To mark a new report showcasing the role of Scottish universities in economic and social recovery, we’re publishing a series of blogs from Principals highlighting how higher education will deliver for Scotland over the next five years. Every day this week we’ll publish a blog from a Principal looking at a different area of contribution. The…
Tag: Students
University leaders call for urgent clarity on plans for next academic year as new data shows high levels of student anxiety and fears about progression
The Principals of Scotland’s universities have called on the Scottish Government to provide clarity within the next fortnight on the arrangements for in-person teaching when the next academic year starts. The call comes as new polling data of over 500 students at Scotland’s universities shows that: 73 per cent feel the restrictions on in-person learning…
Department for Education’s post-qualification admissions consultation
Universities Scotland responded to the Department for Education’s consultation on post-qualification admissions. Our submission reflected the particular implications of the proposed admissions reform for Scottish learners and the Scottish university sector. In our submission we highlight: – Admissions reform must put the learner at the centre and make admissions fairer – Maintaining a centralised admissions…
UCAS data cause for assurance in value of Scottish higher education
New data released by the university admissions service UCAS serves as a cause for optimism in the Scottish higher education sector. The January Equal Consideration Deadline 2021 data, published by UCAS on Thursday 18 February, show: Positive widening access statistics. Continued increase in applicants from the most disadvantaged background with a 15% increase (1,100 people)…
Maintaining fair assessment for university students in academic year 2020/21
Scotland’s higher education institutions have offered reassurance to all students that fairness will continue to be a defining feature of assessment processes in 2020/21. A new statement by all 19 universities reaffirms their commitment to ensuring that student assessment, and the processes that lead to progression and graduation, are underpinned by the fundamental principles of…
Submission to Education and Skills Committee on the 2021 staggered restart of teaching in higher education
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 27 January 2021, Universities Scotland provided evidence to update the Committee on the impact of the staggered restart of teaching in higher education. In the briefing, we call on…
Students and universities urge Scottish Government to follow Wales on twin-track support package to get through COVID
Scotland’s student and university leaders have joined together to commend the Welsh Government on its twin-track approach to supporting higher education students and institutions through the COVID crisis. This comes on the day that the Welsh Government announces a new package of £40 million available to support students facing financial hardship. The Welsh Government has…
Universities Scotland responds to postponed return of students
Responding to the announcement from the Scottish Government on the return of students to university, a spokesperson for Universities Scotland said: “In light of the high prevalence of the virus across the country, it is appropriate that there should be an increased staggering of the return of students to campus. We look forward to receiving…
Response to Ministerial Statement on January return
Responding to the Ministerial Statement by John Swinney, the Deputy First Minister to the Scottish Parliament, Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland said: “Today’s announcement affirms the importance of students having access to in-person learning and support next term. We believe this is important for students’ learning, welfare and retention. “The requirement for a staggered…
New guidance published to help universities tackle racial harassment on campus
Our sister organisation Universities UK (UUK) has today [24 November 2020] published a series of recommendations aimed at supporting universities to tackle racial harassment in higher education. Tackling Racial Harassment in Higher Education is the product of an advisory group convened by UUK in October last year and responds to many of the recommendations in…