The Governing Body of University College Cork (UCC) in exercising its
powers under the Universities Act 1997 is establishing a mechanism by
which further reassurance can be provided to the Minister for Education
and Science, the Higher Education Authority (HEA), the University
community of UCC and the wider community served by the University that
the Governing Body has discharged and continues to discharge, its
functions appropriately. The Governing Body has taken this step
voluntarily to alleviate any concern which may have been generated
recently from allegations referred to the Minister, and thereby bring
closure to such allegations.
Significant progress has been made by UCC in the last eight
years. The student population has increased from 12,000 to
16,000, based largely on the development and introduction of new
programmes at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, these include
new undergraduate degrees including Pharmacy, Architecture and Sports
Studies together with a wide range of postgraduate programmes.
The increased attractiveness of UCC to students is demonstrated by the
growing number (5,900 in 1999: 6,500 in 2006) of students selecting UCC
courses as their first preference through the CAO system.
The Chairperson of the Governing Body, Professor Enda McDonagh said
"The appointment of an Independent Person provides an opportunity to
bring closure to these matters. The Governing Body welcomes the
constructive approach of the HEA and in particular the Authority's
recognition of the strong performance of the University under the
leadership of President Wrixon."
The University's research performance has been outstanding with earned
research income increasing from €25 million in 1999 to over €57 million
in 2005. In addition the University's land holdings increased by
22% and available space increasing by 25% in the last eight
years. Since 1999 UCC has invested over €350 million in capital
projects which have significantly enhanced the campus and in particular
student and research facilities. Over 50% of the money spent on
capital developments was secured from private sources. In
addition, the University has achieved significant progress in
broadening access to disadvantaged groups. This is best
illustrated by the increase in the number of students admitted through
the Access Programme which has increased from 31 in 1999 to 285 in 2006.
A major focus of the University has been to enhance the overall student
experience at UCC and this is reflected in an increase in UCC managed
student accommodation from 278 places to approximately 1,300 and in an
increase in the number of open access PCs available for students from
120 to 683. The success of UCC during this period is reflected in
the selection by The Sunday Times of UCC as University of the Year in both 2003/04 and 2005/06.
Given this strong performance of the University, the Governing Body
considers it essential that allegations concerning the operation,
management and governance of the University should not continue.
While a number of the allegations have previously been inquired into by
the Governing Body, this has not brought closure to the allegations as
the Governing Body reasonably expected. There is a shared concern
between the Governing Body and the HEA that to allow the allegations to
continue to be made without definitively dealing with them could give
rise to some erosion of public confidence in the governance of UCC and
that the deservedly high reputation of the University could be
damaged. It is agreed that a swift but thorough process should
now be put in place to bring closure to this on-going situation.
Mr Michael Kelly, HEA Chairman commented
"The Higher Education Authority has reached agreement with the
Governing Body of UCC on a set of measures aimed at bringing closure to
allegations concerning the operation, management and governance of the
University. This agreement strikes a balance between the autonomy
of UCC as a University and the HEA's role in ensuring the public
interest, and public confidence, in what is one of our premier
universities is maintained."
The Governing Body noted that the HEA has advised the Minister for
Education and Science that the appointment of a "Visitor" is not
warranted but wanted closure to be brought to the ongoing
situation. The Governing Body and the HEA also noted that the
appointment of an Independent Person will not impede the process of
selecting a new President of UCC.
319MMcS
« Back to 2006 Press Releases