Cruel news on uni fate

A STUDENT-led advocacy group has revealed the way Deakin University staff learnt the fate of their careers.

A message shared with Deakin Students in Solidarity by a senior academic details finding out their role would be removed after decades of service.

“You scroll down to find out whether your name is still there, omission means employment death,” the message said.

“A number of colleagues who did not open their emails early were told by others who knew their fate before they did.

“Complainants are then advised to make use of resources to assist them with the mental toll the process is exacting on them: i.e., click here if you feel depressed or suicidal and you can read something that might talk you out of it.

“The basic courtesy of a phone call prior to the publication, would have comprised a minimum level of human decency.

“The sheer bastardry of how it was done leaves a bitter taste, with some staff serving more than 30 years, I expected more. Counts for nothing.”

The group was created in 2020 after news that more than 300 employees would be fired to create a “more vibrant and sustainable” university.

It has since been confirmed by vice chancellor Iain Martin that a further 220 jobs could be cut this year.

One of the founders of the social media group said the anonymous profile was used to inform other students, who would otherwise be left in the dark.

“They put a masquerade up for students to market it with a good light but below the surface something more detrimental is happening to everyone involved in the university,” they said.

“We won’t have the staff there that support us or teach us what we want to learn. In some cases, it is going to be more expensive for a lower standard of education and we as students are completely unaware of it.”

Deakin has refused to comment, but the group has the support of the National Tertiary Education Union with Deakin branch president Piper Rodd encouraging students to have a voice.

“Students need to have a seat at the table,” she said.

Ms Rodd said universities were meant to serve students and it was their education at stake.

“What is being proposed will jeopardise something that Deakin has been so proud of and that is student satisfaction,” she said.