Deakin University Vice Chancellor Jane den Hollander says the university is committed to regional Australia, despite exploring options to exit Warrnambool.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Professor den Hollander attended graduation ceremonies on Thursday and answered questions from The Standard about the university’s future in the city.
The future of the campus has been clouded since March 11 when she told staff Deakin was in negotiations with other organisations to take over its Warrnambool campus offerings.
Hundreds of residents attended a rally in Warrnambool a week later.
A petition launched by students also received overwhelming support as people fought to retain a university campus in the city.
The Standard asked Professor den Hollander about the preamble to the Deakin University Act 2009, which says "the university retains a particular commitment to rural and regional communities and providing equitable opportunities to enjoy the benefits that flow from participation in higher education".
“As I remind you again, no decision has been made at this point and we are investigating a range of opportunities,” she said in a statement on Thursday evening.
“The obligations to the Act are met as follows – the university reserves accommodation at each of its campuses for regional and rural students; very significant numbers of regional and rural students receive financial support for their studies at Deakin, irrespective of the campus they choose.
“The Warrnambool campus represents 2.5 per cent of the total Deakin enrolment and hence cannot represent the whole Deakin response to rural and regional communities.”
The Standard asked Professor den Hollander what incentives Deakin was offering to secure a new provider, and if the university’s financial surplus could be used to influence a university to take over Warrnambool.
She responded: “Providing a running commentary will not help bring a deal to the table, but I will share more news as and when it becomes available.”
Professor den Hollander’s advice to current south-west year 12 students seeking to commence a tertiary education in the region next year was to think about choosing a campus such as the one in Warrnambool.
“I acknowledge that right now there are more questions than answers.
“But we're working hard to find a lasting solution and I encourage those students to remain focused on their studies and stay local if that is their desire,” Professor den Hollander said.
