University governance

Sir Alan Langlands is to leave his job as chief executive of England’s funding council to become vice-chancellor of the University of Leeds, where he has been welcomed as a “stellar figure” in higher education.

Students and academics need to be much more involved in the management and improvement of universities if the future of higher education is to be safeguarded.

University Campus Suffolk is to begin the process of gaining its own degree-awarding powers, its board has confirmed.

The chief executive of the Higher Education Academy is to be the new head of the University of the West of Scotland.

The University of York has unveiled Belgian cognitive psychologist Koen Lamberts as its new vice-chancellor.

Liverpool John Moores University has chosen a high-profile judge as its new chancellor – although the appointment may not win many plaudits in the national press.

Rick Trainor is to step down as principal of King’s College London in October 2014 after 10 years in charge at the central London institution.

A document that aims to bridge the gender leadership gap in higher education worldwide has been officially launched at an international conference.

Academic proposes ‘analytic hierarchy process’ and more planning to avoid costly mistakes by universities. David Matthews reports

Management pledges to tackle ‘stress-inducing’ culture. By Elizabeth Gibney

The University of Central Lancashire has appointed Gerry Kelleher to become its vice-chancellor when it moves to a new corporate-style group structure later this year.

Analysis of information on staff and students can help to improve recruitment and retention

The mission groups divide the academy, argues Thomas Docherty, and their demise could usher in a more rational, democratic sector

Joanna Lewis asks whether appointing ‘a decent enough upper-class numpty’ as chancellor is the best her alma mater can do

Regulator to review range of options for institutions falling short on quality measures

The demands on Ucas are growing and changing in nature. Ucas’ board must adapt to reflect this, says Steve Smith

Four UK universities join forces to gain competitive edge in funding shoot-out. Elizabeth Gibney writes

After 12 months as Reading’s v-c, David Bell reflects on the pleasures (and occasional pains) of leading the institution

V-c keen to match Loughborough’s sports prowess with broad disciplinary strength.

Whether spurred by lofty research ambition or the prosaic hope that one can live more cheaply than two, universities’ urge to merge can bring cultural as well as organisational challenges, as recent unions show. David Matthews reports

Whether spurred by lofty research ambition or the prosaic hope that one can live more cheaply than two, universities’ urge to merge can bring cultural as well as organisational challenges, as recent unions show. David Matthews reports

One academic’s experience of coalescing institutions was not a positive one, largely owing to a lack of forethought or consideration

Jon Marcus on military veterans trading drills and battlefields for disciplinary fields and fundraising

Remuneration of Russell Group v-cs up as pension allowances approach ceiling. Jack Grove reports

Unions protest over transfer of academic support services to external firm. Jack Grove reports

University efforts to make it easier to remove fixed-term staff anger unions. Jack Grove writes

Third of sector expects staff to hold qualification, FoI request shows. Elizabeth Gibney reports

More than 150 posts to go as London Met is forced to tighten its belt. David Matthews reports

Behind closed doors, elite institutions were highly critical of White Paper reforms, finds John Morgan

Holyrood seeks power over admissions, governance and, via the SFC, courses. David Matthews reports

Access, engagement and rankings too: ex-minister turned v-c sees bright future. John Morgan writes

A second stab at reforming path to dismissal draws UCU counter-attack. Elizabeth Gibney writes