UCU Equality

ALT A quote from Jo Grady, white and background with a pink boarder and black text.

ALT We are utterly horrified at the violence that we have seen in recent days in both Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the targeting of civilian life by both Hamas and the Israeli military, and we also condemn instances of Antisemitism and Islamophobia that we have witnessed since the violence unfolded. As a trade union, we are committed to achieving peace and an end to violence and oppression. We send our solidarity to all those affected by these events, especially education staff and students. We know that many will be worrying about loved ones, and to those grieving we send our heartfelt condolences… Full statement available at ucu.org.uk

ALT It's World Teachers' Day 2023 But English further education teachers are overworked, underpaid & undervalued. FE staff: Use this World Teachers' Day to vote YES for the respect you deserve.

ALT Marking and assessment boycott. Know your rights

ALT I stand with striking university staff. #ucuRISING

ALT On behalf of UCU, I am writing to you regarding the practice of UK higher education institutions charging non-refundable deposits to applicants who accept a place on postgraduate taught (PGT) courses. Acceptance deposits for both domestic and international PGT applicants are increasingly common across the sector. In a lot of cases these deposits are non-refundable, expect for a limited range of reasons (for example, when students change their mind within 14 days, or when an applicant is unable to secure a visa). This situation appears to have developed ‘under the radar’ and reflects the increasingly deregulated admissions process and fee structure for postgraduate taught provision. UCU is appalled at the high cost of acceptance deposits, with many ranging from £1000-£2000, and some institutions charging up to £5000.

ALT We, therefore, call on Universities UK to call on all its member organisations to review their PGT application processes and where they exist to immediately end the use of non-refundable deposits. Acceptance deposits are one of the many ‘hidden costs’ that are involved in applying for and studying at UK higher education institutions. Alongside the NUS, we call for institutions to be upfront about the hidden costs for students applying for a higher education course, ensuring mandatory costs are met by institutions, not students. Removing potential barriers to PGT study such as non-refundable acceptance deposits needs to be part of a wider agenda to improve access, recruiting a more diverse postgraduate community, including at the PGR level. This strategy will require changes to the admissions processes, financial support and transition into study.

ALT Book your place now. 10 Sept 10:30-15.30. TUC Congress Centre, 28 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS. Cradle to Grave conerence 2022. Keynote speaker: John McDonnell MP. Debate the top issues facing post-16 education

ALT Poster (pink and yellow design with pink stripe through middle) with text about protest for abortion rights: March for abortion rights - bans off our bodies! Saturday 9 July 2022 - 4pm Trafalgar Square to the US Embassy in Nine Elms Solidarity with US Roe vs Wade protests - Join Abortion Rights - Pass our model motion - Affiliate to Abortion Rights - Donate to Our Fighting Fund Our bodies, our lives, our right to decide @Abortion_RightsUK @Abortion_Rights Get the word out! Make your own placards Bring trade union banners