New Chancellor of Cambridge: Reforms against bullying and precarious employment relationships!

New Chancellor of Cambridge: Reforms against bullying and precarious employment relationships!

In the heated debate about the future orientation of the University of Cambridge, the focus is on choosing the new Chancellor. With more than 800 years of history, this institution is not only one of the oldest universities in the world, but also a symbol of change and reform. The choice of the Chancellor traditionally has an immense importance, which Times Higher Education. It becomes all the more interesting what the course is now set for the future.

Not least due to the influence of political movements in the 19th century, the pressure on the university grew to implement reforms. In 1847 Prince Albert von Sachsen-Coburg and Gotha stood for election and historically won it, which not only did justice to the needs of reform, but also stumbled a debate about the suitability of an “stranger” at the head of an English institution. This discussion leads us to the current situation in which all ten applicants for the successor of David Sainsbury agree that the office of chancellor should be made more active and committed.

The challenges of the present

currently the University of Cambridge not only faces the challenges of its tradition, but also has to deal with current problems. Especially dealing with bullying and precarity at universities are topics that should employ a new chancellor. A professor of astrophysics, who also runs for the office, has therefore brought the idea of ​​a university combination man into play. This is intended to monitor governance, financial responsibility as well as topics such as bullying and harassment. A clear step to counter the cultural and administrative challenge at this venerable university.

More than two thirds of the university employees are currently working on temporary contracts, which not only severely limits the payment, but also job security. It can be observed that more and more administrative positions have recently become more important, while academic bodies are rarer. This development is worrying and raises the question of whether the university remains true to its core values. According to Cambridge, a strategic investment and the use of existing resources could help to address the financial misery.

A look at the story

The introduction of new courses made quickly in the 19th century after a royal commission ordered a review to the educational institutions in 1850. The Cambridge University Act from 1856 formed the basis for a comprehensive reform that still has influence. Although many statutes have been revised since then, the fundamental structure of the university was preserved. Another important step was to found the first three colleges for women, Girton and Newnham, 1869 and 1872. It is therefore shown that the university history is shaped by reforms that contributed to equality and a broader academic diversity.

These historical roots are that influence every decision in the present. The next Chancellor will not only be an important figure for the university, but also one that decisively specifies the direction for a new era at Cambridge University. The discussion about who will slip into this role has just begun, and the first choice due to a broad public commitment could soon decide how Cambridge will be perceived in the coming years. Stay on it!