I am now going on to do an MA in Literary Linguistics, with expectations of becoming a lecturer in English.

During my time at university, I really enjoyed my studies but what made me feel secure was the help I received from my disability advisors. They advised me to apply for the Access to Learning Fund (ALF) and this really helped me to focus on my studies. As a disabled student, I have higher living costs and am unable to work part-time. With support from the ALF, I didn’t need to worry about how to cover course related costs such as books for core modules or safe transport home from campus if I stayed late.

The ALF was essential in supporting not just my financial worries but also my academic needs. Having this safety net means students like me feel safe in the knowledge that they are covered if any significant circumstances arise. I really hope ALF will continue to be provided for those that need it.

Michaela King, BA English, 2014

Please contact Dwayne Webb on 024 7688 7715 or dwayne.webb@coventry.ac.uk for further information