Abertay and Dundee universities have already been ordered to begin “urgent” talks over a merger.
Less than five hours after First Minister Alex Salmond refused to confirm the two institutions had been earmarked for a possible merger, letters from the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) were delivered to each on Thursday “requesting” they initiate discussions over a merger.
Abertay University accused the SFC of an “inappropriate” level of interference in its affairs. It is understood that senior figures at Dundee University are also aggrieved at the way the SFC has handled the proposed merger, with plans leaked to the press before the universities were officially notified.
The possibility of a merger had not been raised formally or informally with either university until the letters were delivered. Both said the request came as a complete surprise.
The Abertay branch of the Universities and Colleges union has warned of “large-scale” redundancies if the merger goes ahead.
Rumours have been circulating about the future of Abertay since the SFC wrote telling it to suspend its search for a new principal.
This came just days after the Scottish Government revealed it is to give the SFC the power to order mergers where it believes they will make financial and educational sense.
Abertay said it received an email from the Scottish Funding Council late on Thursday saying it urgently wished to discuss the terms of a merger with Dundee University.
“We are puzzled by this because … the funding council had not seen our response to their earlier letter requesting us to delay the recruitment of a new principal and to carry out an evaluation of the university’s role within Scottish higher education,” said a spokeman.
“We will be seeking clarification from the funding council as to why they have sent us two apparently conflicting letters.
“Abertay has carved out a highly distinctive and successful role for itself within both Scottish and UK higher education, and partnerships with other institutions have been a key factor.
“We have responded to the funding council’s first letter positively and constructively. The second letter represents an unprecedented degree of direction that we consider inappropriate to our role as an autonomous and demonstrably successful institution.”‘Totally unexpected’Dundee University said: “This communication was totally unexpected. We are aware of the previous correspondence between the funding council and Abertay. However, Dundee University is currently not involved in any discussions with our sister institution regarding merger.”
Senior management and the university court will consider the request.
It added: “We are dismayed that details of the nature of this letter were leaked to the press before it had even been sent to the institutions involved. This is clearly unacceptable.
“Dundee University is a highly successful institution and, like the rest of the sector, has a strong record of developing effective partnerships.
“We are more than willing to engage with like-minded institutions to enhance collaboration and efficiency. However, it is important that any discussions are driven forward by willing and autonomous partners, and where they make clear academic and financial sense.”
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Funding Council said: “We can’t comment on the private letters that are sent to university principals.”
She was unable to give any details on when the SFC expects the talks to begin.
Labour MSP Jenny Marra, a former head of communications at Dundee University, fears Abertay’s unique identity would be subsumed by the larger institution should a merger take place.
“This letter only confirms what the First Minister was at great pains to deny that the SNP plans to submerge Abertay University into Dundee University,” she said.
“It is my understanding that this letter was written by the SFC at the direct order of Education Secretary Mike Russell. The manner in which Mike Russell has gone about this is despicable.
“(He) should have more respect for the autonomy of universities than to dictate to them in this manner.”We will be campaigning against any merger of Dundee two universities. See The Courier every day for in-depth coverage.