It has been wonderful to see the celebrations of Universities who have joined the network and those who have been re-appraised this month.

Congratulations to the University of Dundee, the University of Glasgow, Winchester University, and Cardiff Metropolitan University (first Welsh University of Sanctuary) who have been awarded or re-awarded for their efforts and initiatives so far.

Oxford’s Somerville College has also hosted a celebration event about the award which they received last year.

Universities gathered scholars and colleagues from across their community to celebrate their work and also foster important conversations about how welcome can be expanded further.

We are delighted to welcome more universities into the network and congratulate them on their positive initiatives, responsive action, and proactiveness to provide a welcoming environment, particularly at a time of tough policies and hostile conditions for people seeking sanctuary and those who support them.

The award is a way to recognise universities that have gone above and beyond to provide an understanding, compassionate, and safe experience that would enable people seeking sanctuary to thrive and recognise their potential. A key part of the process is also about community engagement and the fruitful partnerships that can be created between the university and local refugee support organisations.

To see examples of this, you can read more about the activities of each university below, the stories and experiences of scholars, as well as a great video from the University of Glasgow Sanctuary celebrating their award.

Dundee awarded University of Sanctuary status

Cardiff Metropolitan University, First UK university to pledge no investments in border violence

University of Glasgow Sanctuary Scholarships

A Celebration of Sanctuary – Somerville, University of Oxford