Below is a summary of the key topics discussed:
Update from the Principal
Peter Mathieson, Principal & Vice-Chancellor, updated Court on policy developments in the Scottish and UK higher education sectors.
Finance and planning
Court received an overview of the University’s financial position and on-going work to ensure financial sustainability.
Staff can access further information on the Finance and Strategic Initiatives SharePoint sites:
University Finances SharePoint (login required)
Supporting Strategic Initiatives (login required)
Student Surveys 2025: Results and Responses
Court received a report on the results of the 2025 National Student Survey, Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey and Postgraduate Research Experience Survey. It was noted that the University had seen notable improvements in its results in all three surveys, especially in those areas that had been of particular focus of recent work to improve the student experience. In national rankings, these gains had been masked by improvements also achieved at other institutions. Court welcomed the progress made and the recognition that further efforts would be required to consolidate and build on this progress.
Sector-level Governance Report
Court received detailed reassurances that the University’s existing systems and practices were in line with those promoted in the ‘lessons for the sector’ identified in the recent report into previous financial oversight and decision making at the University of Dundee. Court also discussed opportunities for further enhancing governance practices.
Other items
Regular reports were received from the Students’ Association, the Sports Union, the Development and Alumni Office and Court’s committees. Court approved revisions to the Remuneration Committee Framework for Decision Making, the Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblowing) Policy & Procedure and the Anti-Fraud Policy. Court approved the bestowal of benefactor status to two major donors, the appointment of trustees to a philanthropic trust and a change in the ownership of some museum artefacts to reflect longstanding practical arrangements. Court noted the establishment of the Responsible Investment Advisory Group. Court also approved required funding to complete essential Estates and IS contracts.
More detailed information on the University Court, including the membership, agenda, open papers and approved minutes can be found on the University Court webpages: