Making the ‘A’ list: aspirations, ambitions and achievements

The University’s event in the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday afternoon (20 January) – sponsored by David Mundell, MP, Secretary of State for Scotland and MP for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale &Tweeddale – saw more than 80 guests from UK politics, education and industry join UWS colleagues and students, from our West of Scotland and London campuses, on the theme of ‘Making the ‘A’ list: aspirations, ambitions and achievements.’

Underlining the University’s focus on its students and placing them central in all that we do, the proceedings started with presentations from UWS students Elisabet McLuskey and Gemma McCallum on their experience at the University.

Principal Mahoney then highlighted the increasingly complex and holistic educational experience sought by those studying at university – meaning universities have to make sure they get it right across all that they do in teaching and learning; research; facilities; and in preparing students for graduate careers. He also underlined UWS’s commitment to delivering the best possible student experience across all aspects of university life.

He added that while research is fundamental to all universities, and something that UWS is enhancing alongside knowledge exchange and enterprise activity, it is the learning and teaching element of our work that touches the vast majority of our students throughout their time at university. Ensuring a continued focus and investment across all aspects of that fundamental component of the university experience is vitally important; looking at new and different approaches with the ultimate aim of UWS being recognised as the UK’s most technology enabled university with modern, outstanding and varied learning pedagogies.

In her speech, Honours year Event Management student Elisabet McLuskey, who is from Tenerife, cited the friendly, approachable and helpful attitude of staff as one of the key factors in her decision to study with UWS and spoke about the importance of opportunities she has had as part of her course to complement her studies with real world experience outside the University, having been involved in events such as the Ryder Cup and MTV Europe Music Awards.

Gemma McCallum, currently in her second year of study on the University’s Social Work degree at Dumfries Campus, also highlighted the value of the hands-on experience that her programme offers, working in the local community while being supervised on real life cases. Keeping up with best practice was also important and Gemma spoke about her excitement of the opportunity she may have next session to undertake international practical experience in social work delivery.

David Mundell closed the presentation element of the event with his speech underlining the importance of education for all and adding how delighted he was to welcome UWS to the Houses of Parliament, for its second event, and for engaging with him and his fellow MPs. He thanked the University in particular for its positive contribution to Dumfries and Galloway and the enhancement the University makes to its communities. The Secretary of State then spent some time with all of the students attending, to hear more about their experiences and aspirations.