New faculty Dean and next steps 

As announced by the Vice-Chancellor last week, Professor Nuala Gregory has been appointed as the Dean of the new faculty that combines Arts, Education and Social Work (EDSW), and parts of Creative Arts and Industries (CAI). Professor Gregory is an accomplished artist and academic whose career at the University spans 27 years, including her current role as Dean of CAI since 2022. 

Professor Gregory commenced her new position on Monday 5 August. In her new role, she will lead the establishment of the new faculty, focusing on building an identity that honours the proud culture and heritage of the existing faculties.

Professor Nuala Gregory

Professor Deidre Brown has been appointed Acting Dean of CAI, effective Monday 5 August, to ensure leadership continuity within the faculty. Deidre feels privileged to facilitate CAI's transition, ensuring everyone moves smoothly and successfully into their new faculty arrangements.

Until the new arrangements take effect on 1 January 2025, the four existing faculties (Arts, CAI, EDSW and Engineering) will continue to operate as they currently do. Deans and Acting Deans in Arts, CAI and EDSW are in their roles until the end of the year, and faculties will continue with their established processes and decision-making procedures.

There will be a transition process leading us towards the new faculty and the integration of the School of Architecture and Planning and the Design Programme with the Faculty of Engineering. Faculty transition leadership teams will be instrumental during this change and will work closely with you to ensure we transition smoothly. Details on the transition and next steps will be communicated in our next update. 

Thank you for your continued dedication and support.

Consultation on professional staff and faculty academic leadership structures 

Consultation on new professional staff and academic leadership structures will begin on Friday 30 August. Your input and participation are crucial as we shape our future together. Here's what you need to know: 

• What's included: The consultation document will outline the proposed faculty-level academic leadership structure (above the level of Heads of School/Departments) and professional staff structures for both the new faculty and any proposed changes to the Faculty of Engineering. The document will also detail how these structures would be implemented in each organisational unit. 
• Meetings: Meetings with staff will be held before 30 August to discuss what will be covered in the consultation. 
• Who’s involved: All faculty staff are invited to provide their feedback.

Consultation Timeline 

Friday 30 August

• Consultation documentation becomes available on the staff intranet

Monday 2 September – Friday 27 September 

• Staff are invited to provide feedback on the proposed academic leadership structure and professional staff structures for both the new faculty and the Faculty of Engineering. 

• Feedback must be submitted through the online feedback form by 4pm,  Friday 27 September. 

Monday 30 September – Friday 4 October

• Proposal feedback submissions are collated. 

Throughout October

• The Review Committee considers submissions and forms recommendations to the Vice-Chancellor. 

Late October

• Either communicate the confirmation to all staff, continue consultation on an amended proposal, or not proceed any further with consultation. 

Faculty connection events 

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the New Faculty event and the Engineering BBQ! These gatherings are designed to bring us together in a relaxed setting, create space to connect with colleagues and develop community. 

We’re planning more events to help with networking and building relationships among our academic and professional staff from various disciplines. 

Moving forward, these gatherings will be focussed on specific topics, aimed at fostering connections and continuing important conversations about faculty identity and culture.