Universities becoming ‘profit-making institutions’

By Dick Ahlstrom. Teachers’ unions open campaign to defend third level bodies in their research.
Irish universities are turning into profit-making institutions rather than serving their proper purpose as a public good. The change could destroy the higher education sector, university staff have warned. 
A ‘Defend the University’ campaign was launched today by two unions who represent lecturers, the Irish Federation of University Teachers and Siptu. They say they have the initial support of at least 700 lecturers and academics across all seven Irish universities with more moving to support the call. 
The campaign also launched a 10-point charter aimed at preventing the universities from becoming a research backup for the private sector. Their concerns arose because of current Government policy which argues that State investment in research should deliver a return, in the case of university principally from useful products, services and medical treatments. More...