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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| University discusses cutback plan | University discusses cutback plan |
| (about 3 hours later) | |
| Dundee University court is to meet to decide whether to accept a plan that could lead to some departments being reduced and job cuts. | Dundee University court is to meet to decide whether to accept a plan that could lead to some departments being reduced and job cuts. |
| The plan was drawn up to reduce the university's ongoing budget deficit, currently estimated at more than £1.5m. | The plan was drawn up to reduce the university's ongoing budget deficit, currently estimated at more than £1.5m. |
| Like other Scottish universities, Dundee is growing, but it also faces mounting financial pressures. | Like other Scottish universities, Dundee is growing, but it also faces mounting financial pressures. |
| It has been estimated that annual staffing costs will rise by 5% more than had previous ly budgeted for. | |
| The report has recommended reducing the size of several departments, such as town and regional planning, modern languages and community education. | The report has recommended reducing the size of several departments, such as town and regional planning, modern languages and community education. |
| Savings are also being sought in support services and in the estates - and could see the Botanic Gardens being sold off. | Savings are also being sought in support services and in the estates - and could see the Botanic Gardens being sold off. |
| I'm going to be trying to persuade them not to take any rushed decisions Craig MurrayUniversity rector | |
| The university said if the report was accepted, it would begin a consultation process. No imminent decisions are expected to be made. | The university said if the report was accepted, it would begin a consultation process. No imminent decisions are expected to be made. |
| Deborah Shepherd of Dundee University and College Union said a demonstration was planned at the university. | |
| "We're also having a rally where a number of academics from affected universities will be going to support Dundee University College," she said. | |
| The university released a statement explaining why the cuts were needed. | |
| It said: "In 2005-06, the university recorded a budget deficit of £1.6m. | |
| "In 2006-07 we're projecting an underlying budget deficit of at least £1.6m. | |
| "That is clearly not a sustainable position for the medium to long term." | |
| 'Academic tradition' | |
| The university rector, former diplomat Craig Murray, opposes the cuts. | |
| "I'm going to be trying to persuade them not to take any rushed decisions and I want to make the point that universities should be about academic tradition," he said. | |
| "This tendancy, particularly at Dundee University, to expand the layers of bureaucracy while looking at cutting academic tradition, is not something that benefits students or the wider community." | |
| James Alexander, president of the National Union of Students in Scotland, said: "It's quite premature for universities to be deciding their long-term financial future right before the Scottish elections and the spending review." |