SDU and RUC discontinue negotiations
More than six months of investigations, which were supposed to lead to Roskilde University taking over Campus Slagelse from the University of Southern Denmark, have ended without an agreement between the parties.
On 1 March, the University of Southern Denmark and Roskilde University signed a letter of intent for Roskilde University to take over Campus Slagelse on 1 September 2024.
- On the basis of the letter of intent, a good, constructive and very thorough process was initiated. I would like to thank Roskilde University for an excellent collaboration where both parties have wanted to reach a good agreement. We have never doubted the good intentions of Roskilde University. However, despite the good intentions of both parties to achieve the goal of the letter of intent, we must now, after six months of investigation and dialogue, acknowledge that the negotiations will end without a transfer agreement,’ says Jens Ringsmose, Rector of the University of Southern Denmark.
- We saw great potential in taking over SDU’s activities in Slagelse. But at Roskilde University, we will continue to strive to be the university for all of Zealand. In this context, it is important to emphasise that we are in the process of exploring the possibilities of developing educational programmes tailored to the needs of West Zealand, and we will continue to engage in dialogue with local stakeholders, including municipalities, businesses and interest groups, says Hanne Leth Andersen, Rector of Roskilde University.
Challenged economy
- The reason is that we unfortunately cannot find common ground when it comes to the economy. The demographic development with smaller and smaller youth cohorts has meant a significant drop in the number of students at Campus Slagelse in recent years – and thus less educational revenue. This poses a challenge to the economy. Based on this, we must unfortunately conclude that the negotiations have ended without a result – and that the good wishes in the letter of intent cannot be realised,’ Jens Ringsmose and Hanne Leth Andersen agree.
SDU’s management will now assess the situation and consider alternative options for Campus Slagelse.