Posted on Fri 02 Oct 2026 at 10:55 by
Anthony Foster FIVE THINGS FOR A FRIDAY
TUESDAY AT STIRLING UNIVERSITY
On Tuesday this week, I went to Stirling to meet with colleagues, student officers from across Scotland, NUS, Scottish Colleges and Universities Scotland to discuss the Future Framework, Student Funding for the next 20 years. I really enjoyed listening to everyone’s valuable contributions.
WEDNESDAY AT EDINBURGH NAPIER
On Wednesday, I discussed with our staff our approach to the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), including how we advise students on its use, academic integrity, and how we can avoid causing unnecessary stress for you at results time. We have seen a huge spike in academic integrity cases relating to the use of AI over the last 12 to 18 months. This month alone, our Advice Team has seen 119 students, although not all of these cases have been related to AI.
We also began reviewing the training sessions staff have attended and how we can incorporate good practice from across the sector into the work we do to improve the student experience at Edinburgh Napier. I will be conducting follow-up meetings with all staff to discuss where we feel we are as an organisation now, what we do well, where we can improve, and how staff can develop that through the work they do. The staff have been working really well at the moment and I hope that translates into an improved student experience for you.
THURSDAY AT EDINBURGH UNIVERSITY
On Thursday, I was at the University of Edinburgh, meeting with other CEOs from across Scotland. We had the opportunity to hear about the approach the Students’ Association took to developing the Teviot Union building. We also spoke to NUS about the future of the organisation and ways to improve it within the Scottish context, discussed solutions to challenges facing our sector, and had the opportunity to network and share how things are going during this academic year.
BACK AT ENSA
Back at ENSA, you can check out the Latest Newsletter.
We’ve seen queues ‘out the door’ for our expanded student pantries, while sports and society memberships are up, with taster sessions and funded development opportunities for sport and new societies, alongside additional staff support.
We have also been reviewing Welcome Week, which saw 4,700 engagements over the week, introducing you to the University. There are several opportunities for you to get involved, engage with others and stand out from the crowd beyond your degree.
STUDENT INTERVIEWS
Finally, it has been a delight meeting students at interview and getting a sense of how you feel about being a student, what you would like to see from the University and what you would like to see from your Students’ Association. Thanks to everyone who put their names forward for the opportunities we have.