By Will Williams
CANBERRA — Half an hour before their lecture on March 10, 12 students at the Australian National University were informed that their first-year Russian course no longer existed. There was no prior consultation or discussion with students or lecturers; in fact, the course was deleted from ANU administration's computers even before the decision went to the ANU council meeting on March 13.
Last year, everyone in the faculty was told that if 10 or more students enrolled in the course it would be maintained. However, after only two weeks of classes this year, the ANU administration went back on its word and axed the course.
Green Left spoke to first-year Russian student Stuart Gregory about the cut. "We now have only a week to enrol in other subjects, but the fact is about half of us came to the ANU specifically to study Russian", he said. As a result of the cut, at least one student has dropped out of university study altogether.
Now everyone wants to know what will get the axe next? In other Arts Faculty departments, subjects like philosophy are offering only fortnightly (rather than weekly) tutorials. Australian studies and art history have closed several courses. English has reduced its contact hours. French has reduced its contact hours from three to one a week, and the list goes on. The administration has stated it will enforce either seven involuntary staff redundancies now, or 14 half way through the year.
Actions against the cuts have begun with more than 1500 students, staff and academics signing a petition in less than two days. The petition calls on the university to reinstate first-year Russian. A picket was held outside the ANU Chancellery where a council meeting was taking place on March 13.
A rally has been called by the ANU Education Action Group for March 26, and stalls, leaflets and posters have been organised.
Russian students have sent letters to the vice-chancellor, Dean Terrell; the pro-vice-chancellor, Chris Burgess; and all deans of faculties.
ANU Resistance member, David Gosling, said: "What we have seen here is a prime example of the impact of the Liberal government attacks on higher education, as well as the VCs' willingness to implement these by cutting staff levels and axing courses.
"A university education is becoming less and less accessible to most people. We have to build a campaign around these issues and support struggles like the one against the axing of the Russian department."