Abertay University’s student leader has written an open letter to the people of Tayside appealing for their support.
William Mohieddeen has asked that the public get behind the campaign to resist attempts by Scotland’s higher education funding body to force through a merger between Abertay and Dundee University.
His letter coincides with the launch of a poster, bearing the message Hands Off Abertay, that students and their supporters will use in efforts to rally opposition to the proposal.
Mr Mohieddeen wrote: “To the people of Dundee city and the Tayside area, I write to you to appeal for your support of the University of Abertay Dundee Students’ Association’s opposition to moves made by the Scottish Funding Council to force Abertay University into merger with Dundee University through our campaign Hands Off Abertay.
“On September 23, it had been reported that the Scottish Funding Council had sent emails explicitly asking that Abertay and Dundee universities engage in merger talks and a decision be made in October. This form of inappropriate direction ordered from the SFC, we feel, is wholly wrong and unjustifiable. “Abertay and Dundee are two very different but very successful, highly-celebrated institutions and are a credit to this city. The work, collaborations and teaching of both universities contribute to Dundee’s celebrated reputation as a city of innovative discovery, creative excellence and high-impacting research.
“Dundee’s universities pursue work in different ways but complement each other in a way of much benefit to the community. However, forced merger would have a very detrimental impact on Abertay’s students and the Tayside community.”
The campaign demands three commitments from the SFC and the Scottish Government protecting access to higher education, protecting the learning environment at Abertay and protecting the contribution its students make to Dundee.
Supporters are being asked to sign a petition at www.handsoffabertay.co.uk.