Becoming a University of Sanctuary and how you can get involved

Solent University has committed to becoming a recognised University of Sanctuary through the strategic priority of ‘engaging our communities’ in the new 2025 strategy and our Access and Participation Plan 2020-21 to 2024-25.

The Universities of Sanctuary is an initiative to recognise the good practice of universities which welcome people seeking sanctuary, including refugees and asylum seekers, into their communities and seek to foster a culture of awareness and inclusivity.

A Universities of Sanctuary working group reporting into the Access and Participation Plan - Strategic Working Group has been formed. The group will create a three-year plan and lead the required changes to achieve an official University of Sanctuary status. We aim to make a difference to those in our local community seeking sanctuary.

Learning and sharing are fundamental principles of the University of Sanctuary initiative. Therefore, we are keen to hear from, engage and build a wider network of students, staff, academics, alumni and external partners with lived experiences of seeking sanctuary, teaching and researching topics related to seeking sanctuary, or are interested in supporting sanctuary seekers.

If you would like to get involved, you can find more information about the first meeting of Solent’s University of Sanctuary Network on Monday 1 March here. You must register in advance to attend.

If you have any questions or wish to find out more about Solent’s commit to becoming a recognised University of Sanctuary, please email engagement@solent.ac.uk