Last week (15 – 19 October)
Tuesday 16 October
Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU)
NUS-USI met with ICTU’s education committee to discuss their response to the consultation on EMA. Contact laura.stobo@nistudents.org.uk for more info.
National Scholarship Programme (NSP) steering group
Liam Burns, NUS president pushed for the NSP to be reformed so that the system works more fairly. Contact liam.burns@nus.org.uk for more info.
Student finance support commission
The commission met at NUS HQ in Londin for a presentation of research findings and to build policy responses for development throughout the year. Contact alan.roberts@nus.org.uk for more info.
Wednesday 17 October
Teaching qualifications project group
Kate Wicklow, head of quality and student engagement discussed how the sector could publish teaching qualifications of academic staff so that students can be assured that those who teach in higher education have the appropriate skills. Contact kate.wicklow@nus.org.uk for more info.
Association of University Administrators (AUA) annual lecture
Liam Burns, NUS president presented on tertiary education and what might be possible if we reimagined education. Contact liam.burns@nus.org.uk for more info.
Thursday 18 October
1994 Group student experience committee
Kate Wicklow, head of quality and student engagement spoke about the new NSS question 23 results and explored how institutions and students’ unions can work more effectively together to improve the student experience. Contact kate.wicklow@nus.org.uk for more info.
Friday 19 October
Mixed Economy Group
Kate Wicklow, head of quality and student engagement (HE) and Steve Coole, policy delivery manager (FE) spoke about how to create a well-resourced FE union to all students. This is the beginning of further discussions around how we can support student engagement for HE in FE students. Contact kate.wicklow@nus.org.uk for more info.
Committee of University Chairs (CUC) annual lecture
Liam Burns gave a lecture that challenged university chairs to re-think how governance could deliver on a tertiary education sector. Contact liam.burns@nus.org.uk for more info.
David Willetts, minister for universities regular meeting
Liam Burns, NUS president discussed London Met and protection for international students, resulting in agreement to a round-table discussion with students on what protections should be in place. Liam also discussed the concept of a ‘Student Protection Bill’ before the General Election should an HE Bill remain off the table. Contact liam.burns@nus.org.uk for more info.
Next week (28 October – 22 November)
Sunday 28 October
Zone conferences
Zone conferences are a key part in NUS’ democratic calendar, as well as acting as an introduction to the five zones for incoming officers. The event is open to both students and staff, and feature speakers, debates, and workshops. The conferences also feature the elections for all zone committees. Click here for more information.
Wednesday 31 October
Scottish Parliament Finance Committee
Robin Parker, NUS Scotland president will give evidence on the Scottish Government's draft budget, particularly our major concerns about the level of proposed cuts to colleges.
Thursday 1st November
HEFCE strategic advisory committees’ conference
Liam Burns will present on how HEFCE should reform its own remit and structures to deliver on its role as a champion of students’ interests. Contact liam.burns@nus.org.uk for more info.