Jumping into spring and T3

The warmer weather is coming, and the bright skies are a delight after such a long cold spell. I hope this enhances all of our moods, and sense of wellbeing.

HASSE is a busy community as can be seen by the myriad of activities highlighted in this newsletter. Congratulations and well done to all colleagues working so diligently to put a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of our academics and higher degree researchers. Your work is appreciated.

Across the sector we hear and read concerning reports of financial difficulties and pending job losses. The faculty of HASSE continues to achieve modest surplus month on month through 2024 after ending well in 2023, in spite of falling student enrolments in both Schools which are equivalent to the falls noted across the sector. We are currently on track to end HASSE’s fiscal year in surplus. Overall, as advised by the VC, UNE is working to keep costs down and achieve student enrolment at the right level to confidently predict the future. Nonetheless, the eye watering deficits of some other institutions is not reflected in the current fiscal challenges UNE faces.

One of the most impactful income reductions of recent times is the decrease in international students through the Ministerial Direction 107. This was a new three tier priority approval process which particularly impacted universities such as UNE, leaving us with a bare trickle of new international enrolments. Now 107 is scrapped and international student caps are in its place https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-11/universities-australia-slams-government-for-student-caps/104332390 UNE received 700 international student places for 2025. Hopefully, this will assist a brighter outlook for future enrolments and income with UNE continuing as a place where our international students can engage, learn, and thrive.

What are we doing to manage our financial downturn, and keep our disciplines healthy and thriving? We have a UNE Council directive that no more that 25% of our units can be below 3 EFTSL (24 students enrolled), and similarly no more than 25% of our courses can be below 20 EFTSL (160 students enrolled). Responding to this directive continues as a work in progress as we reflect on our offerings with SEC Chairs, Heads of School and other team members. In summary, to meet this requirement:

* We will not offer repeat units except where they are a necessary course entry requirement in a trimester the course is open for commencing students.
* All units will be core in at least one degree offering.
* We will manage our courses in teach out as efficiently as possible.

Wishing everyone a successful and productive T3. For our academic colleagues, if you are not teaching this trimester your research output plans should be in place and activated, and we look forward to learning more about your scholarly deliberations and findings in due course.