The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) has launched Fair Work Commission proceedings against the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), after the uni announced several course cuts earlier this month.
The union alleges the uni made the decision without consultation, breaching its own policies.
An internal UTS email seen by TDA showed the uni is organising workshops with staff “to progress the discussion”.
Cancellations
Earlier this month, UTS announced it would “temporarily suspend” new enrolments in a number of courses from next year.
The decision affects both undergrad and postgrad programs in several faculties, including law, health, science, and design.
The uni said the move does not necessarily mean the courses will be cancelled. It said some programs are being paused while they’re “redesigned to refresh curriculum”.
NTEU
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The union argued “students and staff deserve decisions made in the open, not behind closed doors.”
The NTEU branch president at UTS, Dr Sarah Attfield, demanded the university “show the evidence” of proper consultation with its community.
“Suspending courses mid-consultation undermines academic integrity, destabilises student pathways and shreds staff confidence,” Attfield said.
UTS
In an email to staff earlier this month, seen by TDA, UTS Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Parfitt acknowledged the “concern and uncertainty” within the institution but maintained the move was in the best interests of students.
UTS did not respond to further questions from TDA about this week’s developments.
The NTEU said the Fair Work Commission process had “paused” the cuts and that consultation with the uni would go forward.
