Queen's speech offers no clues about HE finance
The Queen's speech to Parliament today confirmed that the government would publish its long-awaited university and student finance proposals. They will "improve access and build on excellence", the Queen told MPs and peers. The speech gave no clue as to whether top-up fees or a graduate tax would pay for increased investment in higher education.
Dundee backs £4m students' union transformation
Dundee University's court has unanimously backed a £4 million transformation of the students' union. The university will invest £1.1 million in the expansion, with £2.7 million coming from Dundee University Students Association. Several university guides have already voted DUSA one of the best student unions in the country.
Plymouth University to withdraw from Exeter
Plymouth University plans to close its famous Seale-Hayne agricultural centre and is pulling-out of Exeter as part of the biggest shake-up in its history. Vice-chancellor Roland Levinsky said the university was "configured on the basis of historical accident", and had to properly integrate arts and sciences and stop duplicating scarce resources.
Harvard cancels Oxford poet's special lecture
Harvard University has cancelled a special lecture by Oxford University poet Tom Paulin in response to complaints about his allegedly anti-Israel views. Paulin was due to deliver the annual Morris Gray poetry lecture to the English department tomorrow (Thursday).