City uni secures licence for New York campus
NEARLY four years after announcing the move, Glasgow Caledonian University has been given the official nod to open a New York campus.
The Evening Times exclusively told of plans for the university’s New York base in September 2013.
Now GCU has been awarded a charter by New York State Education Department (NYSED) to become a degree-granting body in New York.
The move makes the university the first foreign higher education institution to achieve this.
Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Pamela Gillies said: “I am absolutely thrilled that we now have the opportunity to build upon our new research and business relationships in New York to deliver our unique programmes, which focus on fair fashion, fair finance and sustainability.
“Our New York team, led by Vice-President Cara Smyth, should be very proud of the steadfast way it has forged a new path for our university.”
The award is for a ‘provisional’ charter, which becomes ‘absolute’ after a period of five years subject to a review by NYSED.
During the initial period, GCNYC will have the authority to deliver Masters courses and charge fees – many US students will be eligible for scholarships to study.
The decision on the university’s charter application was made during a meeting in New York yesterday afternoon of the Board of Regents.
Ms Smyth, a former director of the Burberry and Jil Sander fashion chains, said: “I am delighted that we will be able to put all our plans into action and offer Masters degrees in finance, fashion and social business.
“Our Fair Fashion Center will support the degrees as we continue to identify effective approaches to profitable sustainability, proving the business case by turning global challenges into industry opportunities.”
Nicola Sturgeon visited the New York campus in June 2015 while former First Minister Alex Salmond also visited and made a speech.
While the campus does not yet have students, bosses said staff at Glasgow Caledonian New York College (GCNYC) have been engaged in research, conferences and other events since it opened its doors.
Hazel Brooke, chair of the university’s governing body, said: “We welcome the outcome.”