Students' plea for Massey University to reconsider cuts to science – Stuff

A group of students is calling for Massey University to reconsider a proposed restructure that would cause major cuts to the college of sciences.
The university last week released a proposal for change in the college of sciences, which includes major changes to engineering and science courses. The proposal states the university is forecasting a $53 million loss for the year.
Changes include stopping all engineering courses, and merging the school of natural sciences with the school of food and advanced technology, with the remaining courses moving to Palmerston North.
A group of about 70 students concerned about the changes sent an open letter to the university’s senior leadership team.
Phoebe Moss, an unofficial zoology, ecology and conservation undergraduate representative, wrote that cutting the natural sciences programme would hinder research and the ability to attract staff, which would diminish research and influence in natural sciences.
It would limit educational opportunities, lead to a loss of vital courses, negatively affect students’ education, and demoralise staff, she said.
The group of students wanted the university to reconsider the proposal and look at other options.
“We understand that the university is facing financial challenges and difficult decisions may need to be made.
“However, we believe that the proposed cuts to our school will have detrimental consequences for both current and future students, as well as the wider academic community and the field of natural sciences as a whole.”
Moss said some of the degrees had a rich history of producing graduates who contributed to the country’s conservation, and people who worked to solve environmental problems.
She said it would remove experienced and valuable lecturers, and deprive students of opportunities.
The group asked the university to look at other options, such as allowing second-year students to finish their programmes internally next year before any potential cuts started.
She said alternatives such as studying via distance or moving to another campus were not a good enough solution.
“Financial limitations aside, many students have valid reasons that prevent them from relocating. Furthermore, distance education does not provide the same depth of experience and opportunities for hands-on learning and collaboration that in-person learning does.”
The group of students believed alternative financial strategies had not been properly looked at and things such as marketing had been underutilised.
They wanted “meaningful and inclusive” discussion with students and staff to find solutions that would preserve the school of natural sciences.
“We strongly urge you to reconsider the proposed cuts to our school.”
The proposal for change, seen by Stuff, said the university was forecasting an operating deficit of $53.7m for 2023 and the projected deficit for the college of sciences was a significant contributor to the university’s financial shortfall.
Vice-chancellor Jan Thomas had given the college of science pro vice-chancellor Ray Geor authority to ensure the college was “operating in accordance with the university’s financial expectations and to achieve this goal in advance of 2024”.
The university recently offered voluntary redundancies, where about 20 technical and academic staff left, saving $2m a year in salaries.
The proposal said a mix of permanent and short-term increases in Tertiary Education Commission funding would contribute about $6m extra for 2024 and 2025.
The college’s share of potential revenue was $1.5m for each of those years, but without changes to decrease costs or increase revenue, the college would still have a large operating deficit of about $12m in 2024.
“This is certainly the most challenging financial situation that this college has ever faced and it is now imperative that changes are made to ensure that the college (and university) are in a financially sustainable position.”
In a statement to Stuff, Geor said Massey welcomed feedback and he was aware some staff wanted to provide alternative solutions, which he was open to considering.
The changes would save about $12m, he said.
© 2023 Stuff Limited

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