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The LLC is a home for students, it is a place where we feel safe and can get the help and guidance needed! It is a space where those going through the same process can meet and have that vital support! As a former student I wouldn’t have been able to get through without this space - a second home! It is vital for future students to have a space like the LLC where they can meet, work and get the much needed support and guidance!

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This is more than just a building, it's a community, a safe space for mature students to go and seek comfort or advice. I spent many afternoons in here meeting staff and other students, it's where my journey began when I took that daunting step of deciding to study as a mature student. It saddens me to think that students going forward won't have access to this space.

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Hey why the restriction!!, isn’t the whole experience of coming to uni and Ziff building to be part of an inclusive integrated expressive progressive learning community. Unless there is something that is not being disclosed? why would you choose to restrict the creative flow between students past present future and those that are there to guide them.

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What is the University of Leeds and what is it's goals?

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What is the University of Leeds and what is it's goals?

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I ask myself that daily. The only reason I come to leeds was because if that building and what the staff do! They are an award winning building and yet this is the thanks they get! What do I want as a student does that count? I am beyond words. Students need this building. I use it every day and feel taking this away will affect my learning and will most definitely effect mature students and those from marginalised backgrounds accessing the university! We need more vice chancellor then punitive action.

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It's the only place I have ever gone to within the university to help me with any questions I have. It's also the only place I feel I connect with as a mature student where people know my name. When I feel low, it boosts me up and makes me feel like I am a part of the university. It's the hub of the university for me 96% of my university experience is there, and taking it away from people is an absolute travesty. I am beyond words. This is needed on so many levels and yet can be pushed aside as it doesn't effect the majority of the younger bulk of the university. I expected more from a university that sees itself as top tier.

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The ziff building represents a safe place for all students returning to HE it's more than just a building it's a haven for mature students it's the heart of the community of many many people returning to study
It is the first place you step into its the meeting place where students and staff build friendships and become a diverse network of support for each other. The ziff building represents 'we did it' and walking in there fills you with pride. As part of a marginalised cohort it's the place you know you are actually identified as student of one of the most prestigious university's in the world. It would be such a shame for future students to miss out on what this building represents and offers.

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As a former student, I still gravitate back to the Ziff building when on campus. It’s hard to explain how a building can be a safe space and a community wrapped up together but it would be awful to deny students access to it.

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The decision to deprive the Lifelong learning Centre of all its tremendous hard work towards inclusion is one that has obviously been made by someone that has clearly never been estranged by its own society or had to endure an oppressive culture. The LLC is home - and when I say home I mean a safe thriving environment, that every student has a right to access....it is home to one of the most important student cohorts, who bring a wealth of diversity to the University of Leeds. Inclusion & diversity are key qualities that enable equality - all of which, are what the university of Leeds like to  present a sense of pride around. Are decison makers not depriving the institution of its own values? Is this not a major disservice to a community of their own students? To mature students, who are actively plucked out of disadvantage areas by your own widening participation work. Mature students, student-parents, non - traditional students, students with learning disabilities, and students that a commonly not supported by family for their decison to step into the realm of prestigious, higher education...are all built up with new, encouraging, and empowering learning identities, given hope to climb the social mobility ladder, to better their lives and their childrens aspirations...To then, have all that community of hope - cos that is what the LLC is built on, a foundation of hope, a spirit of community, a network of flexible, fluid support, a unit of understanding by both staff and students working together to dissolve expereinces of discrimination, feelings of failure, or psychological illusions of not fitting in, and most crucially, working effortlessly to breaking all the barriers to learning. To have such a rich, relaxed, friendly and supportive space to drop in to, when you are working against the grain of 'people like me don't go to uni' and you are at risk of giving up, the LLC is a LIFELINE to surviving the entrenched, traditional culture of university! The LLC is a pivotal, conscious social space that works magic when it is ACESSABLE at all times. You can't make an appointment to check in with your mental health with that trusted member of staff, if that member of staff is limited to appointment time only... You can't commute miles to university for a slot to feel safe for 30 minutes to enable you to continu with your work...you cant make an appointment with no child care, but you can rely on trusted peers to entertain your child whilst you have some work checked over if the common room is left to be used by passing students. The times I have personally dropped into the LLC's common room in a melt down, in desperation, and found a variety of support and encouragement, by students that dont even know me...They have given me the grit to continue, a purpose to carry on and a, Lifelong belief and intention that 'I Can' and 'I Am' worthy of university! This support was priceless, timeless and pretty much all the precious resources I needed to just take away with me! On any given day! You cant rota in support in that way! Such support was never available, experienced or recieved anywhere else on campus ornin other schools - which I navaigated much more difficultly. Whoever is making the decision to put red tape around an area that enables ALL its students to thrive, is removing gold star opportunities. As a mature student from a disadvantage background, I personal have plans to return to study. However, if the LLC is not available to me like it once was then I truly beleive the university of Leeds is going to loose some of the most talented people around. People that are willing to risk everything that has ever held them back in order to learn, develop, up skill and contribute to society. Students that could be the wonderful embodiment of what the Lifelong learning Centre is about, HOPE, ACESSABILTY, OPPORTUNITY, EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, DEVELOPMENT, A SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY, A NON HIERARCHICAL CO-CREATION OF PROGRESS!... All that wealth of work and partnership between students and staff should be honoured and represented by the University of Leeds. Please reconsider the decision to make the LLC by appointment only as it will have devastating impacts. It will out brick walls up and excluded the already excluded. Thats not progress that's a collapse in leading the way to a better and more abundant society!

