The Scottish Government has announced a set of 50 rapid studies, led by 15 of Scotland’s universities, to research ways to tackle the virus, manage the response and limit the impact it will have the impact on people’s lives. The 50 separate studies include work to: better understand the effects of infection develop and test…
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SQA examination announcement; Universities Scotland comments
Following the announcement from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) about their plans to provide detail about their alternative certification model for 2020, Professor Andrea Nolan, Convener of Universities Scotland said: “Universities want to take the opportunity to reassure pupils studying for Highers and Advanced Highers that this may not be a normal year but we will…
Supporting universities during COVID-19
A joint statement by the Scottish Government and Universities Scotland Scottish Government committed to mitigating the effects of COVID-19. Deputy First Minister and Education Secretary John Swinney has reassured university representatives that the Scottish Government will do everything possible to ensure Scotland’s institutions remain world leader and key drivers of the economy. At a meeting…
COVID-19 will not derail universities’ progress on widening access
New data on widening access to university, published by the Scottish Funding Council today, confirms that universities are on track to reach a significant milestone of progress by 2021 and provides a timely opportunity for universities to signal that COVID-19 will not be allowed to derail progress on widening access. The data show that 15.9%…
Universities step up to help tackle coronavirus
Scotland’s 19 higher education institutions are responding to the current global pandemic by offering their resources and expertise to support the national effort and their communities. Although universities’ most immediate priority since the crisis began has been the safety and wellbeing of students and staff, the closure of campuses and the move to online learning…
Universities respond to the cancellation of the school exam diet in Scotland
Following the announcement that this year’s diet of exams have been cancelled, Director of Alastair Sim said: “The decision to cancel the school exam diet has clearly been incredibly difficult for the Scottish Government and Qualifications body. Universities support the need to put pupil safety and wellbeing first and so we recognise the need for…
Universities Scotland moves to home working for staff
In line with advice from the UK and Scottish Governments, Universities Scotland staff will be working from home from the end of today (Tuesday, 17 March) until the public health advice changes. We are also cancelling face-to-face meetings with immediate effect and looking to put arrangements in place to hold video-conferencing where possible. We will…
Scotland’s universities stay open and introduce measures to minimise impact of COVID-19 on students and staff
Universities Scotland has today [Friday 13 March] issued a statement on behalf of Scotland’s 19 universities and higher education institutions to offer clarity on the sector’s preparedness for the potential impact of COVID-19. Commenting on the statement, Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland, said: “Universities have no plans to close. They are closely following the…
Universities Scotland comments on new points-based immigration system
Following the publication of a proposed new points-based immigration system by the Home Office, the Director of Universities Scotland, Alastair Sim said: “Since the EU referendum, universities in Scotland have been clear that we need an immigration system that recognises the importance of higher education and the value that our sector places on being able…
Universities Scotland react to Scottish Government Budget
Following yesterday’s Scottish Government Budget published in the Scottish Parliament, which saw a 0% change in real terms to universities budgets, Professor Andrea Nolan, Convener of Universities Scotland said: “This budget gives university funding real terms protection at 0%. The reality is that universities have no more money, in real terms, to spend on students…