During 1999-2000 the University began a comprehensive programme of restructuring of its Faculties and Schools to deliver teaching learning and research over the next ten years and to position the University to achieve its corporate goals as identified in Vision and Strategy 2000-2010. The restructuring programme continued during 2000-2001 and the new arrangements are largely in place. The revised support infrastructure implementation will be finalised during 2001-2002.

The University has been reviewing its profile to ensure that its strategies for teaching, research, technology and knowledge transfer are fully aligned and to underpin the development of distinctive Centres of Excellence at each of its campuses. Some necessary realignment has been identified and this will phased in. Notable developments during 2000-2001 include receiving the commission from the Department for Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) to provide all pre-registration nurse education in the north and north-west of the province. Based mainly at the Magee campus and linked to the Altnagelvin Area Hospital, this provision commences in 2001-2002 and will grow substantially during the following two years. Discussions are also well advanced with the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) and the Northern Ireland Hotel and Catering College (NIHCC) at Portrush on the amalgamation of the College’s higher education provision into the University. This will facilitate the development of a Centre of Excellence in Hotel and Catering management at Coleraine/Portrush which will synergise with related centres of teaching and research excellence at the Coleraine campus. 

2000-2001 saw the first full year of operation of the University’s new governance structures. The new Council, which meets at least six times per year is now well established as are its new committees. Four new Standing Committees were created covering Academic and Academic Related Staff Progress; Non-Academic Staff Progress; Professoriate; and Health and Safety Management.

The new Senate and its committees are also fully operational and from 2002-2003 the committee structures in each Faculty will be revised to mirror the Senate structure in order to enhance decision making and communication flows. The 2001 Court Meeting was cancelled due to the Foot and Mouth crisis. Members of Court received the Annual Report and Financial Statements and were asked to ratify the appointment of a new Pro-Chancellor, Dr Gerry Burns, who took up the position in October 2001.