John Coyne's Column
After the euphoria of our graduation ceremonies and the undiluted joy that seemed to pervade the entire occasion it has been back to serious business across the University, as we continue to chart our way through the evolving policy landscape.
The ceremonies were absolutely splendid - yet again.
We had a record number of graduates attend in person and a record number of attendees overall. What made the whole occasion even more remarkable this year was the extent to which the Friday ceremonies were accompanied by a blizzard that was severe (but quite pretty) and logistically challenging. However, everything went to time with 100% attendance and a spirit from my colleagues that won accolades from attendees. We can all be proud of the way we celebrate our students' achievements.
We have very quickly returned to reality as we chart our way forward. The next phase of 'liberalisation' of higher education begins in September (2013) with the removal of recruitment restrictions for students with ABB at A Level (or equivalent or better) on entry. We still have entry control for other students.
It is pleasing to see therefore, as at mid February that overall applications to the University of Derby had risen more than twice as much as the national percentage average and eight times more than our peer group.
There are significant numbers of extremely able candidates amongst these applicants. Our focus is now on ensuring that the Derby proposition attracts students to accept the places offered.
There have been some notable steps forward of late with new programmes receiving accreditations, our engineering provision seeing applications up over 50%, over 50 students joining us in January as part of the UK-Brazil 'Science Without Borders' scheme, our online university breaking records for new entry and our international entry in January exceeding expectations.
Looking further ahead we have also launched some new initiatives; most notable of which is the Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering. It will be a focal point for the development of expertise in innovative engineering solutions and will work closely with the advanced manufacturing base of our city.
We have re-affirmed as a University the importance of being 'regionally rooted and community engaged'. We are already a key player in the cultural economy through Derby Theatre, and in sport through the Derbyshire Institute of Sport, and we are now seeking to launch a University Technical College in co-sponsorship with Rolls-Royce. If it is important to our community then it is important to us.
