Dear Teaching Colleagues in German Studies
Just before Christmas a letter went out from HEFCE to VCs concerning
restructuring and/or regional or local cooperation as possible ways forward
in the light of dropping application rates for Modern Languages. In
reponse, prelimary moves are now underway to start discussion of strategic
issues with view to entering into dialogue with HEFCE under the auspices of
UCML (Universtiy Council of Modern Languages). The aim is to get an
overview of what is happening, to get better statistics, and to take the
initiative in pursuing measures to avoid closures and to strengthen modern
languages through collaboration and joint initiatives. It is important
that academics take the initative to avoid damaging random OR planned cuts,
when what is needed in the national interest is increasing language skills.
The first step will be a meeting on 22 March with a representative from
HEFCE and from UCML and a couple of further colleagues in Modern Languages,
after which there is likely to be a consultative body set up to look into
ways of supporting and extending language provision through local/regional
cooperation. To this end bids for funding pilot projects will be devised.
Consultation is likely to be more productive folllowing the exploratory
meeting on 22 March and the Nuffield report in April. Thereafter, UCML and
committee members of the various national bodies for the different
languages will be seeking appropriate ways of consulting and communicating.
I hope too that the CUTG meeting in Southampton may prove a useful forum
for exchange of ideas.
Elizabeth Boa, President of CUTG
Prof Elizabeth Boa
Department of German
University of Nottingham
Nottingham, NG7 2RD
UK
[Tel. 0115-951-5818.]
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