policy & reform
Universities can’ t afford to cut support staff
Governments constantly talk about axing back-room jobs to save money. Don’ t worry, they say, it won’ t affect front-line services.
Without professional support, academics can’ t do their jobs, argues Paul Abela
The Universities of the Future report by Ernst & Young sparked much comment and controversy last year, as I am sure it was intended to do. The report did not reveal anything new but its dire predictions no doubt focused the minds of academics and professionals this year.
Among professionals, there was great reaction to the idea that one course of action to stave off the extinction of universities is to reduce“ support staff”( as the report terms professional staff) in proportion to academic staff.
A friend of mine, Steve Ahern, recently told me about a wonderful program he had initiated. Ahern is very well known as an educator in the area of radio broadcasting, having spent many years as director of radio at the Australian Film Television and Radio School and having worked in radio his entire career.
www. campusreview. com. au Issue 2 2013 | 19