ATU Integration Updates

New ATU University Planning Team

Work has started on developing unified structures for Atlantic TU. Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President has set up an interim representative university planning team (UPT) for a two year transitional period, which currently consists of the following senior managerial staff:

• Dr Orla Flynn ATU President

• Mr Paul Hannigan Head of Donegal College

• Dr Brendan McCormack Head of Sligo College

• Dr Michael Hannon Head of Galway-Mayo College

• Dr Seán Duffy VP for ATU Integration

• Prof. Jacqueline McCormack VP for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, and Online Development

• Dr Billy Bennett Registrar and VP Academic Affairs

• Elizabeth McCabe VP Finance & Corporate Services

• Dr Rick Officer VP Research, Innovation & Engagement

The team meets twice per month and is representative of all ATU Heads of Function. Representatives of the Heads of Faculty/School will join the UPT on a rotational basis.

Application for Incorporation of St. Angela’s College (STACS) into Atlantic TU

Work is continuing on the overall application for integration between St. Angela’s College (STACS) and Atlantic TU and will be facilitated via the HEA Act (2022) which is currently processing as a Bill through the houses of the Oireachtas.

The ATU – STACS Incorporation Steering Committee meets twice per month and has been focusing on three key areas:

1. Drafting a joint submission document for incorporation of STAC with ATU

2. Developing a linked provider agreement

3. Arranging for the transition and integration of STACS into ATU

Work is progressing on all three areas. On May 25, an external evaluation panel met to consider STACS application to become a linked provider of ATU and approved the application. As STACS does not have designated awarding body status to confer academic awards, it was important that STACS became a linked provider of ATU in the period from now until full integration with ATU.

Staff Representatives Elected to Atlantic TU Governing Body

ATU’s Governing Body was established with five members on April 1, 2022. Under the provisions of the Technological Universities Act 2018, the membership of the Governing Body will be increased in the coming months to reach 22 members. The first stage of the expansion was completed recently with the election of staff representatives to the Governing Body. Staff members will hold office for a period up until 31st March 2024.