Loughborough University for Students and Academics at Risk Group (LUSARG)

Terms of Reference

  1. To facilitate means by which the University can offer a place of temporary refuge for at-risk students and academics from around the world who are being forced to flee by the risk of imminent imprisonment, injury or death
  2. To promote Loughborough University as a University of Sanctuary for at-risk students, academics and their families
  3. To work with other internal and external agencies who advocate for at-risk and displaced students and academics to share information, promote a positive message of welcome and support integration within local communities
  4. To operate a scholarship programme for at-risk students and academics
  5. To oversee the implementation of commitments made via the University of Sanctuary status
  6. To report regularly to the University EDI committee
  7. To establish links when appropriate to support relevant LSU activities
  8. To maintain a working relationship with the Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA) and actively engage with sector groups such as UK HE Humanitarian Group
  9. To establish and maintain relationships with research and educational organisations in areas of conflict with a view to offering academic support to secure a safe and sustainable future.
  10. To develop sustainable collaborations by offering ongoing support and advice, where appropriate, for those we have helped once they leave the University.

 

Notes:

The terms of reference should be read in conjunction with those of the EDI Committee.

It is difficult to provide a definitive definition for an ‘at-risk scholar. As an alternative we propose to work according to a Framework which asks:

  1. Is their home located in a region of conflict/war such that their lives or the lives of their family are in danger, or such that they could be forcibly displaced due to persecution.
  2. Are they, or their families, at risk of imminent imprisonment, injury, death or persecution?
  3. What is their current position in terms of their personal safety and means of support? (This may include consideration of their current legal status, such as whether they have asylum seeker or refugee status and what rights that entails.)
  4. If they are currently in the UK but were to return to their home country, their lives or safety would be at much greater risk.

The Framework should be informed by reference to the Cara website.

The Council for At-Risk Academics (Cara)