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Academic considerations
The College's academic development since coming under the aegis of the UPGC has been impressive. To expand from 2,054 fte students, all on sub-degree courses, in 1984-85, to the present population of 2,900, with 52% participating in degree programmes, and a planned population of 3,000 students, with 92% (2,760) on degree courses, by 1990-91, represents a significant achievement. Six degree courses have been examined by the CNAA to date; of these, three were recommended for introduction; two were validated with some reservations on the part of the CNAA visiting panels; and one was not approved.
The UPGC considers that this rapid development will require a period of consolidation for at least a year or two at the beginning of the 1991-94 triennium and, for this reason, members hold the view that
it would not be appropriate for the College to expand to 4,000 fte by 1994. This would mean an increase of 1,000 fte in one triennium alone, or an average annual increase of more than 10%, which in the Committee's opinion, could only be achieved with detriment to academic standards. However, bearing in mind the progress made so far and the future programmes projected by the College for the period post-1991, the Committee considers that there would be merit in permitting some expansion at the College up to 1996-97. this to be approved, the Committee would wish to discuss with the College the most appropriate areas for development.
Accommodation
The redevelopment of the College's campus at Waterloo Road is scheduled to be completed in time for the start of the 1990-91 academic year. The accommodation is designed for a maximum student population of 3,000 fte and it would be extremely difficult to exceed that number on the site. Any expansion beyond 3,000 fte would, therefore, have to be catered for elsewhere. On the completion of the redevelopment project, the site at Renfrew Road which the College is occupying temporarily for decanting purposes would become available. It would be possible to provide accommodation there for up to a further 2,000 fte students (i.e. up to 5,000 fte overall).