The Group exists to help at-risk students and academics from around the world. This includes scholars whose homes are located in regions of conflict such that their lives or the lives of their families are in danger. The forms of support vary and may include financial support in the form of short-term fellowships or scholarships, assistance with seeking accommodation, support with local community integration and language skills, and access to learning and scholarly resources.

Our terms of reference are as follows:

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.

The group is chaired by Professor Malcolm Cook. One of the priorities of the group is to work towards Loughborough becoming a University of Sanctuary. If you wish to get involved or simply find out more, please send an email to the group secretary, Sebtiah Abubakar.