All Dundee University Chaplaincy staff have taken voluntary redundancy following the university’s third round of job cuts to save £15m, it has been revealed.
The three Chaplaincy staff members, which includes University Chaplain, the Rev Dr Fiona Douglas who has remained in her role for nearly three decades, will leave their roles at the institution by the end of December this year.
This chaplaincy café, which was a social hub where staff and students alike could purchase homemade soup or fresh coffee, has also been closed for the current academic year.
The university has stated that it will not reopen the café.
A member of staff who wishes to remain anonymous told The Jute Journal (TJJ): “As a low-income student and staff, the chaplaincy was my safe haven, for years, during the colder months to get some hot soup & a roll for cheap.
“For me, it was a lot of the time the only hot meal I could‘ve afforded to eat out.”
University Chaplain Dr. Fiona Douglas Takes Voluntary Redundancy
Dr. Douglas has dedicated herself to the role of the institution’s chaplain since 1997. Earlier this year, in June, she was recognised as DUSA’s Public Figure of the Year at the President’s Awards. One week later she and the rest of her staff were told their roles were at risk of redundancy.
Dr. Douglas told TJJ at the time that the news was “devastating”.
Tom Christison, DUSA President, said: “I am deeply saddened by the loss of the Chaplaincy Café and the departure of Rev Dr Fiona Douglas, whose nearly 30 years of compassionate service were recognized with DUSA’s Public Figure of the Year Award in May.
“For students and staff of all faiths and none, the chaplaincy has been a vital source of support”.
TJJ previously spoke to Interim Principal Professor Nigel Seaton about the future of the Chaplaincy. He said the Chaplaincy will continue “indefinitely”.
In an email to staff and students, Prof Seaton said: “Over the coming months, between October and February, we will transition to a purely Honorary Chaplain model, building on the network of honorary chaplains that already serve the University community.
“I recognise that the Chaplaincy has been an important part of university life for many students, staff and members of our wider community. It has provided opportunities for reflection, pastoral support, friendship and events that have enriched the student experience. As we move forward, it is important to emphasise that the Chaplaincy Space itself will remain open and continue to be available for students and staff.
“Future plans will be supported by a model of volunteer contacts from a range of faith backgrounds, and we will continue to offer space for reflection and faith on campus.”
Honorary Chaplains to take on Chaplaincy Service
Correction: TJJ only contacted Dundee University honorary chaplains who have phone numbers listed on the chaplaincy website page. Those listed only with email addresses were not contacted.
An honorary chaplain is a volunteer position at Dundee University. On the University Chaplaincy website, it is stated: “Our chaplains are here for you to provide pastoral care and support. Feel free contact any of our chaplains to arrange a meeting.”
TJJ attempted to contact all of the honorary chaplains listed on the chaplaincy website.
Out of the 10 chaplains contacted; only one responded stating that they would continue as an honorary chaplain. Most of the phone numbers were not recognised or went straight to voicemail.
With there being no staff present in person, and honorary chaplains who do not respond online, it leaves several students with a website that is dysfunctional.
Prof Seaton said that support would be available through other means this semester.
In response to none of the honorary chaplains being contactable, a student who wishes to stay anonymous said:
“It’s Bullshit! Last year during an incredibly difficult time, I was on exchange and was very fortunate that I could access support services there. When I returned to Dundee, the student support services were absolutely gutted; it took me a while to get an appointment.
“If that was what they were back then, I wonder how they are now. It’s total bullshit.”
Earlier this June, the University proposed to close the Chaplaincy in its Recovery Plan. Since then, this is the first time the university has given an update on the Chaplaincy.
The Chaplaincy’s Impact on Staff and Students
An anonymous student told TJJ that:
“The lack of information about the chaplaincy and ways to contact them about issues has become increasingly hard. It seems to be a non-issue to the rest of the university team, as I keep being brushed off and passed around different members of staff.”
An anonymous member of staff told TJJ that:
“They’re ripping the heart out of the university. Between the chaplaincy and the global room, these are parts of the university that make the university what it is.
“Frankly, it looks like they don’t care about any of this. I honestly don’t know where students can go now. They’re just going to be empty rooms. A chaplaincy without a chaplain is not a chaplaincy.”
Another anonymous member of staff said that:
“Students have a completely decimated student support service. I think that emails that are being sent to students are essentially lies. Students need to ask questions, ask for details, use the critical thinking that we are trying to instil in them and not let go till they get a clear answer.”
Prof Seaton also announced a chaplaincy consultation period: “Over the coming months, we will undertake a programme of engagement and consultation with students, staff, faith groups and other stakeholders to understand what they would like from chaplaincy and faith support within a modern, diverse and vibrant university community.
“The feedback received will help shape how chaplaincy services, pastoral support, events and community spaces develop in the future.”
What you you think?
If you wish to share your opinion with TJJ about the Chaplain’s departure from the university, please get in touch by emailing thejutejournal@dusamedia.com.