University of Stirling students are fearing the impact of the recent voluntary severance scheme which has seen 175 staff members leave the institution.
112 professional services staff and 63 academics were granted the severance package.
The University says it employs 1,800 people, meaning 9.7 per cent of its staff have been let go.
The university said the scheme was launched to support their “financial stability” as the higher education sector continues to experience uncertainty.
However, in the financial accounts dated 2023-2024, the University recorded 5.6 per cent total income growth, turning over £179.2 million with a surplus of almost £7 million.
Vice Chancellor Gerry McCormac’s salary also increased again, growing to £414,000 or £438,000, including pension contributions.
In the past two years, his salary has increased by £119,000.
This makes him Scotland’s best-paid higher education chief.
Students at the University of Stirling say they find the situation concerning.
Ali, a mature Journalism Studies student, said: “There is so much anxiety amongst students about the severance scheme.
“Modules are being cancelled, people are losing project or dissertation supervisors, it’s really stressful.
“When you look at the numbers, Greedy Gerry could pay the salary of 5-6 academic staff or 10-12 professional services staff and still be left earning £100,000 per year, an amount that most of us can’t even aspire to.
“It’s disgusting.”
Three French lecturers, including the programme director, are leaving the university leaving students concerned about future modules.
One French student said: “The whole department will be reorganised and we are losing probably some of the greatest teachers that I’ve met during my entire education.
“The fact that they can’t see out the semester, and are having to leave before our assignments are due to be submitted, has given my class a lack of faith in the university, that they would decide something that does affect our education.
“I think a lot of people are frustrated… there has been no acknowledgement of the fact that it will be affecting us and our education.
“It is also sad to see these teachers, who have been at the uni for such a long time, upset at the fact they can’t speak to us and are being put in this position where they can’t see out the rest of the semester.”
A 21-year-old second year student, who wishes to remain anonymous, said she is worried about the changes, and worried about who is left to support them: “It is quite unnerving to be honest.
“We have no clue what this means for students further on. How are lecturers going to maintain the same quality of teaching with less staff?
“I am also a bit concerned about other services the university provides, such as counselling.
“It all feels very unclear, which doesn’t help when uni is stressful already.”
A UCU spokesperson said: “Staff are very concerned about the impacts the recently closed voluntary severance scheme is going to have on the student experience this year.
“A recent survey of UCU Stirling members revealed widespread concerns about workload, including how this will impact on teaching (66 per cent think there will be significant impacts, 19 per cent some impacts, a further 13 per cent are unsure/too early to say).”
One member of staff commented: “I have never seen colleagues so de-moralised. The ‘business as usual’ message is misleading. Students are already recognising that staff are struggling. We have seen no leadership.
“The constant uncertainty is having a huge impact on morale as is the loss of key academic and professional services staff.”
The Students’ Union Officers said: “We understand why the university has resorted to this scheme and we are in constant and regular communication with the Trade Unions on campus to ensure that staff are being treated fairly.
“Whilst the university assures us that this will not have an impact on staff workload, teaching staff have raised concerns of increased workload due to this scheme and limited resources.
“We want to assure our students that we are working hard to ensure that there is as little disruption to your studies as possible.
“We do ask you to demonstrate understanding and kindness towards staff during this period.
“Please do not hesitate to seek support if you need it either from us or Student Support Services.”
A University of Stirling spokesperson said: “The University’s Voluntary Severance Scheme was one of several strategic measures designed to support long-term financial sustainability.
“In an increasingly challenging and unpredictable external environment – where income generation and cost pressures are continuing to impact the entire UK higher education sector – strong financial stewardship and good governance remain essential.
“The Scheme attracted significant interest, and applicants have now received their outcomes.
“The savings achieved – through this Scheme and wider organisational efficiencies – are intended to support our strategic priorities and improve operational effectiveness.”
Featured Image Credit: University of Stirling
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