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Financial headwinds
La Trobe University VC John Dewar . Picture : Supplied
La Trobe University reveals 2021 financial forecast .
La Trobe University came out of 2020 with better than expected finances but it now anticipates a revenue downturn of about $ 170 million compared with pre-COVID forecasts .
In an update on the university ’ s finances sent to staff , vice-chancellor professor John Dewar said La Trobe finished last year with an operating deficit of an estimated $ 9.5 million .
“ This is a remarkable achievement given that we experienced a revenue downturn last year of about $ 90m compared to our pre-COVID forecasts . It is also in line with the forecasts we made once COVID hit ,” Dewar said
He explained that the university kept the deficit lower than initial projections through pay reductions under the Job Protection Framework , voluntary redundancies and reductions in non-salary expenditure , coupled with better than expected revenue .
“ Last year was tough for all of us ,” he said . “ At work , we lost valued colleagues , had our pay reduced and adjusted to remote working ; and , more broadly , we worried about the effect of COVID on our children ’ s education , the care of our loved parents and vulnerable members of our communities .
“ I am immensely proud of the sacrifices you made to protect the jobs of colleagues , especially through your support for the Job Protection Framework , and your generosity in supporting our students in crisis .”
But the university predicted its revenue downturn for this year would be much greater than it was in 2020 .
“ The continued delay in the reopening of international borders means that we are unlikely to see the return of international students to Australia in 2021 ,” Dewar told staff . “ This will delay recovery in revenues until 2023 and beyond .” ■
Creative accreditation
Dedicated ‘ creatives ’ institute gains self-accreditation status from tertiary regulator .
Australian ’ s higher education regulator has awarded SAE Creative Media Institute Self Accrediting Authority ( SAA ) status , allowing the institute to accredit programs up to degree level across the creative arts and information technology fields .
The decision , which was made by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency ( TEQSA ), means that SAE is one of only a dozen independent higher accreditation providers in Australia to gain such a status .
Dr Peter Ryan , chair of SAE ’ s board of directors , called the decision a
“ fantastic achievement ”, adding that it cemented the institute ’ s reputation “ as a leading provider of high quality education programs to aspiring creatives ”.
“ SAE continues to go from strength to strength in its journey as one of Australia ’ s largest and most respected higher education providers ,” Ryan said .
“ This achievement is testament to the institute ’ s high standards of academic excellence and governance – and its commitment to delivering exceptional student experiences and outcomes .”
Australia ’ s SAE Creative Media Institutes , located in Sydney , Brisbane , Byron Bay , Melbourne , Perth and Adelaide , comprise part of a global SAE network that provides creative programs to more than 10,000 students in 23 countries .
Executive general manager of SAE Global Matt Evans called TEQSA ’ s decision a “ significant milestone ”.
“ With the ability to self-accredit new programs , SAE can now respond even more quickly and effectively to the ever-changing needs of students , employers and the creative media sector .
“ Our focus continues to be on equipping students with the skills they need to meet the workforce needs of the future by ensuring the highest standards of learning and teaching .” ■
Apology An article titled “ F *** You : Uyghur protestors rally against appointment of University of Adelaide ’ s new VC ” published on 8 February 2021 included a number of false and defamatory statements made by protestors and directed at the appointment of Professor Peter Høj by The University of Adelaide . Campus Review has removed the article from its website and apologises to Professor Høj and The University of Adelaide for any hurt , embarrassment or harm caused by the publication of the article . Campus Review has undertaken that the article will not be republished in any form .
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