UCU University of Gloucestershire Branch
@ucuglos.bsky.social
Reposted by UCU University of Gloucestershire Branch
New from me: a *free* short version of my Political Quarterly piece on universities... The issue is settled now: the massified and accessible Higher Education system we have spent tens of billions building since the 1970s is coming to an end. (1/2)
politicalquarterly.org.uk/blog/where-n...
politicalquarterly.org.uk/blog/where-n...
Where now for Britain’s Universities?
UK higher education now faces a very bleak future, retreating in the face of little public sympathy and limited political interest.
politicalquarterly.org.uk
September 30, 2025 at 7:28 AM
New from me: a *free* short version of my Political Quarterly piece on universities... The issue is settled now: the massified and accessible Higher Education system we have spent tens of billions building since the 1970s is coming to an end. (1/2)
politicalquarterly.org.uk/blog/where-n...
politicalquarterly.org.uk/blog/where-n...
Reposted by UCU University of Gloucestershire Branch
“If an expert is somebody who knows a lot about very little, AI is the opposite, engaging with academic literature only superficially while falling over itself to show you the breadth of its knowledge. The result is 1,500 words of grammatically impeccable mediocrity”
#AcademicSky #EduSky #AI
#AcademicSky #EduSky #AI
Have chatbots killed the student essay?
This year’s marking season has confirmed for many academics that, less than three years since the launch of ChatGPT, AI use by students has become so rife that their submitted writing is no longer a r...
www.timeshighereducation.com
July 8, 2025 at 8:27 AM
“If an expert is somebody who knows a lot about very little, AI is the opposite, engaging with academic literature only superficially while falling over itself to show you the breadth of its knowledge. The result is 1,500 words of grammatically impeccable mediocrity”
#AcademicSky #EduSky #AI
#AcademicSky #EduSky #AI
UCU Solidarity Movement
ucusolidaritymovement.org/about/
ucusolidaritymovement.org/about/
About the UCU Solidarity Movement
The UCU Solidarity Movement, formed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on higher education, rallied members for actions against job and wage threats. The movement demanded more pro…
ucusolidaritymovement.org
April 2, 2025 at 1:34 PM
UCU Solidarity Movement
ucusolidaritymovement.org/about/
ucusolidaritymovement.org/about/
Reposted by UCU University of Gloucestershire Branch
We are out picketing this week to fight the threat of redundancies. Come find us on the picket line Monday, Wednesday and Friday!
March 24, 2025 at 8:07 AM
We are out picketing this week to fight the threat of redundancies. Come find us on the picket line Monday, Wednesday and Friday!
Reposted by UCU University of Gloucestershire Branch
“Happy” anniversary to The List. A year of this webpage mapping, watching managers cut jobs & departments to meet local KPIs while transforming the shape of higher education & research across the country. And government enabling this.
UK HE shrinking
This is a live page of all the redundancies, restructures, reorganisations, and closures taking place across the sector at the moment. Solidarity to all. This sector is vital to the country’s…
qmucu.org
March 24, 2025 at 8:54 AM
“Happy” anniversary to The List. A year of this webpage mapping, watching managers cut jobs & departments to meet local KPIs while transforming the shape of higher education & research across the country. And government enabling this.
Area of Park Campus to be sold for development. Sign petition:
www.change.org/p/prevent-th...
www.change.org/p/prevent-th...
Sign the Petition
Prevent the destruction of the trees and green space of The Park Campus
www.change.org
March 21, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Area of Park Campus to be sold for development. Sign petition:
www.change.org/p/prevent-th...
www.change.org/p/prevent-th...
Reposted by UCU University of Gloucestershire Branch
I’ve had quite a few conversations with colleagues from other UK universities recently, and they all start ‘how is the redundancy situation at your institution?’ without fail. We are all just waiting for the inevitable & everyone is anxious
March 21, 2025 at 8:31 AM
I’ve had quite a few conversations with colleagues from other UK universities recently, and they all start ‘how is the redundancy situation at your institution?’ without fail. We are all just waiting for the inevitable & everyone is anxious
Reposted by UCU University of Gloucestershire Branch
A statement from Durham UCU on the University refusing to allow us to nominate an external expert to review (under appropriate non-disclosure guarantees) the financial circumstances which we are told necessitate twenty million pound's worth of cuts to staffing.
durhamucu.org.uk/durham-ucu-s...
durhamucu.org.uk/durham-ucu-s...
