Latest news with #UniversityoftheWestofScotland
Daily Record
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
EIS members back strike action over proposed cuts at University of the West of Scotland
Over 94 per cent of members who participated in the ballot supported taking industrial action, signalling their deep-seated opposition to the university's proposals. Members of the Educational Institute of Scotland University Lecturers Association (EIS-ULA) have delivered a strong mandate for strike action at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) in response to the university's proposed redundancies. Over 94 per cent of members who participated in the ballot supported taking industrial action, signalling their deep-seated opposition to the university's proposals. UWS is seeking 75 redundancies relating to academic and academic related staff, which the EIS believe will have an adverse impact on the quality of education students would receive. The staff cuts would also place additional burdens on an already stretched workforce at UWS. The EIS lodged a dispute in March in response to the proposed redundancies, but a lack of meaningful consultation discussion resulted in a ballot for strike action being opened last month. The EIS has formally complained to the university that it has not shared sufficient information and that the university identified redundancy pools without the pre-requisite initial consultation on avoiding redundancies. Commenting on the ballot results, the EIS National Officer for Higher Education, Garry Ross said: 'With over 94 per cent of those who voted electing to take strike action, this sends a loud and clear message to management at UWS that staff will fight against these proposed redundancies. 'Our members are hard-working, dedicated professionals who are not only concerned for the job losses that the university are set on making, but the impact the removal of these posts will have on the number of courses being made available at the university and the quality of the learning and teaching that students will receive in future at UWS.' He added: 'Now is the time for management at UWS to hold constructive talks with the EIS and remove their redundancy plans, avoiding the need for their staff to take industrial action to save their jobs.' The EIS urges UWS management to reconsider their redundancy plans and engage in meaningful talks to find an alternative solution that projects jobs and maintains the university's academic capacity. The union remains open to constructive talks and is seeking to avert taking disruptive strike action, but its members are prepared to defend their livelihoods and the quality of education at UWS. The EIS supports the Scottish Government's intervention at the University of Dundee and its call on the university not to make compulsory redundancies. The EIS believes that academics at Robert Gordon University and the University of the West of Scotland also deserve similar government support in avoiding compulsory redundancies. * Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
Glasgow Times
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
UWS lecturers set to strike as ballot results revealed
More than 94% of members of the Educational Institute of Scotland University Lecturers' Association (EIS-ULA) who took part in the ballot at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) backed industrial action. This decision comes in response to the university's plans to cut 75.2 full-time equivalent academic and academic-related posts. READ MORE: UWS lecturers hold ballt on strike action over job cuts The EIS has warned that the proposed redundancies would damage educational quality and increase pressure on an already stretched workforce. Commenting on the ballot results, the EIS National Officer for Higher Education, Garry Ross stated: 'With over 94% of those who voted electing to take strike action, this sends a loud and clear message to management at UWS that staff will fight against these proposed redundancies. "Our members are hard-working, dedicated professionals who are not only concerned for the job losses that the university are set on making, but the impact the removal of these posts will have on the number of courses being made available at the university and the quality of the learning and teaching that students will receive in future at UWS. 'Now is the time for management at UWS to hold constructive talks with the EIS and remove their redundancy plans, avoiding the need for their staff to take industrial action to save their jobs." READ MORE: Strike ballot launched at university over proposed job cuts The EIS lodged a formal dispute with the university in March and has raised concerns about a lack of meaningful consultation and insufficient information sharing by UWS management. The union claims the university identified redundancy pools without the necessary discussions on how redundancies might be avoided. The EIS remains open to negotiations and is seeking to avert strike action, but insists members are prepared to act to protect their jobs and the integrity of education at UWS. READ MORE: University of the West of Scotland staff ballot for strikes The union has also backed the Scottish Government's intervention at the University of Dundee, where the government has opposed compulsory redundancies. The EIS argues that staff at UWS and Robert Gordon University deserve the same level of government support to avoid forced job losses. The ballot follows a period of growing tension and calls for greater protection of academic roles and educational standards across Scotland's higher education sector.
Glasgow Times
13-07-2025
- Glasgow Times
Brothers graduate with first-class degrees at UWS Paisley
Balint and Peter Kaszap-Nagy, originally from Hungary, both completed the BSc (Hons) Web and Mobile Development course at the University of the West of Scotland's (UWS) Paisley campus. Balint, 32, said: "We decided to enrol in the same course because both of us have always been interested in programming and technology, so choosing this course felt like a natural fit. "It also gave us an opportunity to develop skills that we knew would be valuable for building something together in the future." Read more: University of Glasgow to stage cosmic-inspired Scottish country dance The brothers, who have lived in Scotland for the past nine years, found that studying at the same time had a great impact on their university experience. Peter, 36, said: "Studying at the same time was actually really motivating and made the whole experience less isolating. "We spent a lot of time studying side by side, but we always tackled our coursework independently. "University life was very much a shared journey." Dr Pablo Salva-García, a lecturer and the programme leader for the BSc in Web and Mobile Development at UWS, taught both brothers throughout their degree. He said: "Balint and Peter are both incredible, dedicated students. "I'm really proud of both of them and excited to see what they go on to do in the future. "They both achieved exceptional results, which are a testament to their hard work and ambition. "Balint and Peter's passion for learning makes them great role models for current and future students." Despite both obtaining first-class degrees, the brothers have admitted that they are "a bit disappointed" with their results; however, they are hoping to do better when they begin their postgraduate studies. Read more: Glasgow student who lost brother and cared for mum wins award for resilience Balint said: "Even though we both achieved averages above 80%, we're actually a bit disappointed, because we were aiming for over 90%. "But hopefully we'll reach that during our master's. "That said, we're still proud of the hard work we put in and glad to have completed this chapter." Once their master's degrees are finished, Balint and Peter plan to start their own company offering software development engineering and AI programming services, as well as developing projects directly for end users. Peter said: "Throughout our studies, we've always chosen coursework topics that pushed us out of our comfort zone with new technologies – our goal was never just to get good grades, but to truly broaden our knowledge. "We believe this mindset will pay off in our future ventures."
