Dear colleague,
I wanted to write to update you on the review into the Department of Archaeology.
As I outlined in my email to you in May, a Review Group was established and identified a number of options to address challenges the Department is facing. After considering these, the University Executive Board (UEB) made a recommendation that we retain and invest in key areas of archaeological teaching and research strength by moving them into other related University departments.
Since then, this recommendation has been through our governance processes and was considered by the University's governing body, University Council, on Monday evening.
After very careful consideration and a wide-ranging discussion, Council overwhelmingly supported UEB's recommendation and agreed that this is the best course of action to ensure archaeological research and teaching can thrive in Sheffield.
Council took into account the advice of members of the University Senate, the papers and presentations delivered at Senate's meeting in June, the report and key data from the Archaeology Institutional Review and the recommendation from UEB. Council was aware of the full range of views and perspectives surrounding the proposal, and considered them all in reaching its decision.
This means that the Department of Archaeology will no longer be a separate academic and administrative unit. However, I would like to assure you that it does not mean the end of archaeology at Sheffield. By taking this approach, I believe that we can continue to develop archaeological research, knowledge exchange, teaching and learning, as well as collaborations with other universities and communities. The University recognises fully the value of arts and humanities subjects and, in line with our University vision, we are committed to investing in areas of excellence.
An Implementation Group has been established to develop final detailed proposals on the areas of key teaching, knowledge exchange and research strength that we will retain, where they are best aligned, and the support and investment needed to ensure they thrive. Staff in the Department will have the opportunity to share their insights to inform this group's work, and the group will also engage with relevant academic colleagues in the wider University.
We are also committed to ensuring that our current students are able to complete their studies at Sheffield and that they continue to receive high quality teaching, supervision and support throughout their degree. We will be consulting with students and considering students' views in a timely manner before deciding to implement any substantial changes to programmes or closing any programme to future cohorts, and this will be coordinated through the Implementation Group.
I understand that this decision has caused concern, but I would like to assure you once again that the University absolutely recognises the importance of archaeology, and arts and humanities subjects. We will continue to support our staff and students through this process, and will work with them collaboratively as we consider how to take the recommendation forward.
With best wishes,
Koen Lamberts Vice-Chancellor