Universities in Scotland have reached a significant milestone in their commitment to widen access, with the latest figures showing 16.4% of students were from SIMD20 backgrounds in the academic year 2019/20. The Commission on Widening Access recommended that 16% of students should be from SIMD20 backgrounds by 2021 with an overall aim to reach 20%…
Tag: Equality and diversity
Scotland’s universities stand united against racism
Universities Scotland has been working closely with Advance HE over recent months as it’s Steering Group on tackling racism, led by Khadija Mohammed, developed a declaration and a programme of activity to support universities and colleges to build a zero-tolerance approach to racial harassment. This partnership will continue and run in addition to the work…
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…
Scotland’s Recovery
Post-pandemic the university sector will be a key part of Scotland’s recovery. The world-leading research and teaching that we offer will be strategically deployed to accelerate the recovery. Scotland will face severe challenges as we look beyond the coronavirus emergency. Its universities will co-develop an agile response with government, agencies, business and wider partners across…
New research will help Scottish students thrive
A new research project into student mental health in Scotland will aim to better understand the landscape of provision, ‘what works’ for promoting wellbeing, and what students want to enhance and promote their wellbeing. The Robertson Trust has agreed to fund the project being undertaken by The Mental Health Foundation on behalf of Universities Scotland….
Social media materials produced for colleges and universities to support victims of Gender Based Violence during lockdown
New social media materials have been produced to help universities and colleges across Scotland support staff and students who might be experiencing gender-based violence (GBV) and abuse while social distancing measures are in place due to COVID-19. Social distancing and self-isolation measures can be particularly challenging for those experiencing GBV. The website and social media materials…
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…
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.
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.
Universities Scotland respond to Local Government and Communities Committee’s call for views on Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill
Universities Scotland have responded to the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government and Communities call for views on the proposed Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill that the committee is currently considering. Read our response to the committee here.