The next step towards the merger of Northern College with the Universities of Aberdeen and Dundee is taken today with the distribution of the formal Merger Document for widespread consultation.
The documentation will be available to all members of staff in the three organisations as well as their governing bodies – Senates, Courts and Board of Governors – in addition to a wide range of external bodies including Directors of Education and Social Work throughout Scotland. This move has been enthusiastically welcomed by the Principals of each of the three institutions involved.
Principal David Adams said: “The merger will enable enhancement of teaching and research by bringing together the distinctive strengths of all three institutions in a way that addresses the emerging needs of professional staff in education and allied professions. It has the potential to enrich the experience of students on Northern College programmes by embedding the Faculty within a multi-disciplinary academic community.”
Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, Professor C Duncan Rice added: “We take great pride in our tradition of educating doctors, lawyers and other professionals and there is now an exciting opportunity to restore teachers to that tradition.
“The success of the venture will depend above all on the commitment, talent and expertise of all staff. As we move forward to a devolved Scotland, this is a wonderful opportunity to ensure that we all play our part in providing the highest quality of teaching skill to educate and stimulate the young citizens of Scotland.”
Professor Ian Graham-Bryce, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Dundee said: “The intention is to develop a healthy research culture in which sound professional practice and academic innovation can flourish. The focus of research will be on key educational areas that will critically assist in informing, establishing and energising the educational contexts of the future.”
Former College staff would become full and equal members of the University communities with a vital role to play in the formation and implementation of policy. The mergers would lead to each University creating a new Faculty located on their main campus in accommodation designed specifically to support the mission of each
Staff will be taking professional teacher education in the East of Scotland into a new and exciting phase. They will transfer to the Universities with their terms and conditions protected by Transfer of Undertakings and Protection of Employment Regulations.
All partners have fully considered the financial implications of the merger and are satisfied that the College’s current activities will have a sound financial base on which to operate within the Universities. No resources will be diverted from existing University activities to support the new Faculties.
Approval for the proposals will be sought from the governing bodies of the three institutions towards the end of June 1999. If this is forthcoming, the Merger Document will then be submitted to the Scottish Office for consideration and approval. It is proposed that the Merger will be completed in time for 1 August 2000 and the first intake of students will follow in September/October 2000.
Further information from:
Christine Cook, Director of Public Relations, University of Aberdeen, 01224 272014
Carol Pope, Press Officer, University of Dundee, 01382 344021
Lesley MacLennan. Marketing Officer, Northern College, 01224 283650