Murdoch students fight course cuts
BY GRANT COLEMAN
PERTH — Students have reacted angrily to plans by Murdoch University vice-chancellor Steven Schwartz to cut course and staff numbers. They have begun a series of protest actions in the lead up to the next meeting of the university's Senate.
Schwartz has indicated that he will cut all courses that are not "economically viable". Viability is assessed by the number of students enrolled in the course. While no figures have been released as the cut-off point, Schwartz has stated that he would cut up to 70 of the 99 courses offered and retain 80% of the current student base.
Courses in the humanities and social sciences, such as women's studies, Asian studies and Aboriginal studies, and in the pure sciences, such as physics and chemistry, are likely to be hit. Those which stay will probably focus on business, information technology, veterinary science and law.
Education Action Group member Mitchell Morrison says the courses likely to be cut "are not aimed at being profitable, but rather are aimed at social inquiry for the benefit of society and have long been a fundamental part of Murdoch University.
"If these courses are cut, then Murdoch will cease to be a centre for higher learning and social inquiry and will become a factory churning out degrees aimed solely at making money", he argued.
Students are also concerned that the cuts could be followed by the introduction of up-front fees and further privatisation measures.
Students have organised a protest outside the Senate meeting at 4pm on May 22 and are planning open forums to inform students about the severity of the cuts.