In response to the availability of COVID-19 tests for students, a spokesperson for Universities Scotland said: “The testing programme is working well and we strongly encourage anyone experiencing symptoms of the virus to seek a test. Universities can advise their students on routes to do that if they are unsure. We also ask everyone in…
Tag: COVID-19
Keeping our higher education community safe
Responding to the rising positive cases of COVID-19 in higher education, Professor Gerry McCormac, Convener of Universities Scotland, said: “There have been a number of positive cases of coronavirus linked to universities. We understand that this is concerning for the students, their loved ones and our wider communities so it is important to be clear,…
COVID-19 SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY, SAY UNIVERSITY PRINCIPALS
The Principals of Scotland’s 19 higher education institutions have all put their names to a joint statement to students, confirming that public health is their top priority as university leaders. The statement looks to reassure students and the wider public of the seriousness with which universities take their responsibility to take every possible precaution to…
Update on the impact of COVID-19 on universities for the Education and Skills Committee
Ahead of the Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, Richard Lochhead MSP, giving evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Education and Skills Committee on Wednesday 2 September 2020, Universities Scotland provided evidence to update the Committee on the impact of COVID-19 on the university sector. The evidence covers: the implications of the SQA examination…
Universities Scotland response to confirmation of funding from Scottish Government for additional 2020/21 entrants
Today [Friday 21 August], Mr Richard Lochhead MSP, Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, confirmed that the Scottish Government will fund the additional 2020/21 entrants to university for the duration of their four/five year degree. The Minister also helpfully acknowledged that the Scottish Government’s decision to revert to teacher-awarded grades would have implications…
Universities Scotland response to Scottish Funding Council’s Review of Coherent Provision and Sustainability
Universities Scotland has submitted a response to the Scottish Funding Council’s Review of Coherent Provision and Sustainability. Commissioned by Richard Lochhead MSP, Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, the Review considers how best SFC can fulfil its mission of securing coherent provision by post-16 education bodies, and the undertaking of research, in the…
Universities Scotland comment on Ministerial Statement: SQA Exam Results 2020
Commenting on today’s Ministerial Statement from the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Universities Scotland Convener Gerry McCormac said: “Universities will do everything possible to ensure that all those who can benefit from higher education have the opportunity to attend university. They will look at the circumstances of each applicant who…
Improving articulation between Scottish colleges and universities
Professor Nigel Seaton is the Principal of Abertay University and Co-Convener of the National Articulation Forum. He introduces a new report by the Forum which sets a series of recommendations to make it easier for students to progress from college to university. The National Articulation Forum had as its objective to work out how to…
Universities in Advanced Economies: Recovery and Transformation
Last year we commissioned BiGGAR Economics to analyse the role of universities in advanced economies, in particular their role in productivity growth and the fiscal returns on investment. Reporting in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, the findings provide a timely reminder of universities’ fundamental importance to advanced economies. The analysis demonstrates that a thriving…
Universities Scotland responds to Minister Lochhead’s statement on Further and Higher Education Sustainability Plan
The Minister for Further and Higher education, Mr Richard Lochhead MSP, made a statement to Holyrood this afternoon (Thursday 9 July 2020) to accompany the publication of the Scottish Government’s new Coronavirus Further and Higher Education Sustainability Plan. The Plan confirms the Scottish Government’s decision on the fee status of EEA undergraduate students starting universities…