University of Glasgow Connect

University of Glasgow becomes Chair of CIVIS Steering Committee

In April, the University of Glasgow succeeded the University of Tübingen as the Chair of the CIVIS Steering Committee and will have responsibility for Chairing the Board of Rectors from August 2023.  Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement) Rachel Sandison shares her thoughts on becoming Steering Committee Chair.

The rotation of chairing responsibilities for key CIVIS governance bodies is a fundamental principle of the Alliance, which aims to ensure an equitable distribution of responsibility and visibility across the 11 members. 

The Steering Committee holds a strategic role within CIVIS, responsible for making decisions on priority projects and overseeing the implementation of initiatives in line with European Commission aims. As the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for External Engagement, I am delighted that the University of Glasgow has the opportunity to take on this significant role within CIVIS, and on a personal level I am honoured to act as Steering Committee Chair over the next six months.

By undertaking this crucial leadership role, the University of Glasgow is demonstrating its commitment to CIVIS and our willingness and desire to fully contribute to the development of the Alliance’s ecosystem and strategic vision. It also highlights the Alliance’s recognition of the University as an equal member, despite technically being an associate partner under EU funding terms. Importantly, the University’s continued engagement through CIVIS further evidences our European identity and signals our intent to continue to make a significant contribution to the European Higher Education sector, despite the challenges posed by Brexit.

One of the four priority pillars of our international strategy, Global Glasgow 2025, is Global Relationships. Global connectivity is at the very core of this pillar. International partnership enhances our educational offerings, our research capability and our societal impact, creating an environment in which our colleagues, students and wider communities can thrive. Our international networks feature prominently in our new strategy, where we have committed to leading in our international networks, including CIVIS, to develop meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships with partners and stakeholders that unlock opportunities locally, nationally and internationally for our communities. Chairing the CIVIS Steering Committee aligns with these ambitions and will ensure that as an institution we continue to make a positive impact on a local and global scale.