Technological University for Dublin Frequently Answered Questions There has been significant engagement with colleagues across all three institutions in relation to the development of the new TU4Dublin. Based on the feedback to date, below is an initial view of questions that are being asked and answers to these questions. Page 1 of 13
Contents Where did this journey begin?... 4 What is a Technological University?... 4 Why do we need a Technological University?... 5 How will TU4Dublin be different from what we currently are?... 6 Is TU4Dublin the chosen name for the new institution?... 6 What can TU4Dublin achieve?... 6 What are the key advantages of having the merged institution?... 7 Is this merely a takeover of ITB and ITT by DIT?... 7 Which institutions have applied to become Technological Universities?... 7 What are the regional clusters?... 8 What impact will regional clusters have on what what programmes are delivered by TU4Dublin? 8 How will the TU4Dublin overcome competitive pressure from the other Dublin Universities?... 8 How was the plan put together?... 8 What involvement have members of staff had in developing the plan to date?... 9 When will this happen?... 9 Is my job safe?... 10 Will I be re-located to a different campus?... 10 What changes will the Staff profile be likely to undergo?... 10 Why do you need my engagement?... 10 What role should professional services staff (Administrative, Technical, Estates) play in the development of the new technological university?... 10 Is there a plan for bringing together DIT, ITB and IT Tallaght?... 11 Will there be one main campus at DIT Grangegorman with Blanchardstown and Tallaght become peripheral?... 11 Will delivery of higher education continue on campus in both Blanchardstown and Tallaght?... 11 What provision will there be on each of the main campus locations?... 11 Will there be a move to on-line delivery?... 11 Will small classes continue to be the norm?... 12 An aspect of the vision is that TU4Dublin will be a truly international institution what will make it so?... 12 When will students receive TU4Dublin qualifications and what happens to students who enter first year this September?... 12 Will current students and graduates of ITB, ITT and DIT be able to obtain an awared from the technological university?... 12 Are there many policies developed in DIT which have been agreed with ITT and ITB?... 12 Page 2 of 13
What proportion of level 6, 7 & 8 will be envisaged in TU4Dublin?... 12 Who will be the accreditation body?... 13 What is the message around the Digital Campus?... 13 Further information... 13 How can I get information about the current status and plans for DTU?... 13 Page 3 of 13
Where did this journey begin? The opportunity for Institutes of Technology to come together to create Technological Universities was identified in the National Strategy for Higher Education published in January 2011. Since then there a wide ranging process resulting in proposals from the HEA in relation to the future landscape for higher education were published. These proposals were endorsed by the Government in late May 2013. It was only then that we were in a position to begin the real work of planning for the creation of the Dublin technological university. What is a Technological University? Technological Universities are an established feature in many other education systems, particularly in Europe. Whilst they vary widely in many of their characteristics, they generally share a focus on the preparation of students for the world of work with a particular focus on the role of technology in all its aspects. The objectives of the Technological University include- (a) to provide and maintain a teaching and learning environment of excellent quality offering higher education at an international standard; (b) to provide for the broad education, intellectual and personal development of students, equip graduates to excel in their chosen careers and enable them to contribute responsibly to social, civic and economic life in innovative and adaptable ways. (c) to achieve academic excellence in research and support the exploitation of intellectual property and technology and knowledge transfer. (d) to support entrepreneurship, enterprise development and innovation. (e) to support the development of a skilled workforce. (f) to promote inward and outward mobility of staff and students between the Technological University, business, industry, the professions and the wider community. (g) to serve their communities and the public interest by- (i) supporting the delivery of local, regional and national economic objectives and making a measurable impact upon local, regional and national economic development, businesses and enterprises; (ii) fostering close and effective relationships with local, regional, national and international stakeholders, including relevant local authorities and regional assemblies, and enterprise partners. (iii) enriching cultural and community life; (iv) promoting critical and free enquiry, informed intellectual discourse and public debate within the Technological University and in the wider society; Page 4 of 13