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Without being able to have walk in access i would not of been able to seek the immediate help I required on many occasions. I was a mature student with a young child, without family or support. Open Access gave me the support i desperately needed to succeed in my studies. I could go into Ziff to study, recieve 1to1 support in situations that could not of been dealt with appointments only approach. I could ask questions, offer help to others. I became a helpful role model and i would like to be in the building to offer my support to people who needed it like me too. Not allowing students to be a part of the LLC in the Ziff  would have completely failed me as a student. I would not have made it to graduation day. Making this harmful decision will impact negativity on many if not all higher education learners. It is an uneducated choice. 

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Without being able to have walk in access i would not of been able to seek the immediate help I required on many occasions. I was a mature student with a young child, without family or support. Open Access gave me the support i desperately needed to succeed in my studies. I could go into Ziff to study, recieve 1to1 support in situations that could not of been dealt with appointments only approach. I could ask questions, offer help to others. I became a helpful role model and i would like to be in the building to offer my support to people who needed it like me too. Not allowing students to be a part of the LLC in the Ziff  would have completely failed me as a student. I would not have made it to graduation day. Making this harmful decision will impact negativity on many if not all higher education learners. It is an uneducated choice. 

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Ziff Building for staff and mature student 

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Ziff Building for staff and mature student 

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Devasting news, I am a former student , LLLC gave me and my peers a space to share our learning journey,  brought us together . Due to this, it was possible for me -someone with more than one learning difficulties to experience the real inclusion.  I strongly belive without  Ziff Building my learning l experience at the University of Leeds wouldnt have been as rich as it has been 'the most positive learning experience I have had  in my life. I was able to study, gain confidence  and get the best support I needed. I agained a sense of belonging- the only place I never experience rejection due to my learning differences and my skin colur. Please reconsider this decision as marginalised groups may miss the opportunity to flourish and reach their full potential. Ziff is not just a Building its positive vibes allows those who struggle with self esteeme and confidence to meet with others, to  learn, overcome anxiet and fear and share positive experiences. By making it for staff only , it will not be as inclusive as it has been so far. Ziff Building brings student and staff together which I believe thats makes it bring a special ,unique and positive learning experience  for mature students- like myself.

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The questions begs…why???

As a former mature student at the LLC I read with dismay the intention to limit access to the Ziff building. This building was donated as a community space, and during the five years that I studied there this is exactly what it achieved, a community space for somewhat marginalised students. Part of the role of the LLC is to reach students who have not been able to access higher education through traditional routes…and the common spaces provided in Ziff are part of that experience. Why would the University want to limit access to that? I am now studying a PG at a different university that does not have this type of facility and it is a very different and less inclusive experience … please reconsider!

