Senior managers at Dundee University have revealed their new vision of “excellence, focus and impact” but also raised the prospect of budgetary and staff cuts of more than 10% to see the seat of learning through difficult financial times.
It is thought as many as 280 jobs could be set to go over the next three years, as the university “reprioritises” to concentrate on what it does best.
Under the plans, outlined as part of an ongoing strategic review, academics will be challenged to increase the amount of grant-attracting and world-leading research they produce, while reducing the amount of unfunded work they take on.
A review of teaching will take place to ensure the university offers “attractive, relevant and efficient” courses for students, while the possibility of mergers between schools including the creation of a new school of the environment, encompassing existing architecture, town planning, environmental science and geography has also been mooted.
Against a backdrop of likely cuts in public funding, the institution’s senior management team believe they have identified possible savings of 10 to 12% on the university’s core budget of around £80 million.
A university spokesman refused to be drawn on the number of job cuts in prospect, insisting the proposal was a “fluid” one and would play out over a number of years but, with 2800 staff at Dundee, as many as 280 posts could be on the line.
However, a report to the university’s governing court, which was circulated to staff on Monday, also stresses that university managers see the cuts as a springboard to ultimately employ more people as part of a leaner, more focused university.
“These proposals will lead to the identification of a need to reduce academic staff costs in the short term,” it reads.
“The focus on reprioritisation and investment to deliver excellence will mean that their implementation will provide a strong platform for our strategic development and future growth both as an employer and as a leading Scottish research-intensive university.”
The report also stresses that “care” must be taken not to destabilise the university’s staff if the plans do get the go-ahead, with “very clear and explicit planning and good approaches to change management.”
It is envisaged that the staff cuts will be made on a voluntary redundancy and natural wastage basis, although compulsory redundancies have not been ruled out.
A university statement also warned the timescale may be hastened by deeper-than-expected funding cuts.
The report will be considered by the university’s academic body at a senate meeting on Wednesdy, before being placed before the university court on Monday.
University principal Professor Pete Downes said, “There are clear examples of excellence in all four of the university’s colleges and across our service directorates.
“The vision laid out in the strategic review proposes that investment must be focused on these areas of strength if we are to enhance the effectiveness of the university and grow its reputation.
“We want to build on the areas in which we are strong, and create the opportunities to develop in exciting new ways. This is about reprioritising our activities to enable us to invest in those areas which will deliver excellence and impact.
“I am confident that, if the court endorses these proposals, they will provide a strong platform for our strategic development and future growth, both as an employer and a leading Scottish research-intensive university.”
Professor Downes also stressed the university’s “fundamental commitment” to enhancing the student experience.
However, a student group has already launched a petition against the cuts.
The Dundee University Anti Cuts Action Network (DUACAN), supported by the Dundee University Students Association (DUSA), has called for a reversal of cuts made in the last year and registered opposition to future cuts which threaten the student experience.
It also calls on Professor Downes to express opposition publicly to the reintroduction of tuition fees in Scotland.
DUSA president Andrew Smith said, “We are very happy to support this petition. Students are concerned about the future of the university and we are opposed to any cuts that will affect the student experience whether they are from the university or the government.
“I want to make clear that if the review offers students a bad deal then we will be opposing it and will use all forums available to us to do so.
“Education is the bedrock of our society and we want to ensure that the student experience at the University of Dundee is only enhanced during the tough times ahead.”
He added he anticipates a “serious debate” about the proposals and their implications over the coming months.
Dr Carlo Morelli, president of the Dundee branch of the University and College Union, said the university has not so far presented evidence to support its case.
“They are talking about a 10 or 12% reduction in costs,” he said.
“My understanding is that this could affect between 200 and 250 staff and I think the response from the Dundee branch of the UCU would be that we don’t accept that.
“The report doesn’t provide any evidence and we don’t accept the need. A reduction will undermine the viability of the university.
“Dundee UCU, alongside the students’ association, have called a lobby of court at their meeting on Monday.”
“We want to build on the areas in which we are strong, and create the opportunities to develop in exciting new ways. This is about reprioritising our activities to enable us to invest in those areas which will deliver excellence and impact.
“I am confident that, if the court endorses these proposals, they will provide a strong platform for our strategic development and future growth, both as an employer and a leading Scottish research-intensive university.”
Professor Downes also stressed the university’s “fundamental commitment” to enhancing the student experience.
However, a student group has already launched a petition against the cuts.
The Dundee University Anti Cuts Action Network (DUACAN), supported by the Dundee University Students Association (DUSA), has called for a reversal of cuts made in the last year and registered opposition to future cuts which threaten the student experience.
It also calls on Professor Downes to express opposition publicly to the reintroduction of tuition fees in Scotland.
DUSA president Andrew Smith said, “We are very happy to support this petition. Students are concerned about the future of the university and we are opposed to any cuts that will affect the student experience whether they are from the university or the government.
“I want to make clear that if the review offers students a bad deal then we will be opposing it and will use all forums available to us to do so.
“Education is the bedrock of our society and we want to ensure that the student experience at the University of Dundee is only enhanced during the tough times ahead.”
He added he anticipates a “serious debate” about the proposals and their implications over the coming months.
Dr Carlo Morelli, president of the Dundee branch of the University and College Union, said the university has not so far presented evidence to support its case.
“They are talking about a 10 or 12% reduction in costs,” he said.
“My understanding is that this could affect between 200 and 250 staff and I think the response from the Dundee branch of the UCU would be that we don’t accept that.
“The report doesn’t provide any evidence and we don’t accept the need. A reduction will undermine the viability of the university.
“Dundee UCU, alongside the students’ association, have called a lobby of court at their meeting on Monday.”