Court news

The Court was preoccupied at its December meeting with the future development of the University, receiving an initial report on the preparation of a new strategic plan for the period to 2012 and firm (but not yet final) proposals for changing the academic management structure.

University Strategic Plan

The Court received a summary of progress on the development of a new strategic plan which would set out the University's aims and objectives for the period 2007-12. It was intended that, following widespread consultation in the University, a full draft plan would be produced in the first part of 2006 and submitted to the Court, with a view to a final version being signed off at the June meeting.

Members endorsed the emerging themes which were expected to form the basis of the plan:

• attracting high quality students
• improving the quality of the student experience
• increasing the proportion of postgraduate activity
• selectively supporting research excellence
• contributing to the economic, social and cultural development of Dundee and Scotland
• establishing strategic partnerships
• aligning resources efficiently and effectively to support the above objectives

There was particular discussion of the prospects for securing research income: it was emphasised that, while the approach remained aspirational, the environment was very competitive and the University was having to work harder to maintain its current position. There had been quantum leaps in performance in the past, notably with the advent of the Wellcome Trust Biocentre, and this could happen again with the new CIR and other developments. The emphasis on research pooling in the Scottish higher education sector, however, brought both benefits and challenges for individual institutions.

Student-related topics which were identified by Court members as deserving of particular comment in the plan included international student recruitment, retention rates, employment skills and incentives for postgraduate study.

Support for Developing Countries

Arising from discussion of the distance learning programme in advanced nursing studies from which candidates in Eritrea had recently graduated, Court members expressed the view that the University should play an overt role in helping poorer countries, as part of its broader mission. It was accepted that resources were a significant constraint, but the scope and relevance of existing activities was emphasised: an initiative similar to the Eritrea programme was well established in Kenya, while the new UNESCO Centre for Water Law, Policy & Science and the CIR drug discovery programme in relation to tropical diseases would make significant contributions to the developing world.

Changing the Structure of the University

The Court received a paper by the Principal, setting out proposals for changing the academic management structure of the University, as originally proposed at the Court Retreat in September and discussed in outline at the previous meeting in October. The present proposals were informed by discussions, formal and informal, with various bodies and representatives within the University and the paper indicated that in some areas there was further work to be done. The Court was invited to consider a series of provisional recommendations, together with a proposed approach to amending the University's legal framework and specific amendments to the Charter and Statutes. These recommendations would be subject to formal consultation with the trade unions and to further discussion by the Senate in the New Year.

The majority of comments from members were supportive of the proposals, recognising that the overall purpose of the restructuring was to adapt the University so that it was best prepared to address future goals and challenges. Nevertheless the view was expressed that the loss of elected Deans represented an erosion of democracy. This charge was refuted on the grounds that elected representatives would be part of the appointment process and that democracy would in any event be preserved through college and school boards. Most members accepted that Deans of Schools (who, it was confirmed, would be budget holders within the new Colleges) should be appointed in order to ensure accountability. The Court was reminded also that all of the current (elected) Deans of Faculties supported the restructuring proposals. Various other specific issues were the subject of comment by members, including College nomenclature.

After a comprehensive discussion the Court voted to approve the necessary constitutional amendments to the Charter and Statutes (subject to ratification at its next meeting and subsequent approval by the Privy Council). All the other recommendations in the Principal's paper were approved, pending the submission of final proposals to the Court's next meeting in February.

Finance

The Court approved Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2005. It was noted that a reduction of the anticipated surplus for the year to £1.4m as a result of accounting adjustments recommended by the auditors did not prejudice the capital programme, as the underlying cash position was strong. The Court also approved the recommendation of the Finance & Policy Committee that the West Park conferencing business should continue under the management of Dundee Student Villages - thereby releasing a capital receipt as originally proposed in the arrangements agreed for outsourcing the University's residences.

Membership of Graduates' Council

The Court was advised that the Privy Council had approved amendments to the University Statutes providing for automatic admission to the Graduates' Council of graduates and diplomates of all the Colleges (and some of their predecessor institutions) with which the University had merged since 1994. The amendments also remove a time limit which hitherto has barred further enrolment into the Graduates' Council of alumni of St Andrews University who spent all or part of their studies in Dundee.

Vice-Principal

The Court approved the recommendation that the fixed-term appointment of Professor David Boxer as Vice-Principal (Research & Enterprise) should be confirmed on a permanent basis.