Federation University is closely monitoring the unfolding campus crisis in Warrnambool, but has declined to answer questions surrounding its involvement.
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Despite claims the university is in talks to take-over from Deakin Unviersity, Vice Chancellor Professor David Battersby did not respond to a series of questions submitted by The Standard on Monday.
A spokesman released a brief statement on Wednesday saying the university was liaising with government, but did not shed any light on its involvement in the future of the Warrnambool campus.
"Federation University Australia is appreciative of the encouragement, support and consideration it has received from the south-west region as local tertiary education options there are discussed,” the statement read.
“For its part, FedUni continues to monitor the situation and liaise with the Commonwealth, State and local Governments, as well as with Deakin University as appropriate. We remain focused on our activities in the Wimmera, Gippsland and the Ballarat regions given our strong commitment to regional tertiary education in Victoria.”
Warrnambool City Council chief executive Bruce Anson has thrown his support behind the university coming to the city.
“If Deakin does make a decision to withdraw from Warrnambool, I would welcome Federation University,” he said.
Mr Anson said a university was vital to Warrnambool and brought four important factors to the town.
These included access to tertiary education for regional students, youth vitality, residual talent from lecturers and professors in the community as well as economic benefits.