Tuesday 14-09-2021 - 10:32

Whilst we understand that the hybrid approach to learning and teaching that GCU is taking is similar to most other universities in Scotland, we hold the position that there should be much more in person learning and teaching for students. We believe that many students feel this provides the best contact time with teaching staff and results in a high quality social learning experience for students.

We recognise that some students have benefited from the delivery of online learning whether out of preference or their personal circumstances. We fully support the GCU Going Digital Framework principle of enhancing the personalisation of the student experience and providing greater flexibility in terms of how students engage with their learning. We will be advocating for online learning to remain as an option for the students who want to continue learning online.

In the Scottish Government ‘Beyond Level Zero’ phase (from 9th August 2021) we are surprised by the Scottish Government’s guidance for universities and colleges in that students are being disproportionately treated compared to the wider society. Individuals can visit nightclubs, cinemas, sporting events and attend concerts but there is limited direct face-to-face learning involving very large numbers of students which we believe is something which must be reviewed. As such, we strongly believe that the Scottish Government needs to revise the guidance placed on universities that currently sets them apart from the other sectors.