HISA’s annual Students’ Association Conference, HISA Con, will feature a panel discussion with local MSPs and political candidates today (Tuesday 26th January), giving students of the University of the Highlands and Islands a chance to question their local representatives on topical issues.
The event, which runs until Friday (29th January 2021), focusses on the changing world of employability, a topic that has been at the forefront of national concern over the past year and will see interactive workshops, keynote speakers and various activities designed to help students of the University of the Highlands and Islands make the most of their student experience.
Overall, the conference helps shape the decisions, policies, and actions that both HISA and the university will work on throughout the year.
The MSP session is hoped to address student concerns on a wide range of issues including Employability and Brexit.
HISA VPFE, Ash Morgan (pictured), will chair the discussion, with questions submitted by students.
The panel will consist of:
Scottish National Party: Maree Todd
Scottish Labour Candidate: John Erskine
Scottish Liberal Democrats Candidate: Representation dropped out due to unforeseen circumstances
Scottish Conservatives: Edward Mountain
Scottish Green Party Candidate: Ariane Burgess
Commenting on the panel, HISA Vice President of Further Education, Ash Morgan, said:
“HISA welcomes input from the political parties attending HISA Con today, that have chosen to attend and engage with our students.
“It’s a unique opportunity for our conference attendees to be able to directly question their local representatives on topical issues and we’re incredibly appreciative that our panel members have taken time out of their busy schedules to join us in the event’s new virtual setting.
“At HISA, we recognise that students are the future and we hope that the politicians attending this panel acknowledge this too.
“In light of the external challenges we’re currently facing, we believe it is more important than ever that our communities and leaders chose to nurture and invest in the students of the Highlands and Islands, who represent the future of the region and are a source of pride and value across Scotland.”
