An insiders quide to education

The university presidents have been running a strong campaign backing the return of college fees. But what is this we hear about some divisions in the camp? Trinity Provost John Hegarty has led the campaign with some assistance from the impressive new UCC boss Michael Murphy.

But there are suggestions that the campaign has less than wholehearted support from other presidents. The dissidents could even include UCD supremo Hugh Brady and UL boss Don Barry. Never!

Apparently, a minority within the Irish Universities' Association (IUA) - the group that represents the presidents - think the campaign is doomed and will only succeed in irritating the all-powerful Mary Hanafin. It should all make for interesting exchanges over tea and scones when university presidents gather for their regular review later this month.

Speaking of presidents . . . there we were thinking that only university heads were presidents while the heads of the various institutes of technology were mere directors. Happily, new legislation allows IT directors to also take the presidential title. So step forward Dr Brendan Murphy, the new president of Cork IT.

Other IT directors please copy!

Congratulations to Andrea Feeney, the outstanding press officer of the State Examinations Commission, who has been promoted to higher office.

And while we are on the subject of the SEC . . . isn't it time Dick Langford and the team at the commission gained more credit for their flawless handling of the exams each year? How many areas of the public service are as efficient?

Great excitement out in leafy Rathgar where the post of general secretary will shortly be advertised . "Gentleman Jim" Dorney is exiting after 25 years (!) at the crease.

But here's the rub. Dorney will sit on the selection board that will appoint his successor - along with the entire (all male) officer corps of the TUI.

Last week's meeting of the TUI executive discussed this worrying lack of gender balance. So if you are a senior civil servant or educationalist and you are female you can expect a call. All of this is making no difference to the overall odds, which see assistant general secretary Declan Glynn still a warm favourite to take the post.

So much for the common school year.

We have been inundated with complaints about those unscheduled school closures or early closings for staff meetings, planning days and football matches.

Could somebody somewhere in the Department of Education remind schools that this creates huge child-minding difficulties for many parents?