Students attending universities from across Edinburgh met the Minister for Higher and Further Education; and Minister for Veterans, Graeme Dey MSP, to share the range of challenges and opportunities they face as undergraduates, in a visit to Queen Margaret University Edinburgh on Thursday 20 April. Universities across Scotland offer active support to their students in…
Tag: COVID-19
New figures show no let-up on widening access from universities
Universities Scotland have welcomed the publication of the Report on Widening Access 2020-21 by the sector’s funding body, the Scottish Funding Council which demonstrates the sector’s commitment to widening access. The Scottish Government’s Commission on Widening Access set the sector a target that by 2021, students from the 20% most-disadvantaged backgrounds (SIMD20) should represent at…
Coronavirus (Recovery and Reform) (Scotland) Bill
The Scottish Government is planning to legislate on emergency powers in the event of future public health crises in its Coronavirus (Recovery and Reform) (Scotland) Bill. Universities Scotland gave evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Education, Children and Young People’s Committee inquiry on the Bill on Wednesday 2 March 2022. We submitted evidence to the committee…
Universities Scotland’s submission to the Education, Children and Young People Committee on the attainment challenge
We have provided evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Education, Children and Young People’s Committee to assist with their inquiry on the attainment challenge. Our submission highlights the role that the attainment challenge will play in ensuring fair admissions to universities; the key role that better data could play in making decisive policy interventions as well…
Universities Scotland comment on plans for blended learning in January 2022
Commenting on universities’ preparations for the new semester starting in January 2022, Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland, said: “Universities have been working at level zero since September, which is a whole level more cautious than required of other sectors. In response to omicron, we’ve stepped up that level of caution again in the last…
Thriving Learners study into student mental health is published
The largest study into the mental health and wellbeing of students in Scotland has revealed nearly three quarters (74%) of university students surveyed reported having low wellbeing, according to the research published by Mental Health Foundation. The Thriving Learners study also found that more than one third of university students surveyed (36%) reported moderately severe…
Colleges and unis unite for fair budget claim for students
College and university principals have come together to call on the Scottish Government to deliver for Scotland’s students in December’s budget. Audrey Cumberford, Chair of College Principals and Gerry McCormac, Convener of Universities Scotland have united in a call to the Scottish Government to deliver funding in the budget on 9 December to ensure college…
Education, Children and Young People Committee to inform pre-2022/23 Budget Scrutiny
The Scottish Parliament’s Education, Children and Young People Committee each year undertakes pre-Budget scrutiny in its area. We have provided a briefing for members of the committee which summarises our full Spending Review case. Our summary provides the context for our budget ask as well as issues we wish the Scottish Government should prioritise in…
Scotland’s SMEs boosted by university links
Universities are at the forefront of Scotland’s economic recovery from COVID-19 with their innovative partnerships with small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) being given a special focus. As part of a UK-wide campaign from Universities UK, Getting Results highlights the ways in which universities are aiding sustainable economic growth through their partnerships with businesses, charities…