ECA Facebook forum to deal with student grievances

Edinburgh College of Art students are organising action through Facebook to address concerns following the merger with the University of Edinburgh.

A Facebook event page, entitled “ECA Student Forum”, has been created by ECA student president Abigail Barr to supplement an upcoming conference designed to give students an opportunity to voice their opinions.

Donal Walls, a second-year landscape architecture student, told The Journal: “An issue I would bring up is that I feel Edinburgh University hasn't fully clarified the benefits of the merger to students. From speaking to my classmates it's still quite vague as to what has changed since the merger and what is in store for the future.”

Mr Walls is one of 143 students currently invited to the event. The page encourages students to have their say about issues such as “student representation after the merger, changes to the Wee Red Lounge, changes to the music room, and how EUSA can reach out to the college”.

Edinburgh College of Art merged with the University of Edinburgh on 1 August 2011. Students originally expressed fears that the merger would affect their study and social spaces such as The Wee Red Bar which is now under the management of Edinburgh University Accomodation Services.

However, Mr Walls also commented on the advantages of the merger: “I would say it has made using the main library, and accessing Edinburgh University buildings, much easier."

The merger is based on the art college retaining its pedagogical methods, identity and practices whilst being supported through the University’s underlying systems and processes.

The University’s Principal Sir Timothy O’Shea said: “I have been struck by the sustained enthusiasm that students and staff have expressed for the coming together of our two distinguished institutions.

“The academic vision for merger remains compelling, and we expect to realise its potential in the years ahead.”

Practical effects of the merger have included an increase in printing charges, a decrease in studio opening times for the college, a new café format, and more complicated administrative process in regards to college repairs.

The facebook event has invited students to discuss these issues in ECA’s Main Lecture Theatre on Thursday 26 January at noon.