3 October 2011

University of Dundee - statement from Court

The University of Dundee Court, the governing body of the institution, met today to discuss the recent correspondence from the Scottish Funding Council relating to discussions with the University of Abertay.

The Court expressed concern over the manner in which this matter had been handled to date, particularly the public leaking of the initial correspondence and the unrealistic timescale suggested for discussions.

The University has a strong history of developing collaborations across a wide range of its activities and has always been happy to discuss partnerships and collaborations where they have potential to create opportunities and benefits.

The Court decided that the University should be prepared to take part in talks on enhanced collaboration with Abertay, provided all parties were willing to do so, and in the context of the Scottish Government’s pre-legislative paper on post-16 education in Scotland. The University is not committing itself to any particular outcome from these discussions and expects any talks to be held in strictest confidence.

Court remains acutely aware of the different missions of the two universities and how they impact on their nature and character. There are many aspects of what makes the University of Dundee distinctive, and which have established its reputation and profile at home and abroad. Court is clear it would not be prepared to see these lost as the result of any discussions regarding potential collaborations

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University of Dundee
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