The University of Strathclyde and Strath Union have reaffirmed their commitment to working together to enhance the student experience with the signing of the Strategic Alliance Framework for 2025-26.

The fourth edition of the agreement since 2022, it builds on previous frameworks and sets out shared ambitions and deliverables across a number of key themes including: wellbeing; inclusion, diversity, equality and accessibility; sustainability; and a vibrant student community. These themes guide joint objectives and the ways they will be delivered.

Supporting success

The Framework recognises the role both the University and Strath Union, as the representative body for students, play in supporting scholars’ success – academically, personally and in preparation for life beyond university. It emphasises effective communication, regular engagement and alignment of values.

Professor Stephen McArthur, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde, said:

Providing first-class education and an outstanding student experience is a key goal within the University’s Strategic Plan. We are proud that our strong and constructive relationship with Strath Union, and our Strategic Alliance Framework, allows us to work together to deliver this for our students.

Strath Union President, Fraser Brown, said: “This Strategic Alliance puts students at the heart of decision-making. From championing student wellbeing to building a more sustainable campus, this Framework ensures our voices are heard and reflected in the decisions that affect us.”

The goals of this year’s Framework are focused on practical improvements students will notice, including:

• the strengthening of academic representation with a new policy, mainstreamed PGR representation and greater visibility of student reps;
• development of a new Campus Campaigns Forum to coordinate cross-University activity on key student issues;
• strengthening of alumni engagement in sports, through livestreamed fixtures, targeted updates with Alumni Services and activity around graduations;
• and improved accessibility via a peer-support scheme for neurodiverse and disabled students and an accessibility signposting feature in StrathApp.

Leadership experience

The framework also pledges to help students gain leadership experience through a multi-year programme to deliver sport in schools in areas of high deprivation and opportunities linked to the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

They will also expand routes to professional-level employment and increase credit-bearing experiential learning such as internships and placements.

Other ambitions include:

• re-establishing a Sustainability Hub and embedding the student voice in Education for Sustainability across programmes;
• overhauling Personal Circumstances support, and reserving spaces across campus for diverse and under-represented communities – including a calendar of cultural events, diverse peer mentoring,
• and a Rural Challenges Working Group.

Strath Union will be hosting hustings for the 2026 Scottish Parliament election and providing students with electoral information to strengthen students’ active participation in the voting process.