Phys ed school job cuts

Job cuts are likely in the University of Otago's School of Physical Education amid financial struggles and falling student numbers.

Pro-vice chancellor of sciences Prof Richard Barker confirmed staff members were offered voluntary redundancies at a meeting just over a week ago, before a review of the school ``likely'' to result in staff cuts.

Prof Barker said the prospects of staff cuts came as the school struggled financially.

``The School of Physical Education is running a large financial deficit and has been for the past four years.

``Equivalent full-time student numbers have declined by more than a third in the past four years.

``This is not sustainable in the short or long term, so we have started work to identify where savings can be made.

``It's important that the school operates on a strong financial base so that it can invest in a quality student experience, underpinned by research excellence,'' he said.

No formal management of change process, or formal redundancy process, had begun, but staff cuts were likely.

``We will work closely with staff in the school as we seek ways to achieve financial viability and a sustainable future.''

It was not known yet how many voluntary redundancies would be sought.

``We are not sure at this point but if we can meet the needs of some staff through voluntary severance we see this as a constructive step.''

He added that the university was committed to the future of the school.

``From a strong financial position we expect it to continue to contribute to the research-led excellence for which the university and school is known.''

A total of 44 permanent academic and general staff work in the school.

The likely cuts come after 16 full-time equivalent jobs were cut from the humanities division due to falling student numbers and poor financial performance.

vaughan.elder@odt.co.nz

 

Comments

Perhaps if the focus was on actually TEACHING the students instead of how many papers the staff can publish, attendance might not be falling. Staff are evaluated by the university almost exclusively on their publishing record. And while universities must be centers of research, they should weigh teaching the future generation (who in the case of Phys Ed will often be Phys Ed teachers of the next generation) at least as equally important.

The actual name of the School is Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences. The name was changed a few years back to better reflect what is taught in the school, science! Students go on to be much more that Physical Education teachers, a common misconception -the comment above is a great example - and many are leaders of their fields a reflection on the excellent teaching by the staff of the school.

 

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