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I am a former UoL student who fit into all the widening participation brackets - mature, first generation and working class - so studying at a Russell group university was not somewhere I expected to find myself at 41! With no common ground with my younger peers, family and work commitments, it was hard to see why I belonged in a place like this and I began to question why I thought returning to study was ever a good idea. I can honestly say, I found my identity within the walls of the Ziff building. The LLC was where myself and my course mates were made to feel like we belonged to the university, that we were worth something, that we too had a right to be there. The camaraderie that was built in the common room, the support that was given by the student support staff and tutors happened right there in that building.
Whomever thought it was a good idea to
make the Ziff a staff-only space and strip some of the most marginalised students on campus of the little sense of belonging they have, clearly never experienced what it is like to return to study when the odds are stacked against you!
I am grateful I was able to complete my studies and graduate from UoL,
but it would never have been possible without the LLC and everything that went with it.
This is an outrageous decision that will limit the outcomes for mature learners and impact those who already feel like imposters the greatest.

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I can only say that the decision to limit the access to the Ziff building has given little consideration to Leeds' mature learners and it seems very unfair. The space immediately gives the feeling of a safe and relaxed community, shared with like minded others and as a mature learner returning to education after many, many years, this is so important!  During my studies, I often met up with my peers and tutors in the Ziff and right from the very start of my learning journey, immediately felt comfortable there.
It makes me very sad to think that others will not get this experience and very much makes me think that mature learners will no longer feel a valued part of the university.
Having unlimited and drop-in use of this safe space is not only very much part of the success of your mature learners' academic journey but also plays a vital role in their health and well-being, By taking this space away, you are very much giving your mature students, who have already overcome many fears and anxieties to return to education, a big disservice. Please rethink this decision and do not take away the chance to succeed from this group of learners!

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Mature learners
People belong to diverse ethnic groups
Student's with families who can't study at home.
Students with disabilities.
People returning to study.
International students
Student services.

The Ziff building is a welcoming, relaxed environment with a coffee shop, comfortable seating and is accessible and easy to locate.

#saveourziff #saveourspace

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The Ziff building and common room played a huge part in my learning experience. Being dyslexic, and finding studying extremely difficult, I believe without the use of these spaces, completion of my degree would of been impossible. Being able to study in these spaces allowed me to have continuous support, not only from staff but also fellow mature students. I finished my study’s nearly 2 years ago and I still find myself going back to the Ziff building and LLLC, for continued support and advice. I feel this decision will impact all mature students, past and future. It could even be described as discriminating. I say this because there are many spaces on campus for the “typical student” and the Ziff building is our only safe space. I think this decision needs rethinking.

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As a former LLC student, the ziff building was where my learning journey started & a place I always seek comfort in. Even now when visiting campus, it was nice to know you could always find a friendly face there or even just see something on the board in the common room that would make me smile. The cafe felt relaxing too, a good place to avoid the busier, noisy refrectory.
It will be disappointing to lose access to this wonderful space.

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It feels like our home away from home is being taken away. This is unjustified!

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The LLC is a safe space for mature students to go for peer support, encouragement and to have someone there to reassure you that the hard work is worth it and everything is going to be ok.

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The LLC is a safe space for mature students to go for peer support, encouragement and to have someone there to reassure you that the hard work is worth it and everything is going to be ok.

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It's a place to connect with students on other courses and if your having a difficult day or feeling lonely there is always someone to talk to staff or student. To look after your emotional well-being.
It's more than just a meeting place plus it's a warm space especially with the cost of living going up.

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Surely punishing the majority for the minorities mistakes is unjust.

The LLC was accessible to me as a mature student throughout my Nursing Degree and provided the support and courage to help me complete my studies. The flexibility of being able to access the LLC at any time provided an essential support network, friendship, peer and staff support throughout the day. Taking away this accessible and safe space away from mature students by introducing a booking system would surely be a serious error of judgement and most definitely a devastating loss to all mature students who are trying to improve their life skills and self development.

