1. Background Information
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1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION The origins of Cardiff Metropolitan University can be traced back to 1865 when the Cardiff School of Art was first opened in the old library in Cardiff. In 1976, the School of Art, the College of Food Technology and Commerce (established 1940), the Cardiff College of Education (established 1950) and Llandaff College of Technology (established 1954) were merged to form the South Glamorgan Institute of Higher Education. The name was changed to Cardiff Institute of Higher Education in 1990. Until 1992, the institution was under the jurisdiction of South Glamorgan Council. Incorporated status was granted in 1992, this process occurring later in Wales than elsewhere in the UK. Key milestones in the development of Cardiff Metropolitan University as an autonomous institution include: 1993 Teaching Degree Awarding Powers (TDAPs) granted by the Privy Council. 1996 Became a college of the University of Wales and changed name to University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC). 2003 Became a Constituent Institution of the University of Wales. 2009 Research Degree Awarding Powers (RDAPs) granted by the Privy Council. 2011 Withdrew from the University of Wales and changed name to Cardiff Metropolitan University. With just over 1000 staff, more than 12,000 students and an annual turnover of approximately £83 million, Cardiff Metropolitan University is, in terms of size, in the middle range of the UK university sector. A recent investment of £50m in the Estates Strategy has focused on the development of a new Cardiff School of Management, Food Industry Centre and enhanced student and research facilities. pg. 1 2. STRATEGIC INTENT AND DIRECTION The University will work with others to: • build a post-92 provision which is distinctive, of national standing, world class in selected domains, serving the needs and aspirations of learners and the economy; • build collaboration in established and developing areas of teaching excellence, underpinned by scholarship, so as to contribute to economic and social regeneration and specific national needs and establish an international reputation; • develop applied research and consultancy which enhance the economic competitiveness of business, commerce and industry; • intensify integrated access policies and practices which raise aspirations, encourage and support progression and improve participation rates. 3. MOTTO, VISION, MISSION, VALUES AND ETHOS Our Motto “The most valuable possession is knowledge” Our Vision To be a premier provider of: • higher education that promotes student employability; • applied research and knowledge transfer. Our Mission To provide student-centred learning opportunities that are accessible, flexible, inclusive, lifelong and of the highest quality. To provide a culture within which applied research and enterprise will flourish. To develop established and new centres of excellence in professional education, applied research and knowledge transfer. To provide services that meet the needs of Wales and wider communities by working in partnership with city, national and international bodies. pg. 2 Our Values We value: • Respect for individuals, helping them realise their potential and value life-long learning; • Environment based on commitment, teamwork, good leadership and management practices which is positive and friendly; • Sharing a common purpose founded upon honesty, integrity, openness, objectivity, accountability and selflessness and supported by leadership and example; • Pride and ownership in Cardiff Metropolitan University and its development; • Excellence achieved through the pursuit of continual improvement in all that we do; • Community that is inclusive; • The most valuable possession is knowledge. Our Ethos The following are the foundations upon which Cardiff Metropolitan University will engage with other institutions to plan the future together: We are committed to: • Independent scholarship, relevant application, curiosity-driven learning. Excellence in everything we do. • Improvements through ideas and insights transforming the people and the organisation. • Creativity and innovation, inspiring new ideas and applying knowledge in new ways to create value. • Collaboration for competitive advantage. • Building on the past. • A collegiate approach to learning and research. • Interdisciplinary orientation. • Building on our presence in the Cardiff Metropolitan area. 4. STUDENT PROFILE Cardiff Metroplitan University‟s range of programmes identify us as sharply focused on professionally relevant higher education and on research which is predominantly applied in nature. The proportion of part-time students also continues to grow, as we become a centre in Cardiff and South Wales for continuing professional development. Programmes range from HNC/HND level to degree and postgraduate level, with an increasing number of postgraduate research students. pg. 3 International Students Cardiff Metropolitan University has responded to the Welsh Assembly Government‟s Learning Country document and contributed significantly to the targets for growth and expansion of international student recruitment to higher education institutions in Wales and to the internationalisation of academic institutions and their curricula for the benefit of all students and staff. The numbers of international students have grown exponentially in recent years, with students from over 130 different countries. 5. RESEARCH AND ENTERPRISE Cardiff Metropolitan University engages in research that is at the cutting-edge of new knowledge creation and its application. The research, therefore, has direct application in business, industry, the professions and the community at large. World renowned organisations such as Ford (UK), Coca Cola, Nestle, Robert Bosch and Dowty Aerospace have all featured amongst our portfolio of applied research and knowledge transfer partners. With a growing international reputation, the institution is committed to developing its leading research groups and supporting new and emerging areas of research across all discipline areas. Added to this, we are also engaged in a diverse range of enterprise activity including Knowledge Transfer Projects (KTPs), consultancy, collaboration, contract research and training. 6. COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIPS In keeping with its mission, Cardiff Metropolitan University has sought to expand its role in offering programmes in partnership with others, in Wales, elsewhere in the UK and internationally. We have a small number of close relationships with transnational education (TNE) partners - the London School of Commerce has international students studying business, computing and hospitality and tourism programmes in significant numbers in London and in its overseas campuses. We also offer programmes in conjunction with partners in several countries including Sri Lanka, Egypt, Bulgaria, Morocco and Singapore. In order to focus Wales-based activity in a smaller number of FE colleges, a South- East Wales FE2HE Consortium was established in 2004. The aims and objectives of the Consortium include to provide quality assured higher education at the FE partners, to widen participation and to facilitate progression for students from within Consortium partners to study at the University. pg. 4 7. WIDENING ACCESS Cardiff Metropolitan University is committed to widening access and participation for people who are currently under-represented in Higher Education. The Widening Access team aims to ensure that people of any age, background, or ethnic group are given an opportunity to study within Higher Education in a supported manner. This strategy involves offering a wide range of subjects at a variety of levels and delivering them in innovative ways in the community. 8. ABOUT THE CITY OF CARDIFF The capital city of Wales has altered beyond recognition over the past decade or so. Massive investment in the city, the regeneration of its docks into a superb waterfront and a general interest in all things Welsh, from its music scene to its new Assembly, makes Cardiff an exciting European destination. Cardiff has the good fortune to house such national gems as the Millennium Centre, the Millennium Stadium, the National Museum of Wales, the Museum of Welsh Life, the Welsh National Opera and stunning civic buildings surrounded by acres and acres of parkland. The city boasts a year-round calendar of events, which include an extensive range of arts, cultural and international sporting events. 9. THE UNIVERSITY Cardiff Metropolitan University is based on two teaching campuses, all within the boundaries of the City of Cardiff. Llandaff Campus The Cardiff School of Health Sciences, part of the Cardiff School of Art and Design and the new £20 million Cardiff School of Management are based at the Llandaff Campus. The campus also houses the National Centre for Product Design & Development Research (PDR), a Podiatry Centre and a Speech Language Therapy Centre. The Cardiff School of Art and Design and Art Gallery are also based at this city centre campus. Cyncoed Campus The Cardiff School of Education and the Cardiff School of Sport are based at the Cyncoed Campus. A major student residence centre with over 500 study bedrooms is also based here. pg. 5 10. ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE The Vice-Chancellor‟s Board (VCB) manage the day-to-day activities of Cardiff Metropolitan University. The VCB comprises of: Vice-Chancellor Professor Antony Chapman Deputy Vice-Chancellor Mrs Jacqui Hare Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Sheldon Hanton Pro Vice-Chancellor