@ucustandrews.bsky.social

Sign the open letter https://www.ucustandrews.org/end-links-with-hebrew-university

The Scottish Funding Council waved through the University of Dundee's Strategy to Recovery, even though it broke their funding conditions. The Scottish Gov need to ACT NOW and ask the SFC to reverse their decision, and stop the redundancy process TODAY. www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...

EXCLUSIVE: Funding council waved through Dundee University £20m cuts plan despite own concerns

The strategy is crucial to the university unlocking another £20 million in rescue funds.

thecourier.co.uk

This summer we are encouraging our members to donate to a solidarity fund that we are distributing to branches in dispute around the country, fighting for the future of our sector. Members can see the details in the weekly email - along with updates of where we have sent donations to.

This isn't just a fight for UoN. This is a fight for the future of higher education in the UK and globally. Colleagues from across the country have supported us in our efforts, financially and otherwise. We thank these members and others for their generous donation which will help us keep fighting!

UCU Newcastle University@newcastleucu.bsky.social · last mo.

Solidarity works! Colleagues in History, Classics and Archaeology (HCA) at Newcastle have raised £586 for the UCU Nottingham fighting fund in support of members taking strike action against compulsory redundancies. The collection was organised in recognition that what happens at one

image showing a Solidarity Fund pot for Nottingham Uni UCU to show that we are all in this fight together, and that doing twinning between sections and branches makes a material difference!

Any parent and applicant planning to attend the Sussex University Open Day today, we can save you the trouble: these are the non-answers staff is told to give you. To send your staff out with this nonsense and treat visitors to this ChatGPT approach is disrespectful to all.

BRIEFING FOR OPEN DAY STAFF AND STUDENT AMBASSADORS:
UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX  CONSULTATION – VISITOR & APPLICANT Q&A

Top tips and key messages 
•	Lead with stability, continuity, and student experience
•	Avoid over-detailing internal changes
o	keep messages clear and outward-facing
•	Use phrases like: “remains our priority,” “continues as planned,” “committed to providing”

Q: I’ve heard the University is consulting on redundancies. What does this mean?
A:
•	Like many UK Universities, Sussex is proposing changes to some roles and structures, and is currently undertaking a formal consultation with staff as part of this process. 
•	This is part of ensuring the University of Sussex remains sustainable and continues to invest in high-quality teaching, facilities, and student support.

Q: Will this affect teaching quality?
A:
•	No: maintaining an excellent teaching experience is our top priority. 
•	Courses will continue to be delivered as planned, with the same focus on high-quality learning, expert staff, and student outcomes.

Q: Will my course still run?
A:
•	Yes. If you have applied for or accepted an offer, your course is expected to run as normal. 
•	If any changes were to affect your programme directly, you would be contacted promptly with clear information and support.

Q: Will there be fewer staff teaching students?
A:
•	Teaching, research, and the experience of our students remains central to everything we do. 
•	Any proposed changes are carefully planned to ensure students continue to receive the guidance, contact time, and academic expertise they expect.





Q: Is the University financially stable?
A:
•	Yes. Like many universities, Sussex is adapting to a changing sector environment. 
•	These proposals are part of proactive steps to strengthen the University’s long-term sustainability and protect the student experience.

Q: Will student services be affected (e.g. wellbeing, careers, accommodation)?
A:
•	Core student services will continue to operate as normal. 
•	Supporting student wellbeing, employability, and campus life remains a key priority throughout this process.

Q: Is it still a good time to apply or accept my offer?
A:
•	Absolutely. The University remains committed to providing a high-quality education and a vibrant student experience. 

Q: Will campus life and activities be impacted?
A:
•	No. Student life - including societies, events, and campus activities - will continue as usual. 
•	We are committed to maintaining a welcoming, engaging and supportive community.

Q: How are you supporting staff during this process?
A:
•	We are working closely with staff and representatives through a formal consultation process, with a strong focus on transparency, fairness, and support for those affected.

Q: Where can I get more information?
A:
•	You can contact our admissions teams at any time. 
•	We are happy to answer your questions and provide reassurance about your application or study plans.

Worrying news about St Andrews staff member Antonis Vradis's detention when part of the humanitarian flotilla to Gaza. Please support his safe return and the @ucustandrews.bsky.social branch by contacting your MP & MSP on his behalf. News coverage in the National www.thenational.scot/news/2612009...

@ucustandrews.bsky.social · 3mo ago

URGENT - UCU St Andrews Member - Antonis Vradis is on the Qannir La Cirena boat in the Global Summid Flotilla which has been intercepted by Israel Contact your MP and MSP Contact the Principal Please share

URGENT - UCU St Andrews Member - Antonis Vradis is on the Qannir La Cirena boat in the Global Summid Flotilla which has been intercepted by Israel Contact your MP and MSP Contact the Principal Please share

Bild

On Friday afternoon before the Bank Holiday, colleagues in the Humanities department were called to a meeting on Tuesday. They were informed that the University Portfolio Review had decided that English Language, English Literature, Philosophy, History & Creative Writing UG degrees would close

Owen Davies@odavies9.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Aye. Heard today that my university is closing UG History, Philosophy, English Lit, Linguistics, and Creative Writing in one go.

There should be a joint statement from the five unions in the next day or so (which also mentions pay, jobs, and nationally agreed employment conditions). For now, here is some further detail on what our dispute is about and what we UCU members will be balloted on nationally: #WeAreTheUniversity

Our dispute relates to the 2025/26 joint HE trade union national claim, specifically:

1. A pay uplift that is at least RPI + 3.5% or £2,500, whichever is the higher, on all pay points;

2. National agreement to avoid redundancies, course closures, and cuts to academic disciplines across the sector;

3. The protection of national agreements relating to terms and conditions of employment, including the 2004 framework agreement, the Post-92 contract for Post-92 institutions, and HE2000.
UCU Westminster@ucuwestminster.bsky.social · 11mo ago

We will be balloting in October! Remember, our dispute with the employers is three-fold: pay, protection of agreements and defence of jobs. Any ballot paper will have all three. We all know these three issues are intrinsically linked. We know we need to fight them together. #WeAreTheUniversity