A packed teaching room in Hugh Owen was the venue yesterday lunchtime (25th April) for an Extraordinary Meeting of the Aberystwyth Branch of the UCU.
The subject matter of the meeting was very focused – two motions: one
regarding the future of Aberystwyth Arts Centre, and one regarding the use of
‘precautionary suspensions’.
Both motions were the subject of intense scrutiny, as the
wording, and the implications of the wording, were examined by the assembled
sharp, learned and academic minds. Feelings on both subjects were very strong,
and this was reflected in the final wording of the motions being passed
unanimously with no abstentions or opposing votes.
It was felt by those at the meetings that the motions should be
publicised as widely as possible.
The agreed text of the two motions was as follows:
Aberystwyth Arts Centre
Aberystwyth University Local Association of the UCU (Aber UCU)
recognises the vital role played by Aberystwyth Arts Centre in the cultural
life and economy of Aberystwyth and Mid Wales generally. We also recognise that
the facilities, reputation and community ethos of the Arts Centre have been
built up by earned income, external funding, and the dedication of Arts Centre
staff, together with support from the University, the Arts Council of Wales and
the local authority. We hold that, as custodian of the Arts Centre, Aberystwyth
University has a moral responsibility to give priority to the Arts Centre’s
principal artistic and community functions over more general University
functions such as teaching and research. Aber UCU opposes any action by
Aberystwyth University serving to compromise the artistic and community
functions of the Arts Centre, directly or indirectly, or to endanger its
external sources of funding.
Precautionary suspensions
Aberystwyth University Local Association of the UCU (Aber UCU)
acknowledges that members of Aberystwyth University staff may need to be
suspended when recognisable instances of gross misconduct such as dishonesty,
theft or violence are alleged. However, Aber UCU opposes the use of
precautionary suspensions in cases where no offence reasonably recognisable as
gross misconduct has been alleged. Aber UCU will use all means at its disposal
to ensure that all instances of precautionary suspension of UCU members are
justified objectively and that all cases in which precautionary suspensions
appear to have been used inappropriately by Aberystwyth University are
challenged. Aber UCU insists that all disciplinary investigations are resolved
in a timely manner and opposes the imposition by Aberystwyth University of
restrictions on the freedom of expression (“gagging orders”) and freedom of
association of its employees.
