UCU: Threat to close departments at the University of Liverpool

Motion

Motion text: Substantive motion:
Conference welcomes the progress which has been made at the University of Liverpool, where proposals to close up to eight departments on the basis of RAE2008 have been replaced by the development of recovery plans and a commitment that no existing staff will be forced into accepting teaching-only contracts, and thanks both UCU staff for the high level of support given to the branch and students for their campaign.
However, a number of concerns remain:
the proposal that Liverpool will only support 3*/4* research remains
micromanagement and tight direction of research affecting academic freedom
abandonment of research in areas of value to the local community if not capable of producing 3*/4* output
application of unacceptable capability criteria.
Conference instructs HEC to provide advice and support to branches which are fighting these and other detrimental effects of institutions' attempts to improve their research ratings.
Congress congratulates the magnificent, angry demonstration by over a thousand staff, students and residents against the cuts in March.
Congress resolves to provide all necessary industrial, political and financial support to future demonstrations, campaigns and industrial action in opposition to job losses, course and departmental closures in HE.