The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) has announced plans to close its School of International Studies and Education, a decision that threatens the employment of numerous staff members and the future of its teacher education programs. This move comes despite appeals from the state government to reconsider and follows a troubling financial report indicating a deficit of $78 million last year.
On March 15, 2024, dozens of staff were informed during a meeting that the restructuring proposal, which is set to undergo a four-week consultation period, would result in the majority of their positions becoming redundant. A university management representative stated, “Unfortunately, with the proposed changes from the disestablishment of the school, should these changes go ahead, it’s been identified that your positions will no longer be required in the future.”
While some programs, including international relations and criminology, will be retained under different faculties, the fate of the teacher education program appears grim. An academic who attended the meeting expressed that the presentation seemed to convey a sense of finality regarding the program’s closure, despite management’s reassurances of potential alternatives.
The restructuring plan also impacts the School of Public Health, which was similarly designated for closure. UTS is seeking to achieve approximately $100 million in ongoing savings as it attempts to stabilize its financial situation and maintain a good credit rating. This follows months of instability, including the announcement of cuts affecting 150 academics and 250 professional staff.
The university has recently attracted a record number of foreign students, which contrasts sharply with its financial struggles. Amidst these challenges, management has faced criticism for its handling of the situation. Reports revealed that Vice-Chancellor Andrew Parfitt incurred more than $20,000 for a business class ticket to an alumni event in the United States, provoking backlash over perceived financial mismanagement.
Staff reactions to the proposed job cuts have included frustration and disappointment, particularly after management directed them to engage in personal tasks to alleviate stress. The university was compelled to delay the announcement of job cuts due to intervention from the Fair Work Commission, which followed complaints from the tertiary education union.
Dr. Sarah Kaine, who chairs the NSW Legislative Council Inquiry into the university sector, condemned the proposed closures as a direct threat to public education in New South Wales (NSW). She stated, “To dismantle these programs in the middle of a teacher shortage crisis and ongoing public health challenges, particularly in Indigenous communities, is indefensible.”
The NSW Department of Education has highlighted the significant contributions of UTS graduates, with over 8,500 having taught in public schools since 1991, and 3,500 currently employed as teachers. Secretary Murat Dizdar expressed disappointment at the potential closure of the teacher education programs, emphasizing their importance for future cohorts.
In response to the backlash, Parfitt indicated that no final decisions regarding redundancies have been made and reiterated that the release of the academic change proposal marks the beginning of a “genuine and robust” consultation process. The university aims to engage with affected staff to support their well-being during this challenging time.
As the situation unfolds, UTS staff await further details on the restructuring plan, set to be formally unveiled on March 16, 2024. The outcome of these discussions will significantly impact the institution’s future and its ability to train new educators in the region.
