Glasgow Caley gets New York go-ahead

The institution can now take on students in the Big Apple

Published 14th Jun 2017

Glasgow Caledonian University has been given permission to award degrees from its New York campus in what is believed to be a first for a foreign higher education institution.

GCU has been awarded a charter by New York State Education Department (NYSED) to become a degree-granting body in New York.

The staff at Glasgow Caledonian New York College have been engaged in research, conferences and other events since the campus opened its doors in 2013.

The institution has been granted a "provisional'' charter, which becomes "absolute'' after a period of five years subject to a review by NYSED.

During the initial period, GCNYC will have the authority to deliver Masters courses and charge fees, and said that many US students will be eligible for scholarships to study.

Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Pamela Gillies said: "Glasgow Caledonian University is a special place. We are a forward-looking, socially entrepreneurial and truly international University.

"I am absolutely thrilled that we now have the opportunity to build upon our new research and business relationships in New York to deliver our unique programmes, which focus on fair fashion, fair finance and sustainability.

"Our New York team, led by Vice-President Cara Smyth, should be very proud of the steadfast way it has forged a new path for our university.''

The campus was officially opened by Alex Salmond, then Scotland's First Minister, in April 2014.

The university said that more than 30y global brands have been inspired to work with the GCU Fair Fashion Centre to research fashion as an instrument of sustainability and ethical business.

Ms Smyth said: "I am delighted that we will be able to put all our plans into action and offer Masters degrees in finance, fashion and social business.

"Our Fair Fashion Centre will support the degrees as we continue to identify effective approaches to profitable sustainability, proving the business case by turning global challenges into industry opportunities.

"I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to our GCU colleagues, the team here, and our many supporters in business, not-for-profits and the city of New York.'