Universities Challenge? Guest lecture (2)

A proposed merger looks set to be the next big calendar event for two top educational institutes.

When prompted during a lecture with level one journalism students, Jill Easterby, Head of Public Affairs for University College Falmouth suggested the next biggest publicly related event she would be dealing with, would be the proposed 2008 merger with Dartington College of Arts.

The merger would bring about exciting new possibilities for students at both institutes, including increased opportunities in performance related subjects, for which Dartington already holds a strong reputation.

Although the merger will take place next January. Dartington will not be relocating their courses to Falmouth until 2010. Therefore students on performance courses will be studying at the Dartington campus before relocation.

As head of public affairs Jill stressed the importance in her job to show University College Falmouth in the best light, for existing and prospective students. This will be extremely important if the merger is to be greeted positively.

Jill`s job is central to the communication wheel both within the university and in the wider community. As editor of the college prospectus she admitted that "Image is everything."

Jill admitted to a lot of time, "Working on instinct," in conveying the right image to a chain of people including students, their parents, the government who aid funding, as well as the local community.

Jill is also head of community relations and is responsible for making sure local residents are happy with student behaviour. These strong communicational links will be paramount in the coming years if the increased student presence from Dartington will be a smooth transition.