On Thursday 13 November 2025, we held our second University Rep Forum of the academic year on Sighthill Campus and online, with over 50 students attending to hear from ENSA and discuss their experience as Programme Reps with one another.

Rep Forums bring Programme Reps together to share feedback on learning and teaching, hear about university developments, and connect with other Reps to exchange experiences and ideas.

Following an update given on behalf of Co-President (Education & Employability) Chika Marvis - including his national work on assessment reform, details of the new grace period for deadlines in the new academic calendar, and the success of the Uniforce Employability Programme - news on the recently appointed Academic Community Reps was given.

Academic Community Reps

Academic Community Reps are a new role created by ENSA designed to support and enhance student representation and engagement. One student has been appointed for each campus, and they will all work with ENSA, the University and the Schools to ensure that student voice is heard at the heart of every decision. Below are details of the three Academic Community Reps and their projects they are currently working on:

• Nooriya Ali - Merchiston Academic Community Rep - n.ali@napier.ac.uk
  • Nooriya's project focuses on exploring student loneliness and social wellbeing; through community-building initiatives that create connections within programmes of study, and advocate for open conversations based on people's experiences.
  • Nooriya is also looking at amplifying student portfolios of work through promotion of the SACI degree show and inspiring case studies from staff and students.
• Fiona Makou - Craiglockhart Academic Community Rep - f.makou@napier.ac.uk
  • Fiona's project is focusing on supporting students with chronic health conditions; raising awareness, promoting understanding and empathy, and creating a more accessible learning environment for all.
  • Fiona is also looking at the Campus Quiet Rooms and how they can be made to best suit the majority of those that need them.
• Ben Coulter - Sighthill Academic Community Rep - b.coulter@napier.ac.uk
  • Ben is looking at the overall experience of Programme Reps at Napier, with a particular focus on how Reps are recruited and communicated with.
  • Ben has also started discussions around the creation of a new Programme Rep Database potentially using the MSL system currently used for Club and Society Members.

Quiet Rooms & Campus Accessibility

The Rep Forum then turned to a discussion and poll on Quiet Rooms and the general accessibility and feel of the Napier Campuses. Reps were provided details of the Quiet Rooms on each campus and asked for what they would include in them with responses including comfortable seating, adjustable lighting, room dividers and fidget toys. Through an interactive Mentimeter, Reps also gave their thoughts on how campus accessibility and visual appeal could be improved. This information will be collated and presented to the Property & Facilities team at the University to look at how improvements can be implemented so that all students can make use of Quiet Rooms and feel welcomed and comfortable on campus.

University Review

The main topic for the Rep Forum centred on the current University Review and the resulting staff redundancies that are taking place at Edinburgh Napier University. The details presented to students can be seen below:

• University Review - What is happening?
  • Edinburgh Napier University is currently running a targeted voluntary redundancy scheme.
  • The University has been in collective consultation with EIS & Unison on proposals that could reduce staff by 50-70 people.
  • Consultation took place from 27 August to 23 October, and staff were advised of proposed changes and any individual impact in the week commencing 3 November.
  • The deadline for staff accepting voluntary redundancy was 21 November, and the Union ballot closed on 28 November.
• University Review - Why is this happening?
  • The Higher Education sector has experienced significant challenges over the last few years due to a mix of factors including the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing effects of Brexit, and more.
  • Like most institutions, Napier has experienced challenges in recruitment, and has been reliant on Clearing and lowering of entrance and confirmation grades and thresholds.
  • Growing costs, alongside challenges in student recruitment and reduced income, have all caused challenges in institutional finances.
• Whilst Napier has financial reserves, continued use of these is not a sustainable solution to address a structural deficit.

Reps were invited to ask questions and raise their concerns about the University Review with students speaking of what they had heard from staff in certain courses, expressing their concerns around any effects on their teaching, and asking whether there could be strike action by staff. ENSA has taken all student questions and concerns to University Senior Leadership for response and so that they can accurately assess student opinions and concerns about the current challenging situation.

Keeping students informed of these significant changes and challenges in the University are a core part of the role of ENSA, and we will always ensure that you are provided with accurate information when it is available. As your Union, we are continuously meeting with University Leadership to provide your voice and advocate for all Napier students, and we will continue to do so.

If you have any concerns or questions about the University Review, please email me on d.wright@napier.ac.uk.

It is always great to engage with so many students at Rep Forums and I look forward to speaking with more of you in 2026 at the next one!