The unions response is below.
Friday 12th OctoberUniversity Management forcing through Physics closure
Following a tense and thorough examination of the University’s Senior Management’s recommendation to close the Physics department, University Senate, the Academic Governing body, voted in favour of the plans.
It what can only be seen as a blow to its reputation in the world of science, Reading University’s plans to close down Physics are only weeks away from final ascent.
Senior Management were quick to rubbish their own report from six months ago which promised to solve the future of Physics. Despite conceding that they had solved short term budget problems, Senior Management were persistent in trying to condemn Physics to the long list of departments they have axed over the years.
The Students’ Union were quick to identify the lack of any joined up thinking within the sector, due to Bill Rammell MP, Minister of State for Higher Education and Life Long Learning announcing his commitment on Tuesday to science at Higher Education with £18million worth of initiatives to create more demand from school pupils. The University were accused of hypocrisy and short-sightedness during Senate by Faculty Representatives.
It also emerged that the University of Reading had sought support from HEFCE before consulting staff, students and campus Unions. This blasé attitude to dealing with the issues left many wondering about the University’s commitment to the campus community.
Dave Lewis, RUSU President
"It was a shame that the VC had to blackmail academics to accept his plans, promising to cut posts and cut funding if they didn’t back him."
"Academics were overwhelming in their support for a Physics presence at Reading, and acknowledged that with the closure of Physics goes any credibility that Reading had towards physical sciences"
"We remain as committed as ever to a University that promotes diversity over narrowness and students over surplus"
Ryan Bird Vice-President Education
"The last few weeks have been incredible; students in Reading organising themselves to campaign against these plans. We have listened loud and clear to the views, opinions and values of both prospective and current students all wanting to see a Physics presence at Reading"
"Reading should be re-affirming their commitment to Science; with an increase in student numbers overall this year, the message should be clear, Reading is open for Science and that should include one of the fundamental science’s on which many others are based - Physics"
Strategy and Finance Committee, compromising of lay members of University Council and University Senior Management will meet early next week to make the final recommendations before they come to University Council, the University’s Governing Body, on November 20th.
The next few weeks will see an intensification of campaigning, with support coming from local MPs, media, national organisations, the Higher Education community and society, as everyone recognises the importance of a Physics department at Reading.
Academics and students around campus have been asking the Vice-Chancellor “Oh Dr Beecham, what have you done?”
ENDS
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I remember watching Oh Dr Beecham on the TV with my nan..... the moral of the story clear in my mind.....maybe with the help of some film students we could start work on a new version...
"Oh Vice Chancellor what have you done".....
Ryan
