Potentially affected staff have been notified directly and are invited to consider and consult on the draft change proposal
The University of Wollongong (UOW) has today commenced the next stage of workplace change consultation with staff following the release of the UOW Operations Draft Change Proposal.
Like many universities, UOW is facing significant financial challenges, in part due to the Australian Government's changes to visa processing and migration policy and a sharp reduction in international student numbers. As a result, UOW suffered a $35 million drop in revenue in 2024, with ongoing impacts forecast for 2025.
The University has a clear ongoing need to reduce recurrent costs and to improve the effectiveness of its services and operations more broadly. The University must address its escalating cost base and reduce recurrent expenditure by approximately an additional $30 million, and this process will contribute to that objective.
To do this, the University is proposing to re-design its organisational structure to enable UOW to grow sustainably, amplify our impact and deliver exceptional outcomes for our students, staff and communities.
The Draft Change Proposal includes:
- A reduction from four faculties to three, and reduction from 18 schools to 11, to simplify structures under the Provost, a new proposed role which will be UOW's chief academic officer.
- The creation of a new Growth portfolio to unite domestic and international student recruitment activity, alongside our critical marketing, brand, communications and advancement functions, to provide a more holistic, agile and strategic approach to driving revenue growth.
- Resourcing the Office of the Vice-Chancellor to ensure a fully aligned team to support strategic coordination, effective governance, and high-level operational support.
- The implementation of shared corporate services to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our common services across the University.
- Academic, student and research support services proposed to be reconfigured as a hub and spoke model within central portfolios to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of academic and research services.
The anticipated outcome of this Draft Change Proposal is a reduction of approximately 155-185 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) positions and a recurrent saving of approximately $22 – 26 million.
Interim Vice-Chancellor and President Senior Professor Eileen McLaughlin said that no final decisions have been made and committed to engaging in genuine consultation with staff throughout the process.
"While there is a strong financial imperative to this change proposal, the outcome must be a platform for driving sustainable growth and impact, with a focus on improving academic and research services, enabled by enhancements in digital systems and technology," Senior Professor McLaughlin said.
"We are committed to continuing genuine and meaningful consultation with staff throughout this process and encourage all staff to engage constructively in the weeks and months ahead.
"We must continue to make challenging choices now to set the University up for a brighter future. Our priority is to strengthen our foundations and deliver a sustainable future for the University while ensuring that UOW remains competitive and innovative."
Staff who are potentially affected by this phase of workplace change have been notified directly and will participate in briefings this week. Staff are also being provided with personalised, professional, and confidential support through the University's Employee Assistance Program provider, TELUS Health.
The consultation process is being conducted in alignment with the requirements of the University's enterprise agreements. No final decisions have been made. For areas that are in scope, voluntary redundancies will be considered.
It is anticipated that the Final Change Plan will be released on 23 July.
