Troubling news
I don't know what the exact implications might be, but this proposed change worries me:Oxford University is to press ahead with controversial reforms of the way it is run, including plans to hand more power to business despite growing opposition among some dons.
In a white paper, the vice-chancellor, John Hood, confirmed that the council, which runs the university, would have a majority of outside members, including those with strong corporate interests, for the first time in Oxford's 800-year history. The move, part of a drive to modernise Oxford's governance, will be put before Congregation, the dons' ancient parliament, in the autumn.
Yesterday opponents outlined their objections in a pamphlet which set out "alternative, democratic reforms". Last year dons clashed with Dr Hood, warning that changes he was driving through could impinge on academic freedom.
The white paper made several concessions to dons, giving them more control over who is elected to the university's ruling council and setting out plans for the creation of a smaller academic board to oversee research and teaching.
Some dons remained unconvinced, arguing in the pamphlet, A Democratic Approach to Oxford's Future, that there could be reform of the university "without sweeping corporate reorganisation". One of its authors, Nicholas Bamforth, fellow of Queens College, said there was widespread opposition to Dr Hood's plans.
In today's Guardian, Dr Hood argues the proposals "are designed to allow Oxford to take greater advantage of outside expertise without compromising academic self-government, to encourage effective planning and action without sacrificing democratic control, and to meet contemporary challenges and expectations without diluting Oxford's own scholarly values and priorities."
posted by amcorrea @ 6/05/2006 08:15:00 PM
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