Academic board - May 2003
by Peter Cardwell,
Executive Officer,
Academic Board
Backing Australia’s Future – HECS Changes Consultation
The Executive Director: Finance and Resources, Paul Beard, and the Equity and Welfare Vice President of the University of South Australia Students’ Association, Ryan Manuel, delivered special presentations on changes to HECS arising from Backing Australia’s Future.
From 2005, universities in receipt of Commonwealth supported places will for the first time be able to determine their own student HECS contribution level for each program within ranges set by the Commonwealth.
A number of other universities have already determined to increase
student HECS contribution levels by up to 25 per cent. The impact of a 25
per cent increase in HECS charges at the University of South Australia would
vary between programs.
UniSA’s funding shortfall has meant that staff student ratios have increased
significantly in recent years.
Beard reported that with costs up 3 per cent the University will continue to have a shortfall, which adds pressure for further cost cutting and will inevitably lead to a further increase in our staff student ratio. This will adversely impact on services such as the Library and IT and also affect the quality of our teaching.
Lifting our student HECS contribution level by 25 per cent would raise an additional $4.6 million in 2005 rising to $13.5 million in 2009. This would cover the shortfall and could be channelled into improving services for students and the quality of our teaching.
At the invitation of the Chair, the Equity and Welfare Vice President of USASA, Ryan Manuel provided a response to the presentation. Manuel presented an alternative student view on the possible outcomes.
Manuel introduced his presentation by arguing that the University’s revenue shortfall and financial risk would be mitigated under an adjusted revenue model that took into account factors such as the existence of its contingency fund and higher than anticipated cash reserves from the sale of the Underdale Campus.
It was argued that raising HECS fees would have a deleterious impact on the University’s image and reputation. Students also believed that such a move might have an adverse effect on the University’s competitiveness and demand for some of its programs.
Students believed that HECS charges should remain the same, which would in all probability provide some financial risk for the University. However, maintaining the status quo would generate positive publicity, be well received by students and the community, and reinforce the University’s perceived strengths and reputation as an institution with a commitment to equity and access for disadvantaged groups.
Portfolio entry for school leavers
Academic Board approved a trial of entry by portfolio for school leavers in 2005. The proposal will involve providing an entry pathway for up to 15 students from 10 northern Adelaide public schools for entry into the University’s graphic design, computing and nursing programs.
Rather than relying solely on the current practice of selecting high school students into the University on the basis of their TER score derived from Year 12 SACE, the proposal will provide an entry pathway for students from equity backgrounds that recognises an alternative means of measuring merit. This will involve the demonstration of achievement through a portfolio of work and supporting statements.
Policy A38 advisory structures
A revised Advisory Structures Policy was approved. The policy has been revised in 2004 to ensure that advisory structures support Divisional activity, and that appropriate consultation takes place with external stakeholders. The revised policy is more flexible, and will ensure that Divisional advisory structures are adaptable to meet the needs of a range of academic disciplines and areas. In addition, the policy makes provision for advisory structures in Research Institutes and Centres, which mirror those in Divisions.