Statement regarding the tragedies that occurred in Paris and Beirut

Posted 114 Months Ago

We would like to express our deepest condolences for those who were injured and those who lost their lives in the Paris attacks. We sincerely hope that the loved ones of our students are safe and well. Innocent lives have been lost and many people have suffered due to these events. Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Paris and Beirut in this difficult time. And regardless of the lack of media coverage- we send our thoughts and prayers for the people of Baghdad, Mount Hebron, Milan, Cameroon, Chad, Nabi Ilyas, Beitar Illit, Kfar Tapuach, Lebanon, Beit Einun, Sha'ar Binyamin, West bank, Egypt, Nigeria and the many more that keep getting added to this list. All lives are equal and the loss of any life is equally heartbreaking. Many of us have homes or loved ones in these places. We offer our solidarity during these trying times.

Unfortunately events such as these can result in a backlash to the Muslim community. To vilify the Muslim community based on these savage acts committed by a few is wrong and unfair.  The actions of a select few extremists are not representative of the Muslim community and it is wrong to allow an islamophobic rhetoric to become acceptable in our communities, and on our campus.

The Student Union does not tolerate any hate speech or actions against anyone’s faith, race, nationality, sexuality or any other protected characteristic. If you have been targeted with any hateful rhetoric, we urge you to contact us for support. 

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those around the world who affected by these terror attacks. In times like these, we should be supporting and embracing our brothers and sisters around the world, and we call on all students of Heriot-Watt University to join us in doing so.

If you need support or have become a victim of hate speech please contact Student Support and Accommodation in the University or the Student Union Advice Hub or email your Vice President Wellbeing on union.vpwellbeing@hw.ac.uk 

#Pray4Paris

#Prayfortheworld

#NotInMyName

#Muslimsarenotterrorists 

International Student Walkout

Posted 114 Months Ago

This is a critical time for international students. The negativity the government and media outlets have generated towards migrants and international students in particular has resulted in the advancing changes to international student visas, access to education, employment and housing. As more international students face the reality of becoming refugees due to conflicts around the world and our rights as students continually diminish, this is our chance as students and activists to come together and learn more about these issues, develop vibrant campaigns and make our voices heard.

The anti-immigrant policies of this government have become intolerable. The difficulties faced by International students are not isolated but are part of a wider agenda to keep away migrants and pander to the far-right.

Students across the country have had enough and are going to take part in a one-day national day of walk-out on November 17 to highlight their dissatisfaction and anger with such policies.

This action is not only to stand in solidarity with international students, currently being mistreated in the UK, but aims to tackle the anti-immigration sentiment which is growing in Britain and has manifested itself in the government's response to the refugee crisis.

UK has to play its part in supporting and welcoming a much higher number of refugees. This, alongside recent proposed policies which will see all migrants, including international students, having a much tougher time in the UK are the main reasons students have decided to take action and show unprecedented solidarity with migrants.

There are a lot of links on the NUS website that give much more detail about the event:

http://www.nus.org.uk/students4migrants

Join the facebook event for more information nationally: https://www.facebook.com/events/940728172683776/

As an international student and an officer I think we should participate in such events to show support for the organisation that is standing up for our rights and this 17th is the perfect opportunity to do so. So join the facebook event and hashtag #Students4migrants and walk out of your class at 10.30 AM. Feel free to get in touch with me with any comments or ideas.

Do join us on November 17 and spread the word.

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact me:

Sam Hassan
International officer: sh289@hw.ac.uk

Statement Regarding Officer Recall

Posted 114 Months Ago

Statement regarding the recall of the Executive Officer (Equality and Diversity) and his election to NUS Delegations 

The Student Union has been made aware of correspondence issued to members in relation to the student action to recall the elected officer from his elected roles as Executive Officer (Equality and Diversity) and as an NUS National and NUS Scotland Delegate. The Student Union feels it has a duty to publically clarify its position on this matter. 

Heriot-Watt University Student Union is a registered charity and treats its duties as a charity very seriously. The Union has its own governance structures that comply with our duties as a charity and observes these regulations rigorously. 

The Student Union received a valid petition earlier in October that called on the Union to hold an Extraordinary General Meeting to recall the Officer from his elected roles. As per the Union regulations this meeting was called and took place on 26 October 2015. During the EGM the Union regulations were rigorously followed to ensure the meeting was conducted properly and provided a valid vote for the Union to action. This happened, and during the meeting the Officer resigned as Executive Officer (Equality and Diversity) so no vote was taken on this issue, he was however recalled by a student vote from his positions as an NUS National and NUS Scotland Delegate. 

The Officer alleged that he has been denied a right to reply in this process. He addressed the meeting three times during this meeting.  The Student Union maintains that the procedures of the organisation were adhered to and that the Officer was provided his right to reply at the Extraordinary General Meeting on 26 October 2015.

The Student Union cannot get involved or show partiality in respect of the election and deselection process. These matters, so long as carried out in accordance with our regulations, are entirely matters for the student body. 

The Student Union continues to maintain this impartiality and advises any member who is concerned about their own rights to seek advice from University Student Services.

 Stefan Kay
Chair of Trustee Board

Santander Scholarships

Posted 114 Months Ago

Through its partnership with Santander Universities, Heriot-Watt is delighted to announce that the application period for 2015/16 Santander Scholarships is now open. The University is extremely grateful for the support it receives from Santander through this strategic partnership, creating a range of opportunities for both staff and students to encourage exchange and interaction between Heriot-Watt and institutions in countries within the Santander network.

For 2015/16 only, we are seeking applications from students intending to spend their 2016/17 academic year studying at one of the University's non-Erasmus exchange partners.

There are six scholarships available, each valued at £5,000, and ideally one scholarship will be awarded per School. Successful candidates will receive the scholarship payments in instalments, including payments while they are studying overseas to support this period of global mobility.

The application form and guidelines are now available.

For further information, please email steve.watson@hw.ac.uk in the Scholarship and Global Student Programme Office.