University of Gloucestershire is awarded University of Sanctuary status
University of Gloucestershire has been awarded University of Sanctuary status, recognising its longstanding commitment to providing a safe and supportive community for refugees.
The honour was granted by City of Sanctuary UK, a nationally coordinated network of organisations and services, including councils, universities and, theatres and libraries, that welcome and support refugees and people seeking asylum.
University of Gloucestershire has extensive links with groups in the local community supporting forced migrants, including Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers and Cheltenham Welcomes Refugees.
The University has a strong record of supporting individuals with a forced migration background within its staff and student community. This includes being a member of the Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA) and offering the Michael Perham Sanctuary Scholarships.
Mohammed Hady (pictured below) was the first postgraduate student to be awarded the University’s Michael Perham Sanctuary Scholarship after seeking asylum in the UK from Syria. The scholarship provided vital support with Mohammed’s tuition fees and course costs.
Mohammed’s commitment and dedication to his academic studies paid off when he was awarded a first-class MSc in Cyber Security. He has been granted refugee status and is now a lecturer at the University and a member of its Sanctuary Steering Group – a group of students and staff who coordinate its activities to support forced migrants.
Mohammed said: “I am incredibly proud that University of Gloucestershire has been recognised as a University of Sanctuary. This award reflects the University’s genuine commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for people seeking sanctuary.
“As a Sanctuary Scholar, I have experienced this support first-hand. The scholarship gave me the opportunity to learn from exceptional academics and professionals, and to contribute to the University community. This is what led me to become a member of the Sanctuary Steering Group, where I have the privilege of supporting others on similar journeys.
“Being part of the Sanctuary Steering Group has given me the opportunity to see the dedication, compassion, and hard work of colleagues across the University
“I am proud to now be a lecturer and postgraduate supervisor at the University. Having the opportunity to share knowledge and support students in their own academic journeys is incredibly rewarding, and it highlights the life-changing impact that education and opportunity can have.
“I am honoured to be part of a University whose values are reflected not only in this award but also in the everyday actions of its staff, students, and wider community.”
Dr Rachel Bennett, Co-Chair of the University’s Sanctuary Steering Group and Senior Lecturer in Human Geography, said: “We’re extremely proud to have been awarded University of Sanctuary status by City of Sanctuary UK.
“Our commitment to offering sanctuary links to our core values of integrity, nurture, curiosity, and ambition. Inclusivity is at the heart of our education goals, ensuring the University of Sanctuary value of welcome is at the core of our learning activities.
“Across academic disciplines, we engage in research and innovation projects linked to forced migration that actively create and share new knowledge, often with a specific focus on public engagement.”
Dr Demelza Jones, Co-Chair of the University’s Sanctuary Steering Group and Research Fellow in the Countryside and Community Research Institute, said: “We are committed to deepening understanding of forced migration across both the University and wider local community.
“We are delighted to have received this recognition as we want people seeking sanctuary to know that their participation in our community is warmly welcomed, and that there is support for them available within the University.”