Findings of satellite
campus project are
published
20 January 2012
A unique project which sets out to examine the themes and
trends of Higher Education Institutions with a satellite campus is
published in the latest Leadership Foundation for Higher Education
(LF) journal, Engage.
The project, led by Dr Craig Gaskell,
Principal of the University of Hull’s Scarborough Campus, aims to
increase understanding of how universities with more than one
campus operate across different and often distant sites.
<The University of Hull's Scarborough
Campus
In order to develop the study, a precise definition of “satellite
campus” has been developed; there has to be a main site for the
institution, a minimum travelling time between main and satellite,
and a critical mass of students at the satellite both in absolute
terms and percentage of institutional full time education
(FTE).
Eleven case studies were identified and Dr
Gaskell conducted a telephone conversation with the member of staff
responsible for each satellite, before following up with a site
visit. Each participant covered ten pre-determined high level theme
areas and on completion of the fieldwork, a workshop was organised
for all participating institutions to share early findings and
discuss emerging themes.
An initial analysis of the data revealed a
number of core themes, trends and potential theories. There
was a clear indication of a different perspective of the
institution for those based on the satellite and the importance of
understanding this at a senior institutional level was highlighted.
Campus voice, representation (staff and students) and approaches to
governance varied, including the approach taken by the students’
unions. Students tended not to travel between campuses although
staff travel was more common and there was also some evidence of
gravitational pull towards the main site for academic staff.
Dr Craig Gaskell says: “This project has
opened up many interesting angles and has proved to be a useful
opportunity for institutions to come together and share best
practice. We would be interested to hear from others in the sector
and would be pleased to hear from any other colleagues interested
in participating in the network.”
The project was funded by the Leadership
Foundation’s Small Development Projects fund and is published in
their latest journal.
Ends.