YOUR report (“Green light for Scottish university’s degrees in New York”, The Herald, June14,) highlights that Glasgow Caledonian is the first foreign university to become a degree-granting institution in New York State. We are delighted this ground-breaking initiative has won through.

Glasgow Caledonian New York College (GCNYC), like most higher education institutions, is engaged in research and consultancy work. The long-awaited decision by New York State Education Department means that from the autumn we will also be running Masters degrees in ethical fashion and finance, two sectors for which New York is renowned. Market research indicated clear demand among employers for graduates in these degree courses.

During the period of the initial (provisional) charter, Glasgow Caledonian NYC has the corporate powers and duties of institutions with a full charter. It will deliver postgraduate degrees and receive student fees in the normal way.

Our degree courses currently receive the highest confidence rating from Quality Assurance Agency Scotland and we are very experienced in delivering our higher education courses in other countries. We have every confidence that we will maintain the academic standards required to secure the continued support of the New York State Education’s Board of Regents.

Professor Pamela Gillies,

Principal and Vice-Chancellor,

Glasgow Caledonian University, 70 Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow.