Student union expresses no confidence in University of Limerick president

THE STUDENTS' union at University of Limerick (UL) have unanimously voted no confidence in college president Prof Kerstin Mey.

It comes in the wake of revelations which showed college executives overpaid more than €5m on 20 homes in the city suburbs, as well as €1.5m extra on a former supermarket complex in the centre.

Prof Mey is currently on sick leave, with deputy president, Prof Shane Kilcommins currently doing her duties.

A number of groups linked to the university, including the UL Unite trade union and over 70 lecturers have already expressed concern at the governance issues on campus.

But it's the first time the student union, UL Student Life, have intervened amid the latest developments.

On Wednesday night, its student council, made up of more than 50 student representatives voted unanimously on a motion of no confidence in Prof Mey.

A vote of no confidence is a poll which shows a majority does not support the policy of a leader or governing body.

The student council expressed its anger and frustration at the ongoing management of finances and overall governance at the university.

In a statement, the group wrote: "Our students have demanded clarity and transparency around past financial decisions and insist on a definitive, forward-looking plan to address financial management at the university. It is imperative that this is communicated transparently to the entire university community to ensure accountability and to rebuild trust."

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"As a student representative body, we are deeply concerned by the current financial situation, particularly the potential impact on students. It is imperative that students are not subjected to the financial fallout through increased costs or reduced student services," the statement adds.

It also called for "prompt, transparent and fair solutions" to ensure students are not impacted by the college's financial mismanagement.

A UL spokesperson said: "UL takes these issues very seriously and is working with all stakeholders, internal and external, to chart the best way forward and to ensure the university continues to function as normal. Meantime, the Higher Education Authority has requested that University of Limerick’s governing authority undertake a review of specific issues in relation to the acquisition of the Rhebogue properties and in relation to general governance and culture of the university. The terms of reference for this review are expected to be finalised shortly."