Introduction

SOUTHAMPTON COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY, SOUTHAMPTON COLLEGE OF HIGHER EDUCATION, SOUTHAMPTON INSTITUTE

Part of what is now Solent University began its existence as Southampton College of Technology (SCOT).  Whilst under that banner, Dennis Rutley, a member of the academic staff, began the publication of a weekly ‘newsletter’ in an attempt to improve communication within the organization.

He continued to perform this function as the organization changed its name twice within a comparatively short span of time.

The following summary of the 17 annual volumes is an attempt to give a picture of life within the organization, both professional and social, over this period of constant change.  The college had initially a goal of becoming a Polytechnic but that ambition was thwarted by the Government’s decision to do away with the status of polytechnic.  The newsletter covers the period leading up to the time when Polytechnic status was a goal.

I have tried to achieve a balance in the items I have selected to report from the newsletters over the years.  For an official research then Minutes of Academic Boards, Governors Meetings etc would need to be consulted.  This recording is of more trivial events that helped shape the culture of the working conditions of the college over a period of years.

Dennis Rutley is to be commended both for his notion of the newsletter and for his perseverance in producing and editing it over so long a period.  There are many who will testify to the uniqueness of his venture that allows us now to get such a clear picture of an organization and its staff.

Finally, I must acknowledge the part played by my son, Jonathan, in making this blog possible and thank him for his efforts.

Jim Rumsey

April  2019