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Dennis Hayes's fears for the impact of the touchy-feely brigade serves up a confused picture. While I wholly endorse the notions of academic freedom and intellectually robust criticism, I cannot agree that valuing emotional intelligence signals the demise of higher education as we know it.

In my experience, the opposite applies. Encouraging emotional wellbeing and the provision of a therapeutic space for those staff and students who wish to access it is an asset for the institution and a valuable counter to the increasing competitive pressures inherent in the sector.

Les McMinn
Chair-elect, Association for University and College Counselling