The University of Lincoln insists it is committed to ‘equality and diversity’ after new figures revealed that its ethnic minority population is three times lower than the national average.
The Sunday Times’ Good University Guide shows that whilst the national average of ethnic minority students is 26.3% of a university’s student population, the figure for the University of Lincoln stands at just 9.3%.
Lincoln is also below the average for black ethnic students.
A University of Lincoln spokesperson said: “We are home to students who come to Lincoln from more than 100 different countries around the world.
“As a university, we aim to create a stimulating and engaging academic global community and to support all of our students in building new friendships and learning from each other.
“University provides an exciting time to make new friends and truly take a global view through the new ideas and people that you meet and engage with as a student.
“Lincoln the city provides a friendly and welcoming backdrop for all of our students. 8% of our student body are international and 17% of our staff come to us from outside the UK.”
The Sunday Times’ Good University Guide published its ‘Social Inclusion Guide’ for the first time this year and whilst Lincoln was above average on its percentage of disabled, working-class, mature, state-educated and ‘deprived area’ students- its figure on ethnic minorities meant it came joint 72nd out of 133 institutions listed for social inclusion.
The news comes alongside Lincoln’s rise to 42nd place in the overall guide, and the university says achievements like this could improve the ethnic minority population:
“The university has had a momentous year with a rise to 22nd in the Guardian University Guide and an excellent National Student Survey result with a top ten ranking for student satisfaction.
“These achievements have further enhanced our standing as a popular and aspirational choice for students from all backgrounds across the UK and overseas.
“We will continue to work hard to attract the best students from all walks of life,” a University of Lincoln spokesperson said.
The University of Lincoln Students’ Union has been contacted for comment.