Some updates on our recent work with QMSU faculty surrounding the upcoming merger.
You may have heard that the Schools of History, Geography, and Politics and International Relations may be merging into a new school, provisionally called the School of Society and the Environment. Vice President for Humanities and Social Sciences Jovani Palnoni has been working with faculty from these schools to ensure the student voice is included in discussions. We have been working to ensure that student concerns are conveyed and considered in planning for the merger and accounting for its impact, including seeking assurances that the student voice will play a key role in shaping the future of this new School.
We conducted a brief survey between the 30th of May and the 1st of July to seek responses from students in the affected schools. We received 132 responses, 64% of which were from the School of History, and 80% from undergraduates.
Over 80% of students expressed some degree of concern about the merger. We asked how the respondents had received information about the merger, to which 40 students said a recent email was the first and only time they had heard about it.
How has the SU been involved?
For the past few weeks, we have been meeting with relevant faculty as well as UCU to discuss outreach to students and the purpose and implications of the merger.
What are students saying?
Students’ primary concerns have revolved around a feeling of a lack of communication. Therefore, we have been working with the faculty to ensure that communications are clear and timely, and that opportunities will be provided for students to feedback both digitally and live.
Where can students go for more information?
An FAQ will be hosted on the relevant school webpages. These will provide more detailed information, as well as information about upcoming town hall meetings and other information-sharing sessions.
Make sure to check your email for further updates from QMUL and the impacted Schools and check back here for updates on the SU’s work.