Dundee Uni taskforce must centre staff and students
The new Strategic Advisory Taskforce set up by the Scottish Government to aid Dundee University must centre the voice of staff and students, who have been made virtually voiceless throughout the ongoing crisis, says Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman.
Ms Chapman, who was elected Rector of Dundee University by students who supported her anti-cuts stance, has urged openness and transparency throughout the process and answers for the many questions that staff and students have.
Last week it was announced that 700 jobs are under threat at the institution.
Ms Chapman said:
“Many of the answers to the crisis at the University lie with the staff and students. They are the ones who make the University work and make it what it is. Their voices have been largely ignored until now.
“The scale of cuts being talked about would be disastrous for the University and for the city.
“While expert advice is welcome, and shows that the Scottish Government is taking the crisis seriously, we must see staff and students included in the process. Their voices must be heard, their questions must be answered and their concerns must be addressed.
“For the last five months we have seen a bunker mentality from senior management.
"We have seen mismanagement, poor governance and very poor communications from the University’s executive group. That has to change if the University is to have a successful and prosperous future.”