The future of the historic Lampeter campus is under review as the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) considers relocating its humanities department to Carmarthen. This proposed shift could end 200 years of Lampeter’s identity as a university town and is stirring significant concern among students, staff, and community members.
UWTSD announced on Monday its plans to hold discussions with students and staff about moving humanities courses from Lampeter to Carmarthen, a town more than 20 miles away. The proposal, set for implementation in September 2025, is intended to address what the university describes as “a progressive decline” in in-person student numbers. According to the university, this trend has made current operations on the Lampeter campus unsustainable.
Community and student backlash
Students and residents in the tight-knit community of Lampeter are reacting with dismay to the news, fearing that the proposed changes could severely impact the town’s economy and sense of identity. The university’s Student Union issued a statement urging students to attend a scheduled meeting on Wednesday, where they will have the opportunity to voice their concerns.
“We appreciate the University’s announcement is a shock to our members and the wider Lampeter community,” the statement read. “Our initial response to the announcement discussing the future of Lampeter and potentially moving courses to Carmarthen is on our website.”
Ceredigion MS Elin Jones described the news as “dreadful”, noting that Lampeter has been a university town for two centuries. She remarked: “The university’s proposal to move undergraduate education from its Lampeter campus is a real blow for the town. The campus has important assets used by both town and gown – the Quad building, the Arts Centre, the extensive grounds and the Library.”
Local business concerns
The Lampeter campus has long been an integral part of the town’s economic and social landscape. Local business owners fear that losing hundreds of students could lead to a severe downturn. Elfan James, who has run the popular Mark Lane Bakery since 1982, expressed his concern: “The 1990s were the good old days when about 1,500 students lived and studied in Lampeter. It was thriving. Students came from all over the world, speaking all sorts of languages. We don’t see that now.”
Impact on international students
For international students like Anya d’Abdank Kunicki, the potential move is especially troubling. “I specifically chose to come here to Lampeter to study. I like living here,” she explained. “I’m mostly scared. Everything is up in the air, and I’m anxious because I don’t want to leave.”
Kayleigh Iacov, an ancient history student, voiced similar frustrations: “I’m quite seriously considering changing university because of this.”
University’s stance
The university maintains that the proposal aims to improve the overall student experience by consolidating resources and activities on the Carmarthen campus. UWTSD vice chancellor Professor Elwen Evans noted that the move is part of a broader review designed to “enhance our overall student experience and strengthen our programme delivery and quality.” She added that UWTSD hopes to establish Carmarthen as a “vibrant destination for students and staff.”
However, when pressed on whether the move was purely financially driven, the university declined to comment, stating instead that the decision stems from a “steady decline in the number of students being taught in-person” at Lampeter. The statement read: “This is not a sustainable situation, and we must take action. Our deliberations will take into account how to serve the best interest of our students, staff, and the community in Lampeter.”
Political reactions
Political figures have also raised concerns over the proposed relocation. Ceredigion Preseli MP Ben Lake called the university a “cornerstone” of Lampeter, noting that “relocating humanities undergraduate teaching to Carmarthen would be a severe blow to both the academic and local community.”
Plaid Cymru’s Education spokesperson, Cefin Campbell MS, highlighted the urgency of action from the Welsh Government, which has faced criticism for not addressing the financial struggles of Welsh universities. “Staff and the local community are already worried about the future of the Lampeter campus, and this latest news will only increase fears,” he said.
The Welsh Government, however, has maintained that it is a matter for the university and that it is closely monitoring the financial pressures facing universities across Wales.
A legacy under threat
Founded in 1822, Lampeter is the birthplace of higher education in Wales. Over the years, the campus has developed into a centre for disciplines such as archaeology, ancient civilisations, creative writing, and theology. While UWTSD has stated its commitment to retaining the main Lampeter campus estate, the proposed changes could transform the role of the campus in the community.
As the discussions continue, students, alumni, and Lampeter residents are left hoping that their voices will be heard. With UWTSD’s leadership scheduled to meet with concerned parties in the coming days, the community awaits answers about the future of Wales’ oldest university campus.
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Image credit: Twrist
This article was written by Psychreg News Team from www.psychreg.org
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