It was confirmed at the Board of Governors last night that the move of the Computing and Entertainment Technology courses from the Stafford to the Stoke campus will take place during the summer of 2016.
Commenting on Staffordshire University’s decision, President Rochelle Owusu-Antwi said: “We are delighted that the University has listened to the student voice and chosen a date that will allow for a smooth transition.
“Leading up to the move, the Students’ Union will be doing its utmost to consult students at every stage. Your officer team will ensure the University listens to and responds to students’ views where decisions impact on the student experience.
“The Union remains committed to the Stafford campus and will make sure its students are represented and continue to have a great student experience now and in the future.”
Here is the official University statement from Vice Chancellor Michael Gunn:
Further to the meeting of the Board of Governors last night, I can confirm that the move of our Computing and Entertainment Technology courses from Stafford to Stoke campus will take place during the summer of 2016.
This decision takes into account the views put forward by students, staff and the Students’ Union and allows us enough time to plan the move and minimise any disruption. It will also mean that those Stafford students currently on a three year degree will complete their studies there.
We wish to reassure students that all associated facilities, including student accommodation, library, catering, social space, Students’ Union and Sports Centre will remain open until Semester Two teaching has finished in the academic year 2015/16.
Planning the move to Stoke has already started and there are a number of workstreams being undertaken to identify suitable teaching space, student accommodation, travel and car parking provision.
We are working closely with Stoke-on-Trent City Council on what our investment in the main campus and surrounding areas will look like and the council’s cabinet will be meeting today to consider investing £5m to support the continued development of the University Quarter – a move which can only benefit students, residents and visitors to the City’s education hub.
However, contrary to local media reports, we have made no announcement on how much we can invest in our Stoke campus. We have invested more than £40m in our Stoke campus in recent years and we anticipate that we will be spending a similar amount over the coming years.
We also wish to make it clear that no decisions have yet been made on new teaching facilities, location of car-parking or student accommodation. We hope to be in a position to share the detail of these plans with you in the Autumn.