UOW Adjustments Aim to Address Financial Shortfall and Secure Future Growth

UOW Plans $21 Million in Savings with Teaching Cuts and Staff Reductions

On 14 January 2025, the University of Wollongong (UOW) announced plans to change its teaching activities following extensive staff consultations. The changes aim to address unviable teaching areas due to a challenging financial outlook, including a $35 million revenue drop in 2024, partly caused by changes in Australian Government migration policy. Interim Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar thanked staff for their input, leading to significant adjustments. He confirmed that disciplines initially proposed for closure, including Human Geography, some Earth Sciences courses, and programs in French, Spanish, and English Language and Linguistics, would be retained through staffing and curriculum changes.

The final plan aims to save $21 million by reducing 91.6 full-time equivalent positions, with voluntary redundancies accepted for about three-quarters of them. Professor Dewar assured students that teach-out plans and support arrangements would ensure the continuity of their studies. Of the 25 disciplines identified for changes, 15 have been finalized with the required staffing and curriculum reductions. Six are selected in principle but need further staffing adjustments through an Expression of Interest process. Four disciplines, Cultural Studies, Japanese, Mandarin, and Science and Technology Studies, will be disestablished because they are unviable.

The university held over 100 meetings with staff and faculties and received more than 400 feedback submissions from internal and external stakeholders, including academic colleagues, industry partners, alumni, and community members. Professor John Dewar acknowledged the difficulty of change but stressed its necessity for UOW's future. He emphasized that the adjustments were key to addressing challenges and ensuring sustained growth while maintaining UOW's competitiveness, innovation, and commitment to an exceptional student experience.UOW also reaffirmed its commitment to offering personalized, professional, and confidential support to affected staff throughout this process.

These changes are part of UOW’s broader strategy to navigate current challenges and position itself for long-term success, ensuring it remains a competitive and innovative institution committed to its students and staff.

Editor’s Note:

The University of Wollongong (UOW) has announced significant changes to its teaching activities, driven by financial pressures and the need for long-term sustainability. These changes follow extensive consultations with staff, students, and stakeholders, reflecting the university’s commitment to remaining competitive and innovative amid a challenging financial landscape. The adjustments are particularly crucial in light of a $35 million revenue drop in 2024, partly due to changes in Australian Government migration policy. 

Skoobuzz considers that these policy changes are necessary to ensure that UOW continues to deliver high-quality education and support to its students while positioning itself for future growth.