Durham UCU statement on financial transparency – Durham UCU
durhamucu.org.uk
March 21, 2025 at 2:25 PM
A statement from Durham UCU on the University refusing to allow us to nominate an external expert to review (under appropriate non-disclosure guarantees) the financial circumstances which we are told necessitate twenty million pound's worth of cuts to staffing.
durhamucu.org.uk/durham-ucu-s...
durhamucu.org.uk/durham-ucu-s...
A Decade of Crisis
www.historyworkshop.org.uk/education/a-....
www.historyworkshop.org.uk/education/a-....
A Decade of Crisis
The UK's universities are in crisis. Dave Hitchcock on how the sector became 'broken' and why it must be understood as an interdependent system.
www.historyworkshop.org.uk
March 14, 2025 at 10:45 AM
A Decade of Crisis
www.historyworkshop.org.uk/education/a-....
www.historyworkshop.org.uk/education/a-....
Reposted by UCU University of Gloucestershire Branch
Spotted on campus this morning. Thanks to the person who posted this.
March 5, 2025 at 10:17 AM
Spotted on campus this morning. Thanks to the person who posted this.
Reposted by UCU University of Gloucestershire Branch
Incredible sights on the @newcastleucu.bsky.social picket line this morning.
We will fight tooth and nail to protect jobs. The whole union is behind you.
Solidarity ✊
We will fight tooth and nail to protect jobs. The whole union is behind you.
Solidarity ✊
March 4, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Incredible sights on the @newcastleucu.bsky.social picket line this morning.
We will fight tooth and nail to protect jobs. The whole union is behind you.
Solidarity ✊
We will fight tooth and nail to protect jobs. The whole union is behind you.
Solidarity ✊
Reposted by UCU University of Gloucestershire Branch
A very helpful thread pulling together what the crisis in #UKHE looks like. Redundancies are the tip of the iceberg.
#SaveHE
#SaveHE
The crisis in British higher education is acute + painful right now. If you are in it you already know this, but for those who are not I want to share what is going on. As strikes start at Newcastle Uni + others will doubtless follow, now is a time for solidarity + resistance
March 4, 2025 at 10:49 AM
Reposted by UCU University of Gloucestershire Branch
Solidarity with our Brunel University members on strike today.
Brilliant to see everyone out in force fighting against job cuts ✊
The whole union is behind you.
Brilliant to see everyone out in force fighting against job cuts ✊
The whole union is behind you.
February 28, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Solidarity with our Brunel University members on strike today.
Brilliant to see everyone out in force fighting against job cuts ✊
The whole union is behind you.
Brilliant to see everyone out in force fighting against job cuts ✊
The whole union is behind you.
Reposted by UCU University of Gloucestershire Branch
University leaders have pushed the sector to the brink
Our members can help rebuild it but universities need to start making decisions democratically & transparently
Excellent piece from @uea-ucu.bsky.social who have won their largest ever mandate for strike action.
Our members can help rebuild it but universities need to start making decisions democratically & transparently
Excellent piece from @uea-ucu.bsky.social who have won their largest ever mandate for strike action.
Staff voice can bring proper scrutiny of UK higher education meltdown
More transparent and democratic decision-making within UK universities could have helped institutions avoid the financial mistakes that are now resulting in mass redundancies, argue Nicholas Grant and...
www.timeshighereducation.com
February 21, 2025 at 10:58 AM
University leaders have pushed the sector to the brink
Our members can help rebuild it but universities need to start making decisions democratically & transparently
Excellent piece from @uea-ucu.bsky.social who have won their largest ever mandate for strike action.
Our members can help rebuild it but universities need to start making decisions democratically & transparently
Excellent piece from @uea-ucu.bsky.social who have won their largest ever mandate for strike action.
Reposted by UCU University of Gloucestershire Branch
This afternoon, @ucu.org.uk informed the Vice Chancellor that we will be formally balloting for local industrial action at @sheffielduni.bsky.social in relation to proposed cuts to the staffing budget and the threats to staff jobs due to restructuring.
