Focus on completing courses

Moves to ensure students can complete their college and university courses this academic year are being explored.

A Task force comprising representatives of colleges, universities, students, unions and government met today to consider the challenges that colleges and universities face in delivering practical learning as a result of the current Covid-19 restrictions.

While the issue impacts on both sectors, colleges are adversely affected given the predominance of practical learning.

The immediate priority for the task force is to help students complete their courses and move into further study or employment. The task force will also consider arrangements if some students need to defer a part of their course.

Further and Higher Education Minister Richard Lochhead chaired the first meeting.

Mr Lochhead said:

“Given the uncertainty around the course of the pandemic, many students are understandably worried about when they can get back to campus for learning they cannot do remotely. Universities and colleges are already working creatively and flexibly to support students to learn at home, and I thank them for their huge efforts.

“This task force agreed today to do everything possible to ensure students can complete their courses this academic year and beyond. We will explore urgently the practical solutions that could be implemented, quickly, to minimise the number of students who may be affected..

“This is a complex issue and as well as supporting as many college and university students to complete their courses on time we will also do everything we can to support those that may not be able to.”

Background

The Task force representation is:

• Scottish Government
• Colleges Scotland
• Universities Scotland
• Scottish Funding Council
• Students Awards Agency for Scotland
• Scottish Qualifications Authority
• Union Representation from UCU, Unison, Unite, EIS
• National Union of Students
• Education Scotland