University of Otago design students were last night in shock
after hearing the university senate had adopted
recommendations that could result in the closure of their
department.
The senate's recommendations will be put to the university's
council on May 11.
Before yesterday's senate meeting, more than 200 students who
felt design students had not been consulted adequately about
the proposals held a silent protest outside the registry
building.
Otago University Students' Association president Harriet
Geoghegan, who attended the meeting, said the proposals,
including the closure of the department, were adopted after a
"lot of discussion".
"It was very intense. The silent protest made a strong impact
and was really helpful."
Another motion was made to ensure all 200 students enrolled
in the department could complete their degrees at the
University of Otago.
That was positive, as it meant students would not be "fobbed
off" on Otago Polytechnic, she said.
Vice-chancellor Prof Sir David Skegg had made a "very
strongly worded speech" on why the closure was needed and
indicated it would not be the only closure, she said.
"It was a sad day."
A protest organiser, Zak Hogg, a third-year design student,
said students were "shocked" at the decision and there was
now a "high chance" they would look at what legal avenues
they could take regarding the university's lack of
consultation.
"We've been in talks with a law firm and they're very
concerned about what they [the university] are doing."
Tertiary Education Union organiser Shaun Scott said staff
were feeling "pretty gutted" about the outcome of the
meeting, what that meant for design as a programme and their
own job security.
The union, staff and management were scheduled to meet
tomorrow to discuss the issues, he said.
It was not known yet how many jobs could go.
- rebecca.fox@odt.co.nz
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