Update on the review of the School of Systems Engineering

Wednesday, 01 April 2015

At the start of February, University Executive Board (UEB) announced a 15-week assessment of the School of Systems Engineering's long-term viability. The assessment includes its research and teaching quality; research impact; financial projections; and strategy, following the Research Evaluation Framework 2014 (REF), published in December.

The first stage of the review, which is drawing to close, has focused on information gathering, engaging with SSE staff, students and other stakeholders. Over the past seven weeks, members of the Review Group (Robert Van de Noort, Dianne Berry and Elizabeth McCrum) have met with SSE staff, students and the Industry Advisory Board. The Chair of the Review has also met weekly with the School's leadership team. The Group will hold a meeting with SSE student representatives following the Easter vacation.

The Review Group has been very pleased with the level of response and constructive engagement both in email submissions - the group has received over 40 individual and group submissions from staff, students, alumni and employers - and in meetings with individuals and groups within the School. 

The Group will use this information together with the consolidated proposal presented by the Acting Head of School, Victor Becerra, to develop options for the future. These proposals will be developed and discussed with the SSE leadership team during May, with a final recommendation to be made to UEB on 1 June.