Think a “remarkable financial outcome” for Uni Sydney last year meant the pain is past? Think again

The university confirms discussions continue about changes in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

Possibilities being considered include a restructure that cuts the existing six schools to five and closing “some” departments and programmes. A university representative named two departments “considered for closure,” Studies in Religion and Theatre and Performance Studies, both in the School of Literature, Art and Media.

The Sydney College of the Arts is also in the faculty, but after the huge blue moving it from harbour-side parklands to the main campus it is hard to imagine management being up for change (Feb 13 2020).

But, “these are discussions, not decisions” a university representative states and there are six months of consultation to come, “including alternate and creative responses to our current circumstances.”

Last month VC Stephen Garton reported a “remarkable” financial outcome “in a challenging and highly unpredictable year.” Uni Sydney reduced costs by $259m, much from staff savings, for a net loss of $2.2m.  He added domestic enrolments for 2021 so far are up 7 per cent. However, he added there is “a great deal of uncertainty” around the return of international students, “and the long-term effect this will have on Australia’s higher education sector,” (CMM April 23).