26 September 2011

My name is Kevin Rooney and I am currently a student at Abertay who has just entered into 2nd year -studying law.

This evening I’m here to represent the campaign ‘Save Abertay University’.

First of all I’d like to thank the committee for providing me with an opportunity to address them on such an important issue that will affect up to 5000 students and 500 members of staff, many of whom will be Dundee constituents.

Over the past week shockwaves have been sent out across Abertay University but also Dundee in the light of the government’s proposals to merge both of the city’s Universities.

News like this has certainly sparked uncertainty and concern throughout the campus.

After the initial shock, these feelings are changing and there is now a determination from the students to fight for their University.

So far our online petition has already seen 600 people sign up against the idea of a merge.

I would hope that every member of this committee will join those that have signed and add their own names to the growing list.

This evening I am joined here by nine members of Abertay University’s Student Association including both its President and Vice President.

Our aim is to appeal to the committee in the hope that party politics can be put aside, and that the council can concentrate on the key issue at stake – the education of Dundee’s students.

It is our wish that as a result of this evening’s deputation, the Council will write to Alex Salmond asking him to reconsider any Government plans for mergers involving the two Universities.

This is not about politics, but about people, the economic vibrancy of the city, and the preservation of a university that brings prestige to Dundee.

Abertay over the years has built up a great reputation in a number of fields, including cutting edge technologies and developing great relationships with local colleges.

We feel that college students looking to progress to University will be at a disadvantage by a merge.

The government’s proposals will also hinder those who wish to gain a University education but have just fallen short of the required grades.

Dundee needs to offer its community the opportunity to aspire to improve, and to enhance life chances.

A main reason people chose to go to Abertay is due to it offering wide access for students, allowing them to do the course they want.

As well as affecting students, the proposed merger will also have a detrimental effect on the economy of Dundee.

Currently the University of Abertay hires over 500 staff, as a result of a merge they may be faced with redundancy or be forced to consider re-location.

With hundreds of staff potentially losing their jobs the idea of a merge must surely be a worrying prospect to the council, especially in this current economic climate.

Every sector is being hit with cuts, and youth unemployment is at its highest in Scotland since 1992.

Their economic contribution to the local economy will be missed.

My plea tonight is that the members of this committee will consider the negative effects a merger will have on students, staff and the consequential economic impact on Dundee, and thus also on many of your constituents.

Dundee as a community needs an end to the damaging speculation and uncertainty that the Education Secretary has raised about the future of Abertay.

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