No Plans to Merge Colleges, VC Confirms in Public Letter

The Vice Chancellor has publicly responded to the college committees’ open letter, in which they expressed feeling ‘devalued’ by the University.

(Image: YORK VISION)

The Vice-Chancellor affirmed that the collegiate system is still important to the University, but that the University’s current financial challenges have forced difficult changes to the system.

The letter explained that the University is currently undergoing a review of Retention and Wellbeing. Aided by Martin Crosby, Deputy Director for Student Life and Wellbeing and Jonny Exon, head of College Life, this review aims to illustrate the benefits of having colleges at the University of York. 

At the end of 2024, 11 College Chairs and Presidents expressed their frustration with the current management of York’s collegiate system and issued three demands for the University. 

These demands consisted of: a statement from the University showing that it still considers the colleges a priority, a commitment to better communication on the University’s side, and for the University to consult with the colleges on future changes that will affect them. 

Vice-Chancellor Jeffery has responded to the communication demand by announcing that the ‘joint informal twice yearly meeting’ will be re-instated. This meeting was initially stopped during staffing and organisational changes. During this time, College Chairs and Presidents will have the opportunity to discuss their issues with the Vice Chancellor, Martin Crosby, and Jonny Exon. 

The regular communication meetings will include ongoing conversations with the student leaders about potential future changes. However, Jeffery said that: “we cannot guarantee formal consultation on specific changes as much depends on the nature and process. 

“In particular, staff resignation is outside anybody’s control, and voluntary severance is subject to confidentiality rules. Both instances might find us unable to recruit replacements, leaving us to change the way services are delivered.”

Jeffery emphasised that he still wants to preserve each college’s unique community and spirit, and that this remains a central part of the University’s identity. As such, the University is not planning to merge any of the 11 Colleges, but the colleges will have to share support teams as a result of the recent voluntary severance scheme. 

He acknowledges: “the system itself has changed over the years and will undoubtedly continue to change to meet student expectations subject to evolving resources. However, they remain one of the foundational elements of the University and a part that we are keen to preserve.”

The letter was made publicly available on the 27th of January, but it was presumably written before then, as it concludes: “I look forward to meeting with you in person in December.”

As of now, there has been no collective public response from the college presidents.

Charlie Jeffery’s full response to the open letter can be read on the University website.

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