Lincoln, Teleford study merger proposal

15-03-2010 | Annette Scott

Lincoln University and Telford Rural Polytechnic are exploring a possible merger of their two institutions in the coming year.

The merger talks have been prompted by the tertiary shake-up that looks set to "squeeze" the South Otago rural training institution.

Telford spokespeople have referred cuts in funding to short courses as a driver along with the potential for lower running costs. Both institutions operate in the primary sector providing agricultural and land-based training but run complementary courses.

The polytechnic says the tertiary reform could wipe out Telford's viability and merging with Lincoln would mean a seamless transition for Telford students.

The possible merger was announced to staff last week with Tertiary Education Union (TEU) members and officials scheduled to meet with Lincoln University management today (March 15) to discuss more details of the proposal.

It is likely that Telford would remain a stand-alone entity, perhaps becoming a college within Lincoln University with all corporate management based at the Lincoln campus in the future.

The business plans for the merger are being managed by Deloittes which has divided the merger proposal into three areas - management and governance, corporate services and academic. The challenge of how to effectively merge a university with a polytechnic is also being looked into.

Both institutions predict no job losses or noticeable changes for students but it is envisaged that the majority of any restructuring would occur at Telford.

Lincoln University says the relationship supports a direction signalled by the Lincoln University Council to develop a model of strong collaboration in education and research to support land-based industries.

The proposed merger would complement the existing partnerships Lincoln already has in place and enhance its Partnership for Excellence (PFX) relationship with Massey University and relevant industry partners.

The closer relationship with Telford would support the intent of the Tertiary Education Strategy 2010-2015 and build on the review of the land-based provision conducted by the Tertiary Education Commission.

Telford council chairman David Yardley emphasises the merger is only a possibility and at an early stage. Other options include investigating ties with the University of Otago.

According to the TEU a merger agreement is likely to be settled as early as May with the merger taking effect from January 2011.

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