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The article ¡°Disinfectant, disdain and disrespect¡± (16 May) paints a very narrow and negative picture of student employment at universities.

At Birmingham City University, we have in the past year offered more than 1,100 student employment posts that have provided enriching and worthwhile opportunities, many of which required students to work alongside academic staff in very creative roles. In addition, when students are engaged in professional service roles, their insights are valued and often result in improved services.

The value of these posts to students is great, as many tell us how useful these experiences have been in interviews. For a university, such posts lead to improved curricula and services and give students a greater sense of belonging.

The notion of ¡°academics looking down their noses¡± at student employees is not something we recognise at Birmingham City or from the other universities with whom we have shared our experiences.

Luke Millard
Head of learning partnerships

Professor Stuart Brand
Director of learning experience
Birmingham City University