Within hours of DEL Minister, Stephen Farry spelling out that a merger between Stranmillis College and Queen’s University is the only financial salvation for Stranmillis, the Chairman of the College, Stephen Costello, has thrown down the gauntlet to those politicians blocking this financial marriage.
Listen here for his latest thoughts on the crisis now obtaining:
3 Comments
When was the question ever asked about how students feel? Mr Costello, when has the College ever taken the time to properly listen to what students feel about the this College and the proposed merger with QUB. As a current student it highly grieves me that it is clear that Stranmillis is all about making money and not prospering the vision of our current trainee teachers to be the world class quality we are known for. Not once during this interview or the previous interviews Mr Costello has given, does he once refer to students. Mr Costello obviously does not have students at the top of priority, as we should be. To say the business case is sound, why does the college imagine it is necessary a building is no longer required when the college already has a first class building on campus that replaced the Henry Garrett building? Mr Costello are you sure its not time to leave and let someone come in who cares for the needs of the students in Stranmillis?
Another uniquely detailed set of interviews from Eamonn. Alliance Minister for Employment & Learning, Stephen Farry MLA, is one of the few Executive Ministers to set out the cost of division to his department and the tax payer, in this case for teacher training, and to give the Assembly and society an opportunity to deliver real change towards a genuinely shared and integrated future. Current Stranmillis Student’s point with regard to the need for student focus is well made; however, it is my understanding that a desire to maintain a world class teacher training experience is one of the main motivations of those who support a more shared and integrated approach.
Personally, I agree with your comment that a shared and integrated approach that would lead to a world class teacher training institute. However, I maintain the point that students haven’t been fully consulted on any of the issues relating to the merger and they need to be. Without any students there wouldn’t be a Stranmillis University College!