Media Release - Chancellor

http://www.vu.edu.au/About_VU/Media_Releases/Council_backs_VU_VCs_plans/indexdl_94086.aspx
Council backs VU VC's plans
28 October 2008

The following statement was issued by the Hon. Frank Vincent, AO, QC, Chancellor Victoria University, following the VU Council meeting held on 27 October 2008.

Victoria University stayed on track last night to offer the courses that students want, at the campuses they prefer in the western region of Melbourne, with the right staff and support services.

The University Council supported the Vice Chancellor's redundancy plans for up to 270 staff linked to nonviable courses and disproportionately high salary costs compared to other expenditure.

The Vice Chancellor indicated that every possible avenue would be explored to reduce the number of redundancies required and the consultation period with staff will be extended.
In a separate debate, Council agreed to advance overall planning strategy for the University's eleven campuses to ensure that these best suit the region's future growth and educational needs. Progress on a comprehensive plan will be made in March 2009.

Council agreed that VU should stop enrolment of new students at two of its small outer suburban campuses at Melton and Sunbury from 2010, although it recognised that enrolments may cease in 2009 in courses deemed to be too small across the whole university. These decisions are subject to approvals from relevant governments.

The decisions will provide time for the University to continue discussions with authorities at local, State and Commonwealth level with a view to VU assisting in partnerships for educational services that better meet local needs than is currently the case.

It will also give time for the outcomes of the Bradley Report to be considered and for any material assistance that this may recommend to government that could benefit VU to be taken into account.