The University of Wollongong (UOW) is set to broaden its Ramsay Centre program by introducing a new Liberal Arts major. This initiative follows the university’s acceptance of a renewed funding agreement with the Ramsay Centre for Western Civilisation, securing support for the next five years. The Liberal Arts major will be accessible to students from all faculties and aims to delve into classic works and ideas from both Western and non-Western traditions.
The university describes this Liberal Arts program as “a defining part of UOW’s academic identity.” Professor Dan Hutto, head of the School of Liberal Arts, emphasized the importance of the liberal arts in preparing students for the future. He stated, “At the heart of this new major is a conviction that the liberal arts remain vital: not because they preserve tradition, but because they equip us to respond to the future with insight, humanity, and resilience.” UOW aims to cultivate a spirit of open inquiry among its students.
In a notable departure from typical course structures, UOW will limit class sizes to 15 students for its tutorials. This approach is intended to foster a high-quality, discussion-centered learning environment, allowing for more personalized educational experiences.
The partnership between UOW and the Ramsay Centre has been contentious since its inception in 2019, when the Ramsay Centre provided a significant donation of $50 million. Initially, several UOW academics expressed concerns that the program did not align with contemporary academic thought and societal values in Australia. Similarly, faculty members at the University of Sydney opposed Ramsay’s involvement, alleging it promoted “European supremacism.”
The Ramsay Centre was initially chaired by former Prime Minister John Howard and now includes former Prime Minister Tony Abbott on its board. UOW’s deal followed the Australian National University’s withdrawal from negotiations with the Ramsay Centre over concerns regarding academic freedom. Supporters of the Ramsay partnership view it as a counter to what they perceive as a prevailing “leftist” academic agenda.
UOW officials announced that the expansion of the Ramsay program aligns with their commitment to developing critical thinkers and enriching the arts and humanities. “We will teach you how to think, not what to think,” Professor Hutto remarked. “That’s the promise of a true liberal arts education. Ours is a degree for the intellectually courageous.” He elaborated that the university aims to nurture a complex form of courage that incorporates wisdom, intellectual honesty, and humility.
The performance of Ramsay scholars has been notable, with approximately 80 percent achieving distinction or high distinction in their core subjects. Additionally, three students have been recognized as University Medallists, highlighting the academic success of participants in the program.
Earlier this year, the Arts faculty at UOW experienced significant cuts, with entire disciplines, including Cultural Studies and Linguistics, being eliminated. The university’s strategic focus appears to be shifting towards programs that align with its vision for the future while navigating the broader landscape of academic discourse in Australia.
