December 3, 2024

Update on UOW’s Workplace Change Proposal

Staff consultation results in revision of Draft Change Proposal

The University of Wollongong (UOW) has entered the next stage of consultation with staff after today announcing a Revised Change Proposal.

The Proposal outlines adjustments made in response to feedback received during the consultation period and aims to ensure our academic strength, the quality of our student experience, and secure the long-term sustainability of our institution.

Interim Vice-Chancellor and President Professor John Dewar AO said the Revised Change Proposal has been developed through genuine consultation with staff.

“We have worked closely with staff over the last four weeks to shape this revised change proposal through genuine and constructive consultation,” Professor Dewar said.

“The Revised Change Proposal is a product of feedback received during this period and has resulted in several amendments to the proposal.

“Of the 25 disciplines identified as being in-scope for the change proposal, I’m pleased that we have been able to finalise or reach in-principle agreement with almost half of them.

“Where in-principle agreement has been reached, we will continue to work closely with affected staff to make the necessary curriculum changes or reductions in staffing levels required to deliver viability moving forward.

“Where discipline proposals remain unchanged, we will continue to engage constructively with staff throughout the second stage of consultation.

“This is essential because while we have taken some important steps to stabilise our budget this year, these are not long-term solutions. To transform our University, achieve financial sustainability and lay the foundation for our future success by building on our strengths, we must address activities that are unviable and significantly reduce our ongoing expenditure overall.” 

The Revised Change Proposal is open for staff feedback from 3 to 16 December 2024. All affected staff are encouraged to engage in the process during this period. The consultation process is being conducted in alignment with the requirements of the University’s enterprise agreements.

The transformation follows the University suffering a $35M drop in revenue this year, caused by a significant reduction in international onshore student enrolments.

Affected staff are being provided with personalised, professional, and confidential support through the University’s Employee Assistance Program provider, TELUS Health.