| Bangorystwyth - Just a Leighton pipe dream. |
| Written by Ben Meakin |
| Thursday, 08 December 2011 14:55 |
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Hi Again, Some of you may remember that earlier this year Leighton Andrews, Minister for Education and Skills, released a report giving recommendation on how he wanted the HE sector in Wales to change and out of this was born 'Leightons' Urge to Merge'. In this paper (Original Report: http://wales.gov.uk/docs/dcells/consultation/110711futureofunihefcwen.pdf) it was stated that Aberystwyth and Bangor would continue to strengthen their strategic alliance with a view to merge to form a super institution hence the idea of Bangorystwyth was formed. Obviously it only takes one look at a map of Wales to see that geography alone makes this an extremely strange idea, the Snowdonia is in the way for starters! But on a more serious note, ourselves and the institution strongly believed that this would have a detrimental affect on the experience of future students. At the same time we stated that Aberystwyth university has a historical and cultural value in the town itself and merging would have been like ripping the heart out of something which is core to Aberystwyth as a town. With that in mind we joined forces with the University to respond, here is what we said as a Guild:
"Response to the Future Structure of Universities in Wales paper Dear Leighton Andrews AM We as a Guild stand by our institution in defending the independence of Aberystwyth University. At the very least, the geography that separates AU with Bangor University proves that any positives gained by a merger would be severely outweighed by costs and negatives. What’s more, both our Guild and Bangors Students Union play a key role in protecting and enhancing the experience offered to students. In the new Higher Education landscape, where the student experience is paramount, we ask how you believe a merger proposal would benefit Aberystwyth University Guild of Students and our role in supporting and representing students? The lack of student involvement in this consultation is proven by the timing in which it has taken place; during the summer period when students are largely away from university and disengaged with the Guild and institution. This has made it impossible to gauge the student voice on this matter and discuss how our membership believes a merger would affect Aberystwyth. We urge you to reconsider any plans to merge Aberystwyth and Bangor. We will stand firm in defending Aberystwyth as an independent and brilliant university. Sincerely Ben Meakin, President Aberystwyth Guild of Students" Ben Meakin
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| Last Updated on Friday, 09 December 2011 13:24 |
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