The University of Technology Sydney’s (UTS) plan to slash subjects, courses, and jobs has created a growing concern about the future for both staff and students.
The restructure, officially announced last week, includes closing the schools of Education, International Studies and Public Health, with more than 1,100 subjects and 134 full-time jobs on the line.
University management says the changes are aimed at reducing expenditure by $100 million and returning the institution to financial stability after several years of deficits.
Staff have responded to the proposal with significant concern and associate Professor Paddy Gibson, a member of the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) branch committee, said that the impact on the community and its work is already evident.
“It has been heartbreaking to see the belligerent attitude that our management has taken throughout this,” Mr Gibson said.
“Students who thought they had a pathway to higher degree research are now seeing that pathway’s been snatched away.”
Executive director of strategic communication at Universities Australia, Jenny Clark, said financial pressures on universities are the result of long-term underfunding.
“What you’re seeing is basically the result of 20 years of underfunding higher education in Australia,” Ms Clark said.
“Like any other business, you can’t spend more than you bring in, so this requires tough decisions.
Of course it’s bad for students, but at the end of the day you’ve got to balance the books.”
UTS has opened a consultation period until October 15, as well as a list of FAQs, allowing staff and students to raise concerns.
