Transcript Document
Changes at UCO Overview • Government Policy • Implications for us • Securing the future success of UCO Government Policy: The changing HE landscape White Paper Executive Summary: “Our reforms are designed to deliver a more responsive HE sector in which funding follows the decisions of learners and successful institutions are freed to thrive; in which there is a new focus on the student experience and quality of teaching and which further education colleges and other alternative providers are encouraged to offer a diverse range of higher education provision” What are the implications for us? Increased competition • Growth of HE in FE • Far greater competition between existing Universities – Already being less open/helpful • Private providers, overseas Universities • Removal of barriers – Easier to get University title – Not necessary to teach degrees to be able to award them Dismantling of quota system from 2012 onwards – BIGGEST threat • In 2012, 1 in 4 places to be freed from number controls • 65,000 places open to competition at AAB+ – Universities forced to compete against each other • 20,000 removed on a pro-rata basis and made available under the Core/Margin bidding process – Allows the shift to FE and private providers • Over subsequent years both of these numbers to be significantly increased Impact of AAB+ and Core/Margin AAB+ AAB+ AAB+ Core Core Margin Core Core University A University B Margin Core Government Policy impact • This is the start of a year on year reduction as the Government transfers numbers from HE to the FE and private sectors Securing the future success of UCO • Can we use this transfer of HE to FE to safeguard UCO? • Answer: Yes, by working with The Oldham College – Collaborate rather than compete • Through partnership working we have helped The Oldham College to secure student numbers under the Core & Margin process • These numbers will replace some of those that will have been lost at UCO due to Core & Margin and so reduces the impact on Oldham Securing the future success of UCO through The Oldham College • The Oldham College can apply for additional numbers in the future and so grow UCO • They can offer a broader curriculum and this can be designed to dovetail onto their own curriculum • They have set their fee at £5,980 in line with the Government agenda • They can get economies of scale on the UCO site • By working with The Oldham College we not only secure UCO but there is an opportunity to grow it • The Oldham College is very positive about the opportunity Securing the future of UCO • On 1st August 2012, we will transfer UCO to The Oldham College • This will safeguard UCO and facilitate future growth • The University of Huddersfield will validate the degrees • All current students and all students enrolling at UCO for the next 4 years will receive University of Huddersfield degrees Implications for students • The impact on students will be minimal – Continue to study at UCO – Same curriculum, same resources – Will still get a University of Huddersfield degree Implications for staff • This will be a TUPE transfer and consultation with the unions has started • Staff associated with UCO will automatically become employees of The Oldham College on the same terms and conditions. • Continuity of service and all terms and conditions will be preserved. • All staff affected will receive a letter explaining the TUPE process Summary • This represents the best opportunity to safeguard the future of UCO and facilitate growth under Government policy • Both The Oldham College and the University of Huddersfield are highly committed to making it work and will ensure a smooth transition for staff and students.