In our interview we mentioned that Sheffield University was casting the the decision of the University Executive Board to end archaeology as a stand alone department at the University as an investment in excellence. Here is the full statement, from a Sheffield University spokesperson, upon which that comment was based: “The University is committed to retaining areas of strength in archaeology teaching and research at Sheffield. The University’s Executive Board is recommending that key areas of strength are aligned to other University departments, with enhanced investment for excellence. We will continue to play a role in our local communities and honour our commitment to all current students who will continue to receive high quality teaching, research supervision and support .”
Thanks for covering this. As a "made in Sheffield" archaeologist it has been difficult following events at the department over the past ten days. It's disturbing to find out how opaque and fast the process has been, and before the announcement was made, I hadn't realised the extent to which the department had been stripped of its staff over recent years. I work as a historic environment lead within a National Park, - many of my counterparts in other NPA's are also Sheffield graduates, and also horrified by what is going on - we all wrote to the exec board. While it's a very bleak situation, the response from across the archaeological community has been incredible - academics, curators, contractors and community groups - plus an international response. Hopefully more pressure can be focussed on the university over the coming weeks.
I registered my interest to do a MSc in archeology here in my home city of Sheffield. I decided to pursue MSc in environmental health due to prospect of jobs. However this is where my passion lies - I wish I'd have done it now. I am absolutely appalled that such a prestigious university wants to close the foundation from which so many subjects derive from. Archeology is such a specialism and for a Russel group university to get rid of this department is absolutely shocking!!!!
It's very interesting hear some details about the process and not just the substance. I get the impression that the agenda was set in stone for quite some time before they to pulled the trigger on it.
In our interview we mentioned that Sheffield University was casting the the decision of the University Executive Board to end archaeology as a stand alone department at the University as an investment in excellence. Here is the full statement, from a Sheffield University spokesperson, upon which that comment was based:
“The University is committed to retaining areas of strength in archaeology teaching and research at Sheffield. The University’s Executive Board is recommending that key areas of strength are aligned to other University departments, with enhanced investment for excellence.
We will continue to play a role in our local communities and honour our commitment to all current students who will continue to receive high quality teaching, research supervision and support .”
Thanks for covering this. As a "made in Sheffield" archaeologist it has been difficult following events at the department over the past ten days. It's disturbing to find out how opaque and fast the process has been, and before the announcement was made, I hadn't realised the extent to which the department had been stripped of its staff over recent years. I work as a historic environment lead within a National Park, - many of my counterparts in other NPA's are also Sheffield graduates, and also horrified by what is going on - we all wrote to the exec board.
While it's a very bleak situation, the response from across the archaeological community has been incredible - academics, curators, contractors and community groups - plus an international response. Hopefully more pressure can be focussed on the university over the coming weeks.
Crazy, I was an archaeology student there 10 years ago and had a fantastic time. Taught me everything I know
Thanks, both, for your responsible and accurate coverage of a sensitive topic.
Ridiculously short sighted move by the University, archaeology is hugely important
I registered my interest to do a MSc in archeology here in my home city of Sheffield. I decided to pursue MSc in environmental health due to prospect of jobs. However this is where my passion lies - I wish I'd have done it now. I am absolutely appalled that such a prestigious university wants to close the foundation from which so many subjects derive from. Archeology is such a specialism and for a Russel group university to get rid of this department is absolutely shocking!!!!
It's very interesting hear some details about the process and not just the substance. I get the impression that the agenda was set in stone for quite some time before they to pulled the trigger on it.
With the speed of decision making and governance within Universities, it'll have been brewing for a loooong time before being actioned.