February 14, 2025 at 5:00 PM
This afternoon, @ucu.org.uk informed the Vice Chancellor that we will be formally balloting for local industrial action at @sheffielduni.bsky.social in relation to proposed cuts to the staffing budget and the threats to staff jobs due to restructuring.
Reposted by UCU University of Gloucestershire Branch
I've locked myself out of Commons Bsky, but in the meantime, here's an open letter for UCU members in HE to sign in support of a motion we're bringing to the meeting on Weds 19th which calls for a focus on defending jobs, reforming HE, & calling off a national ballot.
ucucommons.org/2025/02/13/m...
ucucommons.org/2025/02/13/m...
Motion to HEC: Focus on Defending Jobs and Reforming UK HE
Two UCU Commons HEC members are bringing the following motion to the special HEC meeting on Wednesday 19th February. We are looking for UCU members in HE to add their names in support of the motion…
ucucommons.org
February 13, 2025 at 2:44 PM
I've locked myself out of Commons Bsky, but in the meantime, here's an open letter for UCU members in HE to sign in support of a motion we're bringing to the meeting on Weds 19th which calls for a focus on defending jobs, reforming HE, & calling off a national ballot.
ucucommons.org/2025/02/13/m...
ucucommons.org/2025/02/13/m...
Reposted by UCU University of Gloucestershire Branch
📢 @newcastleucu.bsky.social vote YES to strike action🚨
"Our members have overwhelmingly backed strike action because they refuse to allow their colleagues to pay the price for management's failure to budget effectively." 🗣️ @drjogrady.bsky.social ✊
"Our members have overwhelmingly backed strike action because they refuse to allow their colleagues to pay the price for management's failure to budget effectively." 🗣️ @drjogrady.bsky.social ✊
Newcastle University staff vote to strike
Staff at Newcastle University overwhelmingly backed strike action in defence of jobs.
www.ucu.org.uk
February 11, 2025 at 2:24 PM
📢 @newcastleucu.bsky.social vote YES to strike action🚨
"Our members have overwhelmingly backed strike action because they refuse to allow their colleagues to pay the price for management's failure to budget effectively." 🗣️ @drjogrady.bsky.social ✊
"Our members have overwhelmingly backed strike action because they refuse to allow their colleagues to pay the price for management's failure to budget effectively." 🗣️ @drjogrady.bsky.social ✊
Reposted by UCU University of Gloucestershire Branch
A recording of Wednesday's hustings for UCU VP and Treasurer candidates are now up online. I'd recommend watching, especially if you are undecided:
www.ucu.org.uk/article/1389...
www.ucu.org.uk/article/1389...
UCU election hustings 2025
Watch the official UCU hustings with UCU vice-president (HE) and honorary treasurer candidates, which took place online on Wednesday 5 February 2025, 16:30-18:00.
www.ucu.org.uk
February 7, 2025 at 3:52 PM
A recording of Wednesday's hustings for UCU VP and Treasurer candidates are now up online. I'd recommend watching, especially if you are undecided:
www.ucu.org.uk/article/1389...
www.ucu.org.uk/article/1389...
Reposted by UCU University of Gloucestershire Branch
🚨 Our interview with Skills Minister, Jacqui Smith is now live 🚨
Don't miss hearing your questions answered ✊
Watch here 👇
Find out more about our campaign 👉 www.ucu.org.uk/ReclaimHE#JS
youtu.be/zLDL4YDE47M
Don't miss hearing your questions answered ✊
Watch here 👇
Find out more about our campaign 👉 www.ucu.org.uk/ReclaimHE#JS
youtu.be/zLDL4YDE47M
Baroness Jacqui Smith Answers Your Questions | Education Minister Interview with Jo Grady | UCU
YouTube video by UCU - University and College Union
youtu.be
February 5, 2025 at 1:26 PM
🚨 Our interview with Skills Minister, Jacqui Smith is now live 🚨
Don't miss hearing your questions answered ✊
Watch here 👇
Find out more about our campaign 👉 www.ucu.org.uk/ReclaimHE#JS
youtu.be/zLDL4YDE47M
Don't miss hearing your questions answered ✊
Watch here 👇
Find out more about our campaign 👉 www.ucu.org.uk/ReclaimHE#JS
youtu.be/zLDL4YDE47M
Reposted by UCU University of Gloucestershire Branch
"A different approach is possible."
