University approves controversial savings plan
BBCA controversial restructuring plan that has led to a series of strikes has been approved by the University of Nottingham.
The Future Nottingham programme has been formulated because financial pressures meant the institution's long-term prospects were "unsustainable", officials said.
It will see an unconfirmed number of job losses, the closure of the modern languages and music degrees, a streamlining of support services and the ending of traditional one-to-one personal tutoring.
The University and College Union (UCU) is already carrying out solid strike action from today to 11 December, and said it was considering more if managers did not return to negotiations.
In May, the university announced proposals to cut 609 of its 7,363 full-time equivalent roles over the next three years.
At the same time, it said, all modern language and music courses were being suspended for new students and it was looking to "reduce its nursing offer".
The university describes the Future Nottingham plan as "probably one of the biggest changes this university has seen in its 145-year history".
Confirming the plan's approval, a spokesman said: "We are still not generating enough from our day-to-day activities to invest in our future, nor have the wider pressures facing higher education abated.
"Student recruitment remains highly competitive, and future financial pressures, such as inflation and rising costs, continue to rise."
It added the final proposals had been shaped by discussions with students, staff and alumni and many "have been incorporated - either in part or fully - into the final Future Nottingham business case".
This will see a move from five Faculties to three Colleges and reduced "complexity in our structures".
It confirmed degree courses in modern languages and music were being scrapped, but modern language modules would be offered to most students and extracurricular support for music events would continue.
Replacing one to one tutoring would be a team-based support model called "Tutoring for Students Success", which had been trialled in parts of the university.
UCU has blamed "significant financial mismanagement" for many of the institution's problems and while it was "positive" the number of job cuts had been lowered from that first suggested, it was dismayed an increase in staff-student ratio was going ahead.
Listen to BBC Radio Nottingham on Sounds and follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.