NEWS
Office of Students
This week the OfS launched eight investigations into business and management courses over suspected poor quality courses. These investigations include an examination of whether poor quality online learning replaced in-person teaching to the detriment of the students’ academic experience.
Cost of living
On Wonkhe Jim Dickinson comments on the Westminster government’s package on cost of living reviewing it from the perspective of student hardship.
Climate change
New research from the law firm Shakespeare Martineau shows Universities risk underestimating the importance that sustainability holds for applicants when choosing a university.
In Parliament
Michelle Donelan (higher and further education minister) answered several questions on antisemitism, improving the quality of higher education courses, protecting freedom of speech in universities, and improving the transparency and consistency in university advertising.
Robin Walker (school standards minister) answered a question on making lateral flow tests available for exam invigilators.
In the House of Lords, Baroness Barran answered a question on the number of Ukrainian students who have been offered places at UK universities.
Department of Education
They have announced £10 million to support the Open University to help them partner with further education colleges to expand higher and technical education to areas where there is currently little or no provision.
Governance
On Wonkhe, Susan Lapworth the incoming interim Chief Executive makes the case that providers could be taking better advantage of their autonomy to tackle regulatory burden.
USS
USS have released a statement about the hearing held at the High Court in April to establish whether four claims, brought by two members of USS, against directors of the scheme’s trustee company should proceed to trial. The High Court found that the case should not proceed.
International
UCAS has published a new report stating that international applicants to UK higher education providers is set to increase by 46 per cent. It claims that ‘Students from across the globe still hold the UK’s universities and colleges in the highest regard, with renewed interest in living and learning here as the world emerges from the pandemic’
Estates
A new report on the way postgraduate researchers (PGRs) experience spaces on campus has been published by The Association of University Directors of Estates. The Space Management group responsible for the report are currently working on a series of interlinked projects looking at the types of space needed for successful functioning of different types of university staff and teams.
STUDENT VOICE
Department for Education and Home Office launch a new working group dedicated to tackling the number of spiking attacks against students. Universities Minister Michelle Donelan has called for and convened the group, which will bring together vice-chancellors, police, campaigners and victims to produce plans for practical action to help keep students safe, reporting back before the start of the autumn term.
UNIVERSITY UPDATES
News from the University this week includes:
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