After three years of thinking and discussion a new plan proposes splitting the existing academic division into two “domains,” learning and teaching and student experience-administration.

Uni Newcastle says, the proposal is based on aligning structures with function and process improvements, and giving staff, “opportunities to consolidate, refresh and actively work together to further improve the student experience.

Overall the university proposes to reduce staff from 225 to 211, with six of the positions abolished being senior executive level. However, there is what looks like some “spill and fill,” with five HEW Level Six positions deleted and five HEW Level Five created.

Sydney campus management takes a particular hit, with the university, deciding to “shift focus from short courses” to “professional graduate programmes, showcasing applied research and offering micro-credentials, and master classes related to the university’s postgraduate programmes and research.”

Submissions are due in a month, with consultations through October and recommendations to the VC at month end for a planned start date of January 1. The new structure is expected to be fully in-place by mid-year.

The library is next, with “its own re-imaging process” due before year-end.