Russell attacks university over ‘perverse’ plan to cut courses

SCOTLAND’S Education Secretary has launched an outspoken attack on the running of one of the country’s leading universities.

Michael Russell called for an immediate moratorium on plans for controversial course cuts at Glasgow University in an unprecedented intervention by a minister. He described them as “perverse” and based on “false figures”.

The minister also said a botched attempt to eject student protesters from a university building last week, and the subsequent backlash from staff and students, represented a “failure” by the institution.

His involvement comes amid widespread concern over proposals by the senior management group – led by Professor Anton Muscatelli, the university principal – to make savings of £3 million by cutting courses.

Last month, the institution unveiled a list of proposed cuts, including the axing of modern languages such as Czech, German, Russian and Polish.

Other courses facing cuts include nursing, anthropology and social work, as well as its provision of evening and weekend classes.

Mr Russell backed calls by the university Senate – which represents academics – for a delay to the consultation until after May’s Scottish Parliament election.

He said the SNP’s commitment to ensuring no funding gap opened up with England as a result of higher tuition fees there meant there would be more money for the sector than anticipated when Glasgow first announced its plans.

He said the actual funding gap of some £200m was smaller than originally feared.

“Given these proposals are based on a funding model that has now changed because they were published in February … it would probably be wise just to stop,” said Mr Russell.

“I just see no point in having a process that is based on false figures. They need to stop and look at this again.”

Mr Russell said Scottish universities had been through a “complex process” to look at the potential funding gap which was not helped by institutions “swimming against the tide”.

“That is what Glasgow seems to want to do under its present management and I don’t think it should be doing that,” he said. “We have the real figures and to do this now would seem to be perverse.”

A spokesman for Glasgow University said: “Any decision taken by the university court, after a process of extensive consultation with staff, students and the wider community, will be after the Scottish elections on May 5. That has always been our timetable, but we continue to refine plans in light of ongoing consultation and debate.”