University of the Highlands and Islands Strategic Plan 2012-17
Introduction by James M Fraser MA(Hons) MEd
Principal and Vice-Chancellor
I am pleased to present the University of the Highlands and Islands Strategic Plan 2012 to 2017. I am particularly pleased that this plan is the result of wide consultation, both within the university and amongst external stakeholders.
We have approved this plan in a period of much uncertainty and potential change, both in further and higher education and in the wider environment. In approving this plan, the University Court acknowledged that it may require some adjustments and revisions over its duration and agreed that it should be subject to formal annual review. Nonetheless, dealing with times of uncertainty requires a strong sense of direction and a lively awareness of new opportunities, and that is what this plan provides.
The University of the Highlands and Islands is different. Much of what makes us different derives from the geography, environment, culture and heritage of the region. We celebrate these points of difference, not least in our Gaelic language, culture and heritage and in the other distinctive linguistic and cultural traditions of our region; and also in the way in which our curriculum and research reflect our magnificent terrestrial and marine environment. The Highlands and Islands comprises many diverse communities, each with its distinctive contribution to our teaching, learning and research. We have much to offer students and researchers from the rest of Scotland, and far beyond, and our plan envisages significant growth in those attracted to our region.
There is much in what we are already doing and in the plan which aligns very closely with the direction of travel for further and higher education indicated by the Scottish Government. In governance, the University of the Highlands and Islands includes representation from all the further education colleges within the region, in addition to a number of specialist colleges and research institutions. We believe that this provides a sound basis on which to develop a regional approach to further education provision and to coherence between further and higher education.
Similarly, in terms of the post-16 agenda, we already have strong links with local schools through our college partners and are developing a range of models, supporting curriculum for excellence and allowing school students to engage with higher education in their later years; potentially accelerating the progress that students can make to secure their degrees.
The University has a well-established track record in the use of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework to provide flexible routes into and through higher education, especially for mature and part-time learners. This flexibility is something that we are further developing through our ‘Curriculum for the 21st Century’ initiative.
In research, it is essential that we build upon our existing research excellence and extend the culture of scholarship throughout the university. As the only university indigenous to the Highlands and Islands, and as an aspirant to research degree awarding powers, we must make the case for further investment in our research capacity, alongside and supporting our developing taught provision.
Our achievements to date are the result of the commitment and endeavours of staff throughout the university. We must continue to invest in our staff resource, to enhance the character of the university and the achievement of our students.
We are at a new beginning. What we do now will influence the way the university will develop, not just for the duration of this plan but far beyond. The Highlands and Islands is a region with enormous potential. The success of the university will be key to helping to realise the possibilities for its people, communities and industries. We are aware of our responsibilities and the very high expectations upon us. I commend this plan as providing an innovative and ambitious response to those expectations.
