Francesca Miller's statement

When the prospect of the merger first emerged last year, former president Jake Rusby made sure students of all years and disciplines were consulted to produce the merger charter.

This document highlights thirteen points of concern the students have, along with the possible merits, and is currently being looked at by the two institutions and students associations to create a four way agreement.

The talks so far have been very positive and Liz Rawlings (EUSA president) has agreed to attend out student forum in mid-October. The Principal and Vice Principal will be there and students will be able to direct questions about the proposed merger to them, a great opportunity for them to get some answers. I have also emailed all students to update them of the progress. Nothing has been kept under wraps; it has been a very open process.

There is the concern that ECA students’ association has a different way of working than EUSA does as we are an intimate office where students can pop in anytime and we are keen to shelter this as much as possible.

I hope that the student president position will remain in its expanded self, but I feel that it is something which needs careful negotiation and discussion as to what form the representation for Edinburgh College of Art will take. I will push for representation of The Students' Union on the Lauriston Place Campus.

Physically, our campus will not change, and ECA will remain in its historic location, and become an expanded part of the institution. ECA will inevitably change in a merged position but our long-standing traditions will not.

Art Education is changing across the country and we should be part of this move forward to incorporate further contemporary elements to further our students learning. This will give a more contemporary feel to the college.

We have been heavily involved in all aspects of the discussions, focussed on students' opinions and I feel very comfortable right now.