The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) has announced plans to close its School of International Studies and Education, a move that will result in significant job losses. This decision comes despite appeals from the New South Wales government to reconsider the proposal. During a meeting held on March 5, 2024, staff members were informed that their positions would be eliminated as part of a larger restructuring effort.
The university is grappling with a financial deficit of $78 million and has initiated plans to reduce costs by approximately $100 million annually. The restructuring will include the disbandment of the education program, affecting numerous staff members. According to a management representative, “Unfortunately, with the proposed changes from the disestablishment of the school, it’s been identified that your positions will no longer be required in the future.”
While certain courses, including international relations and criminology, will be retained, they will be relocated to other faculties. A faculty member who attended the meeting expressed concerns about the finality of the decision, noting an “overwhelming feeling” among staff that the closure was already determined.
In addition to the education school, the School of Public Health is also facing closure under the redundancy proposal. The university’s plan to cut 150 academic and 250 professional positions has been met with criticism, particularly as UTS has recently enrolled a record number of international students.
The controversy surrounding the restructuring has intensified, especially following reports that Vice-Chancellor Andrew Parfitt spent over $20,000 on a business class ticket for travel to the United States. Staff received guidance suggesting they tackle tasks like “cleaning a bathroom,” which was viewed as insensitive amidst looming job losses.
The announcement of the job cuts was delayed due to actions taken by the tertiary education union in the Fair Work Commission. In response to these developments, Dr. Sarah Kaine, a member of the NSW Legislative Council, condemned the decision as a threat to the integrity of higher education in the state. “To dismantle programs during a teacher shortage crisis is indefensible,” she stated.
The NSW Department of Education’s secretary, Murat Dizdar, highlighted the impact of UTS graduates, noting that 8,500 graduates have taught in public schools since 1991, with 3,500 currently in the profession. “The contribution has been significant, and their absence from future cohorts will be felt,” he added.
Despite the formal announcement of the restructuring, Parfitt assured staff that no final decisions had been made regarding redundancies. He described the release of the academic change proposal as a starting point for a “genuine and robust” consultation process.
As UTS prepares for the formal unveiling of its redundancy proposal, the focus remains on the implications for students, staff, and the broader education sector in New South Wales. The university community awaits further details to understand the full extent of the restructuring and its potential impact on future educational offerings.
