The University of Glasgow implements app to monitor international students’ attendance

The University of Glasgow has introduced an app in order to monitor international students’ attendance.

The institution will be using SafeZone, with the aim of ensuring compliance with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) regulations whilst encouraging better class attendance.

UKVI policies require international students to maintain regular attendance as part of their visa conditions.

Universities are tasked with monitoring this and reporting non-compliance, with potential repercussions for students who fail to meet attendance requirements. Failure to meet attendance requirements can result in warnings or even visa revocation, making compliance critical for international students.

Therefore, the University of Glasgow’s adoption of SafeZone app is a step towards streamlining this process, ensuring both students and the institution remain compliant.

The announcement of the new system was sent to students by Glasgow University’s Immigration Compliance team, and explained that from 13th January 2025, international students would have to use the app to have their attendance monitored.

Originally designed as a safety and communication tool, SafeZone has been adapted by the university to include attendance monitoring. Beyond its emergency alert features, the app now allows students to digitally check in to their classes, providing a modern solution to a regulatory requirement.

The process is straightforward: Students open the app upon arriving at their lecture hall, seminar, or lab and use the “check-in” feature at the top right-hand side. The system uses location-based services to verify their presence within designated campus areas and records attendance automatically. The data is securely stored, ensuring privacy while meeting institutional requirements.

The rollout of the system has sparked mixed reactions across the student body, with some appreciating its benefits and others voicing frustrations about its broader implications on campus life.

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Many students have noted a significant increase in campus activity since the system was introduced this semester. “The library and common spaces feel so much busier now,” said Isla Campbell, a fourth year undergraduate student, to The Glasgow Tab. “It’s great that people are attending their classes, but it also means there’s less space for independent study because fewer people are skipping class and leave their things in seating areas between classes.”

For others, the app has become a source of motivation. “Checking in makes me accountable,” said Eduardo Cano, a second year undergraduate student. This was agreed by and Jimena Alvarez, who said: “It also reminds me how fortunate I am to study at uni and abroad, and that not everyone has this opportunity. So I shouldn’t take it for granted like I have in the past.”

Eduardo continued: “There are days when I feel like skipping, but knowing I need to check in pushes me to go. It’s definitely made a difference in my routine.”

However, some students have raised concerns about the reliance on technology. “I had an issue when my phone died before a lecture,” said Brian Wallace, a third year undergraduate student. “I was worried I’d be marked absent or have an issue with the immigration compliance team at uni, even though I attended. It’s a good system, but there are some practical challenges.”

The university has defended the system as a necessary measure for both compliance and student success. In the email sent to students, the university said: “The SafeZone app not only helps us meet UKVI requirements but also supports students in maintaining consistent attendance, which is key to academic achievement. We understand the feedback from students and are working to address concerns such as campus capacity and technical reliability.”

The implementation of the app appears to have driven a cultural shift on campus, with a noticeable increase in attendance and student engagement. While this has led to challenges such as busier libraries and lecture halls, many view the system as a positive step towards fostering accountability and improving academic outcomes.

As the University of Glasgow continues to refine the SafeZone attendance system, its impact on student life and compliance with UKVI regulations is already apparent. With adjustments to address practical issues and feedback, the initiative reflects the university’s commitment to balancing regulatory requirements with a supportive academic environment.

A spokesperson from the University of Glasgow told The Glasgow Tab: “Our attendance monitoring system is a supportive measure that applies to all students, helping us identify where additional assistance might be needed. While we have specific obligations regarding international student engagement as part of UK visa requirements, these have been standard practice across all UK universities since 2008.

“Compliance with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) regulations is essential for international sponsored students to retain their visas. “We have streamlined our procedures to make registering attendance for international sponsored students as easy and as accessible as possible, via the SafeZone app or the UofG Helpdesk engagement form. From 13 January 2025, international students will be required to ‘check in’ to classes at least once per week using the app.”

Featured image via UofG website