October 23, 2024

University begins consultation with staff on potential workplace change

Reduction in international enrolments means tough choices needed to ensure a brighter future

The University of Wollongong (UOW) has commenced a preliminary phase of consultation with staff and unions about potential workplace change to stabilise the University’s financial position. 

Changes in Australian Government policy have significantly reduced UOW’s international onshore enrolments this year and will continue to do so in coming years. 

As a result, UOW experienced a $35 million drop in revenue this year and is forecasting a larger impact to the 2025 budget.  

Interim Vice-Chancellor and President Professor John Dewar said that while UOW had successfully implemented a range of measures to address the financial shortfall, further cost-reduction was needed. 

“We are facing significant financial challenges and a period of unprecedented government reform,” Professor Dewar said.   

“While we have taken some important steps to stabilise this year’s budget, these are not long-term solutions. To transform our university, achieve financial sustainability, and lay the foundations for a successful future, we must stop activities that are unviable and significantly reduce our expenditure overall.   

“In our current financial circumstances, we must focus on our strengths in teaching and research, which means that we must consider discontinuing some areas of teaching where we have low student demand and areas of research activity.  

“This means that we will be looking at our teaching and research performance across the board and identifying areas where we can no longer justify maintaining our current levels of staffing. 

“We are undertaking work to assess any potential impact on students. We are committed to ensuring all our students can progress successfully in their studies, and personalised academic advice will be provided to any students whose study plan may be impacted. 

“The decision to initiate this change process has not been an easy one. But we must make tough choices now to set the University up for a brighter future.” 

The consultation process will be conducted in alignment with the requirements of the University’s enterprise agreements and staff will be kept informed throughout.​ 

All UOW staff were informed today and have been invited to provide information and suggestions that they consider relevant for the development of any formal draft change proposal. 

The initial phase of proposed change will focus on reducing teaching and research activities ahead of the 2025 academic year.