From :- http://www.walesonline.co.uk
THE University of Wales was last night effectively abolished after nearly 120 years serving the nation.
It followed a decision by the university’s council to rebrand and break free from the University of Wales (UoW) charter.
Swansea Metropolitan, Trinity Saint David and the University of Wales will instead mark a “new beginning” by unifying under Trinity’s 190-year-old charter – the oldest outside Oxbridge.
University of Wales vice-chancellor Professor Medwin Hughes said the institution had “committed itself to an irreversible change which will deliver for our nation”.
The decision means that the University of Wales as we know it will no longer operate and award nationally-branded degrees.
And, following criticism from Education Minister Leighton Andrews, the university council chairman Hugh Thomas last night announced his resignation “in the best interests of the transformed university”.
The “historic decision” to transform the University of Wales comes on the back of damaging revelations broadcast on BBC Wales.
There have been calls from the St David’s Day Group of Welsh universities for the institution to be wound up following a recent documentary exposing the sale of bogus qualifications at colleges where courses are validated by the University of Wales.
The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) has also found failings in the university’s collaboration with international partners.
Dr Peter Noyes, vice-chancellor of Newport University, said: “The inevitable end to the story of the UoW should not detract from a distinguished history lasting 12 decades.
“Wales should be sad that this day has come but those who have played a part in the institution’s history, whether graduates, academics or others, should look back with fondness on this national institution.
“We are heading towards a future with a transformed higher education sector in Wales and it had become clear that the UoW was unable to play a part in that future. It is welcome that the sector can finally begin to move on from this painful period in our history towards a stronger future for our students and stakeholders.”
Prof Hughes said he was confident the university’s modified merger plans addressed all of the requirements identified in the McCormick Review. The report, led by former BBC Scotland controller John McCormick, said that the University of Wales must radically change if it wanted to avoid being wound down and closed.
It said the university’s history and past significance was undeniable, but the issue was whether it had a continuing role in a sector which requires individual institutions to become stronger and more self-reliant.
Prof Hughes last night said he expected the new institution to line up alongside the likes of Cardiff, Swansea and Aberystwyth – but retain the title of University of Wales, Trinity Saint David.
When asked if mounting criticism had forced the university’s hand, he said: “It [the new proposal] is not reflective of that.
“Clearly, the council heard the views of the St David’s Day Group and didn’t agree with them – but it respected their views. The key thing is to serve Wales in the best way possible.
“I would hope that the minister would see that the UoW has clearly responded to the McCormick Review and that it has considered the best way forward and the structure that will provide very clear benefits for the country.”
Mr Andrews was last night unavailable for comment.
A spokesman for the Welsh Government welcomed Hugh Thomas’ decision to resign from the university council.
He said it was “the right decision in light of recent events” and that it is important his successor builds upon the history of the University of Wales.
Luke Young, president of the National Union of Students in Wales, said merging under the charter of Trinity St David ensures that “the Wales brand evolves and that a new university emerges”.
He said: “I have been personally assured by Prof Hughes that the University of Wales and its successor will take the commitment to students seriously, ensuring that they have a central role in forming a new university in South West Wales. We are determined to see that this happens.
“It has been a tumultuous few weeks. It is now time for all universities to pull together and shift the focus back to delivering for students in Wales.”
Shadow Education Minister Angela Burns said it was crucial that lessons were learnt and Welsh higher education regained credibility.
“It remains a crushing blow that such a well-respected institution has been brought to its knees by the actions of a minority,” she said.
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