Despite the reasons behind the significant cuts proposed by the University of Exeter remain vague in the same way as they are stereotypical (rising costs, dipping revenue from tuition fees dwindling international student numbers, insufficiently funded research according to the BBC), its effects appear to be particularly hefty for the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS). As the university braces to loose an estimated equivalent of up to 150 full time staff across all fields, 85% of the jobs potentially affected by the planned cuts have been identified at the HASS says the Exeter University and College Union (EUCU). EUCU warns that, the plans will result in a significant loss of staff in Modern Languages and Education among other disciplines potentially jeopardising the quality of programmes and opportunities for meaningful tuition to students.
A petition open for co-signing by the general public has been launched by the EUCU to protest the measures.
As Langscape and ENROPE, we strongly support the teaching and learning of languages in higher education, as well as language teacher education, as a significant means to kindle and strengthen university graduates’ respect for cultural and linguistic variety, their understanding of the benefits of peaceful inter-group relations, and of democratic values at large for the well-being of all citizens of Europe and worldwide.
Stephan Breidbach | Katrin Schultze
(Langscape Coordinators)