The University of Wollongong will go ahead with plans to transform 11 faculties into five after the university council passed the proposal late yesterday.
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The new super faculties of Business; Engineering and Information Sciences; Law, Humanities and the Arts; Science, Medicine, and Health; and Social Sciences will be in place from early 2013.
At yesterday’s meeting, the university council also passed the 2013-18 strategic plan which sets a target for the university to reach a position in the top 1 per cent of universities - it now holds a top 2 per cent spot.
‘‘A place in the top 1 per cent of the world’s universities will advance our capacity to attract highly qualified staff and students that will, in turn, bring the recognition, skills and partnerships to enrich further the quality and impact of our research and teaching,’’ UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Wellings said.
‘‘Moreover, it will boost our capacity to open up opportunities for student access and contribute to regional developments.’’
UOW staff and students held concerns about the faculty restructure when it was flagged in August. Staff were concerned about job losses and how their work would change to accommodate the combination of faculties, while some students were worried that degrees could be ‘‘watered down’’.
However, Prof Wellings said, while some staff roles might change, no positions would be lost. He reassured students that degree programs, processes and services would operate as usual from next year.
The university council’s decision came after nine months of reviews and an intensive period of final consultation.
Prof Wellings commended staff, students and alumni for their feedback, which he said was instrumental in shaping the final proposals.
“I believe we have together created a challenging plan and strong model for achieving it,” he said.
