Oliver Mumford

• BA (Hons) History
• “What it is good for?” The Role of the University in Society; Stellenbosch and Newcastle

A sense of civic duty is a trait professed by universities around the world. Professor Chris Brink’s appointment as Vice-Chancellor at the universities of Stellenbosch and Newcastle exemplifies the significance of this attitude.

Stellenbosch, in South Africa, was established in 1918 as an Afrikaans university; teaching and administration conducted in the white minority language, it became a cradle of Afrikaner nationalism, and apartheid. Even after the introduction of democracy in 1994, Stellenbosch remained an exclusive, white institution. In 2002, as Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brink began to de-racialise Stellenbosch University.

In 2007, now at Newcastle, Brink promoted social engagement in a different social environment by developing the “Civic University.”

Since the 1992 expansion of universities, introduction of student fees, and reductions in government funding, UK universities and students increasingly see themselves as prioritising economic self-interest. Consequently, it may be asked “what are universities good for?” The Civic University provides a good answer.

Funding source: Newcastle University

Project Supervisor: Dr Martin Farr