Members of University Council Dear Councillors, on Behalf of Staff
4 June 2021 By email: Members of University Council Dear Councillors, On behalf of staff, students, alumni, and community members, we are preparing to present you with the e-signatures for the Community Petition Against Job Cuts and, more broadly, the proposed school and division changes at University of Newcastle. Over 4,500 people have signed the petition. Many of those have left comments, which I enclose for your benefit. The sheer number of responses shows, quite clearly, the University has already been subjected to significant reputational damage as a result of the changes pursued by management. More importantly, the comments provided show a considerable risk of even greater damage remains; however, it is not too late to prevent this risk. As councillors, we rely on you and your duty under the University of Newcastle Act to promote the object and interests of the University and manage the affairs and concerns of the University. Specifically, I draw your attention to your obligation to: • “monitor the performance of the Vice Chancellor”, • “oversee risk management and risk assessment across the University”, and • “establish policies and procedural principles for the University consistent with legal requirements and community expectations.” These changes, as proposed, pose a significant risk to the University. Not just that of reputation, but also that of its ability to meet its object of promoting scholarship, research, free inquiry, the interaction of research and teaching, and academic excellence. This petition shows that if Council fails to act against such damaging changes, it could be said you have failed to act according to clear community expectations.
[Show full text]