Inclusive Curriculum Working Group

As part of the University of Stirling’s Equality Outcomes for 2021 – 2025, an Inclusive Curriculum Working Group has been set up to ensure that the outcomes are supported through inclusive curricula and pedagogy that challenge and seek to overcome systemic inequalities, including structural racism, gender inequity, mental ill health and inaccessibility.

Since developing the Equality Outcomes, the university has made progress through:

• Leading the sector wide “Decolonising the curriculum in the Time of Pandemic” collaborative cluster for the QAA Enhancement Theme in 2020-21, leading events and producing resources. A small number of student-led programme decolonisation audits also took place
• Appointing a Dean for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and a Dean for Teaching, Learning and Student Experience to lead development in this area
• Reviewed the approach to assessment, reducing the reliance on on-campus examinations which has been welcomed by many students with disabilities and specific learning difference
• Improving the accessibility of online materials and website
• Developing the capability to offer both online and hybrid teaching and are reviewing the approach to timetabling to support the diverse needs of students
• Introducing laptop loans and free e-textbooks to improve accessibility and reduce the cost to students

Planned action for the academic year 2022-23 includes a focus on developing an anti-racist and intercultural curriculum. We will:  

• navigate what terms such as “inclusive curriculum,” “developing an anti-racist and intercultural curriculum” and “decolonising the curriculum” mean to our staff and student community at University of Stirling
• share best practice, within subject areas, across faculties and from elsewhere in the sector
• enhance staff intercultural competence and understanding of anti-racism through events, training and resources, to support the achievement of the principles of this work whilst recognising academic freedom
• offer safe places for staff and students to share lived experience and have difficult conversations about interculturalism, racism, privilege and the impact of historic injustice and systemic inequalities
• encourage a wide range of students and staff to take part in discussions and take action to meet our aims
• consider how our curriculum development and review process supports this work

For more information please refer to: Learning and Teaching Progress and Priorities, Reflecting on our own Assumptions, Decolonising the Curriculum, Inclusive Curriculum Resources, Inclusive Assessment, and Inclusive Feedback.

Black History Month

In recognition of Black History Month, a number of talks, workshops, and events have been set up in the University, greater Stirling community, and across Scotland to celebrate the history and achievements of black and ethinic minority communities in Scotland and beyond, as well as acknowledge how the legacies of slavery have and continue to impact society.

These events will run through the month of October. Further details and sign-up can be found here.

Student Assistance Funds

In light of the cost of living crisis, the University has made available discretionary and assistance funds to help students facing financial difficulties.

For information on how to apply for these funds, and conditions thereof, click here.