(v) promoting an entrepreneurial ethos; (h) to provide accessible and flexible learning pathways for students from a diverse range of backgrounds and to provide programmes and services in a way that reflects principles of equity and social justice and promotes access for all citizens in their region; (i) to confer degrees and other qualifications; (j) to utilise or exploit its expertise and resources, whether commercially or otherwise (k) to provide directly, or in collaboration with other institutions of education, facilities for university education, including technological and professional education, and for research. (l) to develop international collaborations and partnerships The draft technological university legislation which is currently passing through the Oireachtas indicates that a technological university (a) shall provide enterprise focused courses of study, opportunities for work based learning, conduct examinations and award degrees and other qualifications, (b) shall promote and facilitate enterprise focused research and innovation, consultancy and development work, (c) shall facilitate skills development for the labour force at regional and national level, (d) may establish by incorporation in the State or elsewhere, or participate in the commencement of, such trading, research or other corporations as it thinks fit for the purpose of promoting or assisting, or in connection with the functions of the technological university, (e) may collaborate with educational, business, professional, trade union, Irish language, cultural, artistic, community and other interests, both inside and outside the State, to further the objects of the technological university, (f) shall maintain, manage and administer, and may dispose of and invest, the property, money, assets and rights of the technological university, (g) may collaborate with graduates, convocations of graduates and with associations representing graduates of the technological university both inside and outside the State, (h) may purchase or otherwise acquire, hold and dispose of land or other property, and (i) may accept gifts of money, land or other property on the trusts and conditions, if any, not in conflict with this Act, specified by the donor. Why do we need a Technological University? The Government is committed to re-shaping the landscape for higher education in Ireland. This commitment opens up the possibility of creating a new type of educational institution for Dublin an institution that can make a transformative difference in the Dublin region. We believe that in creating the TU4Dublin, we can meet the needs of existing participants in a new and better way and that, in addition we can embrace people traditionally excluded from higher education. Such opportunities arise infrequently no more than once in a Page 5 of 13
lifetime. We believe that if we can mobilise the talents and energy of colleagues across our three institutions and build on our existing strengths, we can realise this opportunity. Graduates of a TU will possess a university qualification which is internationally portable. The TU will provide a critical mass in terms of research capacity, to ensure that it attracts the best researchers and to develop world-class capability in high-value niche areas. The TU will provide a fit-for-purpose structure that better reflects the diverse learning requirements of its students, both those who enter after the Leaving Certificate, and those who enter later, or through different further education pathways. The TU will provide for necessary structural changes to ensure greater effectiveness by providing enhanced opportunities for sectoral collaboration, external engagement, and better trans-national co-operation. The TU designation will validate in name the contribution to the socio-economic, cultural, commercial and technological communities in the Dublin region. How will TU4Dublin be different from what we currently are? Defining the characteristics of TU4Dublin will require a substantial body of work and the widespread involvement of multiple stakeholders. Characteristics envisaged at this stage include: o The active participation of external stakeholders in the internal functioning of the TU, i.e. students, representatives of business, community, in governance, management and operations. o An emphasis on multi-disciplinary/inter-disciplinary approaches. o A focus on flexibility in the delivery of programmes and services. o Both physical and virtual environments being afforded equal significance in the education offered; o A commitment to continue the social project of the institute of technology in the new TU. Is TU4Dublin the chosen name for the new institution? No. TU4Dublin is a title chosen to reflect the focus of the three institutions, DIT, ITB and ITT, on the extensive programme of work and the associated campaign to bring together the three institutions and to create a new Technological University for Dublin (TU4Dublin). The actual title of the new university has not been chosen and the process to make this choice will require extensive engagement across a range of stake-holders. What can TU4Dublin achieve? Provide practice-led and research informed higher education of the highest quality for a new style of university graduate who is innovative, creative and entrepreneurial. Enhance the national system of education with distinctive strengths and added capacity to meet growth in demand for access to programmes for a wider range of students of different backgrounds, ages and circumstances. Offer greater freedom to students with a mix of subjects, pace and place of learning and a unique student experience. Increased attractiveness to business which is more likely to engage in collaborative research and learning programmes with a Technological University Greater capacity to attract philanthropic funds. Page 6 of 13
