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%…
Tag: Common good
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 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…
Confidentiality clauses in the Scottish university sector
Universities Scotland members signed off a joint statement on the use of confidentiality clauses in the Scottish university sector in January 2020. You can read the statement here.
University leaders and staff and student unions issue joint statement to EU nationals
Universities Scotland, UCU Scotland and NUS Scotland have today (29 January 2020) signed an open letter to EU staff and students in Scotland to assure them that universities will remain open and welcoming to people and ideas from all around the world as the UK prepares to leave the EU. The letter, signed by the…
Universities Scotland respond to Migration: Helping Scotland Prosper
Responding to the publication of the Scottish Government’s paper Migration: Helping Scotland Prosper, the Director of Universities Scotland, Alastair Sim said: “The attraction of talent to Scotland is central to our nation’s success, and the success of our universities. “We welcome this thoughtful contribution from the Scottish Government on how migration can and does contribute to Scotland’s…
Universities Scotland responds to Commissioner for Fair Access’s report on postgraduate access
Responding to the Commissioner for Fair Access’s latest discussion paper, Access to Postgraduate Study: Representation and Destinations, Universities Scotland welcomes a conversation about access to postgraduate level study and supports collaborative thinking on improving this. Commenting on the report, Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland, said: “Sir Peter said he wanted a serious conversation about…
Universities Scotland briefing for Scottish Government debate: Scotland as a Science Nation
Ahead of the Scottish Government debate on Scotland as a Science Nation, Universities Scotland published a briefing for MSPs. The debate took place on Tuesday 26 November 2019. The briefing highlighted the strengths of Scotland as a Science Nation as well as the challenges facing the nation.
Universities Scotland response to the Migration Advisory Committee Call for Evidence on Salary Thresholds and the Points-based System
Universities Scotland have submitted evidence to the UK Government’s Migration Advisory Committee after their call for evidence on salary thresholds and a points-based immigration system. You can read our response, which we delighted the essential role that international staff play in our world-leading universities, here.