A COMMUNITY advisory group is pushing to meet with Deakin University’s Chancellor John Stanhope and members of the university council.
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The Warrnambool Tertiary Education Community Committee (WTECC) has made a second request to meet with the university’s key decision makers to discuss the future of the Warrnambool campus.
On Wednesday the committee released 17 questions it plans to ask Mr Stanhope and members of the council.
They cover topics ranging from the campus marketing strategy, which local business have been consulted while completing the Warrnambool 2020 strategy, if assets have been removed and how leaving Warrnambool will uphold a commitment to regional areas in the Deakin University Act.
They also ask for evidence to back up Vice Chancellor Jane den Hollander’s claim the desire from south-west employers is mostly for certificate and diploma qualifications.
A university spokesman confirmed the questions had been received and said a response was being prepared.
WTECC was formed following a public meeting in March. Its nine members come from a cross section of local business, university alumni and current students. It is chaired by Warrnambool mayor Kylie Gaston.
Last month Professor den Hollander briefed staff about the ongoing 2020 review, which aimed to guarantee a sustainable future for the site
Staff at the meeting told The Standard three options were floated – finding a new provider, closure or attracting more students.
WTECC said Deakin’s possible departure was the biggest issue facing the region.
“We received considerable feedback from industry that Deakin’s apparent intention to leave Warrnambool is the most significant and potentially damaging issue facing our city and wider region,” the statement said.
“It’s imperative that it meets with the the Chancellor, and members of the council to obtain some certainty around the university’s intentions.”
Questions to the Chancellor and the university council:
- Has a decision been made by Deakin University Council to exit the Warrnambool Campus?
- How can citizens of South West Victoria help Deakin University remain in Warrnambool?
- A 2014 Deloitte Access Economics report into the economic contribution of the Warrnambool campus in 2013, cites that the campus had a gross operating surplus of $9 million and contributed $53 million to the local community. Please explain the sudden change in circumstances, if any, in the financial position of the Warrnambool campus?
- What are Deakin’s practical plans to ensure compliance with the Deakin University Act 2009 particularly the preamble which states “the University retains a particular commitment to rural and regional communities and to providing equitable opportunities for people to enjoy the benefits that flow from participation in higher education”? In asking this question we note that no such statement or commitment is stated in either the University Of Melbourne Act, the Monash University Act or the La Trobe University Act.
- Is there a deal on the table for Deakin University to exit Warrnambool Campus? If yes, does Deakin intend to consult with regional industry and the community on the impacts of any new/additional provider?
- The Vice Chancellor has stated that “no stone has been left unturned” towards Deakin efforts to increase enrolments at the Warrnambool Campus. What work was undertaken as part of the Deakin Warrnambool 2020 Strategy?
- Which Warrnambool and South West Victorian businesses have been consulted as part of the Deakin Warrnambool 2020 Strategy?
- What attempts have been made by Deakin University Council to develop other unique attractors to increase enrolments at the Warrnambool Campus?
- The Warrnambool Tertiary Education Community Committee (WTECC) has received feedback from businesses consulted as part of the Deakin Warrnambool 2020 Strategy that there is strong local demand for degree and postgraduate level qualifications and their offer to push this opportunity has not been taken up. How does Deakin University Council account for this lack of follow-up in its Deakin Warrnambool 2020 Strategy?
- What evidence can you provide that supports the VC’s claim (18th March 2016, Warrnambool Community Forum) that the desire is mostly for certificate and diploma qualifications at the sub-degree level?
- What has been the marketing strategy for the Warrnambool Campus over recent years? In particular, what specific marketing was done for the introduction of the new general science degree to Warrnambool?
- To what extent has Deakin University pursued connections with overseas universities, with the aim of developing exchange programs, or similar arrangements, to encourage overseas students to undertake studies in Warrnambool?
- Both the Waurn Ponds and Burwood Campuses have an international student strategy. Does the Warrnambool Campus have an international student strategy? If not, why not ?
- The WTECC understands that the Deakin marine science course will be advertised as both a Geelong and Warrnambool based course from 2017. WTECC also understands that the marine research vessel is no longer located at the Warrnambool Campus. Can you confirm?
- Marine science is referred to as Deakin Warrnambool’s ‘jewel in the crown’. It would seem that the number of courses offered at Warrnambool is diminishing. If this practice continues, how do you propose a new provider will be able to make the Warrnambool campus sustainable?
- Why does Deakin Warrnambool charge the same rates for parking and accommodation as metropolitan campuses when it has an oversupply? Isn’t this inconsistent with a commitment to regional and rural education?
- Have any Warrnambool Campus and associated assets been removed/relocated from the Warrnambool Campus in the past 12 months?
