Which is exactly as management likes

Uni Wollongong management wanted to change the membership of Academic Senate, “to address concerns of disproportionate weighting being given to senior professors.” It also wanted to create three new senate positions for an associate dean (international), and an associate dean (equity diversity and inclusion). The first two are to be chosen by the relevant committee and the third elected by senate.

University Council said it could and so it has happened, with the new Senate model to operate from the May meeting, which occurs before existing VC Paul Wellings retires.

To all of which the campus branch of the National Tertiary Education Union responds, that Council is treating Senate “as a mere subcommittee” and not the university’s “peak body for academic matters.”

NTEU assistant secretary for NSW Damien Cahill adds, “this change is an attack on the collegial principles at the heart of a university. It is a cynical parting gift by the Vice Chancellor who has one foot out the door.”

The union wants Senate itself and in-coming VC Patricia Davidson to consider the changes.

Last night the university stated that Senate is indeed a sub-committee of council and the changes will “enable more diverse staff representation by drawing on a broader cross section of (Uni Wollongong’s) academic workforce.