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The University of Wollongong hasn't shied away from what it calls 'tough choices' over the last few weeks. Subscribe now for unlimited access . Login or signup to continue reading Interim Vice Chancellor John Dewar was brought in as a new broom with a short lifespan, and just over 100 days into his care, that clear-out is well and truly underway.
Today, UOW started consulting with staff in advance of cuts for academic and professional staff positions that support teaching and research. It's unknown how many people are affected at this stage, but by Christmas, UOW will likely look very different. And there's unlikely to be any respite in 2025, with a letter to staff from Mr Dewar outlining further changes that will affect professional staff in the New Year.
It's a time of pain and uncertainty for UOW staff, but for many, the announcement perhaps comes with a sense of relief. From the beginning, Mr Dewar made it clear where this train was heading, and now the process has begun, and people can at least begin to learn more about what this means for them. And the university doesn't stand alone in this.
Earlier this week, the University of Canberra announced 200 jobs would go as the establishment looks to cut $50m out of its budget by the end of next year. The Australian National University announced 650 redundancies, and James Cook University announced 50 job losses. The financial troubles at our universities have been put down to recent changes to government policies involving international and domestic students.
UOW alone has a $35m drop in revenue this year and is forecasting a larger shortfall next year. It doesn't take an accounting genius to figure out if the money in doesn't equate to money out, then there's an issue, so it's more than prudent that UOW makes adjustments. Particularly as Mr Dewar outlined to staff, if the university wants to set itself up for "a brighter future".
Or perhaps we should say any future. There's no doubt that many in Wollongong will be watching the university's next move closely. Its impact will be wide-reaching for those it employs and for the talent it grows for our local businesses.
Wollongong needs a strong university. Let's hope this pain ultimately is for the greater good. More from Editorial Newsletters & Alerts DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team.
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