UC/CCE merger goes to next stage

2 June 2005
Christchurch College of Education

The University of Canterbury and the Christchurch College of Education have agreed to forward their merger business case to the Minister of Education for consideration.

The Councils of both the Christchurch tertiary education organisations met today and considered the third draft of the academic and business case and resolved to take their merger discussions to the next stage.

The draft, developed by a project team and joint working groups, incorporated feedback from senior management at UC and CCE, Academic Boards at both institutions, the Project Reference Group and UC's Finance, Planning and Resources Committee.

The business case identifies a strong strategic and academic rationale for the merger, including:

the current extensive teaching and administrative integration of the neighbouring institutions

the integration of teacher training within universities internationally and in the North Island

a policy environment which supports such mergers

the alignment of teacher education with most other major professions

the University's interest in the outcomes of schooling

the wider society benefit from enhancing and adding academic depth to teacher education

The draft case considered by the two Councils will form the basis of the document to be sent to the Minister.

If the merger does proceed then formal consultation with staff and unions would be undertaken using established protocols in respect of proposals for change, with a view to completing the merger before the 2007 academic year.