The service will be replaced with the University Security team, meaning that late night support will no longer be available to students living in University accommodation.
Currently, Residence Life employs around 70 to 100 people, many of whom are students. Hillhead Review understands that they will all be made redundant in September.
Residence Life currently provides support to students living in University-owned accommodation. The service covers supporting students through independent living, physical and mental first aid, and advice, amongst other things.
In an email seen by Hillhead Review, the University told Residence Life staff that they have been “revising the whole Residence Life structure” and will be “remodeling the service, bringing in a dedicated welfare team, events team and other dedicated services.
“This means that for the forthcoming academic year session we will not be recruiting any Residence Life Assistants or Senior Residence Life Assistants.”
A current staff member also raised concerns to Hillhead Review that the services will be absorbed mainly by University security, the vast majority of whom are male. Security guards will be some of the only staff permitted to access young females’ bedrooms, sparking safeguarding and privacy concerns.
The University told Hillhead Review: “The new model will strengthen services with the addition of Welfare Officers, a Deputy Residence Life Manager, and a Community Events Coordinator. These changes are designed to address the diverse needs of our student residents, offering enhanced wellbeing support, and increasing safety and security.
“This transition has been planned over the past two years and those impacted have been informed in advance of any changes. During this period, support remains available for anyone impacted.”
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