Mr McConnell pledged his full support for the Crichton site

The university plans a phased withdrawal from the Crichton site in the face of �800,000-a-year losses.

The University and College Union has written to the first minister urging his intervention.

A statement from Mr McConnell confirmed his "full support" for safeguarding developments at the Crichton.

The union has highlighted the low level of educational and enterprise spending in Dumfries and Galloway compared with the Highlands.

To stop admitting students now would be to throw in the towel before the end of round one Alastair Hunter UCU Scottish President

It has called on ministers to "knock heads together" to ensure the region has access to the best possible higher education provision.

The Dumfries campus is expected to be discussed when the Glasgow University court meets on 14 February.

The UCU wants that to be deferred pending the outcome of two spending reviews and a debate in the Scottish Parliament.

Scottish president Alastair Hunter said enough time must be given to the campaign for additional public funding.

"We deplore the haste of the Glasgow University court to take the axe to Crichton student admissions," he said.

"To stop admitting students now would be to throw in the towel before the end of round one."

'Secure future'

A statement from Mr McConnell pledged his support for the Crichton campus.

"I believe the overall level of provision at the Crichton campus should be at least maintained," he said.

"Working with the Crichton partners, the Scottish Funding Council is doing a crucial job in developing a strategy that will enable this to happen and support a secure future for the campus involving a range of initiatives.

"They have my full support."