SCOTLAND: University chiefs push for graduate fee

31 October 2010

A policy paper published last week by Universities Scotland, which represents university principals, calls on the Scottish government to take urgent legislative action to introduce a graduate contribution scheme by 2012-13, writes Andrew Denholm for The Herald Scotland.

The paper, titled Towards a Scottish Solution, warns that at a time of drastic cuts in public money, the sector faces a dire future unless alternative funding streams are developed. "Major cuts that are not compensated for by new income streams will fundamentally damage universities' contribution to Scotland's economic and social resilience," the report states.

Universities Scotland is also proposing a radical shake-up of the structure of higher education, ushering in the prospect of a three-year degree for some.
Full report on the Herald Scotland site

Edd McCracken, also for The Herald Scotland, reports that attracting students from China has been identified as a key strategy for bolstering Scotland's educational sector. During a week-long trade mission to China, it was reported that education secretary Michael Russell met the Chinese education minister to discuss in detail piloting partnerships in teacher education and building on existing projects such as joint PhD research programmes. He also met the educational commission in Tianjin to discuss proposals for Scotland providing more higher and vocational education for the city of 12 million.
Full report on the Herald Scotland site

Receive UWN's free weekly e-newsletters

Sponsored Article

Getting to net zero, one community at a time

University of Victoria staff

Accelerating Community Energy Transformation is a University of Victoria-led collaborative initiative that brings together over 40 partners, including Indigenous knowledge keepers and community leaders, to create innovative place-based solutions for energy system transformation.

Promoted by the University of Victoria.

Sponsored Article

Africa pays a premium for global climate change sluggishness

Stellenbosch University staff

Africa needs to stop paying the price for the rest of the world’s recalcitrance to act fast enough in response to the irrefutable conclusions that climate change is real and that the impact of global warming could be devasting, says Professor Guy Midgley, interim director of the School for Climate Studies at Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

Promoted by the University of Victoria.

Sponsored Article

Innovations to ensure energy savings in a hot, arid climate

UAE University staff

Researchers from the United Arab Emirates University have shown that the potential benefits of building energy savings and a cooler indoor environment, as well as improved cooling effect on air temperature at pedestrian level, strongly indicate that a cool roof with high solar reflectance and albedo is a promising strategy for buildings in regions with hot, arid climates.

Promoted by United Arab Emirates University.

Sponsored Article

A new global university ranking with an ethical mission

Aftab Dean

A new university ranking system aims to serve as a catalyst for positive transformation in higher education, ensuring that universities create an environment grounded in integrity and sustainability that inspires and supports students and staff in the development of novel solutions to global challenges.

Promoted by Globethics.net.

Sponsored Article

SDG progress report launches university into new territory

University of Pretoria staff

In the publication of its first progress report on its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals, the University of Pretoria is navigating new territory at the same time as it is acknowledging its clear stewardship role in protecting the environment and biodiversity.

Promoted by the University of Pretoria.