A MOTION concerning the future of the Memorial University of Newfoundland’s Harlow Campus
was proposed by Councillor Jake Shepherd and seconded by Councillor Joel Charles at a council meeting on Thursday night.

The motion stated: “The Memorial University of Newfoundland’s (MUN) Harlow Campus celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2019 and is one of only two universities in Canada with a foothold in the United Kingdom. Full Council is asked to note that the university’s Harlow Campus has a long and distinguished history of involvement in international teaching, research and service within our town.

This Motion to Full Council proposes key clauses which specifically respond to the ongoing speculation about the future of MUN’s Harlow Campus. It pledges Full Council’s commitment to continue fostering friendship, higher education research and cultural exchange between Harlow and Canada’s wider Newfoundland and Labrador province. Preserving this longstanding and historic international partnership between Canada and the UK will contribute to increasing the cultural, economic and educational capital of both countries.

Film of the speeches in relation to the motion are below.

Substantive Clauses:

  i)        Noting with caution the comments of MUN President and Vice-Chancellor Janet Morrison in the Canadian press, that “…everything is on the table…” in order to meet the institution's $20 million deficit, Full Council welcomes that no final decision on the campus, based in Old Harlow, has yet been made.

 ii)        Acknowledging the financial and enrolment pressures facing MUN, which put the campus in Old Harlow at risk, Full Council requests that the relevant Cabinet Member and senior officer(s) meet with the leadership of the university to discuss the implications for its existing local footprint.

iii) Full Council also kindly requests that representatives from MUN’s Harlow Campus host an all-member briefing to present the current options under consideration, including the proposal of a trade hub put forward by Dr Tom Cooper, to allow Councillors and officers to make representations.

iv) To recognise all those associated with MUN who have worked, studied and stayed in Harlow, Full Council wishes to put on record its thanks and appreciation. Furthermore, Full Council resolves, through the Chair of the Council, to write to MUN’s Board of Regents to put forward the strongest possible case in favour of retaining the Harlow Campus.

v)        Full Council will seek to explore further avenues to deepen academic, business and municipal ties to sustain the decades long international friendship between Newfoundland and Harlow.”