What are the key advantages of having the merged institution? While designation as a technological university is available only to merged institutions, as one institution the new technological university for Dublin can offer a clearly differentiated choice of higher education in Ireland s capital city. Bringing together the key strengths and resources of the three institutions, and based in the three most populous regions of Dublin, the merged institution will have a distinctive profile and can deliver a wide portfolio of disciplines, levels of qualification and means of access. There will also be potential for student choice of location and method of delivery Is this merely a takeover of ITB and ITT by DIT? No, it s not. While DIT is the largest institute, the objective of the three institutes converging is to create a new type of educational institution for Dublin [as opposed to creating a larger Institute of Technology]. The creation of TU4Dublin will involve change for everybody and when it comes into existence, DIT, ITB and IT Tallaght will all cease to exist and a new institution, the technological university, will be established. Which Institutions have applied to become Technological Universities? On 30 th May 2013, The Minister for Education & Skills approved the submissions of three groups of TUs for phase 1 of the process for designation as a technological university. The institutions in question are set out below along with an indication of their aggregate scale. TU4Dublin comprising Dublin Institute of Technology, IT Blanchardstown, and IT Tallaght 23,738 students 2,433 staff Income of 250 million Research income of 20 million Cork Institute of Technology IT Tralee 11,900 students 1,283 staff Income of 135 million Research income of 16 million Waterford Institute of Technology IT Carlow 12,943 students 1,249 staff Income of 122 million Research income of 19 million Page 7 of 13
What are the regional clusters? One recommendation of the National Strategy for Higher Education which the HEA have acted upon is the creation of regional clusters within which all 7 universities and 14 institutes of technology will now be grouped as presented below. Region Member institutions South/SouthEast University College Cork, Cork IT, IT Tralee, Waterford IT and IT Carlow West/MidWest University of Limerick, Limerick IT, Mary Immaculate College, Galway-Mayo IT, IT Sligo, Letterkenny IT and NUI Galway (St Angela s / Shannon College incorporated into NUI Galway) Dublin / Leinster Pillar I Dublin / Leinster Pillar II University College Dublin / Trinity College Dublin / National College of Art and Design / Marino Institute of Education / Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology Dublin Institute of Technology / IT Tallaght / IT Blanchardstown / Dublin City University (and incorporating linked colleges) National College of Ireland / Dundalk IT / NUI Maynooth / Athlone IT / Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland What impact will regional clusters have on what programmes are delivered by TU4Dublin? The primary purpose of these clusters is to improve quality of teaching, learning, and research through more effective collaborations between the institutions. Two priority goals have been set for each cluster: Better student pathways between the institutions; Co-ordinated academic planning to reduce duplication and improve quality of programmes. How will the TU4Dublin overcome competitive pressure from the other Dublin Universities? Legislation for the establishment of technological universities is in preparation, and the criteria for designation have been published by the HEA. From now on it will be a question of whether the newly merged institution meets those criteria, and whether the new technological university fulfils its potential in attracting students nationally and internationally. How was the plan put together? Over this period the Dublin Technological University Alliance (DTUA) passed the following milestones: o o The development of excellent working relationships at the level of the Presidents and senior leadership teams of the three institutes; Development of a vision for the Dublin Technological University; Page 8 of 13
o o o o Development of collaboration across a range of areas between the three partners e.g. the development of a joint Graduate Research School, approach to industry incubation services; On-going work in scoping out the issues associated with key aspects of the creation of DTU e.g. the attributes of the future DTU, the nature of academic provision, research focus, operation of HR services, finance issues etc. Engagement with a broad range of managers in relation to a number of these scoping issues A number of key submissions to the HEA including the DTU response to the HEA s emerging landscape proposals in 2012, the concept of a Digital Campus operating in conjunction with face to face teaching and learning across the 3 physical campuses at Blanchardstown, Grangegorman and Tallaght and seeking direct financial support for the process of creating DTU. This plan was submitted to the HEA in May 2014. What involvement have members of staff had in developing the plan to date? Over 400 members of staff contributed to key work-streams which were the basis of the implementation plan which was submitted to the HEA on 2 nd May 2014. Much attention focused on ensuring that we are in the best position possible to capitalise on the opportunities and possibilities that becoming a Technological University offers our students, staff and other stake-holders. With the submission of the plan to the HEA we are now at the point where we begin to move to implementation so that a broader range of colleagues can now become involved in shaping the future of the new TU4Dublin. Involvement will be through the alignment of the work of Colleges and Schools and through participation in the Foundation Themes, enunciated in the TU4Dublin Implementation Plan, and through participation via the Opportunities