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.