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Vice-Chancellor’s open meeting 10 June

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Farthing, held the first of his termly open meetings for staff on Monday (10 June) in the Terrace Room in the Conference Centre in Bramber House.

VC at open meeting for staffThe presentation provided the latest update on preparations for the Research Excellence Framework (REF); covered the development of the new strategic plan 2013-18; and looked at future investment in the University in its people, places, services and technology.

In relation to the new strategic plan, the Vice-Chancellor reminded colleagues of the development of the plan over the last year, building on discussions in schools, meetings that he had held with students and staff, and within committees. The latest draft of the strategic plan will be published for feedback from staff and students later this month.

The Vice-Chancellor noted the positive position that has been achieved in relation to widening participation (WP). The innovative First Generation Scholarship scheme – introduced when the new national fee levels came in – has successfully enabled Sussex to grow the proportion of undergraduates from a WP background to 23% in 2012, up from 21% the year before. This means that ever more talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds are able to benefit from a quality Sussex education.

In looking at capital investment in the campus, the Vice-Chancellor reported the latest plans over the next five years to invest £185m in a range of campus developments: enhancing the science estate; extending the library; providing new teaching space; moving car parking to the edge of campus, so that more green space and buildings can be constructed; and investing in sports facilities.

The University will take advantage of external financing in the planned re-development of East Slope and future plans for Park Village student residences, so that University investment can focus on its teaching, research and social needs.

In relation to work with external partners to improve services on campus, the Vice-Chancellor noted the positive ongoing discussions with the campus trades unions and the assurances that have been given on pensions, core terms and conditions and access to Sussex facilities. He also confirmed that the expected transfer date for staff continues to be September for catering and October for facilities management.

On technology, the Vice-Chancellor outlined a commitment to invest in online and distance learning as part of the long-term strategic development of Sussex, with dedicated management of that activity to drive the work forward.

In questions, the Vice-Chancellor was asked about the importance of growth in student numbers and whether an alternative status quo approach was possible. The Vice-Chancellor said that, even after growth to 18,000 students, Sussex would still be among the medium-sized institutions, but to remain a research-intensive institution with high-quality student experience the clear evidence across the sector is that scale matters, and that investment in improving services can best be achieved across a University that is growing.

You can hear his presentation in full and the accompanying slides on the Vice-Chancellor’s web pages.

A second open meeting for staff takes place on Monday (17 June) at 9.30am, also in the Terrace Room. This meeting will also cover the report by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) on its review of Sussex, which will be published today (Friday 14 June).