You probably won’t need to be told how different the University looks and feels following the changes made by the senior Cardiff University team. Schools have been slashed and departments merged under plans to save money.
One of those schools is the School of Welsh, which has now become the Department of Welsh within the larger School of Global Humanities. Other schools have also been merged within this larger School of Global Humanities such as English, History and Music.
Practically and structurally, the changes can be seen clearly. Similarly to many schools, the office for the School of Welsh has now turned into a teaching room within the John Percival Building. For many, it is sad to see that there is no single place with the ‘School’ although the Hyb for the Global Humanities which is situated in the John Percival entrance.
One of the students who have seen the changes is Megan Bill who studies Welsh.
"More than ever, I appreciat the work staff from the Welsh department are doing to maintain the feeling of community within the department, despite the changes"
“This has been a key factor of my experience in the university until now. Losing that would be a pity”.
Another student who has graduated, one of the last to do so under the ‘School of Welsh’ is Myfanwy Lewis who now studies a postgraduate course in the Department of Welsh. For Myfanwy, there is no clarity for MA students whether there is a room or specific location for the postgraduate students.
“The School of Welsh had one specific room for MA students; there is no longer a room”.
“There is no certainty nor communication regarding a specific study space within this new school. People are now more spread apart".
However, she acknowledged that there are some elements to applaud following the changes to the department.
According to Myfanwy, there are more chances to collaborate across the bigger school between different departments within the new school. This brings different opportunities for the students of the future.
She mentioned that Welsh as a subject remains a department on its own and added “that is not the same with English as a subject”, as English share a department with other subjects. However, the Welsh language continues to be recognized across the University.
According to Myfanwy, there remains a close community within the corridors of the Department of Welsh despite the abolition of the School of Welsh. She thanks, despite the changes, the staff within the Department of Welsh remain dedicated to the students.
More than ever, I appreciate the work staff from the Welsh department are doing to maintain the feeling of community within the department, despite the changes.