A report on developments and progress at Newcastle University by Vice-Chancellor Chris Brink – given to alumni delegates at Convocation (17 June 2011).

1. CONVOCATION Report by the Vice-Chancellor 18 June 2011

2. Looking back over the past year Continued our trajectory of a World-class Civic University World-class in research Research income remains steady at about £85m (despite very difficult environment) Top 20 for research power Recently recognised as one of only 12 top-performing “Framework Agreement” universities by EPSRC World-class in teaching Top 20 for student experience Maintained 87% student satisfaction rating in National Student Survey Civic University: Engagement with Civil Society 3 Societal Challenge Themes Successful launch of Sustainability Theme 2 Examples of Civic Engagement Urban Traffic Management Centre 2 km Geothermal energy borehole Continued emphasis on Newcastle Science City – planning approval obtained

3. Looking back over the past year (cont’d) Capital Developments New Business School building completed INTO Buildings progressing well Baddiley-Clark Building opened International developments: NUMed campus complete; Official opening 1 Nov 2011 Agreement signed for Singapore Campus in Engineering (with Singapore Institute for Technology) Sustainability Recycling rate of 94% achieved across the campus Silver Eco Campus status achieved Revised Carbon Management Plan: commitment to reduce CO² emissions by 43% by 2020 Financial Good buffer of cash reserves against uncertainties (Almost) No debt Strong surplus in 2010-11; Reinvestment in student experience

4. National developments Biggest Change: Coalition Government policy changes: Policy priority: Deficit reduction Swingeing cuts to public sector bodies following Comprehensive Spending Review Market orientation to Higher Education Changes to visa regulations Regional Developments ONE Northeast abolished (as from April 2012) Government Office NE abolished “Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs)” introduced Parliament adopts proposals for a radical new dispensation on fees and funding from September 2012 HEFCE Teaching Grant to be cut by ca. 80% Student fees to rise to max £9K from September 2012 NB: About new fees and funding dispensation: University study remains free at the point of entry. Admission guarantees a govt loan Repayment only once you earn Threshold of £21,000 earnings before repayment Max repayment period 30 years

5. Our preparation for new dispensation Fees from Sept 2012 Undergraduate Fees set at £9K p.a. Postgraduate taught fees to start at £5.5K p.a. Our commitment to disadvantaged students OFFA Access Agreement submitted Will spend ca. £10 million p.a. on fee waivers and bursaries Ca. 30% of new entrants will not pay the full fee 20% fee discounts to our own graduates for admission to postgraduate studies Strong focus on the student experience Student Charter sets mutual expectations (E.g. minimum contact hours specified) Good facilities & equipment (E.g. Library, Fine Art) Increase in part-time employment opportunities for current students Focus on employability Campus Rejuvenation Refurbishment of Students’ Union (£8m) ready by Sept 2011 New Student Forum by Sept 2012 Armstrong Building refurbishment INTO Development Claremont Gateway project

6. NUMed

7. Business School

8. Student Forum before removal of Museum of Antiquities

9. Student Forum after removal of Museum of Antiquities

10. Claremont Gateway Landscaping

11. Claremont Gateway Landscaping

12. Our Vision: A World-class Civic University Science, Agriculture & Engineering Humanities & Social Sciences Blue Skies Medical Sciences Ageing & Health Sustainability Social Renewal Societal Challenges 12

13. Thank you