Otago University
Dunedin College Of Education
Joint release
Monday 16 May 2005
Proposed merger of College and University moves forward
The Dunedin College of Education and the University of Otago are to pursue a possible merger, aimed to take effect in
2007.
University Chancellor Lindsay Brown, and College Council Chair, Kathy Grant, announced today that both Councils had
accepted the recommendations of a working group comprising senior staff of the University and College.
They advised that both institutions will now work towards completing due diligence and the preparation of a full
Business Case and Implementation Plan for consideration by both Councils by the end of this year. A merger will also
require the approval of the Minister of Education and Cabinet.
The Working Group Report considered by both Councils last week recommended a merger as “both desirable and feasible”.
The new entity would merge the College with the University’s Faculty of Education and would be a professional school in
the Division of Humanities.
The new School would be based at the present College site and would include the College's campuses in Invercargill and
Alexandra.
The working group was encouraged by the level of goodwill from both parties in this latest round of discussions, and
regards this as a sound basis on which to proceed.
“The new professional school will combine the present strengths of the College and the Faculty of Education to offer the
full spectrum of qualifications leading to teacher registration, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to
enhance professional leadership and educational research opportunities for staff, students and teachers,” the Council
Chairs say.
From now on, the focus will be on increased co-operation between the University and the College to establish a new
professional school of international standing.
“Both Councils want to ensure as little disruption as possible with the teaching programmes for students and staff
during this process,” they say.
The next steps are to begin consultation with key people, including students and staff of both institutions and
Government agencies.
ENDS