Hub on the www.tu4dublin.ie website. When will this happen? There are three phases in the creation of the new TU4Dublin. The first is the period leading up to the legal merger of the three institutions which involves the legal dissolution of IT Blanchardstown and IT Tallaght which then become part of DIT. Dependent on legislation we anticipate that this will be in the summer of 2015. The second is the period leading up to the date upon which the new institution would be designated and on that day, DIT will cease to exist. The current thinking is that DIT (incorporating the former ITB and ITT will apply for designation in late 2015 with a view, if successful to achieving designation in the summer of 2016. The third phase reflects the fact that completing all aspects of the integration of DIT, ITB and ITT to create the new TU4Dublin is a process that will take more than two years from this point to fully complete. Page 9 of 13
Is my job safe? The Technological Universities Bill (Head 12 Transfer of Staff to the Merged Institution) protects remuneration and terms and conditions of all staff, save for where a collective agreement is negotiated with a recognised trade union. Nonetheless, while we anticipate that there will be roles for everybody in the foreseeable future, we cannot guarantee that your role/position will remain the same indefinitely. In fact, new and additional job/role opportunities may unfold in the future. For the next five to ten years, the current demographics indicate a significant increase in the anticipated numbers entering higher education. However, in bringing three institutes together, some rationalisation of programmes and sharing of services is anticipated. To say otherwise would not be truthful. Will I be re-located to a different campus? Within DIT, a large number of people will re-locate to the Grangegorman campus over the next three years. In addition to this, it is likely that some individuals will choose to re-locate, either seeking to work closer to home or choosing to undertake a role that has been relocated. Beyond that, until the final scope of academic provision and services on each campus is determined, it is not possible to be more definitive. Will there be any changes to my contract of employment? The current contract is a one size fits all framework across the entirety of the IOT sector. TU4Dublin will create a workplace that enables and develops every member of staff to use and develop their skills and talents to benefit students and the institution. What changes will the Staff profile be likely to undergo? One criterion for designation as a Technological University is the proportion of academic staff members who hold a Doctorate or the equivalent professional status in their discipline. The profile of the current staff cohort in DIT, ITB and ITT will not change in any significant way as their qualifications closely correspond to the criterion set. Why do you need my engagement? It is important that the new institution that emerges as a Technological University is built on the best ideas available from everyone in the current three institutions. Building on what we all currently do well, what would be identified as the most important aspects to be retained and what could be done differently and/or better. What role should professional services staff (Administrative, Technical, Estates) play in the development of the new technological university? The input of staff from all areas of the three institutions is vital to ensure that in designing the new technological university we take account of every aspect of the staff/student experience. Therefore: o ownership of the plan to create the new TU4Dublin drawing from the strengths of DIT, ITB and IT Tallaght will rest with all staff across the three partner institutions. Page 10 of 13
o Unique opportunities to be part of the creation of a new educational institute will enrich further the student experience. Is there a plan for bringing together DIT, ITB and IT Tallaght? A detailed Implementation Plan has been submitted wherein a roadmap is presented to demonstrate institutional capacity to merge and, within a reasonable short timeframe, to seek designation as a Technological University. Ownership of this plan to create the new TU4Dublin drew from the strengths of DIT, ITB and IT Tallaght, and the challenge to realise the unitary institution s capacity to meet criteria set by the HEA to become a technological university will rest with all staff across the three partner institutions actively contributing together to provide the necessary evidence to merit successful designation. Will there be one main campus at DIT Grangegorman with Blanchardstown and Tallaght become peripheral campuses? Given the demographic patterns and the size of population currently served by ITB and IT Tallaght, there will be a substantial student population on each of the three TU4Dublin campuses Grangegorman, Tallaght and Blanchardstown. As one institution it will be possible to offer greater choice to students. Will delivery of higher education continue on campus in both Blanchardstown and Tallaght? Yes, we are totally committed to the continuation and development of both the Blanchardstown and Tallaght campuses consistent with the TU4Dublin desire to serve Dublin as a region. What provision will there be on each of the main campus locations? The exact scope of the provision on each campus will be determined with the involvement of TU4Dublin s multiple stakeholders. This is a substantial piece of work and it will take some time to work this out. Notwithstanding, what we can say at this stage is that: o Multi-campus provision of programmes