Author: Shaun Williams, Executive Director Engagement and Advancement
- There was a further update on the ongoing national industrial action by members of the University and College Union (UCU), relating to pay and working conditions, and changes to the USS pension scheme. UEB noted that on Monday UCU nationally had announced that, following a re-ballot of members, it had renewed its strike mandate at UK universities for a further six months. UCU has indicated it will now begin preparations to serve notice for a marking and assessment boycott. A UCU consultation with members over new proposals put forward by employers is also beginning this week.
- There was a discussion about student number forecasts for 2023/24, with the level of UG and PGT applications extremely strong against plan, particularly so for PGT. This needs careful management to ensure any levels above plan can be managed within our residential accommodation constraints, and to ensure a quality student experience. Following discussion at Student Recruitment Management Group and UEB, a number of programmes at PGT level will now be closed to new applicants, recognising this is not ideal, but is the only course of action to ensure protection from the potentially significant potential negative consequences of any excessive student number growth.
- UEB discussed and noted the University’s Mental Health Charter Submission, a very comprehensive self-evaluation – co-designed with SUSU – of mental health and wellbeing across the University, which has been submitted to the student mental health charity Student Minds, after we signed up to the new charter in 2021. On-site visits will take place in mid-June as part of the evaluation, which will also consider our efforts to address any identified gaps, and our commitment to improving our services and offering. This is a hugely important issue for the University, and UEB congratulated all those involved in drafting the submission, including SUSU, for the huge amount of work involved, and for the authenticity, candour and openness of a very comprehensive evaluation.
- UEB approved draft University submissions to three consultations relating to the Office for Students – a Call for Evidence by the Industry and Regulators Committee Inquiry into the work of the Office for Students; a response to an OfS consultation on Payment of Fees for Investigation; and a response to an OfS consultation on a New Approach to Regulating Harassment & Sexual Misconduct in English Higher Education.
- UEB congratulated members of the University of Southampton University Challenge team, who won a convincing victory against Robert Gordon University on Monday night, in phase two of the quarter-finals, and wished them well for the next round.
- UEB noted that the deadline for submission of nominations for Honorary Degrees closes shortly, and encouraged colleagues across the University to submit nominations to ensure as wide and diverse range as possible to choose from.
- Finally, there was the regular review of the University Risk Register.