University of Sheffield staff could strike for closure of archeology department UK News

Members of the Union of Universities and Colleges voted for industrial action following the decision that was taken on Monday. We do not yet know what the industrial action will consist of.

Archeology in Sheffield has been ranked the seventh best archeology department in the UK, according to the union.

At a meeting of over 200 members, the University of Sheffield UCU voted for “sustained industrial action” during the fall semester if the university does not reverse its decision.

On Monday, the University Council voted in favor of the University’s Executive Council recommendation to shut down the department, retaining only the areas of osteoarchaeology and cultural heritage, a decision which members of the department, “would mean the unequivocal end of archeology” at the university. .

Staff, students and the archaeological community at large, including the Council for British Archeology, the Society of Antiquarians and the European Association of Archaeologists have opposed the shutdown, according to the union, which says the process used to get through the closure was ‘jostled’. the democratic processes of the university ”.

He said a lack of transparency, accountability and expertise had characterized the entire review and added that the closure would not only impact students and staff, but the global study of archeology.

The union expressed concern that the University Senate was denied a vote and the ability to make a collective recommendation.

Robyn Orfitelli, head of the UCU branch of the University of Sheffield, said: “Today, members of UCU Sheffield voted overwhelmingly to fight against the planned closure of our archeology department, that would harm students, staff and the worldwide study of archeology. ‘

“At Monday’s meeting, the University Council voted in favor of the UEB proposals, despite the serious ethical and procedural concerns that were raised about the way the review was conducted, and of other governance concerns that were raised every step of the way, including the Senate being denied the opportunity to vote on the proposal.

“We believe in a university that prioritizes education and actively values ​​the staff and students who are the heart of our community, and we will step up our fight until the leadership is willing to listen to us.”

Professor Koen Lamberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, said: “The University is determined to secure the future of archeology in Sheffield in the face of a very difficult outdoor environment which has seen a significant decline the number of students. choose to read archeology, as has been experienced by many other leading universities.

“The decision of the University Council to ratify the course recommended by the Council, following a review by the Department of Archeology, does not alter the result that archeology will continue to be taught and studied at Sheffield.

“Not only will we maintain and support archeology at the University, but we will work with our colleagues and partners to ensure its development by focusing on postgraduate studies and investing in key areas of excellence that have contributed to Sheffield’s reputation as one of the world’s top 100 leading research and innovation universities.

“This decision will ensure that many fantastic projects and the exceptional work our staff and students undertake with partners and communities in the city and beyond will continue to enrich our cultural heritage, our knowledge of the past and the lives of people.

“We will continue to support our staff and students throughout this process, and we will work collaboratively with them as we consider how to move the recommendation forward. “