University, College Welcome Next Phase in Merger

Joint Media Release:

Wednesday 3 May 2006

University, College Welcome Next Phase in Merger Process

The University of Otago and the Dunedin College of Education today welcomed the launch of a six-week period of public consultation on the proposed merger of the College with the University.

The merger would create a new professional teaching and education studies school within the University’s Division of Humanities.

“The Minister’s announcement this week allows us to move on to the next step in the process of merging the College with the University,” says Professor Gareth Jones, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International). “The proposed new school, which would be called the University of Otago College of Education, would combine the strengths of two highly-respected teacher education traditions to provide southern New Zealand with the best possible foundation for teacher education and education studies.”

Public meetings in Dunedin and Invercargill will be held in the near future, at which representatives of the College and the University will be on hand to answer any questions from the public about the proposed merger.

“These meetings are not part of the Minister’s consultation process, but they will provide an opportunity for those contemplating a submission to seek information from us,” said College Principal Dr Roger Green. “In addition, Dunedin College of Education and University officials will be available to meet with stakeholder groups to discuss any concerns or issues arising from the proposal.”

Members of the public and stakeholder groups have until 9 June to make submissions to the Tertiary Education Commission. A final decision from the Minister is expected sometime in July. Should the proposal be approved, a merger would take effect on 1 January 2007.

ENDS

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