TWENTOS University - that will be our name later. 'We', consists of the Universität Osnabrück and the UT after the merger.
The new name - from 'Twente' and 'Osnabrück' - can already be seen in German newspapers, but does not ring a bell on campus. 'TWENTOS', someone from the UT Policy Bureau responds. 'Sorry, but we do not know that here.'
In December a thirty-five page report was already doing the rounds in the Osnabr³ck faculties with the title 'Perspektiven einer fusion der Universitäten Twente und Osnabrück'. A visiting lecturer from Mathematical Sciences (TW) saw the report in Osnabrück, and, surprised, took it with him to Twente. There nobody had heard of the fascinating plans.
This despite the fact that the report opens with a firm letter of intent, in the name of both chiefs, president prof. dr. R. Künzel and rector magnificus prof. dr. Frans van Vught. Discussions in the Spring of 2001 would have yielded the view, according to the explorative report, that 'not only co-operation but also merging should be considered as a possible strategy for promising chances for the future development of both universities.' Tough language, also according to the University Council, which received the Osnabr³cker report through the TW lecturer. 'We have asked Van Vught for an explanation', according to the chairman of the KPS in the University Council, Geerten Schrama. During the meeting on 14 January he has confirmed the report and acknowledged that the UT was preparing a similar study. As long as that has not appeared Van Vught did not consider it advisable to discuss the matter. He also emphasised that he has not put his signature anywhere. Osnabrück, on the other hand, had no problems with giving the report to the press. 'University leaders propose a merger across the border', was the headline in the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung. Apparently the enthusiasm across the border can hardly be contained.
