Students stormed the headquarters of Aberdeen University yesterday in protest against proposed funding cuts – and a 17% pay increase for the outgoing principal.
The Aberdeen University Students’ Association (Ausa) and Aberdeen Defend Education Campaign held a rally to demand that management sign a petition opposing funding cuts for university departments or the introduction of tuition fees in Scotland.
It also called for campus services to be maintained.
Students’ frustration has been building since it emerged that cuts were being drawn up as outgoing principal Sir Duncan Rice landed a 17% pay increase to almost £300,000 a year – making him the highest-paid principal in Scotland.
A university representative said: “The increase includes the payment of a performance-related bonus to which the principal is entitled under the terms of his contract. The bonus payment is not pensionable and is determined by the university’s remuneration committee.”
Students were made aware of the looming cuts in October 2009, when university secretary Steve Cannon announced in an e-mail to all university staff that “a disproportionate share of the savings will fall on the admin and support services”.
Senior vice-president Stephen Logan said: “The university secretary’s letter in October 2009, rather than suggesting cuts in student support, stressed the commitment of the university to increasing the level of support to frontline student support services.”
Yesterday’s demonstration began at Elphinstone Hall and culminated in a march to the offices of university management.
About 100 students descended on the office of Prof Logan demanding that he, Sir Duncan and incoming principal Ian Diamond sign a 1,500-signature petition to publicly oppose cuts to university budgets.
They were also asked to oppose the introduction of tuition fees in Scotland and to guarantee that student services would not be privatised. This request was refused.
Prof Logan said: “The university has made it clear that we do not welcome any cuts. However, I am not in a position to sign anything.”
Asked what his position was on tuition fees, Prof Logan said: “The university does not have a position on that at the moment.”
Since October, £1.3million has been cut from the school of education and there is a freeze on replacing staff.
Ausa president Robin Parker said: “Although Duncan Rice has done a lot for the university, a 17% pay rise is not justified in a recession.
“In a recession, their priorities should be to invest in the future.”
Mike McConnell, secretary of the University and College Union, said: “We fully support the students’ aims. It is wonderful to see the students so involved and taking a stand.”