Highlands and Islands Students' Association UHI (HISA)

Who we are

Welcome to the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association (HISA). Our purpose is to represent, empower, support and enhance the lives of UHI students. We exist to encourage and inspire you to find your people, your passion and your place. 

Day to day, we’re the home of societies, clubs, networks, events, representation, campaigning, advice – all the big things when it comes to student life. 

We’re led by our students, and are a completely independent non-profit organisation. That means we’re always here for you when you need honest advice, support and inspiration, and we can focus our time and energy on doing what’s right for you. 

When you join the university, you’re automatically a member of the Students' Association and you’re entitled to join our student groups, use our Advice Service and contact us for support.  

HISA is led by a team of elected student officers who live and work across UHI. They work together as a team, but each of them focuses on individual and local College remits to represent you and drive forward your interests. They will campaign on issues aiming to make positive changes at the University, on local and national levels.  

You have representatives at all levels: Student Voice Reps in your course, elected Officers and student meetings, and networks if you are part of an under-represented or marginalised group.   

Our culture and values

Core Values

• Student-led

• Supportive

• Sustainable

• Inclusive 

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Priority 2 – Student communities and inclusion

HISA’s second strategic priority is to ensure that when students join UHI they feel part of a larger inclusive community where they can be themselves, make connections and find a sense of belonging. Student life can be challenging, and the evidence points to many students struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, travel, food and accommodation, especially given the remote and rural locations in which many of our students are based, alongside additional challenges such as mental health and feeling a sense of belonging. HISA has a pivotal role to play in creating and supporting inclusive student communities – whether physical, online, active, academic or hobby related.

The role of HISA is the create communities where students can feel safe and included, including advocating for the liberation agenda. HISA also has a key role to play in working with UHI to advocate for investment in student support in key areas of need.

We will achieve this via:

• Supporting students to develop more clubs and societies and supporting those groups to manage their groups, raise funds and celebrate impact

• Celebrate employability skills gained

• Growing our student sports activities in terms of numbers and range of sports with a particular focus on sports inclusion • Creating and promoting liberation networks

• Creating a specific network for students studying online • Supporting the delivery of UHI’s BSL plan and promoting BSL resources and training

• Creating, launching and delivering a HISA Gaelic plan, promoting Gaelic recourses and training and promote the role of Comann nan Oileanach Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in this space ,

• Promoting resources and advocating for support for students with specific needs, including those studying in remote locations, student parents and carers, estranged students, students with disabilities, students with accessibility needs and current or former Forces members, to ensure they have the best possible chance of success

• Delivering Freshers events for face to face and online students

• Launching a student volunteering process

• Promoting key Scottish and UK-wide EDI dates throughout the year and celebrating key events such as Pride Month and Black History