Over a dozen jobs could be cut and several others absorbed if a potential restructure goes ahead at Charles Sturt University, as part of proposed changes revealed on Wednesday, amid the institution's continued bid to address its budget deficit.
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CSU has briefed staff and key parties on draft change proposals to restructure by reducing the number of overall schools and bringing similar disciplines together to form eight consolidated schools.
For example, under the proposal the School of Communication and Creative Industries would combine with another of a similar discipline, such as the School of Information Studies, while the School of Computing and Mathematics would amalgamate with the School of Engineering.
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The redesign aligns with the university's reduced number of subjects and, along with cutting costs, will also reduce the number of school leadership positions required by about 20 full-time equivalent staff. It is understood nearly all impacted staff would return to their academic roles.
Professional positions have also been reviewed in line with the potential changes, with around 16 full-time equivalent roles from across various non-academic divisions and departments, proposed to be cut as well.
The draft proposal is yet to be ratified and the timeline for it, along with the final proposal, is dependent on the consultation process to follow.
The plan comes after a tumultuous 2020 when the university intensified efforts to address its deficit as part of CSU's continued Sustainable Futures program, which aims to return the university to a balanced budget by the end of the 2021 financial year.
"It is important to emphasise that although we have had to reduce the number of positions new roles have been created and there are also vacant roles, which impacted staff will have priority to apply for," CSU interim vice-chancellor John Germov said.
"We will continue to support all affected staff through this process, as we have throughout the Sustainable Futures program.
"Bringing together like disciplines will improve academic collaboration and assist in delivering the outstanding teaching, research and student experience we strive for."
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Matt Findlay
Formerly a sports specialist, I'm based at Orange and shift between wide-spread range of subjects here and, often, across the entire Central West region of NSW as well. I have almost a decade of experience in the media and marketing industries both here in Australia and internationally, along with journalism I have experience in content strategy, brand development, and digital and social media. Along the way, I've been fortunate to win a handful of media awards and be nominated for several others too.
Formerly a sports specialist, I'm based at Orange and shift between wide-spread range of subjects here and, often, across the entire Central West region of NSW as well. I have almost a decade of experience in the media and marketing industries both here in Australia and internationally, along with journalism I have experience in content strategy, brand development, and digital and social media. Along the way, I've been fortunate to win a handful of media awards and be nominated for several others too.
