This initiative is a significant step towards shaping the future of our University. It aims to ensure we remain strong, successful, and financially sustainable, while enhancing the experience for both students and staff.

The challenges facing universities

The university sector faces challenging financial pressures, including rising operational and staffing costs, changes in international postgraduate visa regulations, and fewer students applying for higher education.

In response, the government recently announced increases in tuition fees and maintenance loans to support institutions and students. However, these increases alone will not fully address the financial pressures universities face.

Building a sustainable future for CCCU

At CCCU, we are in a good financial position compared to many other universities. However, to maintain this stability and plan for a sustainable future, we will need to change some of the things we do and how we do them, including some of our staffing and structures.

We have launched a change programme that aims to achieve a savings target (£20 million) to ensure our future financial sustainability while also improving the student and staff experience. 

Your feedback has highlighted areas for improvement, especially in the way we are organised and the challenges you face with some of our systems and processes. This change programme will make significant enhancements to the services that matter to you. 

We are committed to ensuring that student voices are heard and will be liaising with the Students' Union and Student Representatives at relevant stages of the programme. We will cover four key areas including your learning and teaching, student support and administration, our research, and the corporate services that support the University.

This programme is an opportunity to strengthen our University for the future and is driven by our commitment to providing you with an outstanding educational experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

We are committed to providing you with an outstanding educational experience and ensuring that you are able to progress and successful complete your qualification.

This programme will not result in any significant changes to your course content or structure. However, changes to the University's organisational structure might mean you have different tutors or access course support in new ways.

This programme is shaped by student feedback from national surveys and focuses on improving areas that matter most to you. Key benefits include:

  • Simplifying and streamlining processes, procedures, and policies to reduce complexity.
  • Enhancing and upgrading your digital tools and platforms.
  • Improving a range of services.
  • Making it easier for you to access the support you need when you need it.

To ensure our financial sustainability, we need to make savings and some services will be delivered differently.

What won’t change:

Your course will not be affected. Your education remains our priority, and we are committed to supporting you as you progress and complete your studies.

What may change:

Some staff have participated in a voluntary early exit scheme and further colleagues may, unfortunately, leave in the coming months. As a result, there may be changes in who delivers your course or services. However, we are committed to ensuring continuity and quality in your education and support.

We are also reviewing how and when students access services across the University to ensure they are effective, cost-efficient, and sustainable. This may involve adjustments, such as changes to service delivery, locations, or opening times. Some non-essential services may be modified, replaced with alternatives, or discontinued.

Any changes will be guided by how we can best use our resources to meet student needs. We will continue to consult with students and keep them informed throughout this process.

 

Your research is an important priority for the University and we want to reassure you that the change programme will not affect your ability to complete your studies.

As part of this programme, the University is reviewing ways to streamline and improve processes for all students. This includes proposals to evolve the role of the Graduate College, with some PGR administrative functions being delivered by other central teams for greater efficiency. You will be kept fully informed of any changes to PGR administration as details are confirmed.

We understand that some postgraduate research students have expressed concerns about potential impacts on their supervision. While the change programme may lead to some staff changes, we have strong support structures in place to ensure continuity and consistency of supervision.

If a supervisor leaves, the PGR subject lead will reallocate students to another approved supervisor based on expertise and workload. Each PGR student has at least two members of their supervisory panel, including a Chair, who may take on the role of primary supervisor if needed. Students are also part of subject research clusters, ensuring they are working with academics with relevant subject expertise.

You can raise a question or concerns via change@canterbury.ac.uk

Your Students' Union and Course Reps are here to listen to any feedback or issues. 

We appreciate that change can sometimes feel unsettling. Please remember our Student Wellbeing Team are here for you if you want to chat.

 

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