A new €250 million strategic plan for the next five years has been unveiled by NUI Galway. The plan is designed to increase the university's appeal to students and to build on its growing reputation as a centre of research excellence, Sean Flynn, Education Editor.
The move comes as NUI Galway - in common with all third-level colleges - braces itself for the sharp decline in the number of school-leavers in the next decade. It is estimated that the number taking the Leaving Cert will decline by over 40 per cent in the period to 2007. With much surplus capacity in the third-level system, colleges will be competing strongly for student numbers.
NUI Galway is less vulnerable than many other colleges, partly because of its strong academic reputation but also because of its attractive location. Of the 2,000 -plus students who registered for the first time last year, about one-quarter were from the Leinster region.
The college now plans to build on this by developing a new student cultural and recreational centre.
It is also establishing a new scheme to recognise teaching excellence. Speaking to The Irish Times, its president, Dr Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh, said that while good research work could be identified and rewarded, many outstanding teachers were often under-appreciated.
He was determined to change this, he said.
Seven strategic priorities have been identified under the plan. These are:
To enhance the relative attractiveness of the university for Irish and international students;
Further strengthen the research reputation and ethos of the university;
Attract and retain high-quality staff through recognition and reward;
Maximise the university's contribution at national and regional levels;
Promote the Irish language in the work of the university;
Improve organisational structures and;
Secure resources to implement the strategic plan.
On research, the president said: "One of our key priorities is to strengthen our growing research reputation - so important to the university and the country as a whole.
"We see NUI Galway playing a leading role nationally and internationally in this field."