Management proposes new student support in maths and learning   

Uni Sydney proposes to “change the current operating model” of its Learning Centre and Mathematics Learning Centre.  Quite a dramatic change for the maths centre – the university wants to “disestablish” it. The plan for the Learning Centre is to combine it with the Centre for English Teaching.

The proposal is for math learning to be provided in “evidence-based ways” including workshops, digital resources and peer-assisted programmes. There would be “a centrally coordinated team and technology platform” with collaboration between the PVC Student Life and faculties.

With the combination of English Teaching and Learning centres there will be increased resources “to expand the use of technology and “implement new approaches,” “so we can provide greater support than is currently possible.”

None of which impresses petitioners who warn  “these cuts would be devastating for staff and will hit students hard, especially non-traditional pathway and international students who have a particular need for these services.”

Opponents of the plan call for continuing positions in the centres to remain, conversion of fixed term appointments to continuing status and “maintenance” of the existing academic research focus of the centres.

Critics complain the proposal occurs while, “the university is projecting increased teaching revenues’ but management states the proposal has nothing to do with the university’s finances, telling CMM it “follows external reviews” and is “unrelated to our COVID-19 savings measures.”