I am now working as a manager in the health & justice system with vulnerable adults. In my opinion I would not be in this position without the vital flexible support of the LLC staff & students.

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Access to this area, and the cafe downstairs, is a huge part of the LLC experience. Mature students are more likely to come in for quiet study and support. Making this area appointment only will further marginalise an already marginalised group. I needed reassurance and to feel part of something as a mature student, as we don’t do all the Freshers events and go to nightclubs. This area makes us feel included and wanted and closing it will have the opposite effect.

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I was shocked beyond belief at the news that the Ziff building - donated as a community space by the Ziff Foundation - is to be closed to students.   The most marginalised groups will be the ones affected. This decision speaks volumes of the respect given to mature learners: so much for inclusion and diversity University of Leeds.

This building and the Lifelong Learning Centre, have been a lifeline to myself and other mature learners. I would never have achieved a BA first in Professional Studies and now be taking am MA in writing, without the fantastic tutors and support staff at the LLC. The LLLC was our safe space. It was a place to both study and relax. Most importantly it was an opportunity to meet up with other mature learners and staff alike. It was a real sense of community.

Mature learners often have imposter syndrome when they attend university. They do not always feel they 'fit in' with the majority of younger, mainstream students. We had students on my cohort who commuted long distances every day to attend lectures and chose Leeds because of the LLLC. Having this safe space was essential. By removing it, you are displacing those students. I am also disabled. The resource centre was a comfortable space with a cafe just one lift ride away. There was the common room and conference space above, where I attended many conferences both as a learner and as a Learning Champion.

Mature learners usually come from marginalised and disadvantaged communities. Many are having to juggle family life and the LLLC was the only place to study. The libraries were often full and now they will be even more overcrowded. What an absolutely ill-conceived and selfish decision this is!

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As an alumni of the LLC I am astounded to see the proposal to restrict student access to the resource area and staff who were vital to me being successful and graduating with a first class honours degree. The LLC is one of the only places on campus where mature, non traditional students can feel safe and supported and not judged by others in the student body. The staff are all excellent and show nothing but empathy and support for any situation you find yourself in. They provide a valuable service to those who have taken the huge step to return back into education. The awarding of numerous customer care quality mark accreditations goes to show just how good the LLC staff are at what they do. I would urge the university to rethink its decision to close the current provision by the LLC and look to moving the VC's department elsewhere on campus to alleviate the problems they have encountered in the Ziff building.  I would also like it to be noted that the building which was generously gifted by the Ziff foundation was originally built to provide a safe space for mature students to access higher education and as such the proposed closure of the LLC goes against the benefactors original desire for the building.

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Restricting access to the LLC is a disservice to learning

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Restricting access to the LLC is a disservice to learning

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I am really disappointed to hear that those student on campus that have had the bravery to enter higher education through untraditional means or are having to really push themselves with a foundation year are having their support restricted. As a former student of the llc this setting was vital for me on days where I needed extra support. It was a safe and quiet place to study with students across different learning journeys away from the judgement of traditional students. Making the building by appointment only is taking away the friendly and approachability that the staff of the llc have worked so hard to build with students and alumni. Not only that but are other students in other schools across the campus having their access to their own schools restricted to appointment only. If so there is nothing but a disservice being done to all; if not the establishment as a whole is once again creating barriers to learning and education for those that have fought the hardest against it.

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As a former University of Leeds student I found that having access to the Ziff building was one of the most enjoyable parts of my time studying. I loved the warm welcoming feeling I received from the staff and students alike. I particularly enjoyed feeling as though this was a safe space to go to whether to study or for guidance. I am saddened to hear that this may not be possible for future students to have the same experience I once did. I urge you to please, rethink this.

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This is such a shame. As a former student, I used this area on a number of occasions. The resource area was a safe and friendly space to meet peers and seek help and support from students and staff members.