Five year plan has been revised and is awaiting approval in March
Today (4th February) the University of Cumbria Board of Directors discussed the progress of the new revised business plan before its formal approval on 25th March.
The plan has been developed to ensure it reflects the changed operating environment and, crucially, that it is realistic and achievable. The plan outlines the university's vision and aspirations for the next five years giving commitment to key significant projects that will bring genuine added value to the region and university alike over a phased period of time.
After a re-analysis of student numbers and inability for further student growth the university can’t justify the level of investment that was originally planned at this point in time. The university's primary aim is to ensure immediate financial sustainability; however this plan will now focus on taking the right action to shape the institution so it is the right shape, size and structure to build a platform for future success. The focus includes:
1. Building on core academic strengths and develop new areas of curriculum as with policing and transport and logistics
2. Invest in improving existing estate particularly in Carlisle and Lancaster to ensure campuses are fit for purpose and support learners
3. Endorsing the concept of different campus types (ie Gateways) serving the needs of more diverse student population and taking advantage of new technology to connect people which will be central to the new institution.
4. Establish course designs and estate operation which will orientate the university towards the needs of future students and enterprise partners.
5. Proceed on the proposals to re-profile the Ambleside campus from September this year
6. Not to proceed on the Caldew development for the duration of this new business plan
7. Review 14 - 19 provision after the LSC withdrew £25m funding support
Professor Peter McCaffery, Vice Chancellor said:
"We aim to develop this university into one that fits the needs of learners and which attracts students to Cumbria and to do this we have to change some of the ways in which we operate and how our estate has traditionally been used. The university’s development is a long term project and we remain committed to our original vision and aspirations but in the short to medium term the original plans can’t be realised due to the new economic environment. This revised business plan give a clear focus to ensure we develop into an institution that is the right shape, size and structure.
"We will continue to work with our partners on the future development of the institution in the long term. The University of Cumbria will play a key role in the redevelopment and regeneration of the county, and we remain committed to making a major contribution to retaining and attracting talented people to Cumbria."
The Venerable Peter Ballard, Chairman of the University Board said:
"The national cap on student numbers means that we had to review our original assumptions and take some tough decisions about how we operate in the future. What we need to do now is ensure we deliver key projects that will benefit our students and the local community alike over a phased period of time.
"We have re-drawn our objectives - but in no way does this mean we are giving up our long-term goals. We're addressing the issues as we go forward – re-profiling the university to secure financial sustainability and to create the platform for the future. The university has a solid plan for the future. This will be our focus, and we fully intend to play a major role over the coming decades in enriching the local economy.”
The university is continuing to work with both the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and the North West Development Agency (NWDA) about revising and updating its business plan prior to formal submission at the end of March.