Court meeting: 19 June 2017
The University Court held its most recent meeting on 19 June.
We publish regular updates on matters discussed at all Court meetings, during which members consider matters of strategic importance to the University.
Meetings of the Court are held five times a year.
Governing body
The Court is the University’s governing body and its legal persona.
With a focus on strategic direction, it takes the final decisions on issues of fundamental concern to the wellbeing of the University.
Detailed information on the membership and activities of the University Court, including meeting agendas, papers and minutes, is available online.
Detailed information on University Court
Summary of Court meeting: 19 June 2017
The following reports are summaries of a selection of items discussed and agreed at Court on 19 June.
Planning Round 2017-2020
The final draft of the University’s three year financial plan for 2017-20, synthesising business plans and investment proposals developed by the three Colleges and three Support Groups was approved.
Student Experience Updates
The Senior Vice-Principal presented a high-level framework for future reporting to Court on learning, teaching and student experience activities in four thematic areas: resources and investment; recognition and incentives; partnership and community; and, innovation and curriculum. The high-level framework was welcomed and approved.
The Deputy Secretary, Student Experience, provided an update on recent activity to enhance the student experience in areas including: employability; information and library services; support for mental health and wellbeing; support for disabled students; student residences; transport; and, sport.
Proposals for Investment in Student Facing Facilities
An overview of proposed investments in student facing facilities incorporated within the Estates Vision 2017-2027 was reviewed. The status of each project was noted, with approval requests to be submitted separately as appropriate.
Student Centre
The full business case and funding request to deliver a new Student Centre at Teviot Row House and 1 George Square, bringing together the core student support functions of the University and those provided by the Edinburgh University Students’ Association was approved.
Estates Vision 2017-2027
The Estates Vision 2017-2027, setting out the strategic direction for the development of the University Estate in advance of an updated Estates Strategy, was approved.
Residential Accommodation Strategy
The Residential Accommodation Strategy, considering the future student residential requirements of the University in the context of the Strategic Plan and planned growth, was approved.
Murchison House
The full business case for the refurbishment of Murchison House at the King’s Buildings Campus and a request for funding to complete the project was approved.
King’s Buildings Campus Infrastructure
A funding request to progress the King’s Buildings Infrastructure Project to completion was approved.
Institute for Regeneration & Repair
A philanthropic donation from the Robert O Curle Charitable Trust towards a regenerative ophthalmology research laboratory within the Institute for Regeneration & Repair was welcomed and a request for funding from University Corporate Resources to complete the funding requirement for the laboratory approved. The updated business case for the Institute of Regeneration & Repair incorporating the regenerative ophthalmology research laboratory was approved.
Edinburgh University Students’ Association President’s Report
The EUSA President reported on activities since the last meeting and planned future events, including preparations for graduations, the Festival and Welcome Week. A minor amendment to the EUSA Democracy Regulations to create two University-wide postgraduate representative positions was approved.
Other items
Court reviewed the third quarter 2016/17 financial outturn, approved a response to the consultation on revising the Scottish Code of Good Higher Education Governance, accepted the recommendations of a review of the University of Edinburgh Development Trust, approved the Risk Appetite Statement and Risk Register and reviewed reports from its Committees on activities being undertaken in support of Court.
Further information on the remit and work of Court and its Committees can be found online.