Our Strategy
Our strategy details our aims for teaching, learning and student experience, research and knowledge exchange and economic, social and cultural development. We will achieve our aims by fostering a sense of university community, creating a more sustainable future and developing our infrastructure.
Business Plan
To measure the university's progress in fulfilling the strategy, the Board of Governors developed key performance indicators. An annual report is produced for the Board to review the performance of the university, a summary of this appears in the University’s annual Operating Review and Financial Statements.
Student Experience Sub-Strategy
The Student Experience Sub-Strategy provides a clear outline of what students will be offered at RGU and how the University supports their academic, personal, and professional development.
The three pillars of the Student Experience Sub-Strategy were created with four aims from the 'Teaching, Learning and Student Experience' section of RGU's strategy in mind:
Academic
- Your Course - Career focused courses and modules with interdisciplinary learning opportunities which are informed by the latest research.
- You’re Important - Offering you an inclusive curriculum that recognises and responds to diversity.
- Your Staff - Committed, inspiring and caring subject experts committed to supporting you throughout your studies.
- Investing in You - With our variety of undergraduate, postgraduate and short courses you can feel excited about being a student with RGU, investing in yourself, and opening up your future possibilities.
Social
- Safe and Inclusive - You will be part of a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.
- Our Campus - You will study in a stimulating and modern riverside campus which offers lively social spaces and outdoor green spaces with easy access online learning to make use of leading technologies.
- Connecting Us - You will have the chance to have fun with others whilst participating in student-led activities that will bring you together.
- Our Community - With so much going on around campus and online, we will help you to make the most of university life with signposting to social, sporting and networking events throughout the academic year.
Personal
- Here For You - You will be supported by approachable, knowledgeable and caring staff who can assist you in fulfilling your potential and help you to overcome challenges.
- Your Development - We will enable you to appreciate your strengths and areas for development and to build your knowledge and transferable skills for a lifetime of success.
- Your Future - We will encourage and support you in making effective choices, identify opportunities, and reach your goals.
- Your Health & Wellbeing - You will be part of a community which supports your physical, social, and mental health & wellbeing.
Staff and Student Charter
Staff and Students pledge to work together to support a respectful, inclusive and welcoming learning community where people share a sense of belonging and their contributions matter. Our community is where we interact on campus, online and in work-based settings.
As a student, I will:
- Engage actively: attend and participate, be punctual, and record attendance honestly.
- Use my Student Voice constructively and proactively.
- Maintain academic integrity.
- Take responsibility for assessment: submit on time and in the required format, keep copies, and use feedback to improve.
- Be aware and make use of supporting policies and procedures.
- Use University digital services responsibly: protect your credentials, follow acceptable-use rules, and do not share unlawful or harmful material.
- Behave responsibly with regard to the University campus rooms and facilities.
- Comply with relevant professional codes of conduct.
As staff, we will:
- Commit to developing our own skills to meet high standards of relevant professional practice.
- Provide a high-quality learning experience that supports your academic, and professional development - including opportunities beyond the classroom.
- Give clear course and assessment information, publish timetables in good time, and manage changes only in exceptional circumstances.
- Assess fairly and transparently, and normally return feedback and a provisional grade within 20 working days.
- Offer a consistent, inclusive digital learning environment with clear expectations and accessible resources which supports students to deliver their best, most authentic work.
- Use a “Team Around a Student” approach, ensure students are signposted to the right help to support your wellbeing and safety, and act early when challenges arise - including in placements and other WIL settings.
- Respond promptly and constructively to the Student Voice in all its forms.
All together, we will:
- Treat others with dignity and respect - in person and online - and help create a community free from bullying, harassment, hate crime and victimisation.
- Act safely and professionally, including in work integrated learning environments: follow safety requirements, communicate clearly, and raise concerns early
Underpinning Policies
Our Values
The values are integral to the university’s core principles and standards and informs the way it operates. These values are embedded in every aspect of the organisation and define what is expected and accepted at RGU.
Ambition
We have the confidence to recognise and realise opportunities for growth and development, responding constructively, flexibly and positively to challenges and change.
Approachability
We show concern for others and communicate effectively; we are engaging, friendly and professional.
Authenticity
We foster an atmosphere of trust and act consistently; people deliver on their promises and demonstrate honesty and commitment in everything they say and do.
Collaboration
We value the benefits of working in partnership, recognise complementary strengths and build and maintain effective and productive working relationships.
Curiosity
We strive to facilitate curiosity, creativity and new thinking so that our staff and students are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to prosper.
Enterprise
We create an enterprising mindset across our University community, encouraging innovation, initiative, and impact in everything we do.
Equality
We have an unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive environment that values diversity and ensures everyone can engage fully, contribute meaningfully, and reach their full potential.
Innovation
We constantly look for and implement improved ways of working, contribute new ideas, and engage within and across teams to solve problems.
Respectfulness
We listen to other people’s views, treat everyone with respect, and challenge unacceptable behaviour in others.
Outcome Agreements
The Outcome Agreement covers a 3-year period and is reviewed and updated each year, following guidance issued by the SFC.
RGU Scottish Election Manifesto
Robert Gordon University and North-East Scotland College (NESCol) have published a joint manifesto outlining ten priorities for Scotland’s next Parliament to strengthen skills, support economic growth and expand opportunities for learners at all stages of life.
The manifesto sets out ten priority actions designed to ensure that Scotland realises Aberdeen and the North-East’s unparalleled potential to support national economic transformation. It also highlights the partnership between RGU and NESCol as a national example of how joined up tertiary education can anchor regional growth and unlock opportunity for learners and employers.