On Wednesday 7th October, The Faculty of Arts and Humanities asked the Senate to approve the following proposal:

"that undergraduate programmes involving Biblical Studies be discontinued once existing students and those accepted for entry in 2009-10 have completed their degrees."

[To read the full text of the review summary as provided to members of the Senate see 'Review text' under topics, below.]

Students in the department were informed of the proposal less than 48 hours before the debate, via the Students Union. Staff in the department had been instructed to keep the matter confidential.
During the Senate meeting, the Vice-Chancellor apologised for the failure to inform students and emphasised that the proposal was to close the department to undergraduates, and that it was accompanied by a plan to maintain and develop the university's post-graduate work. Specifics of that plan were not available.

The information provided in support of the proposal was disputed on several counts. These included the failure to consult staff and their unions, the failure to inform and consult students, and questions about the nature and extent of the 'peer' consultation. The position regarding a 'decline in applications' is also subject to dispute.

During the Senate's discussion, questions were also raised about the practicalities of the plan to retain a focus on post-graduate research, given the nature of staffing losses under the Voluntary Severence Scheme (see TOPICS below for further explanation).
As a result of the discussions the Senate did not approve the proposal. However, in a separate 'procedural' move, the Vice-Chancellor was granted authority to suspend the undergraduate programme for the year 2010-2011. This was approved in order to prevent UCAS offers being made that must then be withdrawn.

Students fear that this suspension may be the beginning of the end for the Biblical Studies department in Sheffield. This fear is increased by the fact that the department no longer has a voice on the faculty board: Professor Pyper, The Head of Department being on sabbatical, Dr Crossley has been appointed as 'Programme Director'.

JOINING THIS GROUP YOU DEMONSTRATE YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE CONTINUATION OF THE BIBLICAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT IN SHEFFIELD. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR CAMPAIGN TO STOP THE SUSPENSION. (read less)

On Wednesday 7th October, The Faculty of Arts and Humanities asked the Senate to approve the following proposal:

"that undergraduate programmes involving Biblical Studies be discontinued once existing students and those accepted for entry in 2009-10 have completed their degrees."

[To read the full text of the review summary as provided to members of the Senate see 'Review text' under topics, below.]

Students in the department were informed of the proposal less than 48 hours before the... (read more)