The U Tas branch of the NTEU issued an all-points appallagram yesterday over management’s announcement to cut, really cut the number of degrees on the books

VC Rufus Black set out the case for a 75 per cent cut in degrees offered, to 120, yesterday, saying the university needed savings and efficiencies to be financially viable and improve what it provides students. But while he acknowledged there would be less work he was careful not to specify job losses (CMM March 11).

Which impressed the union as much as not at all. “The Vice Chancellor said that yesterday’s announcement was the start of a discussion process, but this is a hollow assurance. It is clear that decisions have already been made,” National Tertiary Education Union president Alison Barnes says.

And  the union’s Tasmanian state secretary, Kelvin Michael went right to what will be the popular point in the campaign against the course cuts. “The university has bought huge swathes of property in the Hobart CBD, in some cases at reportedly inflated prices. UTAS has arguably over-committed funds for campus transformation projects in Burnie and Launceston,” he said.

He has a point. While the popular headline is that this is a COVID-19 crisis the university has long-needed to lift earnings and cut costs – Professor Black has been making the point since last year’s strategic plan (CMM August 5 2019).

The ambitious strategy to move much of the university into the Hobart CBD and to invest in new facilities in the north is supposed to deliver on the earnings – but U Tas watchers wonder whether it will end up increasing a cost base that is unsustainable.

Yesterday supporters of the degree cuts were arguing that the changes are long overdue. But for staff who fear many fewer courses are the precursor to job losses, Dr Barnes had the last word, for now.

“It is clear that decisions have already been made. We will be addressing this if necessary through the appropriate industrial forums.”