The Friday email: 13 November 2020

University Covid crisis with a million students set to return home

As the Westminster government creates a logistical nightmare leaving just 7 days for students to be tested and move home, UCU calls to move learning online and enable a more managed migration of the1 million students. Watch Jo Grady tell Sky News why the policy is a recipe for chaos and why governments must plan for January now.

For the latest case numbers across further and higher education check out our Covid-19 case dashboard here.

Fight for fair pay for Northern Ireland college staff

UCU members in Northern Ireland's colleges are campaigning for a better deal and you can watch Emma Sherrin MLA question Minister Dodds about lecturers' struggle for fair pay and working conditions here.

'Know the past, shape the future': black members' conference

You are invited to register for our 2020 black members' conference with keynote speaker Zarah Sultana, MP and a packed agenda of discussion, workshops and chances to meet and network with other black education workers.

Academic-related and professional services staff webinar: keeping universities running during the pandemic

On Monday 16 November, 5-6pm, the academic-related, professional services (ARPS) staff committee will be hosting a webinar. From IT staff and those working in libraries or museums, to the e-learning teams and counselling services, ARPS staff are a crucial part of the academic team. The discussion will focus on practical questions about health and safety on campus and how you can organise ARPS staff to ensure their welfare at this time. You can join us for the event live either on Facebook or via YouTube.

Trade unions and human rights in Colombia, Monday 23 November, 6.30-8pm 

UCU and Justice for Colombia (JFC) will be co-hosting a special online event in conjunction with Colombia's ASPU trade union for university teachers. Join us to hear from those defending human rights in Colombian universities, including the President of the ASPU trade union, and UCU members who have supported and visited Colombia with JFC. Flyer here.

Further education staff governors' conference

This long-standing annual event for FE staff governors developed by the ETF in conjunction with AoC, Holex, Unison, Unite and UCU is being held online on 4 December.

Trans awareness week

Trans awareness week is from Friday 13 November to Friday 20 November. Trans day of remembrance is Friday 20 November. There is a briefing about what employers should be doing to further gender identity equality and some videos to help promote awareness are online here.