A few weeks back La Trobe U advised that academics were misunderstanding a message telling them they needed to be on campus all-week, unless they had individual approval from their supervisor (CMM July 6). Management made backing-down noises within hours, later confirmed by Workplace Relations Manager, Patrick Steele who wrote, “flexible work arrangements, including working off campus for research purposes, will continue to be supported. There is no intention to detract from this.”

So what was with, the original message? According to Mr Steele, it’s purpose is “to increase flexibility in timetabling teaching activities across the working week. This is a change designed to place students at the centre of everything we do. It will provide greater flexibility in timetabling and in the management of available staff time for teaching purposes.” LT U observers say this is code for wants available to teach Friday