Glasgow Times
10-07-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
UWS student cared for mum and mourned brother while studying
Amy Bowers, a graduate of the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), completed her BSc (Hons) in Mental Health Nursing while caring for her mother during frequent hospital stays and coping with the sudden loss of her brother. She was awarded the Amundsen Trophy, which is given to a student who has overcome significant adversity during their studies but has managed to successfully continue with their programme. Stephen Cardwell received the Les Hutchison Award for Engineering (Image: Supplied) Amy said: "I'm truly honoured and grateful to have received this special award. "The recognition means a great deal to me, as it reflects the hard work, dedication, resilience, and commitment I've put into my studies and personal growth. Read more: LIVE Three rushed to hospital after car crash on Glasgow's High Street "I sincerely thank my lecturers, especially my personal tutor, peers, and support network who have been in my corner, supporting me through the toughest and most challenging period of life. "I would not have been able to cope with the pressures of university and life, if it wasn't for this support throughout. "This recognition means so much and motivates me to continue to keep striving for excellence, no matter the challenges." Julie Edgar, dean of the School of Health and Life Sciences at UWS, said: "We are extremely proud of Amy's achievements. "Despite the challenges she encountered during her studies, she remained fully committed to her degree, and it's truly wonderful to see her graduate today." Ms Bowers now works as a community addictions nurse with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Her programme leader described her as an 'inspiration to other students.' Stephen Cardwell, from East Kilbride, was also recognised at the summer graduation ceremonies. He received the Les Hutchison Award for Engineering after graduating with a BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering. The award recognises the best performing undergraduate engineering student graduating from the university's School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences. Mr Cardwell said: "I'm delighted to be graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with first-class honours and it has been made even more special being recognised with the Les Hutchison Award. "None of this would have been possible without the firm support of the lecturers at UWS and their commitment to a comprehensive education, covering theoretical knowledge and technical skills required for a capable engineer. "I am very grateful for the support of my tutors and am proud of the work I have produced." Professor Gordon Morison, dean of the School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences, said: 'Stephen has been a fantastic student throughout his studies, including being recognised with best dissertation and performing exceptionally across all of his assignments. "Stephen has a keen interest in continuing to produce Civil Engineering research and so we look forward to seeing Stephen thrive in his future endeavours.'
Daily Record
07-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Renfrewshire historian relaunching history talks after cancer battle
Stephen Clancy is launching a new talk series called Paisley Rediscovered: The Recovery Series following his treatment for Leukaemia. Local historian Stephen Clancy is resuming his popular History Talks after battling cancer for over two years. Known locally as the Urban Historian, Stephen has been delivering heritage walking tours and local history talks since 2002. He began teaching local history and archaeology part-time at the University of the West of Scotland, but when the department for lifelong learning closed down, he started his own freelance project - Renfrewshire History. In 2012 Stephen rebranded as the Urban Historian and in the past year developed Renfrewshire Heritage and Renfrewshire Ancestors as two branches of research. After being diagnosed with leukaemia over two years ago, Stephen had to put his talks, walks and History Cafes session on hold due to treatments. This February, for the first time after diagnosis, he resumed History Cafes, local history discussion group, which have proven 'very popular' with the community. During the History Cafes sessions there is normally no set topic, and everyone involved meets in a local coffee shop twice a month. He shared with the Paisley Daily Express: 'I was diagnosed with leukaemia in Easter 2023. 'The biggest challenge was being in hospital for four weeks at a time for chemotherapy, though being able to read and carry out research from the hospital bed was good. 'Another challenge was the bone marrow transplant in September 2023 as my immune system became nonexistent and I am still immunosuppressed.' He continued: 'The last two years have been a struggle with a few false starts along the way. Resuming the free History Cafes before I'm given the all clear to return to full-time work is a good start, and I hope that things will begin to improve a lot quicker.' To tie in with the Sma' Shot Day on Saturday, Stephen further has announced two talks this summer as part of a set of events called Paisley Rediscover: The Recovery Series. The first talk will take place on Tuesday, August 12 and is titled 'Paisley Rediscovered'. It will look at the origins of Paisley from earliest times to the Reformation in 1560. The second talk on Tuesday, August 26 is called 'The Bargarran Witch Hunt Rediscovered' and will take a fresh look at the 1696/97 witch hunt using newly published records. Both talks will be held in Paisley St George's Church on Causeyside Street between 7pm and 9pm and will cost £7 per person. Stephen said: 'I am excited to be restarting the talks. Over the last two years I've been doing a lot researching and looking forward to bringing the new research into Paisley and Renfrewshire to locals. 'The audience can expect to discover the rich history of Paisley and Renfrewshire from the prehistory of the area, founding of the Abbey through to local witch hunts and early growth of the town out of the former monastic estates.' He added: 'The talks will be a regular series throughout the year and as my energy levels grow my heritage walks will recommence.' Both talks and Stephen's regular History Cafes can be booked at Stephen has also created two new websites: and where people can find information on ancestral research and local history articles.
