Madam, - On June 1st you published a letter denying that there is a cult of managerialism in Trinity College, Dublin.
The next day an article showed that there have been drastic consolidations in the college, with more to come.
Also, a chief operating officer and a chief academic officer are to be imposed.
The changes attest not only managerialism, but also dirigisme.
Scholars and scientists have lost power; bureaucratic functionaries have gained much, with the approval of the provost.
University departments are the best judges of their own interests.
To say that small departments are no longer "out there on their own" is a misperception of the effects of enforced conglomeration - think of acting at TCD and of demoted old Irish at UCD. Talk of COOs and the like is prompted by a corporatism imported from business and propelled by a naive supposition that all change is for the better.
The changes are costly; they come at a time when a financial crisis in the college threatens; and they are motivated by a belief that political paymasters have to be shown that Trinity is doing something to be more efficient. Some of the changes may well be contrary to the statutes; the matter requires the early attention of the Visitors.
As for efficiency, the great increase in the number of students attained without a catastrophic decline in standards and without a proportionate increase in payments from the State, is proof of merit.
A well-conducted college should be more candid in speaking truth unto power.
It is sad that the Fellows have been reluctant to exercise their right to give advice in academic matters when collegiate leadership has been incoherent. A venerable institution formerly renowned for scientific originality, independent thinking, love of learning, and fiscal prudence, deserves better. - Yours, etc,
GEORGE HUXLEY, Hon.Litt.D.(Dublin), School of Classics, Trinity College, Dublin 2.