Brian Cox has promised to fight cuts at Dundee University in his new role as rector.
The Dundee-born star of X-Men 2 and The Bourne Supremacy is filming abroad but took time out to film a video interview for the students’ association website.
He used it as an opportunity to emphasise his commitment to speaking up for the students who elected him and opposing changes that would affect the quality of their education.
His comments came as the university announced budgets and jobs could be cut substantially over the next three years as part of its ongoing strategic review.
A review of teaching is planned and staff are being urged to focus on the kinds of research that will attract lucrative grants from outside bodies, rather than taking on unfunded work.
Mr Cox was elected rector in February, winning more than two-thirds of the student vote. He succeeds Craig Murray, a former UK ambassador to Uzbekistan, who was a frequent critic of university management.
The actor praised the work of his predecessor, especially his vigilance over the impact of financial issues on the student experience.
Mr Cox said, “Quite early on in his tenure, Craig recognised the insidious nature of allowing cost-effectiveness to supersede the educational values of the university.
“Now, I can promise you, under my watch, this rigour will be fiercely maintained.”
Changes to the make-up of the university court its ruling body mean a place has been created for a student. Mr Cox urged candidates to come forward to ensure the students’ voice was heard by management.
He also thanked the more than 1000 students who backed him in election, saying he appreciated their “truly amazing” support.
“As a Dundonian, I am incredibly touched to be the rector of the university of my home town,” he said.
Mr Cox is hoping to visit the university early next month.
He is a long-time supporter of life sciences research in Dundee and helped the fund-raising campaign for the James Black Centre, which researches diseases included diabetes, cancer and malaria.
Students’ association president Andrew Smith said, “It is fantastic that the students of Dundee are being represented by a man of Brian’s profile.
“He has a name and a status that cannot be ignored, he also knows the city and he knows the issues that are concerning all of us.
“We are very fortunate to have Brian and I am very much looking forward to working with him. He has committed himself to playing an active role in the university. He’s a man who can represent students on an international stage.”
Plans for the shake-up of the university will be presented to the court next week, with union members planning a demonstration to show their anger.
Management has not ruled out compulsory job losses, but hopes to achieve the cuts through voluntary redundancy and natural wastage. A previous voluntary severance scheme saw well over 100 staff leave.