A DECLINING student experience and growing annual operating losses have forced Deakin University to consider its future in Warrnambool, Vice Chancellor Jane den Hollander says.
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Professor den Hollander said while the student experience was her primary concern, she was duty-bound to consider ongoing expenditure of public money.
“Around $45 million has been invested to improve infrastructure, venues and residential accommodation at Warrnambool since 2011,” Professor den Hollander told The Standard.
“Additionally over 40 per cent of students at Warrnambool receive some financial support from the university.
“The annual operating loss of the Warrnambool campus is around $10 million and expected to rise with the further decline in enrolments.”
Financial documents show the university as a whole notched up a $68 million surplus in 2014.
Professor den Hollander said no stone had been left unturned, but the university’s efforts, and those of the community had not translated into enrolments.
“The student experience has been compromised by a 40 percent decline in enrolments since 2011,” the vice chancellor said.
“With 872 enrolments, we are well below the critical mass required for a quality student experience.
“When Warrnambool students say their experience is neither vibrant nor engaging I must intervene.
“That’s why we need to find a solution that will drive increased participation in higher education across the region.”
