Hosted in 50 George Square on Wednesday 7 February, this year’s first Senatus Academicus (Senate) meeting, with Principal and Vice-Chancellor Peter Mathieson present.
The Senate is the university’s supreme academic body, regulating the teaching of the University, they meet three times a year, each meeting lasting three hours.
The meeting consisted of several voting sessions to decide on various proposed amendments.
Suggested reforms for the Senate body, including an amendment to increase the number of elected staff representatives from 4 to 8 were discussed.
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This proposal was passed with a 66% vote, potentially reducing the student body’s influence.
Some of those present took the opportunity to engage in crocheting.
Curriculum queries were raised, along with potential for regulation changes, and the impact of industrial actions on assessments.
A curriculum transformation project is currently underway, with different Schools and Colleges working to develop a new Curriculum Framework for the university.
Emphasis was placed on the need to advance a more effective academic model, one that will withstand the test of time. The management team proposed making certain courses mandatory.
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All in-person student representatives expressed their preference for flexibility over prescribed courses based on their experiences.
In response to the Climate Emergency and Sustainable Goals, a discussion was held on a climate strategy plan, although no concrete proposal was made.
The 2024/25 round of Senate elections are also set to take place this semester.
“Old College, Edinburgh University” by dun_deagh is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.