The lack of creativity & unwillingness to consider other ways of organising #UKHE in places like UUK has been as damaging as the 'Tory legacy' everything gets blamed on. Good to see @the-tuc.bsky.social call for better.
The lack of creativity & unwillingness to consider other ways of organising #UKHE in places like UUK has been as damaging as the 'Tory legacy' everything gets blamed on. Good to see @the-tuc.bsky.social call for better.
Stakes are high if university funding crisis continues
Disputes at Newcastle and Sunderland universities are a warning sign. It’s time to invest in higher education.
www.tuc.org.uk
January 21, 2025 at 1:13 PM
"A different approach is possible."
The lack of creativity & unwillingness to consider other ways of organising #UKHE in places like UUK has been as damaging as the 'Tory legacy' everything gets blamed on. Good to see @the-tuc.bsky.social call for better.
The lack of creativity & unwillingness to consider other ways of organising #UKHE in places like UUK has been as damaging as the 'Tory legacy' everything gets blamed on. Good to see @the-tuc.bsky.social call for better.
Reposted by UCU University of Gloucestershire Branch
Strike ballot at Newcastle University 🚨
£35m of cuts have left our members suffering.
Staff should not pay the price for management’s financial mismanagement.
£35m of cuts have left our members suffering.
Staff should not pay the price for management’s financial mismanagement.
Strike ballot to open at Newcastle University over the impact of £35m cuts
Over 1.000 UCU members will be balloted for strike action at Newcastle University later this month over £35m in cuts management is slashing from the university's budget.
www.ucu.org.uk
January 13, 2025 at 10:26 AM
Strike ballot at Newcastle University 🚨
£35m of cuts have left our members suffering.
Staff should not pay the price for management’s financial mismanagement.
£35m of cuts have left our members suffering.
Staff should not pay the price for management’s financial mismanagement.
Reposted by UCU University of Gloucestershire Branch
New dispute at Canterbury Christ Church UCU 👇
"a ballot for strike action is an option we may reluctantly be forced to consider, if the employer is not prepared to resolve the current industrial dispute through collective consultation"
"a ballot for strike action is an option we may reluctantly be forced to consider, if the employer is not prepared to resolve the current industrial dispute through collective consultation"
Threat of 400 job cuts puts pressure on uni boss as strike action looms
University staff could strike unless reassurances over job cuts are given by its vice-chancellor as pressure mounts on him and other senior managers.
www.kentonline.co.uk
January 8, 2025 at 1:12 PM
New dispute at Canterbury Christ Church UCU 👇
"a ballot for strike action is an option we may reluctantly be forced to consider, if the employer is not prepared to resolve the current industrial dispute through collective consultation"
"a ballot for strike action is an option we may reluctantly be forced to consider, if the employer is not prepared to resolve the current industrial dispute through collective consultation"
Reposted by UCU University of Gloucestershire Branch
Keir Starmer must stop pandering to the hard-right on immigration.
Our statement 👇
Our statement 👇
December 3, 2024 at 12:39 PM
Keir Starmer must stop pandering to the hard-right on immigration.
Our statement 👇
Our statement 👇
Reposted by UCU University of Gloucestershire Branch
We're supporting the 16 days in 16 ways campaign for 16 days of activism against gender based violence.
We will be using this period to focus on our priorities and suggest 16 ways in which branches and members can get involved.
Find our more 👇
We will be using this period to focus on our priorities and suggest 16 ways in which branches and members can get involved.
Find our more 👇
16 days in 16 ways
16 days of activism against gender based violence is an international campaign that organises at all levels, including the United Nations, Governments, NGOs and trade unions.
ucu.org.uk
December 2, 2024 at 12:45 PM
We're supporting the 16 days in 16 ways campaign for 16 days of activism against gender based violence.
We will be using this period to focus on our priorities and suggest 16 ways in which branches and members can get involved.
Find our more 👇
We will be using this period to focus on our priorities and suggest 16 ways in which branches and members can get involved.
Find our more 👇