Student support vow after damning report
UHI.
She said her experience of studying in Perth helped her to secure her first role shortly after graduating: “Our tutors had great connections which led to many opportunities for networking with key industry figures and work placements, including with my now employer - DIY Music Magazine.
“The practical elements of the course built up my confidence in several elements of the creative industry alongside my portfolio, particularly in promotions, making me a more appealing candidate to employers.
“Plus, many of the key tasks needed to complete the degree such as presentation, business plans and budgeting challenges have quickly become part of my professional life.
Perth College UHI’s student association has pledged to help any students or staff who are victims of racist harassment, after the release of a damning nationwide report last week.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC) inquiry report ‘Tackling racial harassment: universities challenged’ has revealed racial harassment is occurring at an “alarmingly high” rate in British universities, claiming they are “oblivious” to the extent of harassment on their campuses.
Michaela Asisten, vicepresident for education and engagement at the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association (HISA) Perth, says the college and the association will work closely to ensure a “safe and inclusive environment”.
She said: “Racism is not tolerated by HISA Perth.
“It is down to the excellent teaching standards of the tutors that my abilities were honed enough to quickly adapt. “I’m very glad I took the course. “I wouldn’t be where I am without it.”
Robert Kilpatrick, general manager at the Scottish Music Industry Association, said this will ensure students have the relevant skills and experience for the industry.
He said: “We are delighted to have worked with Perth College UHI to accredit their BA (Hons) music business and BA (Hons) popular music courses.
“As the organisation tasked with representing and developing Scotland’s music industry, working with over 2500 members, this partnership will ensure that these courses continue to be of a high quality and are mapped to current industry needs.
“It will ensure that the students are best equipped with the knowledge, skills and experience required to have a sustainable and successful career in music - realising potential, encouraging ambition and developing talent to see Scotland’s ever-growing music industry continue to thrive.”
“HISA Perth will support any student that has been a victim of racism.
“HISA Perth looks forward to working closely with Perth College UHI and the University of the Highlands and Islands in ensuring that the reporting system is accessible to both students and staff, and that campus support is readily available to anyone experiencing discrimination, harassment or victimisation.
“The EHRC report contains a significant amount of findings which HISA Perth will pay close attention to moving forward, taking any action required to ensure Perth College UHI continues to be a safe and inclusive environment for all students to flourish.”
The national inquiry found 24 per cent of ethnic minority students have experienced racial harassment on campus.
Two thirds of students who responded to the report’s survey, that had experienced racial harassment, said they had not reported the incident to their university because they had no confidence that the incident would be addressed.
However, it claims “universities are overconfident that individuals will report harassment”, with 43 per cent of universities believing that every incident of racial harassment against students was reported, and 56 per cent believing that all incidents against staff were reported.
A Perth College UHI spokesperson added: “The EHRC’s report is welcome and we will take any action required to ensure our campus continues to be a safe and inclusive environment for all our students to reach their full potential.”