Our environment
The School’s commitment to advancing gender equality has been recognised by an Athena SWAN Silver Award.
The School of Computer Science is committed to creating an inclusive environment that supports equality, diversity, and disability. The School aims to achieve fair and equal representation for all, enabling all members of staff and students to contribute and reach their full potential. We have fostered a collegiate, collaborative and inclusive community of staff and students, where interaction and collaboration is actively encouraged at all levels. The School continues to seek opportunities to develop and improve practices to provide a more inclusive environment. All staff operate under the University’s equality, diversity and inclusion policy.
Core meeting hours are established in the University. This means that no core school meetings should be held before 10am or after 4pm. Also, flexible working can be arranged and details can be found in the University's flexible working policy.
The School provides staff a checklist that covers the University procedures for taking leave such as maternity, paternity, adoption or shared parental, sickness absence, and special leave. It does not cover career break, annual leave, research leave. The checklist also includes the types of support that are available and the responsibilities of the staff member and Line Manager.
EDI Projects: The School runs a range of EDI-related projects in the School, sponsored by the EDI committee and the University EDI project fund.
Gatherings: : organised by the School President and student reps, the School hosted Alpacas during revision week to offer a calming break from stress. Staff and students came together to share snacks from around the globe to foster a sense of community and celebrate different cultures.
Talks: led by researchers with an interest in equality, diversity, and inclusion. Recent topics include diversity in Software Engineering, presented by Fellows of the Software Sustainability Institute.
Posters: A school-wide showcased posters on themes such as multiculturalism within the school, gender equality, and Trans+ inclusion in Computer Science, and digital inclusivity.
, launched by a student research intern, highlights diverse figures in computer science and their lasting impact on technology.
If you would like to talk with someone about issues relating to equality and diversity in the school, please get in touch with either the School’s Director of equality and diversity at edi-cs@st-andrews.ac.uk or the Head of School at hos-cs@st-andrews.ac.uk.
Accessibility
- The School buildings are accessible 24 hours a day using a student or staff ID card.
- The Jack Cole building is wheelchair accessible.
- The School has a lift to the first floor and handrails on all stairs.
- Accessible toilets with baby changing facilities are available.
- Eating and social space is shared between students and staff.
- Tea and coffee-making facilities are provided.
Sutton Trust
The School engages in outreach activities to promote computer science among school pupils. We take part in the Sutton Trust/First Chances summer school, and the First Chances taster sessions organised by the University outreach team.
We also encourage and support student-led outreach activities, particularly to promote computer science among underrepresented groups. We are in the process of developing a set of reusable resources that can be shared with school teachers. Staff and taught and research postgraduates with an interest in outreach are welcome to contribute to these initiatives.
Women in Computer Science
Women in Computer Science (WICS) at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø was created to promote and encourage fellow women in technology. We want to advance this idea to anyone interested, regardless of identification. Our goal is to create a female support system within Computer Science at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø through events like mentorship programs, coding workshops, and many other female-led activities. We want to change the mindset of women in technology and discard the stigma that computer science is a male subject.
European Women in Mathematics
The School of Computer Science and the School of Mathematics and Statistics are now an Institutional Member of the European Women in Mathematics (EWM). The EWM is an association dedicated to encouraging women to study mathematics and related sciences (such as computer science), supporting them in their careers and promoting scientific communication.
ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Computing Society (STACS)
STACS, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Computing Society, aims to provide a platform for students to learn and share their knowledge and passion for technology and computing. We are dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry and encourage students from all backgrounds to pursue careers in technology. Through various events, including workshops, talks, hackathons, and social events, we provide our members with opportunities to learn and connect with like-minded individuals. The society also collaborates with industry partners to provide students with valuable insights and networking opportunities.