and services, where consistent with efficient use of resources, will continue to be the norm. This is congruent with meeting the need for higher education in the catchment areas currently served by DIT, ITB and IT Tallaght. Also, the existence of multiple disciplines on each site is an important enabler of multi-disciplinary programmes, which will be a key characteristic of TU4Dublin. o However, specialist provision or electives requiring significant capital or other investment will most likely be concentrated in one location. o Due to issues of scale, and consistent with efficient use of resources, some concentration of Level 9 and Level 10 provision is anticipated. Will there be a move to on-line delivery? It is anticipated that the false divide that currently exists between full and part-time students will be dissolved and an emphasis placed on flexible delivery to accommodate the needs of all learners. On-line delivery of programmes and services will be an aspect of this. Page 11 of 13
This is consistent with preparing learners for the world of work, including preparing them to work in virtual environments. Will small classes continue to be the norm? This will depend on a range of factors, some of which will be determined by TU4Dublin e.g. the curriculum, and others outside of our control, including decisions that are required based on funding availability. Small class sizes are the ideal and will have to be reasonably balanced with an efficient use of resources. Currently, there are a considerable number of unknowns which make it difficult to make any determination with regard to class sizes in the medium to longer term. These include the scope of the TU4Dublin provision, the funding outlook, and the profile of the TU4Dublin student population. An aspect of the vision is that TU4Dublin will be a truly international institution what will make it so? Over time, TU4Dublin would seek to grow numbers of international students, increase the number of staff from outside Ireland and develop a range of international partnerships with higher education institutions and others. We would seek to provide opportunities for significant numbers of our students to access study options abroad and to facilitate staff wishing to work in international HEIs. When will students receive TU4Dublin qualifications and what happens to students who enter first year this September? The answer to this question remains to be determined at this point. This will depend on the precise point at which we apply for and are hopefully successful in achieving TU designation. In the past when DIT gained its own awarding powers, there was a period during which students graduating received both a DIT and Trinity qualification. Will current students and graduates of ITB, ITT and DIT be able to obtain an award from the technological university? This has arisen in the past and a university cannot make awards to graduates of ITB, ITT and DIT. The graduate can state that ITB, ITT and DIT now form part of TU4Dublin. Are there many policies developed in DIT which have been agreed with ITT and ITB? The three institutions are currently sharing policies to see what the differences are between them. The HR departments for example have been discussing new policy development, particularly in areas of common interest, for some time now. What proportion of level 6, 7 & 8 will be envisaged in TU4Dublin? All programmes will be looked at in relation to the overall demand. One of the HEA criteria is that we provide from levels 6-10 (including Apprenticeships). Proportion wise level 8 is expected to remain the largest however, the other levels will be retained as ladders and pathways which is what differentiates us at the moment. Page 12 of 13
We will retain what we have and enhance it. For example focus on the first year experience. TU4Dublin can come up with solutions to problems of retention particularly at Level 6. Who will be the accreditation body? While the answer to this is not currently definitive, the heads of bill are being prepared at the moment. Under the TU Act there will be reference to Quality Assurance and accreditation. Three institutes will retain their current status until the mergers happen. This will give us more flexibility and autonomy. What is the message around the Digital Campus? This is an emerging area in development. A proposal for the development of a Digital Campus has been made to the HEA. We will be moving towards on-line access to education e.g. blended learning. Current information tells us that 97% of students register online after 10pm. If we are going to be student centred we need to enable students to access education in a flexible and innovative manner. Further information How can I get information about the current status and plans for DTU? A web-site has been developed, www.tu4dublin.ie, which provides greater details about the development of the new TU4Dublin. This includes an Opportunities Hub which identifies specific projects associated with the TU4Dublin Implementation Plan, and through which we are looking for contributions from colleagues to become involved in the transformation process. The TU4Dublin Implementation Plan and Appendices can be found on the Intranets of each institution. You can also keep up to date through the Twitter account @tu4dublin which contains information feeds with news updates. As we progress, there will a range of opportunities to shape the new TU4Dublin through academic schools, colleges, and professional services structures as each area moves to integrate systems, programmes and services suitable for the effective operation of the new technological university. Page 13 of 13