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As the most recent past external examiner to the social policy courses at Sussex University, I was interested to read new pro vice-chancellor Mary Stuart's views on universities needing to "understand the communities they serve" to address disadvantage ("To get the people in, first listen", THES, March 9).

The Sussex social policy courses did just this very effectively, recruiting local people with an interest in returning to work on social issues in their communities. Sussex's mainstream social policy courses are, however, being closed - and, despite my letters to the vice-chancellor, I have never had an explanation of why this is to happen. Perhaps she can help?

Gary Craig
Social Policy Association and professor of social justice
University of Hull