Press release Initiation of Reform of Irish Higher Education The Higher Education Authority (HEA) today (Monday 13th

February) publishes a series of papers that set out a roadmap for implementing significant reform in Irish higher education, following on from the recommendations of National Strategy for Higher Education. A key objective of the measures, now published, is the creation of a more coherent system of higher education institutions, coordinated by the HEA to deliver the complementary range of institutions and academic programmes needed by individuals, society and the labour market. High levels of inter-institutional collaboration will be required so that specialisation at institutional level does not lead to diminished opportunities and choices for students at regional and national levels. The papers published are Towards a Future Higher Education Landscape which provides a basis for institutions to review their mission and how the institution would fit into the coherent system now being developed; Process and Criteria for Designation as a Technological University; and Guidelines on Regional Clusters which sets out how clusters of institutions are to be formed to serve regional needs. In a letter accompanying the papers, the CEO of the HEA, Mr. Tom Boland asks each institution to make a submission to the HEA within six months setting out its strategic intentions as to where it proposes to position itself in the Irish higher education system. Submissions are to cover such areas as the institutions distinctive mission, its preferred institutional type and structure having regard to current strengths, its institutional alliances and its involvement in regional clusters and any other matters relevant to its future strategic development. In addition, the HEA also indicate that they will address such areas as funding for performance, unnecessary duplication of course provision, the future of small publicly funded institutions and the role of private higher education providers. Mr. Boland said The publication of these guidelines and frameworks mark the beginning of an intense period which will, by the end of this year, see the HEA advising the Minister on an appropriate structure, or blueprint, for the Irish higher education system for the years ahead. The student will be the key focus of the system and, while respecting the importance of the autonomy of universities and colleges to manage their own affairs, accountability for public funding and responsiveness to social and economic needs will be important objectives. ENDS

Note for Editors The 3 documents being published today are part of a wider strategic change process underway in Irish higher education following the publication last year of the National Strategy for Higher Education. The documents also signal the kick off of a process of intensive consideration by the Minister, the HEA and the institutions themselves on the future configuration of Irish higher education. Landscape for Higher Education The landscape document is a broad overarching document that describes the key current issues within higher education, as well as the major drivers of change, principally around quality and participation. It describes a changed system for higher education into the future, with a much greater focus on system outcomes and system coherence. Enhanced diversity will be encouraged within that system and individual institutions will be much more focussed on their particular missions. The landscape document challenges higher education institutions to consider their strategic future within such a landscape, and invites institutions to make submissions to the HEA within a period of 6 months. The HEA itself is also carrying out its own research and planning for the future of the system and will work with institutions to develop a coherent blueprint for the system as a whole by end of year. Technological University criteria This document provides for criteria for designation as a technological university. The National Strategy for Higher Education proposed that a process be available for higher education institutions to apply for designation as a technological university. The strategy described, at a high level, the capacities and qualities that would need to be demonstrated before any institution could be so designated and an outline process for designation. The HEA were requested by the Minister to provide him with advice on the detailed criteria and process and did so following an extensive consultation period including input from international experts and public consultation. The criteria and process were subsequently approved by the Minister for Education and Skills. Regional Clusters The third document sets out a framework for the development of new co-operative arrangements between higher education institutions within geographic regions, known as regional clusters. The proposal aims to make better use of existing resources by better integration of planning between institutions so unnecessary duplication can be eliminated, synergies from co-operation can be developed, and quality of provision can be enhanced. This can range from dealing with issues like shared services and procurement, to joint academic teaching or research programmes, exchange of academic staff, and better progression routes for students who can transfer easily between institutions to pursue their chosen area of study.