Proposed merger of College & Uni. moves forward

Otago University
Dunedin College Of Education

Joint release
Monday 16 May 2005

Proposed merger of College and University moves forward

The Dunedin College of Education and the University of Otago are to pursue a possible merger, aimed to take effect in 2007.

University Chancellor Lindsay Brown, and College Council Chair, Kathy Grant, announced today that both Councils had accepted the recommendations of a working group comprising senior staff of the University and College.

They advised that both institutions will now work towards completing due diligence and the preparation of a full Business Case and Implementation Plan for consideration by both Councils by the end of this year. A merger will also require the approval of the Minister of Education and Cabinet.

The Working Group Report considered by both Councils last week recommended a merger as “both desirable and feasible”. The new entity would merge the College with the University’s Faculty of Education and would be a professional school in the Division of Humanities.

The new School would be based at the present College site and would include the College's campuses in Invercargill and Alexandra.

The working group was encouraged by the level of goodwill from both parties in this latest round of discussions, and regards this as a sound basis on which to proceed.

“The new professional school will combine the present strengths of the College and the Faculty of Education to offer the full spectrum of qualifications leading to teacher registration, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to enhance professional leadership and educational research opportunities for staff, students and teachers,” the Council Chairs say.

From now on, the focus will be on increased co-operation between the University and the College to establish a new professional school of international standing.

“Both Councils want to ensure as little disruption as possible with the teaching programmes for students and staff during this process,” they say.

The next steps are to begin consultation with key people, including students and staff of both institutions and Government agencies.

ENDS

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