20 years ago

New criteria aimed at controlling "merger mania" are likely to be brought in by the Polytechnics and Colleges Funding Council. PCFC officials are concerned that mergers with universities will mean a financial loss from the newly created sector and are recommending that the council adopt a set of criteria when it meets on 12 April. If adopted, the criteria are likely to have a dampening effect on transbinary mergers between universities and soon-to-be corporate institutions.

Nice to know that Sussex University is taking the plight of its contract researchers so seriously. All non-tenured academic staff at Sussex were treated to a letter, personally addressed, from the deputy university catering manager this week.

Dear Mr, or in some cases Dr, or in a few cases Professor X, it said. The university needs more silver service waiting staff.

"We would like to offer university staff the chance to be trained in silver service techniques.

"If you are adaptable, dependable and fit, and feel you can be of service to our customers, please return the attached application form."