Coventry University has signed up with universities across the UK to take part in the first University Week campaign and has managed to enlist the support of Channel Four's news anchor, Jon Snow in helping to promote the week.

Organised by the national body, Universities UK (UUK) University Week aims to highlight the impact universities have and to tell the hidden stories from people within higher education and those whose lives have been influenced by the sector.

Jon Snow openly endorsed the value of going to university and his interview, filmed outside the university, was the lead item in UUK's national publicity this week.

"What's the big idea" will mainly take place from 14 - 18 June and bring together the achievements of UK higher education under a single banner with a different theme each day.

Coventry University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Madeleine Atkins, said: "As this is the first campaign of its kind, it is important that Coventry University lends its support. With the recent announcement of further cuts being made to fund universities, it has never been more important to show what good value for money universities are and how we are vital to the nations' economy."

Over the course of the week, Coventry University will be highlighting different case studies that fit around the themes of the campaign ranging from the kind of research being carried out to the transformational effect that the university has had on the lives of individuals.

Professor Atkins added: "This week will be about showing the true value of higher education and dispelling the myth that it's all about getting into debt. The campaign will be showcasing some of the professions which would not exist without universities and demonstrate the value of universities to their local communities."

To support the work of universities and to see Jon Snow's film log on to www.facebook.com/UKUniversities

For more information about Coventry University please visit their website here: www.coventry.ac.uk